What I’ve Been Reading This Week

I thought I would write about what I’ve been reading over the past week and share my thoughts on each book. It’s been a good week of reading and I’m ahead of my Goodreads challenge for the year. I might have to increase the number of books I’ll read this year.

So, let’s get started.

BOUND by Benedict Jacka

This is the eighth book in the Alex Verus series and it was really good. Alex and Anne are now in service to Mordan and Alex is the liaison between the light council and the dark mages. Alex is acting as the second for Mordan who holds a seat on the white council as a representative of the dark mages. Alex only does this because Mordan threatens to kill everyone Alex knows. Alex is given no direction on what he is expected to do and finds himself in conflict with the other mages who are also seconds for light council mages. I think it’s safe to say that this is my favorite in the series. The characters have all matured and the relationships are solidified. Mr. Jacka not only hit the ball, he knocked it out of the park. I think the only thing I didn’t like about this book is the fact that one of the characters has something happen to them that has happened in other books. I sort of felt like this is a well that has run dry. What did I like? It kept me on the edge of my seat and I felt truly invested in the outcome. I loved that things resolved but not in the way I expected. I have one more book to read and I’ll be caught up and have to wait for the next book. I give this book a big 5 out of 5.

BRINGING DOWN THE DUKE by Evie Dunmore

This is an adult romance novel that takes place in England during the 1800’s. In the book the main character, Annabelle, has been offered a scholarship by the Women’s Suffragette movement to attend Oxford University. Sebastian is the Duke of Montgomery who is cold and cynical. He is trying to get his family castle back after his father lost it in a bet. I know….tropes….but they work and Ms. Dunmore brings a fresh feeling to the story. I would have liked to see Annabelle a tad bit less wishy washy in her decisions about Sebastian. After a while it just got irritating. As for Sebastian his character growth was endearing and a little difficult to read about. As you can probably figure out I didn’t really care for this book. I decided to read it based on a recommendation from someone who was new to the romance genre. That should have been a warning clue because I’ve read my fair share of romance novels and this one doesn’t really stand out. So in my honest opinion if you want to try reading romance I can recommend other authors that would be a good start. I give this book a two out of five.

SHOREFALL by Robert Jackson Bennett

This is not a review. Not yet. I decided that I would get the audiobook by spending one of my credits on Audible. So, now I’m listening to the book and reading the physical copy. I can listen while I’m walking Libby, making dinner, doing dishes or taking a shower. More reading time! So far I’m pretty happy with the book. I’ll be writing a full review on the book for next week’s blog.

So, that’s what I’ve been reading over the last week. I read something really good and then something I just really didn’t like. That’s the way it goes sometimes. I’m still pretty excited because I know Shorefall is good. 

In my state the governor has eased the restrictions on veterinary hospitals. My vet has a groomer and Libby is on the waiting list. She needs to be groomed so badly. I’ve trimmed her face twice so far and she still looks like a wild child. Our Stay Safe, Stay at Home has been extended to June 12th. I also need to get groomed! I need a color and a cut so badly that I’ve taken to wearing a hat out in public. I just remind myself that others are struggling with the same thing and quarantine hair isn’t just happening to me. 

That’s been my week and all in all it’s been pretty good. So until next week my friends, stay safe and stay healthy. 

Therese

Book Review: Our Dark Duet by V.E. Schwab

As promised here is my review of Our Dark Duet which is the second book in the Monsters of Verity duology. The book picks up right after the events in the first book. Kate has moved to another city, Prosperity, where there are not any monsters however, that doesn’t last very long and Kate becomes a monster hunter. All of this happens in the first couple pages of the first chapter so no spoilers.

In Prosperity a new monster has emerged that is very powerful and it actually attacks Kate leaving her marked. From Kate the monster learns of Verity and so Kate returns to Verity following the new monster. 

August has become alpha of the FTF in Verity and has the voice of his brother in his head telling him what he must do. August fights against it but feels guilty and follows what he thinks is the path he needs to take given the fates that befell his sister and brother in the first book. Again, no spoilers.

This is the beginning of the book and what transpires is life changing for both our main characters. One of the things I love about this author is she doesn’t pull any punches with her characters. They are not spared hardship and are always in danger. This is a very dark story and very violent so be warned.

So, what didn’t I like about this book? Not much to be honest. I think if I HAD to pick something I would say there were times Kate had tunnel vision which caused a lot of problems. Did she grow over time? Yes, a little bit but given all she was dealing with it fit into the story.

