In December 2024 I read three books, mostly manga and didn’t finish one. I should have posted this wrap up much sooner but that’s life.
Books:
Across the Green Grass Fields by Seanan McGuire was the first book I read in December. This is the sixth book in the Wayward Children series. We follow Regan who shortly after finding out that she is intersex ends up in the Hooflands, a world filled with centaurs and unicorns. Here she grows into herself and learns that even those who are different are people. Loved this one and felt like the series is coming back to its roots.
Next I read Saiyuki Reload volumes three and four which is a continuation of the Saiyuki series following Sanzo, Goku, Gojyo, and Hakkai traveling to stop the daemons that are trying to resurrect Gyumaoh. I still love this series but there is a lot of nostalgia tied to it for me.
The one book I Didn’t finish and don’t plan to was The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss. I’ve tried to read this book before and couldn’t finish it and tried again for book club but still didn’t like it. Personally I feel like the book is too long and a large chunk on the first 200 pages or so could be cut but the biggest reason I stopped reading was that I just didn’t care about any of the characters.
In November I finished four books and a podcast series.
Books:
The first book I finished was the physical edition of Dracula Daily by Matt Kirkland. Dracula Daily started out as an email list where a section of Dracula is sent to you chronological instead of how the book was originally written. This physical book also includes some of the internet commentary and art created for Dracula Daily. I loved Dracula and reading it in a different way. I have participated in the email list before but enjoyed reading it as a physical book as well.
Next I read Doctor Who: How to be a Time Lord. This is an in universe book that is supposed to be a manual on how to be a Time Lord with the Doctor having replaced part of it. Written in 2014 so not up to the current Doctor who. Cute idea but designed for kids that are fans of the show.
Hounded by Kevin Hearne is the first in the Iron Druid Chronicles an Urban Fantasy series following Atticus O’Sullivan the last of the Druids. When he is attacked by the followers of a Celtic god who wants his sword Atticus must do everything in his power to survive. This is a fun urban fantasy where the hero is a master of his power and unlike others in the genre it doesn’t seem like he is in much true danger.
Rebel’s Creed by Daniel B. Greene is the second book in The Lawful Times series. The book starts out giving us some of the first book from Chapman’s point of view which made me understand him as a character when I didn’t like him before. Then we follow Holden in the aftermath of book one as he is trying to find the truth of what happened. While I enjoyed it and want to see where Greene takes the series from here you can tell that he is still finding his footing as an author.
Podcast:
The podcast that I finished was The Edge of Sleep featuring the YouTuber Markiplier and is what the TV show of the same name is based on. The basic premise is that something has happened where if you fall asleep you die and a small group is trying to find out what is going on. I enjoyed the podcast but I personally liked the TV show more and I hope there will be a second season at some point.
In October I read five books, decided not to finish two, and watched somethings as well.
Books:
The first book I read was The Hollow Places by T. Kingfisher. This was a reread for book club and I have a full review posted. The Hollow Places is a fantasy horror novel where a portal to another world is opened in Kara’s uncle’s house/museum. She ends up exploring this opening and finding out lays beyond. I enjoyed this on reread but definitely feel like this is for fans of horror.
The Goblin King’s Mischief by D. Lieber is a fantasy romance following Lady Melody who wants the Goblin King to fall in love with her. I received a copy from the author and also have a full review posted. This is a charming fantasy romance that I feel would be great for fans of Elise Kova.
Next I read Devil in the White City by Erik Larson. Devil in the White City is a nonfiction book about the creation of the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair and H.H. Holmes actions around the fair. This does focus more on the fair before going into H.H. Holmes murders but his story is throughout as well. Erik Larson make history very readable and if you have any interest in the topics he writes about I would recommend his books.
To Be Taught, If Fortunate by Becky Chambers is a science fiction book where people are sent to space to explore but to adapt to the new environments they change how their bodies look and function. We follow the events of a four man crew but told by Ariadne as a log of events. Eventually, they find out that they haven’t received any messages from Earth and must decide if they should go back to Earth or continue on with the mission. I feel like the ending was meant to be hopeful and allows you to decide what you believe happens but I wanted more.
