September 2020 Wrap Up

On October 2, 2020October 5, 2020 By AllieS.In Book Review, Wrap UpLeave a comment

September was a fairly good reading month for me having read nine books. My physical To Be Read pile is pretty big and is always changing but I have started to work my way through the eBooks that I have as well.

Books:

Final Girls by Mira Grant is a horror novella about a therapy treatment where dreams are created and shared to deal with past trauma. When the technology get hijacked while a reported and the creator of the technology they must try to survive together. I love Mira Grant’s work and this was no exception. Though I do wish this was a longer novel what we are given is just the right amount and a great horror story.

The Last Stormdancer by Jay Kristoff is a short story set in the Lotus Wars series. This short story is a prequel to the rest of the series and gives some of the back story to the world that is introduced in the first novel. While I liked this story I would have enjoyed it more if I had read it around the same time as the other books in the series. There has just been too much time between each book for me to really connect to the series or story at the moment.

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid is an adult historical fiction novel following the life of Hollywood star Evelyn Hugo and her relationships with her seven husbands. I really liked this book as Evelyn changed as a person and found her own way through the world. The twist near the end surprised me but I loved the characters and it speaks to the fact that you should live your life the way you want to as you never know what could happen.

The Hallow Places by T. Kingfisher is a horror novel about a young woman who finds a path to a world full of willow trees that might connect to other worlds from a hole in the wall of her grandfathers museum. However, there is something in the trees of this world that will find and hurt you it you think about them. Very creepy and unsettling but perfect for the Halloween season. I have a full review for this book as well.

Five Nights at Freddy’s Fazbear Frights vols. 3, 4, and 5 by Scott Cawthon are the next three volumes in the FNAF’s short story collections. Several years ago I got pulled into the lore of the video games and then the books so while they are not the best I still read them when new books come out. Each volume contains three short stories that connect different characters to the animatronics and other creations of Fazebear Entertainment. Great for those already interested in the series thought some stories are much more gruesome and confusing than others they are all creepy horror stories aimed at young adults.

Praying for Rain by Jay Kristoff is the last short story connected to the Louts Wars series that I needed to read. Very short story focusing on a Miho, a girl living in Kigen, and the boy she starts to fall in love with. However, when he finds out her secret her life is put in danger. This story adds a little more to the world and the people that are affected by the war. But once again if I had read this when I read the rest of the series I would have liked it more.

Labyrinth Coronation vol.1 is a graphic novel that tells the story about how Jareth become the Goblin King that we see in the movie. The story parallels Sarah’s journey in the movie with Jareth being wished away and his mother trying to get him back. Very good art and I plan to continue on with the series.

September 2020 OwlCrate

On September 28, 2020September 26, 2020 By AllieS.In Book Box, OwlCrateLeave a comment

Owl Crate is a young adult book subscription box where every month you receive one new hardcover book and an assortment of bookish goodies connected to the monthly theme. Some of these items are very practical and some are better suited as decor or for a pin/builtin board. September’s theme is A Glorious Haunting.

Each box includes different bookish goodies that fit the theme of the month and are connected to other books. This months items include a throw blanket that features the full text of Edgar Allan Poe’s The Raven which is very soft and I love. Other items included were a set of three skull spoons, a Sleepy Hollow inspired lip balm that smells like pumpkin spice, a Black Flame candle inspired by Hocus Pocus, and an enamel chain bookmark.

Every month Owl Crate has a new young adult hardback book that has an exclusive cover, is signed and comes with a letter from the author. The enamel pin that is in every box is also inspired by that months book. This months book is Horrid by Katrina Leno which also included exclusive artwork on the reverse of the dust jacket. The story follows Jane and her mother who move back to New England after her fathers death. But the house that they are living in might house more secrets and horrors than Jane was expecting.

October’s theme is Legends and Lore.

Book Review: The Hollow Places by T. Kingfisher

On September 25, 2020September 24, 2020 By AllieS.In Book BoxLeave a comment

The Hollow Places by T. Kingfisher is an adult horror novel that is inspired by the 1907 novella by Algernon Blackwood, The Willows. The story follows Kara a recently divorced young woman who is working and living in her uncles small town museum full of old taxidermy and other oddities. One day a hole is busted into a wall in the museum which opens a door way to a different world of islands surrounded by willows with bunkers on some of the islands. When Kara and her friend, Simon, venture into the world they find a place that connects many worlds but house creatures that hear your thoughts and the more that you think of them the stronger and more deadly they become.

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley and I absolutely loved it. The writing is very good and Kingfisher created a amazing horror atmosphere that made me feel physically anxious and fearful for the characters. It one of those books that I had to stop reading at points because of how creepy and unsettling everything was but at the same time I wanted to keep reading to find out what happened next.

