Netgalley Shelf | April 2021

One day, I’m going to write one of these without feeling inundated with books that I should have read by now. But today is not that day. I’ve had a few books come from different directions recently, plus my digital library going crazy with getting books in before I was expecting them, meaning my TBR pile has gone wild. But that doesn’t stop it being fun taking a little look at my Netgalley shelf.

I’m making a real effort to get my reviews done within their three month window this year. Yes, that does mean that I now have a Trello board to help me stay on top. But you know what? It’s kinda working, so I’m not dismissing it.

Between getting both organised and swamped (go figure), I didn’t realise how long it had been since I last wrote a netgalley shelf review. Given that we are a quarter of the way through the year (stop the bus: how did that happen?!), it’s time to take a look at my Netgalley shelf.

Netgalley Shelf: April 2021 Review

Oldest book on shelf

The Wolf of Oren-Yaro by K.S Villoso

Plot: ‘They called me the Bitch Queen, the she-wolf, because I murdered a man and exiled my king the night before they crowned me.’

Born under the towers of Oren-yaro, Queen Talyien inherited a deeply divided kingdom, devastated by years of war. Her marriage to the son of a rival clan was meant to herald peace, yet her fiancé disappeared before their reign could even begin.

Now, years later, Talyien receives a message that will send her across on the sea. Yet what was meant as an effort to reconcile the past leaves her stranded in a land she doesn’t know, with assassins at her back and no idea who she can trust.

If Talyien is to survive, she must embrace her namesake.

A wolf of Oren-yaro is not tamed.

Thoughts: I think this book sounds like so much fun! A bad-ass female protagonist – what more do we want? Plus I feel the whole thing could be a tense, epic adventure. I’m hoping to get to it soon although it has been on my shelf for over a year now – oops.

Newest book on shelf

Shards of Earth by Adrian Tchaikovsky

Plot: The war is over. Its heroes forgotten. Until one chance discovery . . .

Idris has neither aged nor slept since they remade his mind in the war. And one of humanity’s heroes now scrapes by on a freelance salvage vessel, to avoid the attention of greater powers.

Eighty years ago, Earth was destroyed by an alien enemy. Many escaped, but millions more died. So mankind created enhanced humans ­such as Idris – who could communicate mind-to-mind with our aggressors. Then these ‘Architects’ simply disappeared and Idris and his kind became obsolete.

Now, Idris and his crew have something strange, abandoned in space. It’s clearly the work of the Architects – but are they really returning? And if so, why? Hunted by gangsters, cults and governments, Idris and his crew race across the galaxy as they search for answers. For they now possess something of incalculable value, and many would kill to obtain it.

Thoughts: I received this one as part of a blog tour for next month and I’m really excited for it. I’ve only just started Tchaikovsky but what I have read, I’ve enjoyed. I’m also excited this will be a series – if it’s enjoyable, I’ve got a new world of adventure waiting!

Oldest Publication Date

Rivers Ran Red by J.A Grierson

Plot: In a whirlwind of fire and carnage, Attila the Hun wheels half a million horsemen towards Roman territory. In his path, corruption and greed have undermined the ancient empire and the vacillating emperor, Valentinian III, has cut her legions to a sliver. But out of this smoke a wily, battle-scarred general, Avitus, rises in her defence. Making allies of his enemies, Avitus rallies barbarian warlords to fight for the Eagle and crosses the Alps to confront Rome’s nemesis. But when Attila offers to split the Empire’s corpse with the Goths Avitus’ march becomes a suicide mission.

One war will decide the fate of civilization.

The Battle of the Catalaunian Plains rages through the night. Individual acts of bravery and cowardice tip the final balance. Rivers run red and burst their banks with blood. Dawn draws a portrait of unimaginable carnage.

In a tale of epic deeds, heroes confront insurmountable odds with honour and courage. Avitus faces a myriad of enemies, both Roman and barbarian but can one man save civilisation?

Thoughts: I haven’t reviewed this era as much but I adore anything set in the Roman times. As soon as I saw the synopsis, I knew it would be the type of book that I’d really enjoy. Been a delay getting to it, but I’m looking forward to reading to this.

Newest Publication Date

She Who Became The Sun by Shelley Parker-Chan

Plot: In a famine-stricken village on a dusty plain, a seer shows two children their fates. For a family’s eighth-born son, there’s greatness. For the second daughter, nothing.

In 1345, China lies restless under harsh Mongol rule. And when a bandit raid wipes out their home, the two children must somehow survive. Zhu Chongba despairs and gives in. But the girl resolves to overcome her destiny. So she takes her dead brother’s identity and begins her journey. Can Zhu escape what’s written in the stars, as rebellion sweeps the land? Or can she claim her brother’s greatness – and rise as high as she can dream?

Thoughts: This is a new type of setting for me both in place and time. I love the premise, and who else thinks this has Mulan feelings to it? This is a new author for me and I’m intrigued. It’s due out in July, so should get to this one soon.

Most Highly Anticipated Read

Reaper of Souls by Rena Barron

Plot: After years yearning for the gift of magic, Arrah has what she’s always wanted – but it came at too steep a price. Now the last witchdoctor, she’s left to pick up the pieces of a family that betrayed her, a kingdom plunged into chaos, and a love that can never be.

While Arrah returns to the tribal lands to search for survivors, Rudjek hunts down the remnants of the demon army – and uncovers a plot that would destroy what’s left of the world.

The Demon King wants Arrah. If he can’t be stopped, he will destroy everything, and everyone, standing in his way.

Thoughts: I’m so excited for Reaper of Souls. The first book was one of my top books for 2020: the writing; the characters; the magic… I loved everything about it. I can’t wait to dive back into this world and get swept up in what I’m certain will be another whirlwind.

Have you read any of these books? What’s on your Netgalley shelf right now?

You may also like:

• Netgalley Requests: July 2020
• Netgalley Wrap-up: November 2019

Twitter | Facebook | Pinterest | Instagram