The last book I finished was Salvation in the Sun by Lauren Lee Merewether. This is a historical fiction novel set in Ancient Egypt during the reign of Akhenaten and Nefertiti. I do have a full review posted. The novel focuses on the Pharaoh trying to take back power from the Cult of Amun by changing the main god being worshiped to the Aten and how that change effects everything. I would recommend this to historical fiction fans and those with an interest in Ancient Egypt.
Books DNF(Did Not Finish):
The two books that I didn’t finish were Chimera by Mira Grant and The Starflower by K.A. Kenny.
Chimera by Mira Grant is the last book in the Parasitology trilogy and I generally like Mira Grant’s work. However, with this series I often felt like same things kept being retread and I found that I no longer cared about what happen.
The Starflower by K.A. Kenny is a science fiction novel following our main character Zim whose military call sign is Starflower. While fighting the Aldrakin she learns of a prophecy that she due to her call sign is supposed to be about her which will impact the universe. I received a copy from the author for review. While the writing was good and the premise interesting I found myself being confused at the beginning and not connecting with any of the character. However, If it sound interesting I would give it a try.
Movies and Shows:
This month I watched The Conjuring 2 as we are in spooky season and I wanted to continue watching the series.
The main show I watched was The Edge of Sleep on Prime TV. This show has the YouTuber Markiplier in it and that’s how I found out about it. The premise is that for some reason if you fall asleep you will die but the world was normal before. We follow a small group of characters that are trying to figure out what is going on. This is a very weird show but I enjoyed it and plan to listen to the podcast version. However, as I’m making this post very late it has since been removed from Prime TV and there doesn’t seem to be a place to watch it at this time.
Salvation in the Sun by Lauren Lee Merewether is a historical fiction novel set in Ancient Egypt during the reign of Akhenaten and Nefertiti and the first book in the Lost Pharaoh Chronicles. This focuses on the relationship between Akhenaten and Nefertiti and how they change the religion of Egypt.
Salvation in the Sun is primarily told in flashback starting during the early reign of Akhenaten when he was known as Amenhotep, where the Pharaoh and his advisors are trying to take back the power of the priesthood of Amun by changing the main god of worship to the Aten. As time goes on it becomes more and more apparent that Amenhotep now Akhenaten truly believes that that only god is the Aten and none of the other gods matter.
This change to the religion leads to major political conflicts and I feel like this is a way these events of history could have happened. I have done a decent amount of nonfiction reading on this time period and it is obvious that Lauren Lee Merewether has done her research. While there are somethings that are probably not historically accurate given that we don’t know how these players would have thought or acted this doesn’t feel completely fictionalized.
I would recommend this to fans of historical fiction and those with an interest in Ancient Egypt.
The Goblin King’s Mischief by D. Liber is a fantasy romance that follows Lady Melody Piobaire and her plan to make the Goblin King fall in love with her. I received a copy of this book from the author and will be including the full blurb and a link to purchase
Lady Melody has loved the Goblin King for several years ever since she meet him when she was younger. However, Aodh, the Goblin King, doesn’t recognize her so Melody devises a plan to steal his ring to force him to marry her. But plans to find a way to win his heart again.
This is a charming romance where the female protagonist is the one perusing the romance. While Melody wants Aodh to fall in love with her she also wants the best for him and those living in the Goblintown even if it will break her heart. Aodh meanwhile doesn’t want to fall in love but Melody’s determination and actions are slowly chipping away at how guarded he is trying to be.
I was not expecting the twist near the end but this is a romance so there is a Happily Ever After. This would be great for fantasy romance readers that don’t want a tone of spice but more focus on the emotions and I feel like fans of Elise Kova would enjoy this.
Full Blurb from Goodreads:
A promise unkept. A love she can’t forget. This wily human will do anything to reclaim the heart of the Goblin King.
Lady Melody Piobaire never lost faith her first love would come for her when she was forced from his side. That is, until she finds out he doesn’t even know who she really is…doesn’t even know she’s human. To make things worse, she’s the promised mistress of the sidhe king. Rather than bear Tír’s heir, she devises a plan to win back her true love in the most goblin of ways.
Orphaned elf Aodh never forgot what it was like growing up on the mean streets of Goblintown. And now, as Goblin King, he’s dedicated to being the just and attentive ruler the neglected goblins deserve. So when a spoiled human who knows nothing of what it means to be a goblin tricks him into marriage, he’ll do anything to be rid of her.
