Recent Reads
I wasn't planning on blogging anymore this year but I had some time on my hands and well why not. This is definitely my last post of the year.. lol. See you in 2025
A Conjuring of Light by V.E Schwab
Synopsis - The precarious equilibrium among four Londons has reached its breaking point. Once brimming with the red vivacity of magic, darkness casts a shadow over the Maresh Empire, leaving a space for another London to rise.
Kell - once assumed to be the last surviving Antari - begins to waver under the pressure of competing loyalties. And in the wake of tragedy, can Arnes survive?
Lila Bard, once a commonplace - but never common - thief, has survived and flourished through a series of magical trials. But now she must learn to control the magic, before it bleeds her dry. Meanwhile, the disgraced Captain Alucard Emery of the Night Spire collects his crew, attempting a race against time to acquire the impossible.
And an ancient enemy returns to claim a crown while a fallen hero tries to save a world in decay.
Thoughts - I mentioned in my last book post back in October that I was midway through this series and had a good feeling about it. Well it was fantastic! I loved all the characters, it was a fun adventure full of magic and unexpected twists. I will be reading a lot more by this author.
The Ghostwriter by Alessandra Torre
Synopsis - Four years ago, I lied. I stood in front of the police, my friends and family, and made up a story, my best one yet. And all of them believed me.
I wasn't surprised. Telling stories is what made me famous. Fifteen bestsellers. Millions of fans. Fame and fortune.
Now, I have one last story to write. It'll be my best one yet, with a jaw-dropping twist that will leave them stunned and gasping for breath.
They say that sticks and stones will break your bones, but this story? It will be the one that kills me.
I wasn't surprised. Telling stories is what made me famous. Fifteen bestsellers. Millions of fans. Fame and fortune.
Now, I have one last story to write. It'll be my best one yet, with a jaw-dropping twist that will leave them stunned and gasping for breath.
They say that sticks and stones will break your bones, but this story? It will be the one that kills me.
Thoughts - This is my second book by this author and it will most probably be my last. I don't remember much about the first book except that it was average. This book was sooo boring. I was literally skipping paragraphs and the end.. well it was not worth having to read the whole book.
The Girls in the Stilt House by Kelly Mustian
Synopsis - Ada promised herself she would never go back to the Trace, to her hard life on the swamp and her harsh father. But now, after running away to Baton Rouge and briefly knowing a different kind of life, she finds herself with nowhere to go but back home. And she knows there will be a price to pay with her father.
Matilda, daughter of a sharecropper, is from the other side of the Trace. Doing what she can to protect her family from the whims and demands of some particularly callous locals is an ongoing struggle. She forms a plan to go north, to pack up the secrets she's holding about her life in the South and hang them on the line for all to see in Ohio.
As the two girls are drawn deeper into a dangerous world of bootleggers and moral corruption, they must come to terms with the complexities of their tenuous bond and a hidden past that links them in ways that could cost them their lives.
Matilda, daughter of a sharecropper, is from the other side of the Trace. Doing what she can to protect her family from the whims and demands of some particularly callous locals is an ongoing struggle. She forms a plan to go north, to pack up the secrets she's holding about her life in the South and hang them on the line for all to see in Ohio.
As the two girls are drawn deeper into a dangerous world of bootleggers and moral corruption, they must come to terms with the complexities of their tenuous bond and a hidden past that links them in ways that could cost them their lives.
Thoughts - I liked this one. It had some Crawdad vibes with life on the swamp. It is a beautiful tale of overcoming loss and finding your place in the world. It was full of sad things happening to these young girls forcing them develop an unexpected bond. It is based in 1920's Mississippi, not a fun time or place to be a girl or a person of color, it centers itself on both these topics. It was well done.
Ink Blood Sister Scribe by Emma Torzs
Synopsis - For generations, the Kalotay family has guarded a collection of ancient and rare books. Books that let a person walk through walls or manipulate the elements--books of magic that half-sisters Joanna and Esther have been raised to revere and protect.
All magic comes with a price, though, and for years the sisters have been separated. Esther has fled to a remote base in Antarctica to escape the fate that killed her own mother, and Joanna's isolated herself in their family home in Vermont, devoting her life to the study of these cherished volumes. But after their father dies suddenly while reading a book Joanna has never seen before, the sisters must reunite to preserve their family legacy. In the process, they'll uncover a world of magic far bigger and more dangerous than they ever imagined, and all the secrets their parents kept hidden; secrets that span centuries, continents, and even other libraries .
All magic comes with a price, though, and for years the sisters have been separated. Esther has fled to a remote base in Antarctica to escape the fate that killed her own mother, and Joanna's isolated herself in their family home in Vermont, devoting her life to the study of these cherished volumes. But after their father dies suddenly while reading a book Joanna has never seen before, the sisters must reunite to preserve their family legacy. In the process, they'll uncover a world of magic far bigger and more dangerous than they ever imagined, and all the secrets their parents kept hidden; secrets that span centuries, continents, and even other libraries .