What I loved about this book was the relationship between August and Kate. Even with their differences they came together and found common ground. Kate was placed in a position where she learned what it was like for August to fight against the monster part of himself and that understanding drew them closer together. There was also the conflict between August and a new Sunai called The Sorrows who sees the world in black and white. Kate challenges August to live in the grey and as he struggles with this his role as the leader of the fighting force starts to change. I am NOT going to talk about the ending of this book because I want you to have the same experience and feelings I had. I will say it is worth reading both of these books to get to this ending,

I am so happy I decided to read this duology. I was a fan of V.E. Schwab and now I can say she is my favorite author. These books successfully killed my reading slump. I give this book 5 out of 5. 

Since we’re talking about V.E. Schwab I though I would share a little news. I follow V.E. Schwab on Instagram and recently she posted an update of her “To Write” list. Here is what she talked about that has me very excited.

There will be a “Threads” series which are the next three books in the Shades of Magic series. Holy cow!!

There will be a book after Vengeful. So that’s book three. I’m very excited to see where the story goes next. If you haven’t read the first two books I highly recommend them. 

TBR: I just finished Bound by Benedict Jacka. I have two more books to read to catch up on the series. I’ll write a review on this book for next week. Why this book and not Shorefall? Well I’m still reading that book and I don’t want to commit to a review and then go back on my word. I respect you too much to do that so I ask for your patience. I have read 60 pages so far and I will say it is very good. My plan is to get in some solid reading time this weekend so I’m hopeful I can finish. It’s not a hard book to read. It’s the complete opposite. I just have had other priorities that required my attention. 

Libby is fast asleep right now. I’m sitting in my bed typing and she’s on the floor snoring away. She had a tough couple of days this week because we had some thunder and she doesn’t do very well with noise. But I put on her Calming Collar and now she’s sleeping peacefully. Thankfully the sun is out today. Maybe we can take a little walk later on.

I hope you enjoyed this review. I really enjoy writing this blog because I am able to read some good books and share my love with all of you. So, until next week, stay safe and stay healthy my friends.

Therese

Book Review: This Savage Song by V. E. Schwab

This is the first book in the Monsters of Verity duology. I listened to the audiobook and I’m really glad I did because the narrator, Therese Plummer, was wonderful. She brought individual voices to the characters and so much emotion to them as well. If you get the chance I highly recommend listening to the book. 

Word of warning: The main characters are teenagers but the situations in the story are definitely adult in nature. So this is not a YA book. It is an adult fantasy book.

This is a duology about August Flynn and Kate Harker and the books are told from their point of view. August is a monster who fights to retain his humanity and Kate is a human fighting her demons. In this book the world is established. There are two families, the Harkers and the Flynns. There was a long war during which a truce was made and split the city of Verity in half. The Flynn’s are in the south and the Harkers are in the north. 

In the south Henry Flynn leads his people and utilizes a special type of monster, the Sunai, who have the ability to use music (either via an instrument or their voice) to bring a human’s soul to the surface. A red soul indicates a sinner and the Sunai reap those souls to not only feed but also ensure monsters are not resurrected from them. 

In the north Callum Harker leads his people and utilizes Malchai to control the city. These monsters are vicious and have no problem killing humans to feed themselves.

The book starts out with Kate Harker getting kicked out of the sixth boarding school because she sets fire to a chapel. August lives with his adopted family, the Flynn’s, and wants to be a part of the war against the monsters. Kate is the only daughter of Callum Harper but August is one of three Sunai and is considered Henry’s son. During the story Kate and August meet and become frienanemies out of necessity.

This all happens in the beginning of the book so I’m not spoiling anything. I just want to give you a foundation so you can decide for yourself if you want to read the book.

I’ll start with what I didn’t like about the book. I would have liked a little more about Henry Flynn and Callum Harker. These were the heads of their families and the leaders of their part of the city of Verity. I wanted to understand more about them and their motivations. This is a very small nitpick on my part and doesn’t take away for the story at all.

Here’s what I liked about the book. The world was so richly developed and built that I was drawn in right away. The city of Verity is a very dangerous place and V.E. Schwab does a wonderful job of depicting the ever present darkness that rules. I also loved Kate and August and their growth. They are both in high school and thrown into circumstances that are intense and violent. I loved the overall story because it was so compelling. Everything makes sense and builds on itself as it progresses. I immediately cared about the characters and hated the ones I was supposed to based on their actions. The ending makes sense and I guessed correctly at what would happen but there is a little twist that sets up the next book that I didn’t consider. All the pieces were there in the story I just didn’t put it all together until that moment.