Melody is certain she can win Aodh’s heart again, so she isn’t prepared for his hot and cold hostility. Aodh is unsettled by the forward human in his home and the way she seems to know just how to get to him.
What can Melody do if her only love no longer wants her, or worse, no longer exists?
In September I read five books and watched two movies.
Books:
Egypt’s Second Born by Lauren Lee Merewether is the fifth novella in the Lost Pharaoh Chronicles Prequel series. We follow young prince Amenhotep in the events before Salvation in the Sun. The main focus is on the relationship between Amenhotep and his brother and how their individual relationships with their father are so different. This also gives insight into Amenhotep’s insecurities and where he is emotionally at the start of Salvation in the Sun. This was well written and a very good character study.
The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster which was a selection for the book club I’m in. This is a children’s fantasy story that follows Milo who thinks everything is boring but a mysterious tollbooth shows up in his room. He ends up traveling to the Lands Beyond and having an adventure. A cute story that would be great for kids.
Black Talon by Jaime Castle is the start of an Adult fantasy series set in a world where some of the elites have soul bonds with dragons which gives them access to power and magic. The story is told from two perspectives, Kullen who is the emperor’s assassin, and Natisse who is part of the rebellion. Interesting concepts but I don’t plan to continue with the rest of the series. I would have preferred the story to be just from Kullen’s perspective.
The Mitanni Princess by Lauren Lee Merewether is the last novella in the Lost Pharaoh Chronicles Prequel series. We follow the Mitanni Princess Tadukhipu who just wants to paint and love the servant she has fallen for. However she is forbidden to do this and is eventually married off to the Pharaoh. While I don’t understand why she is band from painting I liked Tadukhipu as a character and look forward to seeing her again the Lost Pharaoh Chronicles.
Crape Jugulum by Terry Pratchett is the last book I read this month and another book cub pick. This is one of Terry Pratchett’s Discworld book. An interesting take on vampires and I loved how they tried to acclimate themselves to their weakness. My first Discworld book but while I liked some of the ideas I don’t think Discworld is for me as I don’t read much comedy and very pick with it.
Movies:
The first movie I watched was Annabell. Being spooky season and close to Halloween I intended to watch more horror movies but didn’t get around to many. Annabell is one of the Conjuring Universe movies focusing on the haunted doll Annabell and what happen before the Warren took her. Fairly good haunted doll movie but what I don’t get is why to doll even before its supposed to be haunted is so creepy looking. I would never let that doll into my house.
The only other movie I watched this month was Bettlejuice Bettlejuice which is the sequel to the 1988 film Bettlejuice. While I like the movie, it is a weird movie, there were some plot elements that felt a little rushed to me mostly all the stuff with Bettlejuice’s ex-wife. I loved that most of the original cast was able to return and it didn’t feel like just a cash grab to me.
In August I read four books and watched two movies. I’m currently catching up on all the post that didn’t get published in 2024.
Books:
The first book I read was Emily Wilde’s Encyclopedia of Faeries by Heather Fawcett. This is a historic fantasy following Emily Wilde as she researches fairies and folklore. She arrives at a remote village where she discovers some darker magic and unexpected friendships. When her academic rival Wendell arrives love starts to brew. Emily is a research rat who seems to care more about learning then people but she ends up connecting with the villagers.
The next book I read was Cabinet of Curiosities: A Historical Tour of the Unbelievable, the Unsettling, and the Bizarre by Aaron Mahnke. This is a collection of historical stores and anecdotes about weird things throughout history. The title is accurate as this truly is a cabinet of curiosities through stories. However, at times if felt like we were just scratching the surface of these stories.
Bookshops & Bonedust by Travis Baldree is the prequel to Legends & Lattes. We follow Viv when she is working for the mercenary company Rackam’s Ravens when she gets injured and is forced to stay in the town of Murk. She ends up meeting and helping the owner of a bookstore and fighting the villain the mercenary group was after. Bookshops & Bonedust shows us who Viv was before she opened the coffee shop and how what you want and need changes over time.
Lucy Undying by Kiersten White is a young adult vampire story following Lucy from Dracula who did not dye and her connection present day with Iris, a woman who is trying to escapes her family and their evil vampire MLM. I have a full review posted and would recommend reading that for more information.