Kara is one of those characters that is written in a way that makes her feel very relatable and someone you want to root for. Simon is mostly there for some add comic relief during some of the most tense situations but I loved this quirky character. There were a few moments that I felt like the characters had to do things that in reality no one would do just to move the story and plot along but it didn’t take away from my enjoyment of the story. I would recommend this book to anyone interested in horror and those who love creepy stories.

August 2020 Fairyloot

On September 21, 2020September 16, 2020 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 5-6 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. August’s theme is Let the Games Begin.

The bookish items included this month are a Nevernight bookmark, a golden egg bath bomb, an Aurora Rising pin, a notebook inspired by Stalking Jack the Ripper, a Scythe magnet, and An Ember In the Ashes book sleeve. Each month also includes two tarot card this month featuring Mia and Mr. Kindly from Nevernight.

All Fairyloot books come with exclusive covers and are signed by the author. The box also includes an author letter for each book. This months book is Star Daughter by Shveta Thakrar which also came with gold sprayed edges. The story is a contemporary fantasy inspired by Hindu mythology where a young woman is forced to be her celestial families human champion while also trying to save her father.

September’s theme is Under the Sea.

August 2020 Wrap Up

On September 18, 2020September 15, 2020 By AllieS.In Book Review, Movie Review, Wrap UpLeave a comment

In August I didn’t read as much as I would have liked, only reading two books but both were five star reads. However, I did watch several movies which I will be reviewing in this Wrap Up.

Books:

Rolling in the Deep by Mira Grant is a horror novella that I have reread multiple times and have a full review for. The only thing I will say about it is it follows a group of scientists that are searching for mermaids and find them. I love this story and expect that I will reread it and the sequel novel again and again.

The other book I read this month was Gideon The Ninth by Tasyn Muir. This is a science fiction/fantasy novel about lesbian necromancers in space. Though it is so much more than that and its very hard to describe. I would recommend checking out my full review of the book. Its a new favorite and I can’t wait to read the next book in the series.

Movies:

Crawl is a disaster movie where a young woman goes to check on her dad who’s house in Florida is in the path of a Category 5 Hurricane. While finding her dad, Alligators are in their basement trying to catch them and they must work together to make it out alive. I watched this one day when I didn’t want to think about what I was watching. The movie is good but like many disaster movies it focuses more on the spectacle than on a story or plot.

47 Meters Down: Uncaged is a survival horror movie that is technically the sequel to 47 Meters Down but none of the characters of the first movie appear in the sequel. The story follows a group of teenagers who decide to go underwater cave diving in a newly discovered Mayan ruins however when the girls get spooked and cause a cave in they must attempt to survive shark attacks by sharks that have learned to survive in complete darkness. A kind of campy shark movie that is great for those times that you don’t want to have to focus on the plot to understand what is going on.

Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle is the direct sequel to the 1995 Jumanji movie staring Robin Williams. Instead of being sucked into a board game and having to win to make everything go back to normal a group of teenagers during detention find an old video game that they get sucked into which they must survive and beat to return home. I love the original Jumanji movie and it was a childhood favorite. This new movie while very different is also very good. I love the actors and the part where the teenagers are inhabiting the bodies of the video game characters. I would give the movie a watch if you haven’t seen it yet.

August 2020 OwlCrate

On September 14, 2020September 13, 2020 By AllieS.In Book Box, OwlCrateLeave a comment

Each box includes different bookish goodies that fit the theme of the month and are connected to other books. This months items include a star shaped bottle with sliver push pins, a Strange the Dreamer bandana, a pen with a star on top, a Starless Sea book sleeve, and an Aurora Rising inspired clipboard.

Every month Owl Crate has a new young adult hardback book that has an exclusive cover, is signed and comes with a letter from the author. The enamel pin that is in every box is also inspired by that months book. This months book is Star Daughter by Shveta Thakrar which also has purple sprayed edges. The book is a Hindu inspired fantasy where a young woman is sent on a quest to be the human champion of her celestial family and decide which house will be the next ruler of the heaven while saving her father.

September’s theme is A Glorious Haunting.

Book Review: Gideon The Ninth (The Locked Tomb #1) by Tamsyn Muir

On September 4, 2020September 2, 2020 By AllieS.In Book Review, Books, Uncategorized1 Comment

42036538 Gideon the Ninth by Tamsyn Muir is an Adult Scifi/Fantasy novel. The story is very hard to explain but its amazing. What I heard about the book was that it was lesbian necromancers in space and that was all I needed to know to pick it up but its much more than that.

The world is set up where there are nine houses on nine different planets with each house focusing on aspect/power of necromancy. The Emperor has invited each houses main necromancer and their swordsman to join in a competition to become an elite member of the Emperors court. The story starts out with Gideon who is an orphan raised in the Ninth House attempting to leave and join the army. However, when Harrowhark Nonagesimus, Reverend Daughter of the Ninth House kicks her ass Gideon must help Harrow win or the Ninth House will die.

