Mini Reviews – October 2023 (and November)

Is it December and I haven’t posted what I’ve read for two months? Maybe.

It’s been a rough go reading wise guys. I just haven’t had it in me to read lately. There has been so much going on work and life wise that I’m just so tired and can’t make my brain concentrate on things. In the last two months I’ve read one book. ONE BOOK. I really want to get back out there and jump start my reading so if you have any suggestions I’m open to them. Let’s see what I did read. . .

Bead Read by Emily Henry (audio and physical) – This is my one book. Did I enjoy it? Yes. Do I really remember much? No. I do know overall the story moved enough that I wasn’t bored and I know I still want to read her latest book but that is about it. Nothing blew me away with this book obviously but I did enjoy it enough to finish it. Sorry for the vagueness, it is the best I can do with a two month old read while I have zero motivation. 3/5

What about you guys? How is your reading going? I hope you’ve found more time to read than me and are all the more further along in clearing your bookshelves! Also, I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving break and enjoy the rest of the holiday season.

Talk soon!

Mini Reviews – September 2023

The Collected Regrets of Clover by Mikki Brammer (audio) – I really enjoyed this one!  Clover is a death doula, helping people leave this world comfortably and not alone.  Ever since losing my mother I’ve read a ton of books with this sort of theme and I always find them cathartic.  I was with my mother, alone, when she passed and I think of that time often.  Clover’s story shows us how she became a death doula from her own experiences and shows us it is never too late to find closure with unfinished business.  I believe this was the author’s debut and I look forward to reading more from them in the future. 4/5

Something is Killing the Children Volume 5 by James Tynion IV –  Still an interesting read but storyline wise this was a bit boring.  3/5

Something is Killing the Children Volume 6 by Hames Tynion IV – This one ended on too big of a cliffhanger IMO.  I will absolutely stick around to find out what happens but I feel like a lot needs to be cleared up in one more volume.   I guess we will find out in the final installment if they can do it.  3/5

That’s it.  I beat August by one whole book.  So far in October I haven’t read a single thing so I’m not sure how far I will make it this month but I’m going to try all the same!

What about you?  What did you read in September?  Anything you are excited for releasing soon?

Mini Reviews – August 2023

I’m super late in posting and sadly there isn’t much to post.  I listened to one audiobook and read one manga for the entire month.  I know, only two books and two months to post??  What can I say, it’s been a weird time.

The In-Between:  Unforgettable Encounters During Life’s Final Moments by Hadley Vlahos (audio) – Eh.  Did I cry a few times?  Absolutely.  Was it a great book?  Not so much.  I loved the stories but it was narrated by the author and her voice wasn’t one I’d pick for audiobooks.  Also at times it felt a little undercover religious and I couldn’t sympathize with her situation when I felt like she was trying to sell her hardships.  Hearing about her patients though and how they handled hospice care was informative and filled with grief.  3/5

Fangirl Volume 3 by Rainbow Rowell & Gabi Nam – What can I say about this?  I love Fangirl and I love these.  I wish I could find more books that give me the feels like Fangirl does.  It’s so cozy and gives you hope for everything. 5/5

Well, that’s it.  Since I’m posting this in October I haven’t posted September yet though I will shortly and I can tell you my reading for that month wasn’t much better.  SIGH.

What did you read in August? Let me know!

Mini Reviews – June 2023

I had a vacation planned this month so there wasn’t as much time to read this month. Let’s see what I read in June!  

Nine Liars by Maureen Johnson (audio)  – Book five in the Truly Devious series.  I saw some of the reviews on this one before starting with some not great thoughts and I was very worried and I can confirm after reading those thoughts were true.  I didn’t like the majority of the book.  There was so much drama and barely any of the actual mystery which is mind boggling because as much drama as there was almost nothing progressed.  That ending?  BULL SHIT.  I feel nothing for David or Stevie – neither are redeemable at this point.  This gives book two vibes when you aren’t sure if you will continue.  Being as this is book five that is the only reason I will attempt to pick up six when/if it comes out to see if there is a chance to salvage anything.  2/5

Queen Charlotte by Julia Quinn (audio) – The Bridgerton series prequel written with the tv series (of which I have yet to watch).  This was just ok.  I haven’t seen the show yet but from the scenes I’ve seen online this read more of a script than an actual book.  I believe there was only one major change between the two and I fully support the book version of that.  3/5