Movies:
The first movie that I watched was Urban Myths from 2022 which is a Korean horror anthology movie. There are ten different parts with each being about 20 minutes long. The focus of each one is a different myth about familiar things such as school, mannequins, social media, and unexplained noises. While I didn’t like all of them I found it an interesting watch that felt different than American horror movies.
The next movie I watched was The Conjuring. I haven’t seen all of the Conjuring movie yet but wanted to re-watch the first before continuing on. The Conjuring follows the paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren during the Perron family case where they believe that their house is haunted. While I like the Conjuring movies I would say to take the based on a true story bit with a grain of salt.
Lucy Undying by Kiersten White follows Lucy from Dracula where she doesn’t dye like she does in Dracula. We are told the story through Lucy’s diary, and interview she did with someone she saved, and the current events told by another character Iris’s point of view. Iris’s mother recently dies and she is trying to run away from an evil MLM her family control and comes to London to try to sell off some property/items that she has inherited for some quick cash and ends up meeting Lucy.
While I end up enjoying the story if was not what I was expecting based on the cover, title, and what little I had heard about the book. I thought we were going to get more of a Dracula retelling but from Lucy’s point of view which we do get small amounts of but that is not what most of the book is about.
Personally, I don’t feel like Kristen White likes the story of Dracula and if you love Dracula (the original novel) you might not like this. Mina is portrayed as a conniving bitch and Lucy’s suitors are trying to steel her family’s money. Once we find out how the MLM Iris’s family runs works, it’s a self-help one that allows followers to live forever by becoming vampires, I was more interested in where that story would go. I would have preferred a vampire novel focusing on the MLM concept without any connection to Dracula. However, I did like how Dracula and all the other Vampires Lucy has met show up in the end and I did enjoy how Dracula was portrayed, as to me it is fairly book accurate.
In July I read five books and watched the new season of Doctor Who. I should have posted this before now and I don’t remember everything about what I read.
Books:
The first book I read was Symbiont by Mira Grant. This is the second book in the Parasitology trilogy. We follow Sal and her companions as they try to figure out how the tape worms are taking over the host and what Sherman’s plan is. I love Mira Grant’s (Seanan McGuire) writing but this very much felt like a middle book. Sal spends far to much time fainting and being kidnapped.
The Bitter End by Alexa Donne is young adult thriller where a winter storm traps eight teens at a remote ski lodge and people start dying. A very well written thriller with multiple points of view. I have a full review posted as well and I feel like those who enjoy thrillers will enjoy this.
Next I read Saiyuki Reload volumes one and two by Kazuya Minekura. This is a continuation of the Saiyuki series following Sanzo,Goku, Gojyo, and Hakki traveling to stop the demons that are trying to resurrect the demon king. I love this series and the art and plan to continue rereading this series. I plan to write a full review when I read all of the series.
The last book I read in July was The Girl in the Tower by Katherian Arden we follow Vasillisa as she leaves her village for adventure by pretending to be a boy but when she saves some children from bandits the Grand Prince anoints her as a hero and she is reunited with her brother and sister. This had a bit a second book syndrome but I can it is setting up for the finale.
TV Show:
They only TV show I watched was the new season of Doctor Who. I liked this season but I feel like the ending was a little rushed and they tried to make Ruby’s mother important to the plot in a way that I didn’t feel was necessary but I do plan to watch the next season when it comes out.
The Bitter End by Alexa Donne is a young adult thriller where a winter storm traps eight teens at a remote ski cabin and they start dying. It becomes clear that one of them is the killer. I received a review copy from the publisher on Netgalley. This is a very well written thriller with multiple points of view. It did take me a bit to get a feel for all of the characters and I suspected different people at different times.
The story switches between the current events at the ski lodge and a party several years ago that created drama between everyone. Based on the information that we get about the party early on I was suspecting that someone died at the party and that is the problem. However, the actual reason for the conflict was not what I was expecting. I didn’t see who the killer was or what their reasoning form killing their peers. I loved the ending and I feel like this would make a good TV show or movie. It reminded me of the video game Until Dawn but without the supernatural elements.
Night Owl Reviews 