Hello friends!!!
I’ve done it again. Book Outlet had their $5.99 Fiction Sale and so I went and purchased some books and now I’m here to tell you about what I bought and why. If you are unfamiliar with Book Outlet, they are a bookseller that specializes in selling books that are typically excess inventory either from publishers or retailers. They keep their prices as low as possible so you can still get relatively new books for a cheaper price. The books they sell will occasionally have some minor blemishes such as a wrinkle or a dot on the pages from a black marker, they always sell perfectly readable books.
This is the second time I’m getting books in their $5.99 sale. If you want to know about the first haul I did, I do have a blog post about it, just be warned that it was I think my first blog post and I’ve improved at least a little since then! I hope.
I ended up buying 10 books in total on this haul and ended up spending roughly $60. I tried to get a variety of different books and make sure they were ones that I would like to read. Each book came in good condition with a few books having stickers on them from the original retailer. For instance, two of the books I purchased had Target stickers on the front and another one had a plain white price sticker. So lets get into the books!
Book 1
I recently have been working on a blog series where I explore other genre’s that I don’t typically read. When doing research on different topics regarding the horror genre, I came across this book a few times. Reading the synopsis, I thought this might be an interesting book to try. It’s not very long and has an interesting synopsis involving religion, dystopia, and a convent. I’ve never read anything by this author before and I know they are well known for Tender is the Flesh.
In the end, I thought this would be another great addition to my exploration of the horror genre. There is a lot of praise around this author and I am hoping that it will be worth the hype!
Synopsis from Goodreads:
The long-awaited new novel from the author of global sensation Tender Is the Flesh: a thrilling work of literary horror about a woman cloistered in a secretive, violent religious order, while outside the world has fallen into chaos.
From her cell in a mysterious convent, a woman writes the story of her life in whatever she can find—discarded ink, dirt, and even her own blood. A lower member of the Sacred Sisterhood, deemed an unworthy, she dreams of ascending to the ranks of the Enlightened at the center of the convent and of pleasing the foreboding Superior Sister. Outside, the world is plagued by catastrophe—cities are submerged underwater, electricity and the internet are nonexistent, and bands of survivors fight and forage in a cruel, barren landscape. Inside, the narrator is controlled, punished, but safe.
But when a stranger makes her way past the convent walls, joining the ranks of the unworthy, she forces the narrator to consider her long-buried past—and what she may be overlooking about the Enlightened. As the two women grow closer, the narrator is increasingly haunted by questions about her own past, the environmental future, and her present life inside the convent. How did she get to the Sacred Sisterhood? Why can’t she remember her life before? And what really happens when a woman is chosen as one of the Enlightened?
A searing, dystopian tale about climate crisis, ideological extremism, and the tidal pull of our most violent, exploitative instincts, this is another unforgettable novel from a master of feminist horror.
Book 2
There is not a ton of reasoning behind this one. I just love T. Kingfisher. If you’ve been following my blog for a little while, you’ll know this since I talk about it quite often.
I recently finished A House with Good Bones for my Genre Journey blog post and that was my second horror book by T. Kingfisher. I have read What Moves the Dead, the first in the Sworn Soldiers series. This is the second.
I have not yet found a book by this author that is under a 4 star rating for me and I would probably still be happy with a 3 star rated book by them. This particular series is short, creepy, and honestly enjoyable.
Synopsis from Goodreads
Alex Easton, retired soldier, returns in this novella-length sequel to the bestselling What Moves The Dead.
When Easton travels to Gallacia as a favor to Miss Potter, they find their home empty, the caretaker dead, and the grounds troubled by a strange, uncanny silence.
The locals whisper of a strange breath-stealing being from Gallacian folklore that has taken up residence in Easton’s home . . . and in their dreams.
Book 3
I love a good cozy book and to be completely frank with you all, I’ve already read this book. I have the regular paperback of this book and I genuinely really enjoyed it but I just love the look of these special editions. Don’t worry, I’m donating my original copy and replacing it with this one.
