If you would like a little more insight into my new review format, you can check out my previous wrap for more details.
Chris Scully
Romance, Contemporary, MM Romance
PSRC - A book with a month or a day of the week in the title
Archie Noble never imagined that he would ever let anyone close to him. Growing up going from shelter to shelter until his mother finally dropped him with his grandparents on the reservation, he learned quickly how hard life could be. He vowed to do all he could to get out and get his sister out as well. Years later, a tragic turn of events leaves his sister dead, two children without a family, and Archie refusing to be their guardian. Ryan was named as the second choice, but all he has ever wanted was a family and children of his own. After the recent breakup of his long-term boyfriend, he thinks this could be the chance he has been waiting for, even if it is just him and the kids; however, he can't shake the feeling that Margie would have wanted it to be Archie instead. The summer is just beginning, but they only have until September to get things figured out.
Right from the start, I knew that this would be an emotional date. It didn't disappoint with its roller coaster of emotions. It was a date the grew and matured and left an impression about overcoming obstacles from our pasts. This date changed the way I few couples and relationships, romantically and parentally. It was a date full of learning. I will look back and remember it fondly for its representation and meaningful lessons.
Three Dark CrownsKandare Blake
Fantasy, Young Adult
PSRC - A book by a person of color
Katherine, Arisnoe, and Mirabella have been destined for the crown since their birth; however, that also means that only one of them can become queen. Equal or not, they must fight for their crown and the traditions that govern their island home. Separated as children and raised to devour the others, each of them is training for their rightful place on the thrown. As the word spreads of Mirabella's strength, Katherine and Arisnoe must do all they can to convince the council and the temple they are just as strong, but mistakes are made and lives are torn. Who will live through the Ascension to take the crown?
A dark date is the best I can describe it. A date where the fates of at least two of those in attendance were to be extinguished. It was a bit of a slow date, one that took its time while we got to know each other, learn about each other as we stroll through their lands. It wasn't a date meant to be concluded with answers, but a date meant to be carried on again in the future with the events just before the nights end leaving me wanting to visit with them again. How must one choose between three when each is admired in their own unique way?
Joe Hill, Gabriel RodrÃguez
Graphic Novel, Horror, Fantasy, Fiction
PSRC - An audiobook
The New England mansion holds the doors to other worlds, things in which many cannot imagine. The keys to these doors are trusted to certain people and well hidden; however, Sam is determined to find the keys. Tyler may have mentioned wanting him to kill his dad, but he never imagined Sam would follow through. Now staying with his uncle, his younger brother keeps talking about a door where you can die and become a ghost. Everyone is convinced he is just grieving, but Sam will stop at nothing to get the key and locate the doors.
This is not a date I would usually go on, but I will try anything once. The date was vivid and detailed to the point it will stay with me and possibly haunt my dreams. Brutal and gory do not begin to cover it. It was a swift date and ended suddenly; however, I was happy to be free of the horror set before me. I do not think a second or third date will be necessary anytime soon.
Caitlin Doughty
Non-Fiction, Death, Travel, History
PSRC - A book with pictures
*This book was received in a giveaway; however, all thoughts and opinions on this book are my own.
Caitlin Doughty, the author of Smoke Gets in Your Eyes which I have also reviewed, comes at us again with a view of death and death culture around the world. In this book, she details her travels from across the globe, including the US, studying the many ways that people treat their dead. From sky burials to cremation and everything in between, she covers the many rituals and practices while addressing why the US has industrialized and monetized, the way we handle our dead. Whether it is maintaining a relationship with the deceased or celebrating the blessing of a skull, this book is sure to be enlightening.
It was a date with death (cue spooky music). One that I have faced in similar was before, but one I will continue to visit over and over again. It may seem morbid to some, but in facing mortality I am more prepared to handle death. Death and I have become friends through the humor he possessed on this date. I will visit him again and I will encourage others to visit him as well. It isn't as scary as you might think, but rather enlightening and informative with a bit of giggling thrown in.
Kerri Maniscalco
Historical Fiction, YA, Horror, Romance, Thriller, Mystery
PSRC - The first book in a series you haven't read before
Audrey Rose Wadsworth is caught in the clash of society. Born the daughter of Lord Wadsworth, she is expected to be a clothed in privilege, ladylike, and social; however, she hides her dark desires for forensic science under the laces of her bodice and hurries off into the night to intern with her uncle. With her mother gone, her father has tightened the reigns, scared of losing his little girl. As the gruesome murders begin to escalate, she will stop at nothing to know how is tearing these poor women apart. Will the answers she seeks bring her close to home, is everyone correct in accusing her medically inclined Uncle?
It was a dark and twisted date full of twists and turns; however, it was captivating to dance among the infamous Jack the Ripper. I find myself in companionable company with another woman who fancies forensic science is such a fascinating turn, especially in the 1800s. As we stalked the killer and fell for the insufferable assistant, we bonded of the bodies of the women brutally murdered. There will definitely be more dates in the future as our adventures together continue. It isn't often you find a kindred spirit in which to spend your time with.
Victoria Schwab
Young Adult, Fantasy, Horror
PSRC - A book that is a story within a story
"Imagine a place where the dead rest on shelves like books." Mackenzie is learning her way through the Archives after the death of Da. As a Keeper, it is her job to dispell the histories that wake up, returning them back to the Archived before they can escape into the Outer. Da taught her to fight, the use her knowledge, and to wield it like a weapon. Trying to escape, her parents moved to the Coronado, where they can start over after the loss of Ben; however, when moving in, Mackenzie decides to read the history in her room only to discover a gruesome past she is determined to solve. As the truth starts to unravel, as well as the Archived, it is a race to discover who is erasing the past and what they are trying to cover up.
Have you ever been on a date that brought up something you didn't see eye to eye with, but you liked other aspects of the date? I feel like that is the best way to describe this experience. It was an intriguing concept, enough to grab my attention and make me want to continue on with our evening; however, there were points that we didn't agree on. As the date continued, it was brushed away and things carried on to a somewhat satisfying closer to our date. There was enough intrigue to make me want to continue, even if only for one more; however, I am hoping that old troubles do not resurface in future dates.
This has been my month of reading. I hope that you are still enjoying the new reviews and I would love to hear your feedback. What were some of the books you read in October? Are any of these books on your list?
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