Stacking The Shelves, Vol. 12: Long Ago and Far Away…

Stacking The Shelves is a weekly event hosted by Tynga’s Reviews that shares the books (both physical and virtual) that you recently purchased, borrowed from a fellow reader or the library, won from a giveaway, or received as gifts. Stacking The Shelves will post on Saturdays as new books are added to my shelves.

All of the books in today’s stack have one thing in common: They take place in times or places very different from my own (and perhaps yours, too). It’s a mix of fantasy, science fiction, romance, and exotic cultures. Murder, mystery, magic, and family. Freedom, power, secrets, and friendship. Intrigued? Then what are you waiting for? 😉

*Apologies for the somewhat blurry picture…*

The Wrath and the Dawn by Renee Ahdieh (YA Historical Fantasy): I gushed about this one not too long ago in a Waiting On Wednesday post, and my feelings haven’t changed since. Though I’ve also heard there’s also a case of “insta-love” between the protagonist and her prince-groom. *cringes* But the book’s gotten fantastic reviews, so I still have high hopes.

Tehran Moonlight by Azin Sametipour (Contemporary Fiction / Cultural / Romance / Self-Published): I discovered this book at The Muse & The Marketplace a couple weeks ago, where it was one of five contestants for Authors In The House, a competition between five self-published books picked by Publishers Weekly. I normally don’t go for romances, but after reading the blurb and leafing through select pages, I realized Tehran Moonlight was much more than that. I bought it on the spot and felt a bit sad that I couldn’t stay to root for Azin and her novel for Authors In The House. So, guess how excited I was the next morning when I found out Tehran Moonlight had won?? 😀

Defiant (Towers Trilogy, Book #1) by Karina Sumner-Smith (Science Fiction / Fantasy / Dystopian): Another recent Waiting On Wednesday entry. Can’t wait to find out if Xhea learns anything about her magic, and what kind of havoc she and Shai might (unintentionally) wrack on their world next.

An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir (YA Epic Fantasy): Yup. Also from a past Waiting On Wednesday. I’ll probably read this one first, since it’s the oldest of the three brand new releases.

What books did you recently buy or acquire? Have you read of the books shown / discussed above? Feel free to share your opinions and most recent hauls by commenting below.