Hello, reader!
Now that we are solidly into November, I figured it was time to do my October wrap up. October was a pretty decent reading month, though my lack of horror reads is truly disappointing! Still, there were quite a few books I read that had proper spooky vibes, so I’m not too mad about it. I also picked up and finished a duology that I has been on my radar for awhile and I loved it. And I read a new favorite that will most likely end up in my top ten books of the year, so bonus!
That being said, why don’t we dive into my wrap up.
Books Read
Click on the covers to be taken to the book’s Goodreads page
Book: Shadow-Stained by Rachel Hobbs
Rating: ★★★
Thoughts: I read this book for a The Write Reads blog tour. I enjoyed my time with it, though it didn’t blow my mind. It was a paranormal romance that did slow burn in the best way. I also loved Drayvex, the main male character who was a sarcastic legend. You can read my full review here.
Book: Lord Edgware Dies by Agatha Christie
Rating: ★★★
Thoughts: Slowly catching up with an Agatha Christie readalong I’m participating in with some bookish friends! I do enjoy her Hercule Poirot stories, though I always have to remind myself of the time period they were written in. Especially when two separate racial slurs are dropped on one page. Still, this was an interesting mystery and I loved the twist.
Book: The Light at the Bottom of the World by London Shah
Rating: ★★★★
Thoughts: I read this book because I was on a blog tour for the sequel. It had also been on my TBR for a minute since watching a rave review about it. I think this is an underrated YA gem! I had such fun reading this exciting and beautiful book. And I enjoyed the sequel just as much!
Book: The Book of Uriel by Elyse Hoffman
Rating: ★★★★
Thoughts: This is another book I read for a The Write Reads tour. It’s a historical fiction, so not in my usual wheelhouse, but I really enjoyed it! It was heartfelt and heartbreaking and beautifully told. I loved the touches of Jewish religion and folklore as well. You can read my full review here.
Book: Little Thieves by Margaret Owen
Rating: ★★★★★
Thoughts: Dear lord, I loved this book! This was one of my most anticipated reads and it did not disappoint. I read this as part of the TBR & Beyond Tours book tour. I absolutely flew through this dark, fairytale-esque beauty and I already want to re-read it. It’s incredible and I need everyone to read it, please! You can read my full review here.
Book: A Spindle Splintered by Alix E. Harrow
Rating: ★★★★
Thoughts: I snagged this book as I wandered the library and I’m so glad I picked it up! This was such an interesting take on the Sleeping Beauty fairytale. I loved the multiple universe way it approaches the story and I adored the writing, as well. The main character kicks ass, too. I’m excited to read more from this series!
Book: The October Man by Ben Aaronovitch
Rating: ★★★★
Thoughts: The Rivers of London readalong continues! I really enjoyed this novella, even though it doesn’t feature the usual gang. I loved getting a peek at how magical law enforcement functions in different countries. I also loved all the wine talk. This was addition to a fantastic series.
Book: Journey to the Heart of the Abyss by London Shah
Rating: ★★★★
Thoughts: This is the sequel to The Light at the Bottom of the World and the book I read for a TBR & Beyond Tours book tour. This was such an amazing conclusion to the duology! The writing was incredible, once again, and the action kept me on the edge of my seat. I’m so glad I gave these books a chance and I’m eager to read whatever London Shah writes next. You can read my full review here.
Book of the Month
This is a pretty clear choice for October. There was only one book that got five stars and that will more than likely end up as one of my top ten reads of 2021! The Book of the Month for October is…
There could be no other winner this month. This book made me laugh, it made me ugly sob, and it left me feeling like it would take a couple of days to recover. Which it did. I absolutely adored everything about this book! The plot was perfectly paced, the vibes were immaculate, and the characters. THE CHARACTERS! I would fight for Vanja any day of the week. I’m so excited that we’ll be getting more books in this world.
Reflections
October was a month filled with wonderful reads and one that just knocked it out of the park. It also the month that I cemented Margaret Owen as one of my favorite authors. So, all in all, good times were had! That being said, I feel like this month just slipped through my fingers. I feel like I was constantly feeling stressed because I did so. many, TOURS! Well… for me. But there were just so many good tours last month that I couldn’t pass up. December is shaping up to be much of the same (pray for me, y’all), so I’m glad that I’m already done with all my tours for November.
Reading for tours so much in October, though I enjoyed everything I read, did make my mood-reading heart a little sad. So now that my November is pretty much free, I’m trying to give it what it craves. I’ve been randomly picking up books that just sound good to me in the moment. I just finished Ring Shout, which was fantastic, and I’m about to start Hamnet, which I’ve been wanting to read for ages. It’s nice to be picking things up that I don’t have to read. Takes a bit of the pressure off which is something I needed after all the deadline stress in October, lol.
That being said, I also have quite a few books that I’m in the middle of that I really want to get done by the end of the year. So that’s gonna be another goal before the end of 2021. Which is… kind of soon 😅 I can do it!
How was your reading in October? Did you find a new favorite? Make any progress on some challenges? Let me know in the comments!
And, as always, happy reading!
Kerri McBookNerd 