I think you can tell by how much I’ve written that I loved this book. I went through it very quickly because I literally couldn’t stop listening. I was hooked at the first sentence and it was a thrill ride all the way through. I immediately downloaded “Our Dark Duet” (the second book) and as of this writing have already finished it. I’ll review that next week. I give “This Savage Song” five out of five and highly recommend the book. 

TBR: I’ve already read “Our Dark Duet” and am now reading “Shorefall” by Robert Jackson Bennett. I thought I would finish that last weekend but I had somethings I did with friends online so I couldn’t read as much as I wanted. I just started listening to “Bound” by Benedict Jacka, the next book in the Alex Verus series. I would also like to catch up on the series this month if possible.

Libby has been such a silly girl. She has started getting her head under the blanket that sits on the ottoman and then rolls around rubbing up against it. I have to say I giggle and laugh which feels really good after so much time on my own. She is my blessing.

In my state the stay at home order has been extended to May 28th. The governor is allowing manufacturing to reopen with some very strict procedures. Manufacturing makes up 19% of our economy so it’s important to get that up and running again. I’m a little disappointed with the extension but I also understand why it has to happen in our state.  There is a six phase plan to get to the new normal and that will take time and patience.

I hope you’ve enjoyed this review of “This Savage Song”.  I will talk with you next week with my review of “Our Dark Duet” and look for my review of “Shorefall” the following week. Please stay safe and healthy my friends.

Therese

I’ve Been All Over The Place!

Yes, I have been all over the place. The library has had books becoming available like crazy and I wanted to listen/read them so I checked them out. In my head I’m thinking “sure I can listen to two books at once no problem”. In reality that just doesn’t work. So, I’ve started a couple, returned them promising not to take out anymore books but something else comes available. You see where I’m going with this. So, I haven’t finished a book. That’s really what it comes down to but I am listening to some really good books so I’ll tell you about those.

First, Bringing Down the Duke by Evie Dunmore is really a good story. Definitely an adult romance as there are some pretty steamy scenes. I only have a couple hours left on the book and enjoying the ride. I think I talked about the overall plot in my last blog post so I won’t go into that here but I am wondering where this is all going to end. Usually there is a marriage proposal at the end but things don’t seem to be going that way as an ending. I love Ms. Dunmore’s writing style. It’s very light and very easy to read without a lot of flowery language. 

Second, I started the Obelisk Gate by N K Jemisin and listened to about 3 hours. It was good but getting a little too depressing and dark. Honestly, I just wasn’t in the mood for that type of story so I returned it and will come back to it at a later date because I do want to find out what happens next in the trilogy. 

Next, I started reading Stone Cold Touch by Jennifer L Armentrout. This is the second book after White Hot Kiss. I still have the book on loan and have read about 31 pages. It takes place immediately after the end of book one and Layla is dealing with the emotional consequences. I plan on reading the rest of the book but only have 3 days left on my loan.

I am also listening to This Savage Song by V E Schwab (my favorite author right now). This is the story of Vincent and Kate, one is human and the other is not. Their families are rivals and are sharing control of V City. There is a truce in place but tensions are high. Vincent and Kate meet in school and form a friendship of sorts. Things take a turn and they find themselves depending on the other even after Kate learns the truth about Vincent. Ms. Schwab has written another story that is engaging and flows so wonderfully that I am 72% of the way through the audiobook and it’s only been 2 days. I will definitely be finishing this book.

Then today I got Happy Mail. Robert Jackson Bennett’s new book Shorefall was delivered and I am setting up a weekend of binging this book. His first book was magnificent and I did review it in one of my earlier blog posts. I am in book heaven. I am really looking forward to this weekend. 

So, that’s been my week. Like I said, all over the place. So many stops and starts. I’ve since deleted my holds in the library app and made a list of the books I want to read. When I’m almost done with one I’ll put one of those on hold. I think that will help a lot.

Libby was super cuddly this morning. I was sitting in my chair and she jumped right into my lap, put her paws on my chest and started licking my face. You might be thinking, well yeah, she’s a dog and that’s what they do. Not my dog. She almost never sits in my lap. She just wanted attention I guess. I have to be better about that. 

