September 2023 Wrap Up

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In September read seven books, watched several horror movies, and started playing a new mobile game that I will continue playing for a while. I’ve been very busy the last several months and I’m currently trying to get caught up on the posts that I’ve been meaning to write and schedule.

Books:

The first book that I finished in September was Tinker by Wen Spencer which is a fantasy/Sci-Fi novel that follows the inventor Tinker who lives in a near future Pittsburgh that now exists in the land of the elves. An interesting concept but I hated how everyone kept assuming Tinker knew certain things without anyone stopping to explain what was happening or going on. Its also very clear that it was written in the early 2000s and has many tropes common in books from then.

Next was Beneath the Sugar Sky by Seanan McGuire which was a reread for me as I continue on with the Wayward Children’s series. This one follows Cora and others from Eleanor West’s school going on a quest to help Rini and save her world. Rini is Sumi’s daughter but Sumi was killed in the first book which has thrown her world of Confection into chaos. To save Rini they must find a way to bring Sumi back to life. Not my favorite book in the series but I liked it better on reread.

FeedBack by Mira Grant is the last book in the Newsflesh series that retells the story of Feed from the perspective of the reporters covering the Democratic side of the election. While I enjoyed being back in this world, I loved the characters from the trilogy so much and we only get mentions of them I ended up loving this book like the others. The most interesting aspect of FeedBack to me was seeing the reactions of these characters when they find out what is really going on and how that is connected to the characters from the trilogy.

Next I read In An Absent Dream and Juice Like Wounds both by Seanan McGuire to continue reading the Wayward Children’s series. In An Absent Dream follows Lundy’s story and her experiences in the Goblin Market and Juice Like Wounds is a short story following one of Lundy’s adventures. In An Absent Dream is my least favorite of the series so far. I loved the concept of the Goblin Market but I feel like the most interesting things that happen to Lundy are not shone. Lundy has trouble choosing between her world and the family she loves to the point that the choice no longer is hers to make and is forced upon her. Juice Like Wounds is more what I was expecting Absent Dream to be like and it gives a better understanding to the choice Lundy is forced into.

The next book I read was Quidditch Through the Ages by J.K. Rowling is a book written like a text book for the characters in the world of Harry Potter. I read the illustrated edition which is like a coffee table book and something I think fans should read once.

The last book I read in September was Old Man’s War by John Scalzi. This is a science fiction book where at the age of 75 you can join the Colonial Defense Force in Space. We follow John Perry who takes this deal and learns what humanity is up against in space. An interesting idea that remined me a little of Starship Troopers (I’ve only seen the movie). While this is a start to a series the end is such that you don’t have to continue it.

Movies:

The horror movies that I watched were Hell House LLC and its two sequels. Set five years after the death of 15 people on opening night of the Hell House haunted house attraction a documnetary crew is trying to find out what happened. They get tapes that show events leading up to the opening of Hell House which is set at an abounded hotel and as the movie continues you start to question is the hotel is haunted or not. The first movie is a good found footage horror movie but sequels removes all ambiguity of what happened and straight up decides to make it a battle between the forces of heaven and hell. I would recommend the first one but don’t feel the need to watch the sequels.

Video Games:

The only video game that I’ve been playing has been Final Fantasy VII Ever Crisis which is a new mobile game that retells the stories of Final Fantasy VII, Crisis Core, and The First Soldier. Currently, I’m having fun with it but I’m making a point to not spend any money on this game. If you are a Final Fantasy VII fan I would recommend trying it out as its free but I can see many people not liking it.

September 2023 Obsidian Moon Crate

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Obsidian Moon Crate is a 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, one crystal, one candle, and four to five other items. The theme for September is Vengeance is Ours.

The items included in this box are a Nevernight inspired T shirt, a Poppy War double sided bookmark, a Red Rising enamel pin, a Carrie inspired bath oil, and a Hell Followed Us inspired candle. The crystal this month was amethyst which was shaped like a skull.

The book included was a hardcover copy of The Spirit Bares Its Teeth by Andrew Joseph White. This edition also came with an author letter, a signed book plate, and stenciled edges. Theis book is a historical fantasy/horror novel following Silas who is a medium who communes with spirits. After failing to escape an arranged marriage he is sent to a finishing school where the ghost to missing students start asking for help. I have also heard that you should look up trigger warnings before reading this book.

Overall, if you are interested in a darker aesthetic or darker book this could be the book box for you. The theme for December is Heathens.

Book Review: The Curse of Moonseed Manor by D. Lieber

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The Curse of Moonseed Manor by D. Lieber is an adult mystery novel following Wren who just got a job at Moonseed Manor as a photographer as the manor is becoming a hotel and it might just be haunted. I received a copy of the book from the author in exchange for a review and will also include the full blurb and a link to purchase at the end of this review.