Thoughts - It's a book about magical books.. what's not to love? I really enjoyed it. I enjoyed all the characters, I listened to the audiobook so I got to enjoy all the brilliantly done accents as well. It was an engaging story with enough twists that kept be listening. A solid 4 stars!
That's Not My Name by Megan Lally
Synopsis - She thought she had her life back. She was wrong. It was a mistake to trust him.
Shivering and bruised, a teen wakes up on the side of a dirt road with no memory of how she got there―or who she is. A passing officer takes her to the police station, and not long after, a frantic man arrives. He's been searching for her for hours. He has her school ID, her birth certificate, and even family photos. He is her father. Her name is Mary. Or so he says.
When Lola slammed the car door and stormed off into the night, Drew thought they just needed some time to cool off. Except Lola disappeared, and the sheriff, his friends, and the whole town are convinced Drew murdered his girlfriend. Forget proving his innocence, he needs to find her before it's too late. The longer Lola is missing, the fewer leads there are to follow…and the more danger they both are in.
Shivering and bruised, a teen wakes up on the side of a dirt road with no memory of how she got there―or who she is. A passing officer takes her to the police station, and not long after, a frantic man arrives. He's been searching for her for hours. He has her school ID, her birth certificate, and even family photos. He is her father. Her name is Mary. Or so he says.
When Lola slammed the car door and stormed off into the night, Drew thought they just needed some time to cool off. Except Lola disappeared, and the sheriff, his friends, and the whole town are convinced Drew murdered his girlfriend. Forget proving his innocence, he needs to find her before it's too late. The longer Lola is missing, the fewer leads there are to follow…and the more danger they both are in.
Thoughts - I was lucky these last few months with some solid reads. This was a YA but like many YA's the characters did not annoy me, I didn't have to keep on reminding myself they are acting dumb because they are teenagers. These characters all felt real. The twist ending was gut wrenching. I really was not expecting it and I was in tears at the end. Very very well done.
I don't know why but a book will often grab my attention by it's name and cover or either, I should be this way. I don't read many books as nothing is done whilst reading them and continue to read until finished..lol so, often don't read because of this.
ReplyDeleteHave a lovely Christmas and a Happy New Year from 'down under'.
I think this is a good book, I like reading.
ReplyDeleteGreetings Irma
It sounds like you had a great reading month; but I was laughing over the last review and the fact that the characters weren't annoying you. I often feel that way with YA too!
ReplyDeleteI don't know any of these books. They sound interesting.
ReplyDeleteJennifer
https://curatedbyjennifer.com
Interesting books.
ReplyDeleteThe Girls in the Stilt House appeals, I thought of Crawdads as soon as I saw the cover. I might have to see if there's a cheap download. xxx
ReplyDeleteThe list looks good! I've read the Ink Blood Sister Scribe and liked it. I think I would have loved the audio version!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing! Merry Christmas! -Christine cmkk79.blogspot.com
ReplyDeleteInteresting books. I haven't read any of these.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing these, Hena! xxx
ReplyDeleteI don't often get the time to sit a read books because they put me to sleep shortly after I open them, but these sound interesting and fun. Wishing you the very best holiday season and I look forward to seeing more posts in the coming new year.
ReplyDeleteThat's great that you had a bunch of solid books. Mostly. Have a great rest of the year.
ReplyDeleteHaven't read any of them....I usually read 2-3 books a month, you read a lot!
ReplyDeleteThank you for this. I’m always looking for a new book to read.
ReplyDeletewww.rsrue.blogspot.com
It's good that you liked more of the books you read than didn't like.
ReplyDeleteThank you for reviewing these books, they sound so fun!
ReplyDeleteA couple of these sound really good, so I'll be checking them out more closely. I hope y'all enjoy the rest of the year - whatever you have planned!
ReplyDeleteI always appreciate your book reviews.
ReplyDeleteI am going to check a few out that you shared.
See you in 2025!
Carla
Isn't it wonderful when you find a book or series that transports you to another world? Thanks for the information on your books.
ReplyDeleteGreat reviews! I was also in tears after reading 'That's Not My Name.' Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteI loved That's Not my Name and Ink Sister Blood!
ReplyDeleteI've read some and have others like Schwab on my wishlist. Glad to hear your thoughts on them!
ReplyDeleteGracias por las reseñas. Te deseo una buena semana.
ReplyDeleteLots of interesting reading ~ thanks,
ReplyDeleteWishing you good health, laughter and love in your days,
clm ~ A ShutterBug Explores,
aka (A Creative Harbor)
Glad you have found so many books to enjoy recently! Merry Christmas, I hope you and your family enjoy the holidays!