Forever by J. R. Ward (audio) – Book two in the Lair of Wolven series by J. R. Ward (audio) – God this has been a horrible book month.  What is JR Ward even thinking?  This was a waste of a book, nothing changed, there was no resolution and no romance made or corrected.  Blah.  2/5

Lassiter by J. R.. Ward (audio) – Book 21 in the Black Dagger Brotherhood series.  Jesus, does Ward even like her fans anymore?  I swear if I wasn’t over 30 books into this world I would quit.  This book is the perfect example of a series that should have stopped by now but alas I’m here and like any old lady who would religiously watch their soap operas I guess I’m sticking around but geez.  You threaten a pet, a beloved side character, AND do a time jump?  Also the lead female MC basically caused everything bad and so much heartache for others because she was upset and didn’t want to listen to someone try to explain something?  SIGH.  3/5

The Keeper by Tananarive Due – A graphic novel about an young African American girl dealing with the loss of family and their haunting family secret.  An interesting read – I saw this one when I picked up the author’s book The Good House and it looked like an interesting read.  3/5

Chivalry by Neil Gaiman & Collen Foran – A Quick graphic novel with an ok storyline about The Holy Grail.  Less than 100 pages even if this isn’t exactly your thing it would be an easy read to get your reading goal up.  3/5

Barbarian’s Touch by Ruby Dixon (audio) – Book seven in the Ice Planet Barbarians series.  These aren’t exactly Austen or Shakespeare but entertaining enough to continue and be palate cleansers between serious books.  They all essentially have the same plot so there isn’t much else to say – they resonated, there were issues, everything worked out.  3/5

Something is Killing the Children Volumes 1-4 by James Tynion IV – A series of graphic novels in which monsters are real and while there is a secret society to fight them they aren’t here to protect you, they are here to keep you quiet. 4/5

What did you read this month? Let me know!

Mini Reviews – May 2023

Four books left to finish the Black Dagger catchup and that includes the two new releases!  Let’s see how this month went. . . 

If Only You by Chloe Liese (audio) – Book six in the Bergman Brothers (Sisters) series.  I’m sad to say but this book was horrible.  I do like the inclusion of disabilities in the series so far but there are so many in each book and mentioned constantly that I just feel like it is forced at this point.  It feels like “well what haven’t we mentioned yet?” When I tell you this book almost made me quit – when I am WAITING for book seven because that is the brother I’m holding out for – this book was just ridiculous.  The MC dialogue?  It felt like a C rated Christian hallmark knockoff movie.  The only reason this got the rating it did is because I was able to finish it.  If I’d have physically read the book this would have been a guaranteed DNF. I really hope the last book will be worth the reading of this book, I guess we shall see.  3/5

The Basilish of Star Manor by Kathryn Moon – Book 1.5 in the Tempting Monsters series.  This story was just ok – just a quick novella in the world, but this makes me think I might need to take a month and get back to clearing out some kindle unlimited books again.  3/5

Lover Arisen by J.R. Ward (audio) – Book 20 in the Black Dagger Brotherhood series. First off – we are over 20 books into this world but just in case SPOILERS AHEAD!!! Anger.  So much anger at this one.  Again, we are back to Devina shit and now I’m supposed to believe she deserves a happy ending when she hasn’t even attempted to redeem herself?  No thanks.  And Lassiter? My poor boy – he deserves better and I have high hopes for his book so I think that doesn’t bode well for him.  What is even going on anymore?  Whatever storyline is happening I need shit to move away from it fast.  3/5

Thistlefoot by GennaRose Nethercott (audio) – I had high hopes for this one and it fell flat big time.  I have never seen two MCs that did not grow even a little IMO.  The idea of the book?  Great.  The rest?  Eh.  The best part of the entire book were the chapters told from the house’s POV, that is how unlikeable everyone was in this book. This is another book that only gets a 3 because I finished it.  3/5

The Viper by J.R. Ward (audio) –  Book three in the Black Dagger Prison Camp series.  JESUS CHRIST.  Can we please stop with Vishous? Frankly at this point they could kill him off and it wouldn’t bother me.  Overall it was a good story but  I’m disappointed what happened with Apex, I hope things change there – Ward did him dirty.  3/5

Things I Wish I Told My Mother by Susan Patterson & Susan DiLallo (audio) –  My rating on this one was a wild ride.  It was going to be a solid three till towards the end where I debated on quitting, rating a two, back to three, to a four.  I guess like any mother daughter relationship my view was complicated.  4/5

The Hidden Oracle by Rick Riordan (audio) – Book one in the Trials of Apollo series.  This one took awhile to get started but once I did overall I liked the story.  I didn’t care for the female MC, again I realize these are kids but the complete lack of thought was mind boggling. I hope to get through more of the series in June. 4/5

I Swear: Politics Is Messier Than My Minivan by Katie Porter (audio) – I wish she would run for something that I could vote for, she is just so inspiring.  If we had more Katie Porter’s out there we would all be better off.  5/5

Well that’s it, a short month. Real life has been crazy but I’m still almost at my goal for the year so I’m ahead of the game!

