Book Review: Changes (Dresden Files #12) by Jim Butcher

On April 3, 2023March 29, 2023 By AllieS.In Book Review, Dresden FilesLeave a comment

Changes is the twelfth book in the Dresden Files series by Jim Butcher and true to the title this is the book where many things change and the book ends in a cliffhanger. In this one we find out that Susan Rodriguez, Harry’s one time lover, who earlier in the series was turned into a partial vampire had a daughter with Harry and never told him before now. She has been kidnaped by Arianna Ortega, Duchess of the Red Court, in a bid to harm Harry and he will do what ever it takes to save his daughter.

Changes is where plot elements and information that both Harry and the reader have gained though out the series is brought together and we see how far Harry is willing to go for those he cares about. It is also clear with that ending that the series will be different in some ways going forward.

Personally, while I liked see how many things are coming back I overall didn’t enjoy this book. That is mostly because I was never a fan of Susan and her relationship with Harry. However, with how it ended I definitely will be continuing with the series.

December 2022 Obsidian Moon Crate

On March 31, 2023March 29, 2023 By AllieS.In Book Box, Obsidian Moon CrateLeave a comment

Obsidian Moon Crate is a quarterly book box based in the US that focuses on adults with interest in the darker elements of life and books. Each box comes with a new hardcover book either YA or Adult Fantasy or Science Fiction, one crystal, one candle, and four to five other items. December’s theme is Darker than the Deep.

The items included in this box are a Empire of Storms unisex t-shirt, a mixology drink, a candle inspired by Black Sun by Rebecca Roanhorse, a bath bomb with a crystal inside it, a Skin of the Sea inspired enamel pin and a set of foil bookmarks inspired by the Shades of Magic. All the items are high quality and the only one I won’t use is the mixology drink but I like the idea behind it.

The book included was The Syren’s Mutiny by Jessica S. Taylor which follows Brigid who stowaways on a ship to escape being married off, but when she is discovered she is thrown to the ocean. However, she is saved by becoming a Syren and Brigid now has the ability to seek revenge on those who wronged her. Based on the summary it sound to me like a dark fantasy horror with some possible romance. This edition also has an exclusive dust jacket, art on the hardback and end papers, and painted edges.

Overall, if you are interested in a darker aesthetic or darker book this could be the book box for you. I do plan to order other boxes from them in the future. The next quarterly boxes theme is Courting Death.

December 2022 Illumicrate

On March 24, 2023March 21, 2023 By AllieS.In Book Box, IllumicrateLeave a comment

Illumicrate is a UK based fantasy and science fiction book box that has monthly boxes or just a monthly book only subscription. Each box also includes a selection of bookish goodies some more practical, others more decorative set around a monthly theme. December’s theme is Better Together.

The items included in this box are a mug inspired by the Song of Achilles, a 2023 desk calendar featuring couples from different series, a jewelry case inspired by House of Earth and Blood, and a chain pin set inspired by the Jasmine Throne.

Illumicrate, like other book boxes, include a new hard cover each month and most months a letter from the author. This months book is The Red Scholar’s Wake by Aliette De Bodard. I have read some of Aliette De Bodard’s other works and loved them so I have a feeling that I will enjoy this book. The story follows Xich Si who is a scavenger whos ship has been captured by the Red Banner pirate fleet. Rice Fish the leader of the pirate fleet, who is a sentient ship, proposes an arranged marriage between Xich and herself as Rice Fish needs help who killed her wife, the Red Scholar. While an odd premise De Bodard’s work is generally well written and makes the characters easy to connect to. This edition of the book has an exclusive cover, sprayed edges, and foiling on the hardback.

January’s theme is Journey’s End.

December 2022 Wrap Up

On February 17, 2023February 7, 2023 By AllieS.In Wrap UpLeave a comment

In December I read five books most which were physical. I also work retail during the holidays so I’m surprised that I read that much.

Books:

The first book I read was Harrow the Ninth by Tamsyn Muir which was a reread for me and I have a full review posted. I liked this one much more on a second read as I understood so much more. Based on the format of this book it leans itself to multiple rereads as you will pick up on the hints that are sprinkled throughout the book. I plan to continue on with the series soon.

Final Fantasy VII Remake: Material Ultimania is a nonfiction book that contains art and other reference materials used during the devolvement of Final Fantasy VII Remake. I really like this book but its definitely a book for fans.

The Band that Played On: The Extraordinary Story of the 8 Musicians Who Went Down with the Titanic by Steve Turner is a nonfiction book about the Titanic. This book focuses on the band and the story that they continued playing until the ship sank. Provides great detail on who the band members were, how they ended up on the Titanic, and the memory of how they are remembered.

The Mistletoe Paradox is a short story collections that each story takes ideas about mistletoe and the traditions around it to write stories. As with most short story collections I liked some of the stories more than others but I want to see where these authors go next and the types of stories they will tell in the future.

The last book I read in December was Tales from the Hinterland by Melissa Albert. This is the collection of dark fairytales that are referenced throughout the Hazel Wood series. While I didn’t love The Night Country which was the second book in the series I was still interested in reading the fairytales mention in the books. Overall, I think that these dark fairytales are one of the best things in this series and I loved seeing where Melissa Albert took these types of fairytales.