ReplyDeleteWow, you've read a lot of books lately. I will add these to my reading list.
ReplyDeleteA great selection of books Hena! Thanks for sharing about them.
ReplyDeleteGreat to hear the VE Schwab series is great! I've been dying to read The Invisible Life of Addie Larue and adding this to my TBR now:)
ReplyDeleteGreat to hear you've discovered so many books to enjoy lately!
ReplyDeleteWishing you and your family a wonderful holiday season!
I do love a good book cover. In fact if it has a terrible cover or an awful colour scheme I find it hard to read! Happy reading and happy festive season to you. sherry
ReplyDeleteYou are the queen of reading! Thanks for sharing these!
ReplyDeletehttps://www.kathrineeldridge.com
Sounds like an interesting list! Happy Holidays!
ReplyDeleteThese books sound very interesting...thanks for sharing dear :-)
ReplyDeleteAllurerage
I was very curious about the V.E Schwab series. I'm glad to see how much you enjoyed it! Happy holidays!
ReplyDeleteI read a lot of books. I've gotten many on thriftbooks but now thriftbooks says allow 45 days to arrive. Back to kindling. I'll watch for a couple of these you reviewed. They sound interesting.
ReplyDeleteI've had that V.E. Schwab series on my TBR list forever. I'm glad to hear that you enjoyed it! Happy Holidays! :D
ReplyDeleteI enjoy your mini reviews, Hena, thank you!
ReplyDeleteA Conjuring of Light sounds like such a marvelous adventure.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad to hear you enjoyed A Conjuring of Light, that's one of my favorites :) Wishing you happy holidays!
ReplyDeleteMany thanks for sharing these.
ReplyDeleteTaking the opportunity to send good wishes to you and your family.
Enjoy the season.
All the best Jan
I think 2025 will finally be the year I pick up V.E. Schwab! I've heard only good things, and her books sound right up my alley.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your book reviews. The first one sounds interesting.
ReplyDeleteJulia xo
wish to read "the Girls in the Stilt House"..... great story
ReplyDeletewhat a great read ! shy - https://www.shyyshianne.com/
ReplyDeleteI always enjoy finding out what people are reading.
ReplyDeleteI always enjoy your book reviews! Haven't heard of any of these, so going to check them out. I plan to take a 2 week blogging break after this Friday!
ReplyDeleteCarrie
curlycraftymom.com
It’s so great that you found time to blog one more time this year! The synopsis you’ve shared sounds intriguing, with a perfect blend of magic, adventure, and complex characters. It’s wonderful to hear that you enjoyed the series and are excited to dive into more of the author’s work. Here’s to many more great books in 2025!
ReplyDeleteI invite you to read my latest blog post: https://www.melodyjacob.com/2024/12/one-blogging-mistake-that-is-reducing-your-traffic-and-how-to-fix-it-now.html
I love when you give your book reviews, it gives me ideas! May you have a wonderful holiday season!!
ReplyDeleteYour review really captures the emotional depth of this YA thriller. The story’s twists and the realistic, relatable characters make it stand out from many others in the genre. It’s especially powerful when a book delivers such an unexpected and gut-wrenching ending. I’ll definitely have to add it to my reading list! I just shared a helpful new post; you're welcome to check it out. Wishing you a happy holiday.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the great book reviews. See you next year!
ReplyDeleteThat's Not My Name sounds like a solid read. When it comes to YA genre, the books are often a hit and miss for me.
ReplyDeleteHappy holidays!
The last one was one of my favorites this past year! I agree with your thoughts on it. I've read one or two by Alessandre Torres and while they were okay, they weren't anything I remember much about afterwards, so don't know that I'll read more. Sounds like you had some good reads. Hope the rest of year is good!
ReplyDeleteLisa Loves Literature
Ooo some of these sound good. It is frustrating when some books let you down. I wish I had more time to read.
ReplyDeleteAllie of
allienyc.com
I was one book shy of my 25 book goal for this year but I am determined to hit it next year. These all sound like books that I would enjoy, so I am off to add those to my online library. Stopping by to wish you and your family a Very Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteWith the exception of The Ghostwriter, these books sound great! I'm definitely intrigued by That's Not My Name now.
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year!
I hope 2025 is beautiful and full of blessings.
ReplyDeletewww.rsrue.blogspot.com
Oooh nice mix here! I was very curious about That's Not My Name and now I will definitely push it up on my list. I never did finish the Schwab series, which is sad, maybe I should give it another go. And yeah I don't blame you for skipping the author of Ghost Writer- second chances are good, third... probably not heh.
ReplyDeleteNice!
ReplyDeleteThe girl in the stilit house sounds interesting! thank you for sharing
ReplyDeleteWishing you a wonderful 2025
www.stylefrontier.com
Just reserved Conjuring of Light! Great book review Hena!
ReplyDelete