What about you guys?  What did you read this month?

Mini Reviews – April 2023

I’m starting April with seven (7) books left in the Black Dagger catch up so I think I’ve done pretty good!  Note – that seven doesn’t include the two new ones that I have my name down for at the library since they have not come in.

Secretly Yours by Tessa Bailey – Book one is the A Vine Mess series.  I’ve really liked this author’s books that I’ve read so far but I think this one might be my least favorite.  The spice was definitely less but there wasn’t even really a conflict; more glossed over mental illness crisis.  I will definitely be reading the next book – which is the sister of the male MC but I can’t help but hope for a certain landscaper to get a book later too?   3/5

The Ship of Dead by Rick Riordan (audio) – Book three is the Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard series.  Third book, third narrator.  This is probably my biggest issue – each narrator spoke differently and had different accents so it was harder to remain in the story.  Overall my second favorite of Riordan’s series though.  3/5

9 From the Nine Worlds by Rick Riordan (audio) – Oh look, more new narrators.  SIGH.  This is exactly what the title says, nine tales from the nine realms, it was just ok.   3/5

Mister Impossible by Maggie Stiefvater – Book two in the Dreamer series.  I started and stopped this one multiple times.  Not because of the story – more because I wasn’t in the mood at the time.  I know there was a big reveal that I saw coming – but overall this story is full of action.  I still miss Gansey and Blue though.  Also, Declan is growing on me.  4/5

A Deadly Education by Naomi Novik (audio/physical book) – Book one in the Scholomance series.  I tried to start this one on audio in the past but I struggled with the narrator so I moved to reading the physical book but then I moved back to the audio because these chapters are massive.  Nothing deters me from reading more when I don’t have a good stopping place.  This book dragged on for the first 1/2 at least but the story definitely picked up which was a surprise.  I think the best comparison I could give would be if Harry Potter and The Magicians met up and competed in The Hunger Games.  I’ll definitely be continuing with the series.  4/5

The Jackal by J. R. Ward – Book one in the Black Dagger Prison Camp series.  I made it to another series in this world!  For this one I looked up the characters on the wiki page before starting and went in reading thinking I wouldn’t like it very much.  While I did like the story overall I was NOT a fan of the female lead.  Bless her heart, she knows nothing of an underground prison but she is fully confident she can go at it alone and still get out?  WOW.  The male lead was gentle in nature (for the most part) but I wish he wouldn’t have hinted at his past and more just come out and said things.  Also, I would have liked a bit more backstory on the deaths of the people who did this to him because I was angry on his behalf.  3/5

A Warm Heart in Winter by J. R. Ward – Book 18.5 in the Black Dagger Brotherhood series.  This one follows Qhuinn/Blay, a family that we learn who they are a bit later in the book, and Zsadist who is working through some things.  This is a tough one for me because I was really excited and it just didn’t meet my expectations.  Though I haven’t been Qhuinn’s biggest fan in the last few books, I loved his initial book with Blay and it was one of my favorites.  Same goes with Zsadist but they never bring him back.  I wish he’d be involved more in the series and his part of this book was a bit of a let down.  While he worked through some things they didn’t involve his family as much as others in past books.  The ending was a bit hokey but still good.  There would have been so much potential there though for another family to be set up if a few things would have changed just a little.  3/5

Lover Unveiled by J. R. Ward (audio) – Book 19 in the Black Dagger Brotherhood series.  19?!  WOW.  I feel like I’ve been reading these books for so long now, I’m glad that I’m almost caught up and will just have to continue with new releases. Unfortunately we are back with Davina being a larger plot point again – she came back for a bit before but not to this level.  BLAH.  The Immortal series was the worst to me so I’m worried I will lose steam to finish up the series if this storyline is a long one.  Also?  This book was practically clean which is not the norm for this series – though that was more then norm for the other series.  I’m glad we are getting more brothers but I see Butch yet again has page time.  SIGH.  3/5