The story drops you straight in and you pick up what really going on as you read. For me there was a lot of things that I didn’t get or understand initially but the relationship between Gideon and Harrow keeps the story flowing and convinces you to read on.Though I feel like this is one of those books that you will understand more with each reading.

I love the banter between them as a times they just seem to hate each other but you know there is more to it. The ending was shocking and amazing and felt like my heart was being ripped out. This is one of my new favorite books and I can’t wait to read the sequel.

Unplugged Book Box: XL Horror Fandoms Box

On August 31, 2020August 30, 2020 By AllieS.In Book Box, UnpluggedLeave a comment

Unplugged Book Box is a subscription box focusing on self care with a bookish twist. They have both Adult and Young Adult monthly book boxes and specialty boxes. I have been wanting to try out Unplugged for a while now and when I heard about them doing a horror box that would arrive before Halloween I had to try it. The box I bought was the XL Horror Fandoms box which had a few more items than the Large Horror Fandoms box. This box is just a goodies box so no book was included.

The bookish items included were:

An Edgar Allen Poe Blanket
An Edgar Allen Poe Book Sleeve
A Ninth House Headband
The Exorcist pillow case
A Pan’s Labyrinth mug
It perfume
HP Lovecraft Bookends
Midsommar Tea with a skull spoon
A plague doctor enamel pin
The Shining soap
Trick R Treat Bath bomb
Friday the 13th lotion
A Bates Motel candle
The Blob candle

I generally don’t love just goodies boxes as I worry that I won’t love the items and won’t use them. However, this box is amazing. It combines practical long use items such as blankets and mugs with items that can be used up like candles and soaps. I would recommend Unplugged Book Box and their fandoms boxes for anyone looking to a unique box and experience.

July 2020 Fairyloot

On August 28, 2020August 24, 2020 By AllieS.In Book Box, FairylootLeave a comment

For July I decided to try out a book box that I had hear about but had never received before. 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 5-6 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. July’s theme is Resilient Royals.

The bookish items included this month are a food/cake tray inspired by the Lunar Chronicles, a card holder, a set of magnetic bookmarks from the book Woven in Moonlight, and a candle inspired by Ash Princess. The candle smells like black currant with a hint of tea. The last two items are a Crescent City cushion cover and an art print with characters from The Bear and the Nightingale.

All Fairyloot books come with exclusive covers and are signed by the author. The box also includes and author letter for each book. This months book is Shielded by Kaylynn Flanders and also has black sprayed edges. In a world with a kingdom destroyed war the princess might just be the key to its survival.

August’s theme is Let the Games Begin.

I liked this box from Fairyloot but I didn’t love it. I do plan to order a few more boxes before deciding if this is a good book box for me or not.

July 2020 Wrap Up

On August 24, 2020August 19, 2020 By AllieS.In Books, Wrap UpLeave a comment

So this post and several others are going up late because I got very sick at the end of July and through the beginning of August. I don’t know about anyone else but when I’m sick I have a tendency to watch a lot of TV and YouTube and not do much else. However, before I got sick I did read 5 books which is always a good reading month.

Books:

50715800._SY475_ Fangs by Sarah Anderson is a short graphic novel/comic book that follows the story of a vampire and a werewolf falling in love. I received an ARC of the book through Netgalley. This is a very short story that is just events in this couples life but its very cute. Good for fans of vampires and werewolfs and a way to introduce others to the graphic novel format.

34275232._SY475_ The Hazel Wood by Melissa Albert is a YA fantasy novel. The story follows Alice and her mother who often have to runaway from bad luck. After the death of Alice’s grandmother, who is famous for writing fairy tales, their luck seems to be getting better. However, one day Alice come home to find her mother missing taken by those from the Hazel Wood which means that the fairy tales might actually be real. I love the twist later on in the story and the focus on how one an change fate.

563772 The Gashlycrumb Tinies by Edward Gorey is a morbid and funny take on a children’s alphabet book. Though this is not for children but those who have a more sick sense of humor. Not much else to say about this book.

36538817._SX318_ Fullmetal Alchemist: Fullmetal Edition vol. 2 by Hiromu Arakawa is the second volume in the Fullmetal Alchemist manga series. This is one of my favorite manga series and I’m rereading each volume as I collect these editions. Whats great about rereading this series is that I’m pick up hints about where the overarching story will go in the later volumes that I never caught before.

18505836 The Girl Who Came Home by Hazel Gaynor is a historical fiction novel about the sinking of the Titanic. The story follows Irish immigrant and third class passenger Maggie Murphy as she sails on the Titanic and survives the sinking. Maggie’s story is also connected to that of her family and Granddaughter in more modern times. Good for those who like reading both historical and historical fiction about the Titanic. This story is loosely based on the true story of the Addergoole 14.