So, I had recently splurged a bit on some new books. As this is posted I have started the long journey of reading The Shadow Rising which is the 4th book in the Wheel of Time series. That book is 1000 pages, it’s a hefty book. I find that sometimes the pacing of bigger books can lead me into a reading slump so I wanted to read some short books that would 1. make sure I didn’t fall into a big old slump, 2. would add something different so I am not just reading the same 1000 page book and having my interest wane, 3. add to my reading challenge as it will probably take me a month to read this book so I want to make sure I am up to date and not behind on my reading challenge.

So, I decided the best way to go about this was by reading some new comics but I had read all of my comics/manga earlier this year. I then went to Waterstone and had a look at what they had available. I paid for some of this using a gift card hence why I was able to splurge a bit.

Attack on Titan (Volume 1) – Hajime Isayama

Plot: For the past century, what’s left of mankind has hidden in a giant, three-walled city, trapped in fear of the bizarre, giant humanoids known as the Titans. Little is known about where they came from or why they are bent on consuming humankind, but the sudden appearance of an enormous Titan is about to change everything…

I discovered this series through the anime. I watched the first season when I was about 14 and then re-watched it and watched the new ones with my boyfriend earlier this year. As of now I am up to date with the anime but it had me intrigued with how good the adaptation from the manga really was so I decided to buy the first volume. I don’t know whether I will collect the whole series as it is, I believe, 50+ volumes.

Fullmetal Alchemist (Volumes 13-15) – Hiromu Arakawa

Plot for Volume 1: In an alchemical ritual gone wrong, Edward Elric lost his arm and his leg, and his brother Alphonse became nothing but a soul in a suit of armor. Equipped with mechanical “”auto-mail”” limbs, Edward becomes a state alchemist, seeking the one thing that can restore his and his brother’s bodies…the legendary Philosopher’s Stone.

I was always look for the next book in this collection as I love this story so much, I saw it in the shop and instantly grabbed it. I am just really enjoying where the story is going and as I mentioned in my post last week the plot is picking up more and more and the jigsaw pieces are slowly but surely falling into place.

Labyrinth: Coronation (Volume 1) – Simon Spurrier, Daniel Bayliss & Dan Jackson

Plot: The untold story of the Goblin King is revealed. Long before Sarah ventured to save her baby brother from the clutches of the Goblin King, another young woman sought to save her child from an unknown fate within the Labyrinth. Set in 18th-century Venice, Jim Henson’s Labyrinth: Coronation is a striking look into the mysteries of the Labyrinth itself, uncovering the fate of a small boy named Jareth who would one day be King.

One of my all-time favourite films is Labyrinth. I loved the setting, the music, the story and when I saw this as I was browsing I knew I had to read it. I had heard that a novelisation of the movie was released but I love how this is an original story rather than just a refresh of the story I already know.

Saga (Volume One) – Brian K. Vaughn & Fiona Staples

Plot: When two soldiers from opposite sides of a never-ending galactic war fall in love, they risk everything to bring a fragile new life into a dangerous old universe. 

To be honest, I don’t know too much about this series but I always see a lot of praise for it and it has been on my radar for a long time so I just decided to gamble and give it a go.

Shadows of Self – Brandon Sanderson

Plot: Shadows of Self shows Mistborn’s society evolving as technology and magic mix, the economy grows, democracy contends with corruption, and religion becomes a growing cultural force, with four faiths competing for converts. This bustling, optimistic, but still shaky society now faces its first instance of terrorism, crimes intended to stir up labor strife and religious conflict. Wax and Wayne, assisted by the lovely, brilliant Marasi, must unravel the conspiracy before civil strife stops Scadrial’s progress in its tracks.

Since I loved the first book so much when I saw the sequel in the shop I couldn’t just leave it there. I had to have it!