Claimed by J. R. Ward (audio)- Book one (another new series!) of the Lair of the Wolven series.  I’m closing in on this reread/catchup, I can see the light at the end of the tunnel!  Unfortunately this book was off for me –  though it’s in the world and the secondary “story” was about Xhex it felt completely different and not a part of the world but forced into it.  The female MC was a complete moron, she never learned anything – just walked through life with blinders on and thinking that people won’t resort to horrible things just because she can’t or won’t.  Not everyone is a boy/girl scout.  This woman is the definition of privilege thinking she’s above the police and can demand them to leave murder scenes?  I hope we don’t have many books in this series if this is the way it will go.  80% in and we barely saw what the “issue” was – and what I thought was the entire point of the story – wolven people – was barely on one or two pages right at the end.  I almost gave this a two but since I did finish I’ll rank it up to a three. 3/5

The Wolf by J.R. Ward (audio) – Book two in the Black Dagger Prison Camp series.  We are more than 20 books in this world – I think we can lay off the recaps about Darius building the house for everyone.  And the cultural references are just silly at this point but I don’t know – maybe I’m just reading too many back to back.  Maybe once I’m caught up and only reading 1-2 a year these things won’t seem as frustrating.  Why are we still on Butch and Vishous? Ward is playing favorites and unfortunately her favorites seem to be the two I hate the most.  I can see where some others say Rio and Lucan are secondary in their own book. Overall it was ok but a bit of a let down. 3/5

Murder Your Employer:  The McMasters Guide to Homicide by Ruper Holmes (audio) – I first picked this up as a physical book but this was another font/didn’t like the chapter set-up so I had to switch to audio.  This was a quirky book with a quirky author (he wrote the Pina Colada Song!)  I enjoyed it though it was a slow start, the ending was darkly funny though.  4/5

The Dark King by Gina L. Maxwell – Book one in the Deviant Kings series. I can see the Katee Robert comparison – but the story side of this series was much more detailed.  There was more of a plot than I would have thought.  I’m not too excited to read the rest, more because I didn’t like the ending on this one but I will at least try to continue.  3/5

Dolly Parton, Songwriter by Dolly Parton (audio) – I just love Dolly.  It was great to hear her discuss her songs. 4/5

The Aftermath:  The Last Days of the Baby Boom and the Future of Power in America by Philip Bump (audio) – So much information that I 100% agree on.  Boomers are going to ruin everything on their way out.  If I had a dollar for everytime the narrator said “In the print edition of this book” I’d be rich and wouldn’t need to stress about boomers and the ever changing economy. 4/5

Little Thieves by Margaret Owen (audio ) – Book one in the Little Thieves series.  I don’t know, it was weird that we have the villain starting out in her villain era.  Though she was mistreated to begin with I’m a big believer that it doesn’t give you the right to hurt others, I just didn’t see how I was going to feel sorry or care about her.  The story itself was good but it took way too long to even like the MC. There were almost no good people in the whole story. Storyline wise I think book two has the potential to improve my opinion of Vanja so bottom line it was a good book.    4/5

Weyward by Emilia Hart (audio) –     I’m not sure where I originally saw this book but I’d ordered a fancy UK copy so it was a while back.  I wasn’t in a rush to move this to the top of my TBR but after seeing a tiktok where someone was raving about it I decided to listen to the audio.  WOW.  How is this a debut?  This was at times a hard read but a wonderful one at the same time. Ms Hart will be a auto buy/read author from the jump. Check triggers warnings on this one though. 5/5

Wake Up With Purpose!:  What I’ve Learned in My First Hundred Years by Sister Jean –      A cute book about a cute sister. She is a sister though so there it is heavy on religious ideas. 3/5

End of April verdict?  I’m at 80 books this year!  If I can keep at the rate I’m going (highly unlikely, LOL) I’d be on track to read 240 books this year.  I’m still not making a huge dent in books at home yet but I am completing series’ so I’ll take that win.  I mean I’m down to four Black Dagger books and that INCLUDES the two new ones!

What about you guys? What did you read this month?

Mini Reviews – March 2023

Well I still have 12 more books to go till the April release in the Black Dagger series, let’s see how far I can get this month!

