December and January seem to be my best reading months. I slam through books during a hibernation period. I feel like the past few weeks, I’ve definitely been hibernating. It’s time to wind down, the magic of the holidays are settling into my bones, and the sun sets in like, the middle of the freaking day so everything is really thrown off.
As soon as mid-October hits, the rest of the year flies by. I never used to like the holidays – I had to keep up the angsty, riot girl persona. In more recent years, I’m not afraid to scream how much I love this time of year. The holidays, my birthday, the colder and rainy weather (have I mentioned I’m a Twilight girly?), and just the chill that comes from the end of the year. This December was a bit more chill than usual. We took our holiday family photos (my cousin takes them and we edit same day – I’m incredibly lucky). We attended the Dickens Fair (which is hands down, my favorite thing ever). I went with my best friend and her family to see the Christmas lights at the Oakland Cemetery, Mountain View Cemetery, for the first time because we had never heard of it (while it was not as grand as we thought it would be, it was still wonderful – I recommend parking further down and walking in). I’ve spent time with so many people I love very much and I’ve felt really lucky to have the people I have.
As the year winds down, I’m getting ready for our families New Years Day party. My grandmother (Puna) used to throw this party. The families are always separated for the other holidays – we all have in-laws to deal with too – so she thought she’d gather everyone on a lesser holiday. It was always a wonderful way to ring in the new year… No matter how hungover you were. When she passed in 2019, I told everyone I’d love to take it on. It’s not as grand as her parties – it took 50 years to get as huge as it was – but it’s still my favorite party of the year.
See you in 2024 🙂
Iron Flame (The Empyrean #2) by Rebecca Yarros
My Rating: 5/5 Stars
What’s it about: Violet has survived her first year at Basgiath War College and enters her 2nd year. She becomes more badass, learns more about her powers, and finds out many truths she probably wished she didn’t know.
Quote: Because love, at its root, is hope. Hope for tomorrow. Hope for what could be. Hope that the someone you’ve entrusted your everything to wil cradle and protect it. And hope? That shit is harder to kill than a dragon.Â
My Review: I hadn’t even finished listening to the first one before I bought this 2nd one. I was pretty bummed I didn’t do audio! I have been BUSY making holiday cards, baking, and cleaning that I haven’t been able to really sit down and read this but I’ve been doing all the things that are easily done while listening to an audiobook. I’ve said it before, I’ll say it again – the spellings of things in fantasy books is wild. Since I listened to the first book via Audiobook instead of reading it, I didn’t think about how things were spelled. This was my first time seeing a lot of the spellings and I feel like fantasy writers hate their fans. I’m hoping the next book will have more information about Violet’s dad and his death because I have a feeling that he “knew too much” and was killed. Violet is starting to annoy the shit out of me with this whole “don’t lie to me” stuff. It is a young, insecure person’s game and I hate playing games. I had 2 close friends (I’m not friends with either anymore) who loved playing games. Of course, they didn’t call it “games”, they called it “having the upper hand”. That’s not a healthy relationship. But neither is having the exact same argument a million times. This is the only instance where I thought the book became repetitive and fluffy. Speaking of repetitive, I really hope Violet’s bum knee gets fixed in book 3 because if I have to hear about her knee one more time, I’m going to scream. At one point, Violet says, “Not sure how it’s possible, but I simultaneously want to climb the man and kick him hard in the shins.” Same. That’s called being in love with a man. There is no cure.
I don’t want to spoil anything but HELL YEAH when someone shows up when Violet is being tortured!!!! I literally screamed. A time when I was NOT screaming “HELL YEAH” was when Violet was being trained. Felix consistently remarks on how she’s so powerful but doesn’t know how to use her power. Dude. Chill out. She’s had horrific teachers who were trying to harness her as a weapon (and break her spirit so she no longer questioned them). She’s basically a child and doesn’t know better. Teach her instead of insulting her.
Random thought: What is it about a guy tying your shoes when it becomes untied so hot? I remember the first time Jacob did that for me and I was like “Did I just fall in love with this man?” Is it just me?
All that being said, fuck that ending. How long do I have to wait? December 2024?! I am so annoyed.
The Library at Mount Char by Scott Hawkins
My Rating: 5/5 Stars
What’s it about: I feel like the less you know, the better but whatevs. Carolyn is one of 12 kids and their father has gone missing. But they’re not kids, they’re adults and they all have what seems like special powers – each of them has a specialty that you get to slowly learn about throughout the book. Carolyn picks up a guy named Steve and inserts him into the drama of trying to locate their dad by getting back into their house (dubbed “The Library”) while also trying to figure out where they all come from.