I will have a book review next week for sure probably on This Savage Song since I’ll be done with that this week. I don’t want to do a dual review with Shorefall because I know it’s going to warrant it’s own blog post. So, until next week my friends. I hope you read lots of books, spend time with your family safely and I will talk with you next week.

Therese

O.W.L.S. Week 4: And We Come To The End

I finished this read-a-thon with a whole new appreciation for some great authors that I thought I wouldn’t like and some that I knew I would love. 

The end of the read-a-thon came down to WHITE HOT KISS getting finished so I could claim a success. I had 5 days left and then received a notification from the library that my book was due in just 2 days and I had 100 pages to finish. I put everything aside and sat down to finish the book. This meant no Animal Crossing which was really hard to do because I love the game. I was also binging NUMB3RS on Hulu and stopped watching it so I could read. Everything was put on hold. I usually don’t like to read under those circumstances but I had committed to finishing the read-a-thon. 

On Sunday I sat down with my Kindle Fire and focused. I only had a day before it was time to return it to the library. I did, in fact, finish and I’m so glad I did. It was a great story with some solid characters with complicated relationships. Layla is half demon and half warden and must constantly fight against her demon side so that the Wardens, who adopted her when she was a child, do not send her to hell. Layla has two guys she’s interested in. Zayne, who is a Warden and the boy she grew up with, and Roth, the demon who tempts her with his sensuality. What makes this romance interesting is Layla has the ability to suck the soul out of people so she can’t kiss anyone. This makes for some interesting angst between her and Zayne. She comes up against a truth that changes her life forever and sets the course for a story that is intense and thrilling at the end. There were some things I guessed right about but there was another I didn’t see coming. I really enjoyed this book and plan on reading the other three books in the series. 

So, the read-a-thon is complete and I’m so proud of myself. I started out with a reading slump and finished on a strong note. I don’t think I’ll do another challenge for a while. I would like to read for pleasure and not because I’m taking place in a challenge. It’s not that I didn’t enjoy the read-a-thon, I did, it’s just I didn’t enjoy the pressure I put on myself. 

I am very excited about another book I started. THE OBELISK GATE by N.K. Jemisin became available via the Libby app. This is the second book in The Broken Earth series and I’m a little over three hours into the audio book and am so happy that I actually understand what is going on. It has just two main characters, Essun, from the first book, who was the main focus of the story and her daughter, Nassun, who has been taken by her father. The story is not only about a world coming apart but of how they both struggle through The Fifth Season to survive and find each other. I was really happy when the book became available. I did have to put aside BRINGING DOWN THE DUKE to focus on the library book. BRINGING DOWN THE DUKE is an Audible book I own so I can take my time.

I also borrowed the next book in the The Dark Elements series, STONE COLD TOUCH, which should be good. I just need to know what happens next to Layla.

The stay at home order in my state has been extended until May 15th so I plan on getting some reading done and playing Animal Crossing, which I am loving so far. So much to do! Libby was very patient this morning while I was reading. She slept on the couch and every once in a while she would check in just to say Hi. I’ve been cooking a lot and for the first time in a long time enjoying it. Just a little bit about the life of a blogger.

So, until next week my friends stay healthy and stay safe. 

Therese

O.W.L.S. Week 3: Two Books Finished!

This read-a-thon was much needed because I was having trouble finding books that lit that reading fire. I have been reading books that I was mildly interested in and found some new authors. I am so happy I decided to take part in it.

April 16, 2020

I finished THE RAGE OF DRAGONS and it was such a good book! Tau is a fantastic character as he grows into something blessed by the goddess and fights to avenge his father’s death. This vengeance leads him down a path of dedication to becoming a warrior who can best a royal who is superior in size, strength and ability. All his life he’s been told he is inferior and when he enters training he is told with hard work he can become more. I really enjoyed this story and I can’t wait until July when the second book is released.

April 17, 2020

I’ve been reading WHITE HOT KISS and I’m really enjoying the story so far. It’s the hate to love trope but the author does it very well. After I finished RAGE OF DRAGONS I decided I wasn’t going to borrow any more audiobooks until after the read-a-thon. But I got caught up on all the podcasts I listen to and needed something to listen to when I walked Libby. So I borrowed BURNED by Benedict Jacka. It’s book 7 in the Alex Verus series. It’s really good so far. So much for resolutions!

April 18, 2020

WHITE HOT KISS is a good book and I really love Layla. She has so much going against her and yet she doesn’t instantly change. She is slowly coming to realize her world is changing. 