The Savior by J. R. Ward (audio) – Book 17 in the Black Dagger Brotherhood.  Man this one got me and not in a good way.  I’m so mad at the Brotherhood, I don’t think I’ve ever been this mad over the direction of a book since I quit Maas for her BS series in which I literally threw the book. Why is Qhuinn a brother but not John?!  How is Murhder exiled after what happened but Xhex wasn’t?  Shit, some of the other brothers did worse than he did.  This pick and choose bullshit is getting old. Them just deciding to exclude John kills me.  Excuse my language but Qhuinn ain’t shit.  John is literally the BLOOD of the brotherhood, and God don’t even get me started on Butch’s bullshit induction.  They need to start growing because this is just crap.  But the “new” storyline was pretty great. 4/5

Blood Truth by J. R. Ward – Book four in the  Black Dagger Legacy series, not my favorite in the spin off – probably because we see so much Butch in it.  He “worked” the case of several girls that went missing and were killed and they say he solved it but really he didn’t do shit. Helaine did most of the work and like always Butch ain’t shit.  Side note I hope we get more babies soon in the series.  Also compared to Bella’s needing this was a blip.  It feels like Helaine’s time was glossed over.  3/5

Where Winter Finds You by J. R. Ward – Book 17.5 in the Black Dagger Brotherhood series.  I’m officially in single digits with my catch up after this book!  This is  a novella – though I’m not sure why it is called that based on the length – that follows Trez and Therese’s relationship.  This was just an ok storyline.  I do like that Lassiter is getting more positive air time so to speak but Trez’s original story was horrible and I feel like this was a cop out.  3/5

The Sinner by J. R. Ward (audio) – Book 18 in the Black Dagger Brotherhood series.  Jesus can Butch not be in one book please?  He’s so stupid.  Really – please – just one book where he doesn’t talk and isn’t part of a subplot.  I do think the overall storytelling from the original books came back here.  I’m still mad about John as well, and Balthazar?  He’s family, what the hell is your problem?  UGH. 4/5

Mysteries of Thorn Manor by Margaret Rogerson – Book 1.5 in the Sorcery of Thorns books.  A small novella with the same characters and while cute and entertaining I don’t think I remembered enough from the first book to enjoy this completely.  Still a quick read so worth it.  4/5

The Light We Carry:  Overcoming in Uncertain Times by Michelle Obama (audio) – I just love to listen to her talk, she gives me hope that there are sane people still out in the world that want to do good and not abuse the system.  If you need a pick me up against all that has gone wrong over the last few years this is the book.  4/5

Saga Volume 10 by Brian K. Vaughan – It has been so long since I’ve read any of this series that I can barely remember the storylines.  It was just ok – I’m not liking where it has gone overall though.  3/5

A Flicker in the Dark by Stacy Willingham – Oh boy. I was so excited for a thriller set in Louisiana but I had to DNF.  I wanted to include it here because the Louisiana element was bad.  I’m not sure if this author has ever stepped foot in the state and frankly that took me out of the story and I quit.  This was enough that I decided to not even try to read her other book.  It felt like the Louisiana info was from a wiki page and not even correct at that.  DNF

Stranger Things:  The Tomb of Ybwen by Greg Pak – This one had a Bob flashback so it was cute.  I think the books might be a bit more fun to read overall though – once I get through all the graphic novels I will start those and report back. 3/5

Stranger Things: Erica the Great by Greg Pack – I think most show watchers love Erica but this was just an ok story.  Just a quick D & D game  with her friends. 3/5

Episode Thirteen by Craig DiLouie – I was very excited for this one – seemed to have a great supernatural element but when I picked it up it was marked as horror?  Was it a quick read?  Yes.  Entertaining?  Mostly.  Horror?  Not at all.  This was a big let down and none of it came fof as horror to me.  3/5

Gallant by V. E. Schwab (audio) – A quick audio, but a big let down.  I generally love Schwab’s books but this felt rushed and with a mediocre ending that didn’t resolve much.  It was short so I did finish it but this is something I won’t read again and probably won’t remember any details of later on.  3/5

The Sword of Summer by Rick Riordan (audio) – Book one is the Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard series. After renewing the actual book several times I decided it was time to move to audio.  That isn’t a reflection on the book as more of a reflection on my reading habits, audio is just easier for the most part nowadays. Though there is a lot more death in this series than others I think I ‘d rank it second in the Riordan universe.  As a Loki fangirl I found this entertaining though I’m not sure I like the light most of the Norse Gods are painted in.  A lot of bid dumb warrior vibes which could have been done better IMO.  Overall, I’m excited to continue the series.  4/5

The Hammer of Thor by Rick Riordan (audio) – Book two in the Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard series.  First, the narrator changed which led me to check on book three – another narrator.  As the voice changes it threw me off just a bit but 

I think I fell a bit behind this month – my audio listening definitely dropped, some days you just aren’t in the mood to listen to a book and I had quite a few of those days this month.