My Review: My husband picked this book up for me when he was traveling this past Summer. He just thought it sounded cool. So far, the books he’s picked out for me have all been at least 4 stars and they’re ones I’ve never heard of. He is surprisingly good at this.
This book was a little tough to get into because it takes place in the real world, but has a fantastical element that the author just assumes you know about. My brain was working overtime to try and figure Carolyn and her family out. Here’s a tip: Don’t do that, just go with the flow. Because whatever you come up with will be incorrect, I promise you. I’ve never read a book like this before. The opening paragraph is probably one of the best opening paragraphs I’ve ever read. You know when you meet a character and you immediately think “Boy, I really hope you die” – that’s David for me. From the first introduction of him, I wanted him to be eliminated. Which is worse when you think about the fact that, even though Carolyn clearly states they’re grown ass people (I believe they’re meant to be in their mid-30s), I kept envisioning them as children (very Lord of the Flies-esque). So yes, I wanted a child to die I AM SORRY.
And now for something completely different (but not because it does come up in the story). There is a seriously terrible place in hell that’s reserved for game hunters. Any time I see photos of (mostly) men posing next to a beautiful animal they murdered just for shits and giggles (let’s not forget that most of their targets are rounded up in a safe environment for them), I cannot help but laugh at them. What a pathetic loser. This is likely the only thing that can get them off and they’re one step away from murdering an actual human being once they stop being able to get it up for killing animals. I pity them. They’re miserable excuses for human beings so I shed no tears during this debacle (sorry, spoiler?).
I love Steve. But I also cannot stand Steve. He’s a big dum dum – real Golden Retriever energy. I love him more for his love of the lions and desire to keep them alive. Also because he saw a vicious dog about to attack him and was like “hey buddy, we’re cool right?” No. Steve. No.
I couldn’t put the book down for the last 20%. It really picked up and I was invested. I need to know everything. I didn’t love the ending but I understood why that was the ending that was chosen. Anyway, I’m gonna go listen to “Mastermind” by Taylor Swift.
Trigger Warning: There are casual mentions of rape in this book when Carolyn is talking about her past. Nothing is detailed and no one goes into depth of it. But it is there.
In a Holidaze by Christina Lauren
My Rating: 3/5 Stars
What’s it about: This is Groundhog Day if it was Christmas in a Hallmark Movie. Girl has 2 brothers to choose from – which one will she go for? The one her own age who everyone thought she’d end up with OR the older one who she’s been in love with since she was a kid.
My Review: I love this duo. They’re my go-to for easy romance reads. This book only took me 3.5 hours to finish – which is why it’s a 3 star. The story itself is closer to 2. But if you like these authors, give it a go. Just keep your expectations low. It seemed like the authors weren’t sure which brother they’d have Maelyn end up with. I’ve written a lot more from here but it’s 100% spoilers. Many of these types of books are highly unrealistic but this seemed more so. A bunch of adults who were college roommates all stayed friends and have spent every single Christmas together forever? Do none of these people have any families? The in-laws really don’t give a shit? Having Maelyn’s parents be divorced (but still come – without other significant others) was completely pointless and didn’t help with the storyline at all. It felt like the authors simply wanted to make the story more inclusive but that’s not how it’s done. “Let’s just sprinkle a little divorce in here”.
A Soul of Ash and Blood (Blood and Ash #5) by Jennifer L. Armentrout
My Rating: 4/5 Stars
What’s it about: This is book 1 from Cas’ perspective… Oh plus, Poppy is sleeping a deep sleep so she can be a primal or something? And things keep trying to attack her.
My Review: This was probably my fault but I was tricked. This is Book #1 in the series but from Cas’ POV. That being said, this is a fantastic example on how to execute this type of book. We know the storyline and how everything plays out. There was enough of things going on while Poppy is sleeping (in the present time) and enough behind the scenes things Poppy wasn’t present for during the first book. Hearing Cas’ thoughts during certain situations was hilarious, especially remembering how Poppy felt during those same situations.
As long as this is the only time she does it in the series and we can get back to our regularly scheduled storyline, I’m good with this book.
All’s Well by Mona Awad
My Rating: 3/5 Stars
What’s it about: You know that phrase “Those who can, do, and those who cannot, teach.” Miranda was an actress who fell off the stage during a performance. This fall (and subsequent injury) led her to intense pain throughout her entire body that never let up. While determined to put on the Shakespeare Play “All’s Well That Ends Well”, she faces a mutinous cast (who wants to put on Macbeth instead) before meeting 3 strange men in a bar who teach her how to get rid of her pain…
My Review: I’d like to start this review out by asking if Mona Awad has ever been in any theater production. I’ve been in many theater productions as a crew member (notably makeup and sound), actor (try doing Macbeth with only 6 cast members), and as a Stage Manager. I genuinely don’t think Awad has been any of the above. Let me go over the many reasons why I believe this:
- Grace makes a comment that it’s way too early to have any set in place because sets should only be in place during Tech Rehearsal (1 week before the show opens). This is absolutely bonkers and not true unless you’re SCRAMBLING and/or incredibly unorganized. To think this as a “general rule” is wild to me.
