To say that August’s book haul is a bit ridiculous is an understatement. I HAD been doing so well this year NOT buying books, but that is out the window. Why? August was the month I discovered Book Outlet…
See what I mean? Continue on to see which books I hauled in August…
That’s right you read that right. I never checked out Book Outlet before now.
I’ll admit it. I *may* have went a tiny bit overboard…
» Sing, Unburied, Sing by Jesmyn Ward
Genre: Literary Fiction • Magic Realism
Why I purchased: Sing, Unburied, Sing first came on my radar when I attended Celeste Ng’s book tour. When she was asked for book recommendations, this was the first one out of her mouth. After reading the synopsis, it just sounds like a book I’d love. There has been lots of overwhelmingly positive hype surrounding this book.
Book Outlet Price: $8.59
Amazon Price: $14.03
» A Darker Shade of Magic (Shades of Magic #1) by V.E. Schwab
Genre: Fantasy
Why I purchased: The Shades of Magic series is one of my favorite series of all times, so of course I need to own a collector’s edition! You can read my review of A Darker Shade of Magic here → Book Review: A Darker Shade of Magic by V.E. Schwab. I obviously already own all the books in this series, all signed by V.E. Schwab herself, BUT this one has a BLACK cover… Don’t judge me ok?
Book Outlet Price: $12.89
Amazon Price: $15.98
» The Serpent King by Jeff Zentner
Genre: YA Contemporary
Why I purchased: I admit that I struggle with YA Contemporary… I often find the characters annoying & unappealing. I need more substance to my reading. From what I’ve read, The Serpent King appears to have more depth to the story and isn’t a “fluffy” contemporary book.
Book Outlet Price: $10.69
Amazon Price: $12.55
» Scythe (Arc of a Scythe #1) by Neal Shusterman
Genre: YA Science Fiction
Why I purchased: This series is absolutely everywhere! The first book came out in 2016, and the sequel came out at the start of this year. Reading the synopsis, it appears to be about a dystopian world where the only way to die is at the hands of a scythe. This doesn’t sound like a book I would naturally gravitate to, but we shall see what happens. Word on the street that the second book is even better than the first.
Book Outlet Price: $4.29
Amazon Price: $7.98
» The Queen of Blood (The Queens of Renthia #1) by Sarah Beth Durst
Genre: Fantasy (YA?)
Why I purchased: I read this book earlier this year at the recommendation of my friend Danielle @Books, Vertigo, & Tea. Looking at all the books that we’ve both read, we tend to have similar feelings, so I knew it would be a pretty safe bet that I’d like this one. The Queen of Blood has such a fascinating magic system, whimsical setting, and wonderful main character. I really enjoyed it! I am planning on reading the second book in the series next month.
Book Outlet Price: $2.19
Amazon Price: $5.98
» The Obelisk Gate (The Broken Earth #2) by N.K. Jemisin
Genre: Fantasy
Why I purchased: I read the first book in this series, The Fifth Season, last year and really enjoyed it. It was definitely unlike anything I’d ever read before. To be honest, I had a hard time wrapping my mind around this world at first. Such uniqueness! When I saw this book, the second in the series, on Book Outlet I snatched it up! I eventually want to own this entire series because the covers are absolutely stunning. I plan on reading this book next month.
Book Outlet Price: $4.79
Amazon Price: $9.97
» The Boy in the Stripped Pajamas by John Boyne
Genre: Historical Fiction
Why I purchased: After reading The Heart’s Invisible Furies this year, I knew I needed to pick up John Boyne’s other works. The Boy in the Stripped Pajamas has been recommended to me for YEARS.
Book Outlet Price: $5.39
Amazon Price: $8.99
» The Last Unicorn by Peter S. Beagle
Genre: Fantasy
Why I purchased: While attending ‘An Evening with Patrick Rothfuss’ Pat mentioned that this was his favorite book of all times.
Book Outlet Price: $6.39
Amazon Price: $10.87
» Ink and Bone (The Great Library #1) by Rachel Caine
Genre: YA Fantasy
Why I purchased: Do I really need to explain this one? It is a fantasy series that centers around a library… I’ve had my eye on this series for a while, but I couldn’t pass it up at $3.19.
Book Outlet Price: $3.19
Amazon Price: $7.99
» The Binti Series (1-3) by Nnedi Okorafor
Genre: Science Fiction
Why I purchased: I’ve read this entire novella series this year and fell in love with Nnedi Okorafor’s writing. I cannot wait to read more of her work!
Book Outlet Price: $12.27
Amazon Price: $21.71
» The Last Magician (The Last Magician #1) by Lisa Maxwell
Genre: Fantasy
Why I purchased: Cover buy. I have zero shame.
Book Outlet Price: $6.99
Amazon Price: $10.86
Which books did you buy in August?
I’m sorry for your wallet, but happy for you! Although, your books WERE cheaper! 😉
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I’ve never even heard of Book Outlet! Glad you got some books you’re excited about. I’ve been meaning to read Sing, Unburied, Sing for a while now.
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This is a brilliant haul! I love your explanations for purchasing these books. No shame in covers being the inspiration to buy a book. I do that, too! I mostly select campy titles, though… 🤣 It looks like we have a book picked now, PA!
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Lol at “I *may* have went a tiny bit overboard”. We understand. All book lovers do the same when they discover Book Outlet for the first. I went overboard nearly every month after I discovered it. The books were too cheap to pass up. I’ve since got control of myself. Their sales are crazy too.
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I haven’t heard of Book Outlet, thanks for the tip:) Looks like they have great prices!
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Oh dear me! I forbid meself to go to that site. I told the First Mate to restrain me at all costs. When I told him about it, his first comment was “Run. Seriously Run!” I think he meant away from the site but still.
Have ye not read the last unicorn before? If so read it, love it, and then watch the animated movie.
Also I don’t do YA contemporaries. And I loved the Serpent King. I cried. It was wonderful. Scythe is super fun and I enjoyed the sequel as well. I read Binti and loved all those as well.
Overall a good haul. The first mate might have to tie me to the mast when temptation for the site beckons. Ah the sirens’ call . . .
x The Captain
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The Serpent King!! It’s so good, I always recommend it to everyone I can. Love the haul!
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Haha I went nuts my first order too. So affordable!!!
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Oh good! Not just me lol
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