How’d you do this month?

Mini Reviews – November Wrap Up

I have (or had since I’m posting this the month after writing) two months left and I want to keep up my reading momentum.  I really need to buckle down and start saving again so the more I read the less I shop.  I’m setting myself a goal for November for 20 books.  I think this is absolutely possible as I’m off the entire week of Thanksgiving, but who knows – Christmas is coming and shopping for gifts will need to start soon. 

What did I read this month? Well, first I only got to 8 or the 20 I was hoping for so I wasn’t off to a great start but to be fair to myself I got sick during Thanksgiving week (which tends to happen when I take time off).

The Lost Ticket by Freya Sampson – I really enjoyed The Last Chance Library so I’d been looking forward to this book for a while now.  Did I like it?  Yes.  Was it as good as Last Chance Library?  No.  Overall a great story, I cried at least once, I feel like we skimmed the surface of the “romance” in the book; it felt a little too insta love.  Still an author I’ll be sure to follow for future books. 3/5

The Demigod Files by Rick Riordan – Continuing on my re-read to finish the series’, book 4.5 in the Percy Jackson series.  This one has three novellas, character interviews, and information/drawings on the Gods.  Something quick, skipping it would have been ok, it was just a few adventures from between books. 3/5

Stranger Things:  Into the Fire by  Jody Houser – A graphic novel set in the world of Stranger Things that follows the kids from the lab that escaped trying to find others that made it out.  Being as this didn’t really have the Stranger Things people it was just ok for me.  3/5

Stranger Things:  The Bully by Greg Pak – A graphic novel set in the world of Stranger Things.  This barely had any of the characters from the story so I’m happy it was so short because I wasn’t drawn in at all.  I finished it though so. . . 3/5

The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna – This was a book I was very excited for – when you compare The House in the Cerulean Sea I’m in, plus this was a buddy read with some book friends (Daphne included).  In short?  I LOVED IT.  It was 100% its own story but I can see where it had the same vibes of Cerulean.  I truly love a found family and the sprinkle of magic didn’t hurt. I’m happy I ordered a special edition because this is a book I will want to read again. 5/5

Percy Jackson and the Singer of Apollo by Rick Riordan – A quick novella where Percy and Grover run a quick errand for a God.  Cute as always.  3/5

A Very Krampus Holiday by Katee Robert – A kindle unlimited novella just in time for the holiday season.  A quick read and as always I’m always surprised by how much Katee can fit into such a small novella (that’s what she said).  3/5

The Death God’s Sacrifice by Jenny Nordbak – Book one in the Peculiar Tastes series, a monster romance series by different authors but set in the same world.  I picked these up because Katee Robert’s book in the series is a character in another series she has that I’ve been reading.  I’d say this one was just ok, though this story felt like it wasn’t over.  I didn’t see anything upcoming on the author’s page but there is a lot of potential to keep going.  3/5

As you can see I failed miserably at meeting the goal this month but I did hit 200 books for the year so far! I hope I can do better to close out the year with a bang.

What about you? What are you reading? What are your top 2023 anticipated titles?

Mini Reviews – October Wrap Up

Another month of being behind on posting what was read, it is over halfway through November!  I’m going to attempt to again make monthly reading lists just for the sake of really needing to downsize the books I own.  It is getting out of hand and my shelves are maxed out but something tells me I’m only going to read library books or books I know I want to keep, it is a vicious circle. SIGH.  

Suicide Forest:  The Mystery of Aokigahara by Roger Harrington –  This was something I found on Kindle Unlimited.  I’ve always wanted to know more about this forest, I guess morbid curiosity but the grammar was horrible.  I had to reread some parts several times to understand the meaning behind certain pieces.  3/5

Barbarian Mine by Ruby Dixon – Book four in the Ice Planet Barbarians series.  I got this one from KU because I didn’t want to start a full book yet.  This one was a bit strange.  The lack of understanding the language felt awkward to read  at times.  I like that we are finally seeing some of the babies be born though.  3/5

Ice Planet Honeymoon:  Rukh & Harlow by Rudy Dixon – Book 4.5 in the Ice Planet Barbarians series.  These are just ok, no real story on the honeymoons since they are busy with “other” things. 3/5