Wren is a down on her luck young woman who comes across an add to work at Moonseed Manor as a photographer and decides to give it a shot. When she arrives she meets all the others working there including the mysterious owner Mr. William Courtland Bennings and the sexy caretaker Watt. However, it is clear that things are different here and there are rumors that the manor is haunted.

While this is not a long book over all its a gothic mystery is the same vain as Rebecca that kept me guessing until the end. What is the owners back story? Are the ghost real? And how is the sexy caretake Watt involved. I greatly enjoyed this book and was not expecting what happens in the end and I feel like this is a great book for those who enjoy gothic mysteries.

Full Blurb from Goodreads:

A haunted hotel. A skeptical photographer. A deadly curse that could cost her everything.Wren Mabry’s life is a disaster. Her last few years have been rife with tragedy and hardship. So when she’s offered a job at Moonseed Manor, a Gothic revival mansion that’s never welcomed visitors, it seems suspicious. Even so, this is her chance to finally turn her life around.The gloom that hangs over Moonseed Manor is enhanced by its cold yet alluring owner, Mr. William Courtland Bennings. And the spooky tales of the flirtatious and sexy caretaker, Watt, play up that feeling.Even though Wren doesn’t believe in ghosts or curses, she’s always had a flair for the darker side. And when she finds a handwritten book of poetry filled with longing, terror, and ghostly revenge, it reawakens her very soul—or rather the unknown poet does. Love, death, secrets, and lies await in this gothic romance.

Link:

https://www.amazon.com/Curse-Moonseed-Manor-D-Lieber-ebook/dp/B0CDMFFXJC/ref=sr_1_1?crid=20P15NTOQ1S5D&keywords=the+curse+of+moonseed+manor&qid=1700678233&sprefix=the+curse+of+moonsee%2Caps%2C118&sr=8-1

September 2023 Illumicrate

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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. September’s theme is My Last Breath.

The items included in this box are a book pot, a window magnet inspired by Belladonna, a bowl cozy, and a If We Were Villains puzzle.

Illumicrate, like other book boxes, include a new hard cover each month and most months a letter from the author. This months book is A Study in Drowning by Ava Reid which is a young adult fantasy following Effy who has always believed in fairy tales. When a contest to design her favorite authors home is announced Effy feels like this is her destiny but the truth may bring her ruin. This edition has an exclusive cover, color printing on the hardback, digitally printed edges and is signed.

October’s theme is Fairytale Forests.

August 2023 Wrap Up

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In August I read seven books, including three comics, and went to the Barbie movie.

Books:

Grimm Rose by Kasi Blake is the start young adult fantasy fairytale retelling series with some interesting twists. The story follows Shayne a half-ling servant of the Ivory Queen who inadvertently and by force is going to marry the Ivory Queen’s son unless she steals Cinderella’s glass slipper. Overall, an interesting take on a fairytale retelling and I have a full review posted as well.

The Bear and the Nightingale by Katherine Arden is the first book in the Winternight trilogy. We follow Vasillisa who can see spirits but as evil creatures from the forest threaten the village she must use her gifts to protect her family. Beautifully written and I loved the inclusion of Russian folk tales. I do plan to continue with this series.

The Tea Dragon Society, The Tea Dragon Festival, and The Tea Dragon Tapestry all by Kay O’Neill is a cute comic book series about dragons that grow tea leaves on their horns. Society follows Greta as she meets people involved in the world of Tea Dragons and learns more about them. Festival follows Rinn who has grown up around Tea Dragons but finds a young real dragon asleep in the forest and she helps him find out why he has bee asleep for so long. Finally, Tapestry follows Greta as she struggles to create something to impress a blacksmith for an apprenticeship while Minette starts to deal with her past. This is a very cute comic series that is great for those wanting something lighthearted.

Heiresses: The Lives of the Million Dollar Babies by Laura Thompson is a nonfiction book about the lives of heiresses throughout history and their struggles finding love and trying to trust those in their lives. Great for those interested in this topic and reads in a way that non historians would enjoy.

Down Among the Sticks and Bones by Seanan McGuire is the second book in the Wayward Children series. In this book we follow Jack and Jill as they go through their door into the world of the Moors and we find out what happens to them while they are there. I love this series and I’m making my way though all the books to catch up with the series.

Movies:

I also went to the movie theater and saw Barbie with my mom. Since there are so many reactions and reviews out now all I’ll say is that I loved it and if you haven’t seen it you should.

August 2023 Fairyloot

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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 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 Reap What You Sow.

The bookish items included this month are a set of metal straws, a Gideon the Night bookends, a gothic sticker sheet, a glass tumbler inspired by Belladonna, and a set of page tabs. The monthly tarot cards have character art from the Bonesmith.