This is just a case of, I love that cover and I want it. I already know I love the book now I just want a pretty version of it! Can you blame me?
Synopsis from Goodreads
After a lifetime of bounties and bloodshed, Viv is hanging up her sword for the last time.
The battle-weary orc aims to start fresh, opening the first ever coffee shop in the city of Thune. But old and new rivals stand in the way of success — not to mention the fact that no one has the faintest idea what coffee actually is.
If Viv wants to put the blade behind her and make her plans a reality, she won’t be able to go it alone.
But the true rewards of the uncharted path are the travelers you meet along the way. And whether drawn together by ancient magic, flaky pastry, or a freshly brewed cup, they may become partners, family, and something deeper than she ever could have dreamed.
Book 4
Obviously, I had to get the second book in the same pretty cover design. Also, the sprayed edges are so lovely!
I haven’t actually read this one because it’s a prequel. I’m so weird about prequels. I’ve never really enjoyed reading them or watching them. There’s some sort of mental block in my brain that’s just like “you can’t go backwards” even though you most definitely can do that.
I promise I’ll give this a try and overcome my weird “anti-prequel” block.
Synopsis from Goodreads
When an injury throws a young, battle-hungry orc off her chosen path, she may find that what we need isn’t always what we seek.
In Bookshops & Bonedust, a prequel to Legends & Lattes, author Travis Baldree takes us on a journey of high fantasy, first loves, and second-hand books.
Viv’s career with the notorious mercenary company Rackam’s Ravens isn’t going as planned.
Wounded during the hunt for a powerful necromancer, she’s packed off against her will to recuperate in the sleepy beach town of Murk—so far from the action that she worries she’ll never be able to return to it.
What’s a thwarted soldier of fortune to do?
Spending her hours at a beleaguered bookshop in the company of its foul-mouthed proprietor is the last thing Viv would have predicted, but it may be both exactly what she needs and the seed of changes she couldn’t possibly imagine.
Still, adventure isn’t all that far away. A suspicious traveler in gray, a gnome with a chip on her shoulder, a summer fling, and an improbable number of skeletons prove Murk to be more eventful than Viv could have ever expected.
Book 5
I don’t have a lot to say about this one honestly. It’s a fantastic cover and beautiful sprayed edges. It’s fantasy. It’s a series. It’s basically checking all the right boxes.
I didn’t really know anything about this book or the author but the concept of an ancient Rome setting but with dragons was enough to add it to the cart. It’s so easy to do when they’re $5.99.
Synopsis from Goodreads
An instant New York Times bestseller!
House of the Dragon meets From Blood and Ash in this epic, scorching dark romantasy.A conqueror captivated…
A witch prophesied to save them all…
An unforgiving world where dragons rule Rome.Julian Dakkia, Roman general and nephew to the emperor, has played his role as conqueror well. Yet, the moment he laid eyes on Malina, he was enthralled by the Dacian dancer. Years later, the fierce beauty stands before him, a captive on a scarred battlefield, her life in danger. He instinctively shifts into his fierce dragon form to save her, an action that may mean his head on the imperial gate.
The rules of their world dictate that he is the conqueror and she is the captured. But he and his dragon know one thing: their bond has nothing to do with the laws of mighty Rome. She belongs to them. And they belong to her.
Fierce and powerful, twenty-one-year old Malina has survived the loss of her family and she is determined to fight until her dying breath. Still, she can’t believe that the centurion who had once bestowed a secret talisman on her is the Roman general of legendary brutality…and now holds her life in his hands. Nor can she deny how her soul has always seemed to answer his. Slowly she learns that Julian is caught in his mad uncle’s machinations for domination, and helps him plot the downfall of the empire itself.
As they navigate a world where flying deathriders conquer and burn, their love will ignite a firestorm that can only end in heartbreak or death. Or both.
Firebird is a fantasy with some dark themes, including elements of master/slave relationship, attempted sexual assault (not between MCs), and dubious consent (not between MCs). Readers who may be sensitive to these elements, please take note.