A Mirror Mended by Alix E Harrow (audio) – Book two in the Fractured Fables series.  A quick listen, entertaining but some things seemed forced and not like the first story.  The vibe was off.  3/5

A Lady of Rooksgrave Manor by Kathryn Moon – Book one in the Tempting Monsters series.  I started this one a long time ago and gave up but with kindle unlimited I’m trying to go back to the books I started.  I actually like this one, there was a story though not much of one.  I look forward to the next book in the series.  3/5

I Choose Darkness:  A Holiday Essay by Jenny Lawson (audio) – A super quick listen, just an essay about Halloween.  Cute.  Nostalgic.  3/5

Night Country by Meslissa Albert (audio) – Book two in The Hazel Wood series.  I like where this story went but the build up seems a bit much so the ending was more rushed to me.  I want the pay off.  3/5

The Boy Who Didn’t Come Home by Melissa Albert (audio) –  Book 1.5 in The Hazel Wood series. This follows Finch after they separated at the end of book one.  A good read but not mind blowing.  3/5

Ice Planet Holiday by Ruby Dixon – Book 4.75 of the Ice Planet Barbarians. This was a longer novella surrounding the girls as they try to recreate the holidays to cheer everyone up.  I liked this but the small glimpse we got of the new couple makes me sad because I would have loved a full book with them.  There was the potential for a great story.  3/5

Aokigahara:  The Truth Behind Japan’s Suicide Forest by Tara A. Devlin – Another Suicide Forest book on KU.  Another book with a severe grammar issue.  I do find the forest interesting, I would like to read something a bit more put together about it.  3/5

The Company of Fiends by Kathryn Moon – Book two in the Tempting Monsters series from KU.  This one follows a MC that performs at the theatre featured in book one.  I did not care for this one much.  The “why choose” is fine but it didn’t feel like it made sense.  It felt more like I don’t want to lose her so I’ll do this as opposed to actually wanting/being ok with the set up.  3/5 

Fairy Tale by Stephen King (audio) – Hands down the best book I’ve read all year!  This is something completely different that I would never associate with SK’s name and it was really good.  You give me someone who would do anything for the dog and I’m in.  Spoiler alert if you need – the dog lives.  I was very worried and had to spoil the end for myself to make sure. This would have been 5 stars but at the end it felt a bit weird and some of the scenes didn’t mesh into the story IMO.  4/5

Other Birds by Sarah Addison Allen – This is my first book by this author and it will absolutely not be my last.  I’m not sure where I saw someone talking about this one but I was intrigued enough to pick it up from the library.  This is one of the best books I’ve read in a long time, I think I got about 30% in or so and knew I’d read this again and that it would be a five star read unless the story took a dramatic turn.    For anyone struggling with loss, anxiety/rejection, etc this is your book.  It read quickly, had multiple POVs (which I personally love) and found family, something we all could do with a bit more of.  5/5

Lightlark by Alex Aster (audio) – Book one in the Lightlark series.  First, Booktok is toxic AF.  This book wasn’t bad, but very predictable – typical of a YA trope.  I’d definitely pick up the second book but it would more than likely be borrowed from the library.  This did have Hunger Games vibes but mixed with Caraval.  The romance(s) could have used a bit more work and the villain aspect/consequences of their actions would have come off more believable if there was a bit more work put in.  3/5

The Kraken’s Sacrifice by Katee Robert – Book two in the Deal With a Demon series.  This was extremely disappointing.  This was not a monster romance, there was too much going on with the amount of grief and then the aborted pregnancy so if anything more like monster fiction?  While both topics that are 100% ok to include in books and talk about that took up at least 80-90% of the book and while I generally enjoy this author’s books it felt like she was trying to force too many contemporary elements into a book that isn’t long enough.  I’m hoping this will pick back up on the momentum for the next book.  3/5

Stranger Things: Science Camp by Jody Houser – A graphic novel set in the Stranger Things world, this takes place while Dustin is at camp.  Cute, these are really helping tide me over until whenever the next season comes out though I know for a fact I will run out way before that point.  3/5

Stranger Things and Dungeons & Dragons by Jody Houser – A graphic novel set in the Stranger Things world, this shows the introduction to Dungeons & Dragons so fantasy within a fantasy.  Cute, though the more I see him the more annoyed I am with Mike. 3/5

The Ballad of Never After by Stephanie Garber (audio) – Book two in the Once Upon a Broken Heart series.  SIGH.  I think I’m just growing away from YA books because my God I want to punch this girl.  I had to quit, maybe I’ll be in the mood to continue at a later date but this was just too juvenile – much more so that I’d say for a YA and for the second book in a series.  DNF

Let’s see how long it takes me to post November’s wrap up next month, LOL. What are you guys reading? Any recs?