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 Bonesmith by Nicki Pau Preto which is a dark ya fantasy about a ghost fighting warrior who must journey to rescue a kidnapped prince. This edition also has a reversible dust jacket, digital sprayed edges, and foiling on the hardback.

September’s theme is Invisible Truths.

June 2023 Obsidian Moon Crate

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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, one crystal, one candle, and four to six other items. June’s theme is Queer AF 3.0: The Gays of the Dead.

The items included in this box are a desk planner, a Cemetery Boys glass tumbler, an enamel pin, an art print inspired by The Coldest Touch, a bath soak, a tote bag, the wood-wick candle, and a coffin shaped obsidian for the crystal. Also the note book that was delayed from the March box was included.

The book included was a hardcover copy of The Court of Undying Seasons by A.M. Strickland and came with an exclusive dust jacket, sprayed edges and a signed book plate. We follow Fin who takes her loves place in the village finding where the chosen are taken to Castle Courtsheart, a Vampire school where if humans succeed they become vampires. However, Fin wants to forge a different path by finding out how to kill the undead and get revenge for her mother. When she comes across a string of murders Fin must uncover the truth and find the killer before she too end up dead.

September’s theme is Vengeance is Ours.

August 2023 Illumicrate

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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. August’s theme is Hidden Magic.

The items included in this box are a Priory of the Orange Tree inspired mug, a bookmark set featuring characters from the Mortal Instruments, a book tin inspired by Sorcery of Thornes, and a set of washi tape.

Illumicrate, like other book boxes, include a new hard cover. This months book is Zhara by S. Jae-Jones which is set in a world where magic is forbidden. Zhara, a young woman who is hiding her magical gifts while also taking care of her blind sister, meets Han she finds out about a secret magical liberation organization and Zhara must help bring peace and harmony to the world. This edition also has full color art on the hardback and digitally printed edges.

September’s theme is My Last Breath.

July 2023 Wrap Up

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In July I read eight book most of them graphic novels and watched two movies.

Books:

First book I read in July was Secrets of the Vampire: A Supernatural Sourcebook of Our Legend and Lore by Julie Legere. This is a nonfiction book about vampires throughout history that I received as a review copy from Netgalley. This book focuses on historical and pop culture ideas about vampires and where these ideas come from while being “narrated” by a vampire. This is a great book from fan of vampires especially teenagers.

Witch King by Martha Wells is an adult fantasy novel following Kai who after being murdered and trapped finds a lesser mage trying to gain control of his powers. Kai, along with his friend Ziede, must figure out why they were imprisoned though they might not like the answers. I also have a full in-depth review already posted.

The last books that I read was all seven of the Monstress graphic novels that are currently out. I reread the was that I’ve read before and caught up to where the series is currently. I love this graphic novel series about Maika Halfwolf and her quest to find out more about her connection to this monster that also inhabits her body. I artwork is amazing and I can’t wait for the next volume.

Movies:

I watched two movies this month the first being Titanic 666. I sometimes see trailers for what is obviously going to be a bad Titanic movie but I want to see how bad it really is. This movie follows the voyage of the Titanic III, as this is a sequel to Titanic II, as they travel on the historical route of the original Titanic. A descendent of one of the Titanic’s passengers sneaks aboard to summon the spirits of the dead and kill everyone on board. I knew that this was a bad movie going in so I wasn’t expecting much but I do feel that the idea the the spirits of the captain and crew being the ones vengeful enough to kill these passengers and a deep mischaracterization of these real people who died while trying to save as many as they could no the Titanic.

The other movie I watched in July was 65 and was much better. 65 follows Mills a pilot on a two year journey from his home planet when the ship gets hit by an asteroid. Mills believes that he is the only survivor until he find a young girl name Koa but they don’t speak the same language. It turns out that they have crash landed on Earth 65 million years ago and together must try to get to the escape pod. Though their journey they are attacked by different dinosaurs and realize that another large asteroid is headed to earth. While I enjoyed this movie I feel like the marking focused more on the dinosaurs and because of that I wanted more action with them.

July 2023 Illumicrate

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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. July’s theme is You Win of You Die.

The items included in this box are a towel with art work inspired by the Hunger Games, a guess the character card game, a set of stemless tea cups, and an embroidered pouch for playing cards or tarot cards.

Illumicrate, like other book boxes, include a new hard cover each month often with an exclusive cover. This months book is The Jasad Heir by Sara Hashem. Ten years ago the kingdom of Jasad burned and Sylvia the lost heir never wants to be found. But when her magic is discovered she must make a deal with her greatest enemy and she will soon have to choose between the life she wants and the one she left behind. This edition also has foiling on the hardback, digitally printed edges, and is signed by the author.

August’s theme is Hidden Magic.