Hello!
I am here with November Wrap Up. This month I read a total of 8 books and a total of 3,238 pages.
The genres I read this month were fantasy and historical fiction. I read 1 standalones, 1 first book and 5 sequels.
Onto the ratings!
★★★★★
The Strange Case of the Alchemist’s Daughter (The Extraordinary Adventures of the Athena Club #1) by Theodora Goss
I have a full review of this book so I will try and keep my rambling to a minimum — not sure how well that will go because I can’t stop talking about this book, my family and testify to that 😂😂😂
This book series follows the daughters from the popular mad scientist characters from nineteenth century. Mary Jekyll, alone following her parent’s death, investigates the secrets of her father’s past. With the assistance of Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson, her hunt leads her to Hyde’s daughter, Diana and soon more women, all whom have been created through experimentation.
This was an amazing adventure and had me totally engrossed from the opening sentence. This story reminds me of the TV show Penny Dreadful mixed with the X-men franchise. Also loved the unique way it’s told. If you love girl gangs and mystery narratives this one is for you!
Wundersmith: The Calling of Morrigan Crow (Nevermoor #2) by Jessica Townsend
I have been waiting for this book the second after I finished the first book, Nevermoor: The Trials of Morrigan Crow. I won’t say much since this is a sequel so spoilers, but I love this. I was completely enchanted the whole way through. Nevermoor is such a whimsical world that I gives me the warm and fuzzies. I love the way Jupiter looks out for Morrigan and tries to do his best to cheer her up, between all the jobs his out of town for. Also I really need Hallomas to be a real holiday, please and thank you!
★★★★1/4
The Reckoning (Welsh Princes #3) by Sharon Kay Penman
This is the final book in Penman’s Welsh Princes Trilogy. In this book Llewelyn, Prince of Wales, on a collision course with a feudal realm of Edward I, who is arguably on of England’s most ruthless and sadistic kings. Like always, Penman’s writing is rich with historical facts, but never feels like a text book. She has this way of drawing you into the narrative. The setting is lush and alive with the feel of the 13 century. The characters are beautiful complexed and deeply flawed. Even though I did know what was going to happen, it still broke my heart as the events unfolded.
The reason this wasn’t a 5 stars for me because it a slow read, a story to become engrossed in, and I picked it up at the wrong time. I reckon with a re-read this will be a 5 stars for sure. I adore this series! If you love medieval fiction, this is one to add to your TBR.
★★★★
Breath of Fire (The Kingmaker Chronicles #2) by Amanda Bouchet
This book picks up straight after the events of A Promise of Fire. Cat is very relatable, which is great because we are in her first person perspective. I still cannot get over who Bouchet is able to twist these greek characters to fit into her world. I loved that we get to see more of the Gods. Ares’ character is very fitting given that he is the God of War. Also really love the slow burn relationship between Cat and Griffin.
Heart on Fire (The Kingmaker Chronicles #3) by Amanda Bouchet
I think the character development we get from Cat, makes her feel like a change women in this book. She’s no longer afraid to live up to her destiny and take on the responsibility. I love love love Cat and Griffin so much! I really hope that we get more form this world. I am definitely going to be looking into Amanda Bouchet’s other books.
★★★1/2
Outrun the Wind by Elizabeth Tammi
I have a full review of this one so I will keep my thoughts here short. Overall I really enjoyed this novel. The Huntresses of Artemis must obey two rules: never disobey the goddess, and never fall in love. When a routine mission goes awry, Kahina breaks the first rule in order to save the legendary huntress Atalanta.
The highlight was definitely the female/female romance. I loved the fact that there wasn’t a big deal make that the romance was between two girls. I do wish this was slightly longer as the ended did feel a little rushed.
★★★
Bone Crossed (Mercy Thompson #4) by Patricia Briggs
Mercy definitely has a way of attracting trouble. She on the bad side of the vampires again. I really do like this series and Mercy’s character is relatable and I need to see how she gets out of this. Also the attractive werewolves floating around don’t hurt either. I really appreciate how Patricia Briggs handled the discussion of sexual abuse and also who people deal with aftermath.
Sliver Borne (Mercy Thompson #5) by Patricia Briggs
Mercy Thompson attempts to return a powerful fae book she previously borrowed in an act of desperation, she finds the bookstore locked up and closed down. Magical books yay! Really loved getting a look at the fae again because they are so many different variation as compared to the vampires and werewolves. I adore Samuel’s character and am thankful nothing bad happens to him!
That’s it for me. Haha reviewing sequels are so hard! Because I don’t want to spoil anything so basically you just get me stating how much I loved the book over and over again 😂😂😂
Comment down below and let me know what you’re favourite read of November was.
Until next time, happy reading!
Dearna
Words of the Roses 