Book 6
In college I almost changed my major to psychology. The reason why people do what they do has always been fascinating. How that plays into the entire idea of cults and cult behavior is so interesting.
So I bought this book about a woman who goes back to her deeply religious family home she left years ago. It seems creepy, and spooky, and just unnerving. I’ve never read anything from this author and I don’t know if I’ll enjoy this book but it just seemed like something that would scratch an itch I didn’t realize needed to be scratched.
Synopsis from Goodreads
A cynical twentysomething must confront her unconventional family’s dark secrets in this fiery, irreverent horror novel from the author of Such Sharp Teeth and Cackle.
Nobody has a “normal” family, but Vesper Wright’s is truly…something else. Vesper left home at eighteen and never looked back—mostly because she was told that leaving the staunchly religious community she grew up in meant she couldn’t return. But then an envelope arrives on her doorstep.
Inside is an invitation to the wedding of Vesper’s beloved cousin Rosie. It’s to be hosted at the family farm. Have they made an exception to the rule? It wouldn’t be the first time Vesper’s been given special treatment. Is the invite a sweet gesture? An olive branch? A trap? Doesn’t matter. Something inside her insists she go to the wedding. Even if it means returning to the toxic environment she escaped. Even if it means reuniting with her mother, Constance, a former horror film star and forever ice queen.
When Vesper’s homecoming exhumes a terrifying secret, she’s forced to reckon with her family’s beliefs and her own crisis of faith in this deliciously sinister novel that explores the way family ties can bind us as we struggle to find our place in the world.
Book 7
Don’t look at me like that. Sometimes you just want a story where the girl gets all of the guys.
I wanted something that seemed like it would be a relatively easy read (I’m reading an Epic Fantasy right now and it’s taking a lot out of me) for when I need a good palate cleanse. Sometimes, that comes in the form of a why choose Romantasy with immortal gods and lots of secrets.
What more could a girl ask for?
Synopsis from Goodreads
The four princes of Lumathyst need a mate, and everyone wants a chance…except for her.
Threatened by invaders, the kingdom of Lumathyst is on the verge of chaos, and no one can stop it. Unless the four immortal god-princes find their fated mate―and safeguard the throne―Lumathyst will fall.
Five women have tried. Five have failed. And tonight in the royal city, the princes need to find their Chosen and hope she can survive the transformation that will make her immortal.
Only Rylee Gray wasn’t supposed to be here. She snuck in for her own dark reasons―and now they claim they’ve found their perfect match. Her. Of course, they have no idea she’s concealing a secret big enough to damn them all.
The four princes have no choice. They’ll use every delectably wicked skill they have to make Rylee fall for all of them…or watch their kingdom collapse.
Book 8
I used to work at a local bookstore chain and this was one book that I remember looking at because that cover is just so pretty. I’m a sucker for a pretty cover.
This is another case of, it’s pretty, it’s short and it’s only $5.99 so why not take a chance? I have heard of this author previously but have never read anything by them. I haven’t heard anything about this specific book but I wanted it.
So I bought it.
That’s honestly all there is to it with this one.
Synopsis from Goodreads
When Among Crows is swift and striking, drawing from the deep well of Slavic folklore and asking if redemption and atonement can be found in embracing what we most fear.
We bear the sword, and we bear the pain of the sword.
On Kupala Night, Dymitr arrives in Chicago’s monstrous, magical underworld with a perilous mission: pick the mythical fern flower and offer it to a cursed creature in exchange for help finding the legendary witch Baba Jaga.
Ala is a fear-eating zmora afflicted with a bloodline curse that’s slowly killing her. She’s just desperate enough to say yes to Dymitr, even if she doesn’t know his motives.
Over the course of one night, Ala and Dymitr risk life and limb in search of Baba Jaga, and begin to build a tentative friendship. . . but when Ala finds out what Dymitr is hiding, it could destroy them both.
Book 9
I’ll be honest with you guys, I don’t remember why I picked this particular book. I had to go and read the synopsis again to remember why and surprisingly, it’s not the cover.
