Hey there, everyone! I hope everyone had a fruitful August! This was my birthday month, just in case you didn’t know, and my sons too! Anyway, yes, I know I gave myself one of those outrageous goals again. I don’t even remember how many I wanted to read anymore. Did I read them all? No, not at all. But I still read 12, and they were (mostly) great.

Anyway, how did everyone else do this past month? Meet any personal goals?

Disciples of Chaos

You know, I liked the way this novel concluded. In some ways, it was bittersweet, but it fit who these characters were and followed their track. It made perfect sense for Damian to be the reincarnation of Chaos and for Ros to be Patience. It just worked. The tension was there, and the way the mystery unfolded worked and kept me engaged.

Athena’s Child

I was trying so hard not to read too many Medusa stories because I wanted to write my own and not be influenced, but I needed to read this one as it is the first in a series.

Now, I loved it. I loved how the story unfolded, and Medusa did not lose her humanity. I also loved the way her rape was told. It wasn’t graphic, it wasn’t explicit, you know it’s happening, which I appreciated. And her meeting with Perseus. At first, I thought he would stay obnoxious, but in such a short time, he went through so much character growth, and his whole interaction with Medusa was heartbreaking but moving simultaneously.

The Last Graduate

That ending is not okay! I loved the book, but now I need to read book 3. I’m hoping to get to it, but we’ll see. I’m keeping my fingers crossed.

This novel has many expos, but I’m okay with that. There is a lot of information because it’s a magic school with monsters in every shadow and corner that kills the students. Think Hogwarts College. Now, El and her friends are in their final year, and they have to fight a bunch of monsters on their way out of the portal to graduate. Talk about intense. So the whole novel is about them trying to find out why the school seems hellbent on killing them and how they can subvert everything and get as many of the kids out as possible. It’s intense, but it is a slow read.

Dragons of Eternity

I cried when I finished this book. IT WAS SO GOOD! It was everything for anyone who loves Dragonlance. I loved every minute of it. I loved the adventure, seeing the Heroes of the Lance back in action, and every minute of this book and how it told the story.

This novel was well worth the wait.

Five Broken Blades

This novel was cool. It wasn’t mind-blowingly awesome, but it kept a steady pace. I also liked getting to know the characters because they contributed to the world-building, dropping bits of information here and there.

I think each character got the right amount of “screen time,” so to speak, and they made sense. I liked the dynamics, the pacing, and the heist/assassination aspect.

Beneath These Cursed Stars

I liked this novel more than the These Hollow Vows duology. Given everything Jas has been through, she is a little more interesting than Brie. She’s not coping with her PTSD in a conducive way, but I love how she went from demure to this killer.

I also really enjoyed the dual POV between Felicity and Jas. Felicity being this being called an Echo is fantastic. It’s not something I’ve seen done before, and I like it a lot. I also commend Ryan for making this distinction between Elves and Fae and establishing that elves and Fae are different and that many worlds exist. I think they often tend to get grouped in fantasy, so the delineation is appreciated.

The Honey Witch

This was such a cozy read. I loved how the story made me want to curl up on a sofa with a cup of tea and honey. It was a moderately fast-paced novel but alson’t slow. The pacing was steady, the characters were unforgettable, and the dynamic between Lottie and Mari was terrific. They are the perfect balance and respect one another so much.

Bid My Soul Farewell

I’m so glad I finally got around to reading this novel. I loved the plot twist and the way Nedra has really come into her own as a character. She’s so headstrong and devoted to her family and to righting the wrongs of the government. I liked that the story went back and forth between her and Grey. Grey grows a lot in this novel, which stems from his love for Nedra and his desire to protect her.

This is one for you if you want a fantasy that deals with necromancy and alchemy.

Lore Olympus: Volume Six

Needless to say, I loved this. I love Lore Olympus, and once again, when the panels are put together, seeing the story brought together, it reads differently this way versus reading it week-by-week (which I also did). I love the use of color, the characterization, and the way the story has just evolved from the very beginning. It’s so amazing!

The Crimson Crown

I love Heather Walter. Malice and Misrule are incredible, and The Crimson Crown, the origin story of the Evil Queen, ugh, it was so good! And I just found out it’s a duology! I’m so excited about this. The ending literally gave me chills. Ayleth is a relatable character, and she is mesmerized by how her story unfolds. This story reads so fast. The rising tension, the complexities of the characters, and the lore make it unputdownable.

This Cursed Light

I liked this book, but the characters were sometimes frustrating. Dante and Alessa were so busy worrying that the other would stop loving them that they kept secrets from one another. Don’t get me wrong; I like them as a couple; I just wanted them to be more honest with one another because, come on, these two love each other.

I did not see that plot twist at the end coming, but I’m happy for the Happily Ever After.

What Feasts at Night

I love Kingfisher. So this is a horror, and let me tell you, the number of times this horror left me smiling and laughing was great. Kingfisher just has this natural talent for lining the pages of her books with humor. Alex’s perspective is just amazing, and their voice is also so well done. Honestly, this is such an amazing novel.

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