April 19, 2020

BURNED is really, really good. How is Alex going to get out of this? I decided with the time I have left I’m going to use BURNED as my book with witches and or wizards. Alex is a mage which is sort of a wizard and it’s such a good book. WHITE HOT KISS has gotten very good. I don’t know what Layla is going to do next. I also don’t know which of her love interests she’s going to choose because it really is a choice between good and evil; light and dark. And since she has a part of both in her the question at this point is not only which boy she’ll choose but which part of herself she’ll choose as well. 

April 20, 2020

I finished BURNED and it was an excellent book. I have always loved the main character, Alex Verus, and I also really like the supporting characters. In this book Alex is put under a death sentence by the Light Counsel and has to protect his friends before he runs out of the country. I have to say this is my favorite of the series so far. The book ended on a bit of a cliff hanger and I can’t wait to read the next one. So, this means three of four books for the read-a-thon are completed. I am 50% of the way through WHITE HOT KISS and it is really good. I hit the turning point in the story and it took a turn I didn’t expect. The main character, Layla, just turned seventeen and now demons are hunting her. I won’t say much more because I don’t want to give away too much. I think this would be a New Adult book and so far it’s been steamy but not too much. I am really looking forward to what happens next. I also started a new audiobook based on a recommendation by Peruseproject on YouTube. BRINGING DOWN THE DUKE by Evie Dunmore is an adult historical romance novel and is just what I need right now. I’ve been reading some pretty heavy books and something light and romantic will clear my palate.  

April 21, 2020

I am at the 50% mark in WHITE HOT KISS. I still have plenty of time to finish up. Honestly I didn’t realize I had read as much one night because I got so caught up in the story. Layla has had an experience that surely will change everything for her. I’m also listening to BRINGING DOWN THE DUKE and really enjoying it so far. Annabelle Archer has been offered a stipend to attend Oxford, where the first female students have been accepted. The story takes place in England in 1879 and the women’s suffrage movement is paying for her scholarship in exchange for her support. Sebastian Devereaux is the Duke of Montgomery and has been tasked by the Queen to support the Tory party who do not support women’s rights. The two meet formerly in his home when his brother invites her to a party. The story so far is really good and what I thought would be your typical romance novel is turning out to be a little deeper. I am really invested in the two main characters and want to see them get together. In this case, the journey is what is important.  

So far I feel like I’ve made some really good progress. I have changed the books I initially said I was going to read but I think that’s ok. The point of the read-a-thon was to pick books that met the categories for the O.W.L.S. and I’ve done that so far. Libby has been kind of bored this week. Heck, who am I kidding we’ve both been pretty bored. In my state the stay at home order is supposed to end April 30th. I know I’m ready for some human companionship. I hope you’re all staying safe and healthy and finding things to fill in the hours. Until next week my friends.

Therese

O.W.L.S. Week 2: Finished A Book!

I am making some progress in this read-a-thon. I’ve been enjoying myself and I’m glad I made the changes in the books I decided to read. 

April 9th – April 12th, 2020

I spent the time reading THE FIFTH SEASON by N K Jemisin and it is a very good book. I will admit that I had to look up a summary at about 75% to figure out what was going on with the three female characters. I honestly didn’t get what was happening and would have never guessed. Maybe it was meant to develop as the story progressed and I was being impatient. But by the end I was satisfied and am looking forward to the next book.

April 13, 2020

I have started listening the THE RAGE OF DRAGONS by Evan Winter which is good. It starts out with a race of people fleeing to a new land and fighting the native people, who are savages; at least to them. This happens in the prologue and we do see a dragon as well. I was a little worried I would have to wait. The main character, Tau, is destined to be a warrior and isn’t sure this is the path he wants to take. But an event causes him to seek revenge. The narration is very good and Prentice Onayemi does a wonderful accent that fits with the culture of the people. I’m currently on chapter 6 and hope to finish this week. 

I also found a book to cover the transfiguration requirement. The book I initially chose didn’t have that in it at all. So I started reading “WHITE HOT KISS” by Jennifer L. Armentrout. It pulled me in right away and it is the book that has taken me out of my reading slump. The story is about a girl named Lyla who is half demon and half gargoyle. The gargoyles are wardens and keep demons, who have found a portal into our world, under control. The wardens are stone gargoyles during the day and human at night when they hunt demons. Hence, transfiguration. It’s a really good story so far. I’m about 14% of the way in and so far I’m hooked. I had to borrow the book from the library via the Libby app and read it on my Kindle. Not good on the eyes but I read in short stints so it’s all good. So I’m back to wanting to read even if it does take time away from Animal Crossing lol.