This book was described as being similar in vibes to Howl’s Moving Castle and that was all it took for me to be interested in picking this one up. I also was pleasantly surprised to find that it came with sprayed edges!
This is one that I’m interested in reading relatively soon. It is one of the thicker books I purchased but if it reads as promised, it won’t take me long to finish!
Synopsis from Goodreads
In the beloved tradition of Howl’s Moving Castle, a whimsical and unforgettable story of fantastic adventure, common sense, and the power of love to overcome the greatest of obstacles . . .
Before Foss Butcher was Snagged, she thought no more of the magic-users than did anyone else in her tiny village. Sometimes gorgeous women in impossible carriages rolled into town and took bits of people’s hearts. Everyone knew hearts fueled their magic. But Foss, plain, clumsy, and practical as a boot, never expected anyone would want hers.
True enough, when the only sorcerer in the kingdom stepped from his glossy carriage, he didn’t intend to hook Foss. Sylvester’s riot of black curls and perfectly etched cheekbones caught her eye a moment too long, that was all. Suddenly, Foss is cursed and finds herself stomping toward the grand City to keep his enchanted House, where her only friend is a talking cat and the walls themselves have moods.
But as Foss learns the ways of magic, she realizes she’s far from its only unwilling captive. Even Sylvester is hemmed in by spells and threats. It’s said this sorcery protects king, country, and order for thousands. If Foss wants to free herself—and, perhaps, Sylvester—she’ll have to confront it all . . . and uncover the blight nestled in the heart of the kingdom itself.
Book 10
It’s got good reviews and bad reviews and for a while, it was the only book on my TikTok FYP. This book has been everywhere and apparently a lot of people don’t like this cover.
It’s the thickest book I purchased and probably not one that I will get to anytime soon. For me, I usually wait a while before picking up books that get a ton of hype all at once. My friends have read it and said they loved it so I’m trusting them.
I’m really just going off what I’ve heard people say for this one so I’ll keep you updated on how it goes!
Synopsis from Goodreads
From global phenomenon Callie Hart comes a highly addictive enemies-to-lovers Romantasy with razor-sharp banter, heart-stopping action, and blistering hot romance that you won’t be able to put down!
Do not touch the sword. Do not turn the key. Do not open the gate.
In the land of the unforgiving desert, there isn’t much a girl wouldn’t do for a glass of water.
Twenty-four-year-old Saeris Fane is good at keeping secrets. No one knows about the strange powers she possesses, or the fact that she has been picking pockets and stealing from the Undying Queen’s reservoirs for as long as she can remember.
But a secret is like a knot. Sooner or later, it is bound to come undone.
When Saeris comes face-to-face with Death himself, she inadvertently re-opens a gateway between realms and is transported to a land of ice and snow. The Fae have always been the stuff of myth, of legend, of nightmares… but it turns out they’re real, and Saeris has landed herself in the middle of a centuries-long conflict that might just get her killed.
The first of her kind to tread the frozen mountains of Yvelia in over a thousand years, Saeris mistakenly binds herself to Kingfisher, a handsome Fae warrior, who has secrets and nefarious agendas of his own. He will use her Alchemist’s magic to protect his people, no matter what it costs him . . . or her.
Death has a name. It is Kingfisher of the Ajun Gate. His past is murky. His attitude stinks. And he’s the only way Saeris is going to make it home.
Be careful of the deals you make, dear child. The devil is in the details . . .
So that’s it! That is the entire haul. I’m sure I’ll get to at least one of these before next year, especially since I purchased quite a few short books to read. It’ll be a while before I do another haul, mostly because I really need to focus on reading what I already own. With the limited space I have, I can’t just buy and hoard without doing any unhauls. I have managed to do a few unhauls this year but I didn’t really track those at all. That might be something I do more in the future and post about. I’m still sort of working out this whole blog business and would eventually like to post more often if I can swing it.
Anyways, that’s all this time. Have you read any of these books and if so, what did you think?
Bye friends!!!
Reading with teafortiffany 
Leave a comment