December 2022 Fairyloot

On February 13, 2023February 7, 2023 By AllieS.In FairylootLeave a comment

Fairyloot is a Young Adult book subscription box focusing on fantasy based out of the UK. Each month you receive a new Young Adult hardback book and 4-5 bookish goodies. Like most book boxes the hardback are special editions and the items are a combination of both practical things and more decorative items. December’s theme is Come One, Come All.

The bookish items included this month are a face towel, a set of Carousel bookends, the next mythology bookmarks, a Caraval book sleeve, and the monthly tarot cards featuring character art from Girls of Paper and Fire.

All Fairyloot books come with exclusive covers, generally signed by the author and include a letter from the author. This month the book is Cruel Illusions by Margie Fuston which is a standalone fantasy with a magical secret society, a deadly competition and vampires. This edition also has digitally sprayed edges and foiling on the hardback.

January’s theme is Hidden Worlds.

November 2022 Illumicrate

On February 10, 2023February 6, 2023 By AllieS.In IllumicrateLeave a comment

The items included in this box are a sword replica from Priory of the Orange Tree, a scarf inspired by the Winternight trilogy, a tote bag, and a tea tin inspired by Only a Monster.

Illumicrate, like other book boxes, include a new hard cover each month and most months a letter from the author. This months book is The Luminaries by Susan Dennard. This is a contemporary fantasy that follows Winnie who wants to join the Luminaires, an ancient order that protects the town and humanity from the monsters and nightmares that reside in the forest. However, she and her ex-best friend jay discover danger that no-one is prepared for as not all monsters can be killed. This edition also has foil on the hardback, and digitally printed edges.

December’s theme is Better Together.

Book Review: Lirael (Abhorsen #2) by Garth Nix

On February 6, 2023February 6, 2023 By AllieS.In Book ReviewLeave a comment

Lirael is the second book in the Abhorsen series and the sequel to Sabriel. This book focuses on Lirael who is a daughter of the Clayr, who have the ability to see some aspects of the future however Lirael never gained the sight. She ends up taking up a mission to stop an ancient evil along with Sabriel’s son Sam.

This is a reread for me but I read it many years ago and don’t remember much about the story. Overall, I liked this book but enjoyed Sabriel more. The one thing that I didn’t enjoy was the switching of perspectives between Lirael and Sam as I just don’t like Sam’s perspective as much thought I get why it was needed for the plot. I do plan to continue reading this series.

November 2022 Fairyloot

On February 3, 2023February 2, 2023 By AllieS.In Book Box, FairylootLeave a comment

The bookish items included this month are a Kingdom of the Wicked mug, a book review notebook, a letter opener inspired by Serpent and Dove, a spellbook enamel pin, and the monthly tarot cards.

All Fairyloot books come with exclusive covers, generally signed by the author and include a letter from the author. This month the book is The Ones We Burn by Rebecca Mix. This edition also has Ombre sprayed edges, art on the back of the dust jacket, adn foiling on the hardback.

December’s theme is Come One, Come All.

October and November 2022 Wrap Up

On January 27, 2023January 24, 2023 By AllieS.In Book Review, Wrap UpLeave a comment

Since I only read one book in October I decided to combine the October and November wrap ups. For both months I read five books. In terms of watching tv and movies the only thing I remember watching was some documentaries and YouTube videos.

Books:

In October I decided to start a reread of the Locked Tomb series so that I remember more when I got to Nona the Ninth which I still haven’t read but I did finish rereading Gideon the Ninth in October. Gideon is the first book in the Locked Tomb series that focuses on space necromancers who are trying to become more powerful to help the emperor. I still loved this book and I have a full review already posted.

The first book that I read in November was Lirael by Garth Nix. This is the squeal to Sabriel and technically a reread for me but the last time I read it was years ago. Lirael focuses on Lirael who is a daughter of the Clayr but she has never gained to sight which allows the Clayr to see some aspects of the future. She ends up taking up a mission to stop the return of an ancient evil along with Sabriel’s son Sam, who is believed to be the next Abhorsen. While I enjoyed the book overall I don’t love it in comparison to Sabriel and I would have preferred that the book didn’t switch perspectives between Lirael and Sam.

Campfire Stories: Tales from America’s National Parks by Dave and Ilyssa Kyu is what it say it is. This is a book that features short stories and experts of Tales from different National Parks that could be told around a campfire. I liked the concept of this book but was not a big fan of most of the stories.

Paperback Crush by Gabrielle Moss is a nonfiction book about the paperback teen and preteen books from the 80s and 90s. As someone who grew up on some of these books I liked reading about how these stories came to be and the history of the genre.

Queen’s Peril by EK Johnston is a Star Wars novel focuses on Padme as she becomes Queen of Naboo and the events of The Phantom Menace movie. I loved the introduction of the Handmaidens and how that system works but I wish we got more of Padme’s thoughts and emotions.

October 2022 Illumicrate

On January 25, 2023January 19, 2023 By AllieS.In Book Box, IllumicrateLeave a comment

The items included in this box are a Strange the Dreamer inspired blanket, a Greek mythology teacup and saucer with Hades and Persephone, a Ninth House papercraft kit, and and set of cable ties.

Illumicrate, like other book boxes, include a new hard cover each month and most months a letter from the author. This months book is The Whispering Dark by Kelly Andrew. This edition also comes with art of the reverse of the dust jacket and on the endpapers, stenciled sprayed edges, and foiling on the hardback.