April 14, 2020

I am almost done with THE RAGE OF DRAGONS. I’m at 86% and I’m at a very exciting part of the story. All in all I’ve enjoyed this book. I love the friendships, I love the world building and I even have enjoyed the militaristic storyline. And it is very military heavy so if you read this book be prepared. But it’s all very well done. I’m also on chapter 7 of WHITE HOT KISS. I know, I know is this a romance book? Yes and no. It does have romantic angst, teenage crushing, and a love triangle. Don’t let that deter you because this is a very well written book and it catches you from the first page. Layla is an extremely likable character and she is portrayed with heart and strength. I am totally hooked on this book. I’m hoping to finish THE RAGE OF DRAGONS by the end of this week and also complete WHITE HOT KISS by mid-next week. That’s the plan!

April 15, 2020

I spent my morning walk with Libby listening to THE RAGE OF DRAGONS but still haven’t finished. Libby didn’t want to walk far and I had a bible study to watch on Facebook. I think I can finish tomorrow for sure. I only have about 2 hours left. WHITE HOT KISS is still my obsession right now and I want to finish it by this weekend. I think that’s doable for sure. 

That’s been my second week for the read-a-thon. I’m really enjoying it so far and I am making good progress considering I started with a reading slump. I’ve finished one book so far and I’m close to finishing a second so I’m happy with where I am right now. Libby is being very patient while I read. She just jumps up on the couch and falls asleep. I think she likes the fireplace app on the tv because it’s soothing. I’m looking forward to the upcoming week so until next time my friends. Stay safe and stay healthy.

Therese

The O.W.L.S. And A Reading Slump

April 2, 2020

Well, this can’t be good is what I said to myself the second day of the read-a-thon. I started reading “The Cruel Prince” and it is ok but not great. It’s very dark and the state the world is in right now the book just isn’t appealing. Honestly it is the cruelty (which is in the title) to two children who are the main focus that turns me off. I think I’ve said it before, I don’t like this type of violence. The book has to be something truly spectacular to get me to read the book in spite of the violence. Now I need another book with a white cover to replace The Cruel Prince.

April 5, 2020

I started listening to “The Fifth Season” by N K Jemisin. It sort of has a heart shape on the cover so it is a replacement for the other book I was going to read. It’s pretty good so far. It’s different than I thought it was going to be. The world building is wonderful and the characters are interesting enough that I want to know what happens next. I should be able to finish it this week. I hope.

April 7, 2020

I think the social distancing is starting to take it’s toll. I’m bored and unable to read anything. I do continue to listen to “The Fifth Season” which is pretty good. At first I didn’t know if I was going to like the book but as time has gone on I’ve started to care about the main characters. I think the author is setting up a different type of world. The continent, known as the Stillness, is in the middle of a time where the land is unstable. The characters are being put into place to deal with bigger issue with the land. 

April 8, 2020

I am 50% of the way through “The Fifth Season” and it is still holding my interest. I find myself wanting to listen to the story to see where this is all going to go from where I am right now. I’ve also changed my book with a white cover to “Rage of Dragons” by Evan Winter which is a book that’s been on hold on the Libby app for about a month.  So that is what I’m starting this upcoming week. I’m hoping it helps get past my reading slump. 

I’m still planning on a reread of “The Sorcerer’s Stone” as my witches/wizards book so I’m looking forward to that. 

That’s the update for the past week. I hope you’re all doing well in this challenging time. I am struggling a little bit but having my dog, Libby, with me does help a lot. We take a long walk each morning, which gets me out of the condo and into the fresh air. This is a good thing. I will freely admit this week has me a little worried as things are supposed to peak. I have to go get my weekly meat so I’m planning to go early hoping there won’t be as many people. That is just a little slice of my life. So, until next week my friends.

Therese

O.W.L.S. – Getting Started

Well today I begin the O.W.L.S. Read-A-Thon. I’m starting with the Cruel Prince by Holly Black. I’ve been looking forward to this book for a while. I’ve read some reviews and they are really mixed but I also read mixed reviews of The Darker Shades of Magic and I loved that book so I’m going to approach this one with a positive outlook.