Have a great holiday break!

Mini Reviews – July Wrap up

I really want to start working on clearing out my book shelves at home so I did a small purge (very small, didn’t even make a dent) and set up another bookshelf to get stacks off the ground and be able to see what I have available.  Will I start reading those this month?  Probably not, but it is a start!  

The Hazel Wood by Melissa Albert – Book one in The Hazel Wood series.  This is a reread to continue on with the series, I couldn’t remember much of my first read.  When rereading I always leave my rating the same as my initial read but I’m not sure why I rated this 5/5?  If I were to rate again I wouldn’t go over a four.  The MC had so much anger and we were left in the dark for so long that I just didn’t see the magic so to speak again.  4/5

Tales from the Hinterland by Melissa Albert – Book 2.5 in The Hazel Wood series.  This is the series of fairy tales that the other books are based on.  These were good, but most seemed like there could have been a bit more to the story.  3/5

The Shadows by J.R. Ward – Book 13 of the Black Dagger Brotherhood series.  The best part of starting this book means I’m done with the Fallen Angels series and there is no looking back!  I can guarantee if I ever reread this series again that it will be left out.  I’m torn with this series now.  Do I still love the characters?  Absolutely, but the way they talk is a bit ridiculous and I’m not sure if the newer books have grown at all (this book came out in 2005) but I hope they have.  The amount of toxic talk is starting to be upsetting.  Also I miss the books being about one set of characters.  From what I can see storyline wise we had three lone characters, one sibling set,and about four couples.  This count is off the top of my head so it could very well be more and I’m forgetting something.  We jump so much that even though one “couple” is supposed to be the main focus I feel like if they get more page time it is only about 5-10 %.  Also, the outcome on this one left a lot to be desired.  3/5

The Story of Son by J.R. Ward – Book 13.5 (novella) of the Black Dagger Brotherhood series.  After the last book and the mediocre ending I was a little gun shy on continuing thinking I needed a little break.  There are more characters we’ve seen for awhile now that haven’t had their story or a revisit yet but we get a new character in Book 13 and they are the next book?  It’s technically a spin off series but I’m still a little salty.  Am I going to read either way?  Absolutely.  This was a novella, I want to say it was cute but kidnapping and imprisonment aren’t exactly happy events.  It involves two characters we’ve never seen.  Though in Caldwell there is no crossover.  I felt bad for the MCs but I’d have liked for the male MC to have met the brotherhood, or even a vampire that knows them, just to let you know that he will find others like him.  3/5

Stranger Things:  The Other Side by Jody Houser – I decided I’m going to start reading the Stranger Things graphic novels and books set between seasons or as alternate POVs of aired shows. to get more backstory and fuel for my season five theories, LOL.  This was a quick and interesting look at what Will experienced on his side in season one while everyone was looking for him.  If you like the show I think you will like these as well.  3/5

Stranger Things:  Six by Jody Houser – Honestly?  It was a bit boring but it was really small so it read very quickly.  This is about one of the other kids in the program with Eleven, though it doesn’t quite have the same feel. 3/5

Heartstopper Volume 4 by Alice Oseman – I was excited to pick this one up, the guys are fully a couple now and the new school year is getting started.  I really liked this one.  We didn’t just have HEA in this we saw a couple try to support one another through some difficult conversations with family and experiences with mental health issues.  A great look at a working relationship between two people that love each other and how you can support each other without trying to do the work for them, you should want yourself to get better if there are some issues to resolve.  4/5

Price and Premeditation by Tirzah Price (audio) – I really enjoyed this one! This is more the vibe of what I thought The Murder of Mr Wickham would be but didn’t get.  I think focusing on one book probably helped, it was a fun take on how to incorporate the murder mystery.  There were a few classic lines that stood out and I felt were done right, Lizzy though – SIGH – she was a little too much at times.  I look forward to the next Sense and Second-Degree Murder.  3/5

This wasn’t a great reading month, work has picked up which means I’m more tired than normal when I get home.  I did watch most of the Umbrella Academy though!  What are you reading?