Time for another round up of books from my TBR to go through! Each week I’ll be going over a selection from my physical unread books and deciding what to keep and what to purge. There will be a third option–undecided–which I might ask for your input on why you think I should keep or purge that title from my list. You can also check out my full TBR pile here.

Song of Unmaking by Caitlin Brennan

Striving to save the Aurelian Empire, Valeria reached for too much power too quickly and a darkness has rooted inside her. Unable to confess the truth, Valeria turns to Kerrec, her former mentor, one of the elite Riders from the Mountain, home of the gods. But Kerrec, too, is deeply wounded and his darkness may be even deeper than hers — and he is refusing to face it. Until his weakness nearly destroys the Riders and their immortal white stallions…

As Kerrec is sent from the Mountain on a desperate quest for healing, Valeria is forbidden to follow. But compelled by a power she cannot understand and encouraged by her own stallion, she shadows Kerrec on a perilous mission.

The patterns of deception and secrets have been woven, the threats of war and unrest spread throughout the land, the barbarian hordes return and once more it is Valeria — and Kerrec — who must gather their strength and their wounded magic to protect all that they believe in….

But who will believe in them?

I picked this one up not too long ago when I was out at a used shop, well a year or so ago I think. Okay, maybe two years. Time has no meaning anymore. Still, this one looked intriguing to me and something that would be right up my alley as far as what I’m into so I want to hang onto it. KEEP

Roadmarks by Roger Zelazny

The Road runs from the unimaginable past to the far future, and those who travel it have access to the turnoffs leading to all times and places–even to the alternate time-streams of histories that never happened. Why the Dragons of Bel’kwinith made the Road–or who they are–no one knows. But the Road has always been there and for those who know how to find it, it always will be!

The only thing I’ve read from Zelazny is Amber, which I loved, but I also feel like I’m not really keen on checking out more of his stuff for some reason? PURGE

Spirit Gate by Kate Elliott

or hundreds of years the Guardians have ruled the world of the Hundred, but these powerful gods no longer exert their will on the world. Only the reeves, who patrol on enormous eagles, still represent the Guardians’ power. And the reeves are losing their authority; for there is a dark shadow across the land that not even the reeves can stop.

A group of fanatics has risen to devour villages, towns, and cities in their drive to annihilate all who oppose them. No one knows who leads them; they seem inhumanly cruel and powerful. Mai and Anji, riding with a company of dedicated warriors and a single reeve who may hold a key to stopping the deadly advance of the devouring horde, must try, or the world will be lost to the carnage. But a young woman sworn to the Goddess may prove more important than them all . . . if they are not too late.

A haunting tale of people swept up by the chaos of war, this is superlative fantasy adventure, rich in texture, filled with color and excitement, masterfully crafted by a brilliantly gifted storyteller.

I’ve been collecting a bunch of Kate Elliott’s back list every time I go out hunting for books, really love her writing and she is spectacular at world building. Definitely keeping this in my pile. KEEP

Anansi Boys by Neil Gaiman

When Fat Charlie’s dad named something, it stuck. Like calling Fat Charlie “Fat Charlie.” Even now, twenty years later, Charlie Nancy can’t shake that name, one of the many embarrassing “gifts” his father bestowed — before he dropped dead on a karaoke stage and ruined Fat Charlie’s life.

Mr. Nancy left Fat Charlie things. Things like the tall, good-looking stranger who appears on Charlie’s doorstep, who appears to be the brother he never knew. A brother as different from Charlie as night is from day, a brother who’s going to show Charlie how to lighten up and have a little fun … just like Dear Old Dad. And all of a sudden, life starts getting very interesting for Fat Charlie.

Because, you see, Charlie’s dad wasn’t just any dad. He was Anansi, a trickster god, the spider-god. Anansi is the spirit of rebellion, able to overturn the social order, create wealth out of thin air, and baffle the devil. Some said he could cheat even Death himself.

I’m so on the fence here. While I do like Gaiman as a whole I am pretty hit or miss with his novels and I just think this might be one of those that’s not for me. But I don’t know. Hmm. UNDECIDED

Moonshine by Jasmine Gower

In the flourishing metropolis of Soot City (a warped version of 1920s Chicago), progressive ideals reign and the old ways of magic and liquid mana are forbidden. Daisy Dell is a Modern Girl – stylish, educated and independent – keen to establish herself in the city but reluctant to give up the taboo magic inherited from her grandmother.

Her new job takes her to unexpected places, and she gets more attention than she had hoped for. When bounty hunters start combing the city for magicians, Daisy must decide whether to stay with her new employer – even if it means revealing the grim source of her occult powers.

Sometimes you get a book just for its cover and while this one certainly made me buy it the concept was also intriguing. I don’t know why I haven’t gotten to this yet but I certainly want to! KEEP

That’s all for now! This brings my total count to:

Keep	Purge	Undecided
279	99	46

More purges and one more undecided. Things are moving in the right direction! What do you think about my choices here? Anything you’d do differently? Leave a note in the comments, I’d love to chat!