So here’s the plan. This entry is the first one for the week and is more introductory. I’ll post more of my reading progress next week. A little change. Instead of rereading the Harry Potter book I’m going to read “Windwitch” by Susan Dennard. I’ve been wanting to read the second book in the series and the audiobook just became available from the library. 

I did start “The Cruel Prince” this morning and at the time of this writing I’m at page 34. I’ve only been reading for a short time but so far it is holding my interest enough that I want to see how this story is going to progress. So, I have the fireplace app on my cable box turned on, Libby is snoozing on the couch (she snores) and I’ve settled in to this story. Onward!

A Little Review

Over the past week I listened to Tempest and Slaughter by Tamora Pierce and it was really good. It’s the story of Arram Draper a 11 year mage who is attending the Imperial University of Carthak, which is a magic school. He meets Varice and Orzorne who become his best friends. 

The book is a series of events that take place over the school sessions. One such is when Arram is called upon to accompany a Master, who is a healer, to assist him in administering to those afflicted by a plague. Many such events help to shape him as a mage and as a person. 

Arram’s character development is slow but real and we watch as he struggles through some pretty horrific circumstances. The author doesn’t hold back. Also the world building is genuine and it isn’t always a good place to live given there are gladiators who are slaves and are forced to fight in the arena. The magic system is unique in that each mage or witch draws on a power that lives within them. Arram’s struggle to control his magic is central to the story.

This book does have a lot of violence and some graphic scenes and even though the main character is so young it doesn’t hold back. Arram struggles with his own views on slavery and places his hope in Orzorne who is heir to the Emporer’s throne. The relationship between the two friends is something that is real and touching even with their differing opinions. 

I loved this book. I listened to the audiobook and the narrator, Adriane Meyers, is wonderful. She brings life to all the characters and you always know who is speaking. If you get the opportunity listen to the audiobook I can say you will enjoy the performance. I give this book a 5 out of 5.

Next week look for my review and progress on The Cruel Prince. Please stay safe and I pray you all remain healthy. Until next week my friends.

Therese

O.W.L.S. Read-a-thon

I normally write about what I’ve been reading and give a mini review but I decided I’m going to talk about something else. It’s still reading related so let me explain.

I’m going to participate in the O.W.L.S. Read-a-thon taking place in April. It is pretty well put together and involves picking a career from the world of Harry Potter and then following the O.W.L. requirements. There is a beautifully created guide you can download that details all careers and the requirements for each. There is also a document with the reading prompts for each requirement. Here is the link if you’re interested.

https://www.magicalreadathon.com/copy-of-induction-to-magical-readat

I chose the Graphic Designer career as I am an artist and the description suited me to a tee. The requirements are also pretty do-able in the time I have to read.

Here are the O.W.L. requirements for my career and the books I’m going to read.

RUNES: Books with a heart on the cover. I’m going to be reading “Beyond the Pale” by Savannah Russe. It sort of has a heart shaped filagree on the cover and while that might be a stretch it’s what I have.

CHARMS: Book with a white cover. I’ll be reading “The Cruel Prince” by Holly Black. I actually checked this out of the library a couple weeks ago and now I’ll have the incentive to actually read the book.

HISTORY OF MAGIC: Books featuring witches/wizards. I’m going to reread “Harry Potter and the Sorcerers Stone” by J.K. Rowling. I’ve been wanting to read this book again because I’m curious to see how I like it since watching the movie.

TRANSFIGURATION: Books about shapeshifting. I’m going to be reading “The Dark Storm” by Kris Greene. This is a book about warriors, knights and demons. I know there’s a half demon and I’m hoping there are shapeshifters as well.

So, why these books. In my state, as is the case in many, we have been told to stay at home with specific exceptions. The library is closed and I’m unemployed so I can’t afford to buy any books. I was going to move a few years back and I donated a lot of my books to the library. I have to choose from what I have on my shelves. This means I have to stretch things a little. But three of the books I’ve chosen are new to me.

I’m going to start next week with “The Cruel Prince” since this is a library book and it will be due back to the library very soon.

I’ll keep you posted each week on my progress and tell you what I think of each book. It should be an interesting month. I hope you enjoy this blog as I take part in the read-a-thon.

I hope you’re all safe and healthy and take the time you have at home to do some reading, play some games or hang out with your family. We will have the rest of our lives to work after this is over so take advantage of this time at home.

Until next week my friends!

Therese