- When the original Helen (Brianna) comes down with a mysterious illness that makes her unable to even get out of bed, her understudy (Ellie) takes over the role. With less than 2 weeks to opening, Miranda announces that Ellie will take over the role and everyone is SHOCKED. No one saw this coming. Brianna IS Helen. This is a travesty! Guys, Brianna has not once even done a read-thru of the play and is literally unable to get out of bed. You’re telling me that everyone assumed that within less than 2 weeks, she’d get out of bed, be 100% again, get completely off book, and be ready for a whole ass show? She is in college. Sure, if she was a professional, I’d believe that’s something she could do but this is literally a college show.
- A teacher thought it was weird that a pair of underwear was left on the stage. They’re teenagers/young adults. You really think nothing is happening? OR that it could just be innocent underwear due to constant changing in the wings? You get REAL close in the theater.
Okay now that that complaining is done, let me complain about more complaining because this book is driven by complaints. Miranda believes that she suffers from multiple issues where nothing helps – drugs, physical therapy, surgeries, etc. She’s stuck in a very miserable mindset. I can see how hard it would be to be her friend. She pushes everyone away with her misery and then is frustrated that everyone isn’t killing themselves in order to help her. Everyone hates her because she’s a miserable, frigid bitch. She admits (several times) to not even wanting to get better. She’s made her illness her entire personality. When she’s dissenting into madness, no one really cares… because she’s already pushed them away completely. They don’t actually care anymore. It’s sad but it’s the reality of people like this. AND she doesn’t even end up helping herself. She stumbles into “help” and allows someone else to help her. Which is why she goes bonkers. Miracles don’t just happen. This book wanted you to suspend your disbelief more than was possible.
On scene I loved was when Miranda is defending wanting to put on All’s Well (instead of Macbeth) to 4 grown men (who know nothing about theater or Shakespeare) is exactly what sitting in a roomful of men who think they know more about your expertises than you do. This is something that I have, unfortunately, gone through quite a lot.
I’ve complained a lot about a book I gave 3 whole stars to. That’s because Awad has such a beautiful way with words. I very much enjoyed her writing – I just didn’t enjoy the story.
A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens
My Rating: 4/5 Stars
What’s it about: Really?
My Review: Surprisingly, this is the very first time I’ve ever actually read this. A few years ago (I think 2017 or 2018), my mom and I started going to see a live theater production of this story. It is now our Christmas tradition. My favorite version, you ask? Scrooged, of course. Typically, Jacob and I participate in Jolabokaflod but put a twist on it this year. First of all, I have way too many books. Secondly, Jacob still hasn’t read his 2021 and 2022 books from Jolabokaflod (which defeats the purpose, I know). Thirdly, I’ve owned this book for probably 10 years and never read it, which is sad. So here we are. This story has no flaws in my eyes – the lack of a star 1 star is that there’s a lot of tough words (don’t worry, my English degree is glaring up at me) and there’s a lot of modern changes that I actually enjoyed were implemented. If I’m going on a story basis – Scrooge is really dumb. I never really noticed how truly stupid he is. The book helped me realize that.
Tea Magic: Spells, Rituals, and Divination in Your Cup by Jenay Marontate
My Rating: 5/5 Stars
What’s it about: The history of tea, how to use it in rituals, and how to protect yourself.
My Review: I had met Jenay Marontate at a convention in 2022 and she said she was planning to write a book. I absolutely love tea and this book has it all. Marontate talks about the history of tea (in general) and the general uses. There was so much I didn’t know… Like how all tea is made from tea leaves and if it’s not (i.e. herbal “tea”), it’s not actually tea! I love how she included tea history along with the magical properties of tea. And it’s not JUST about tea leaf reading. She talks about introducing tea into different rituals, tea blends that can aid you in whatever you’re looking for in life, crystals to use with your tea, among so many other things. I absolutely know that I’ll be using this book as a reference guide for many years!
A Woman of No Importance: The Untold Story of the American Spy Who Helped Win World War II by Sonia Purnell [Audiobook]
My Rating: 4/5 Stars
What’s it about: An American woman, Virginia Hall (known as “Madonna of the Resistance”), was rejected from foreign services due to her prothetic leg and simply being a woman… so she became a spy instead. She put together groups to save people and fight against the Nazi’s.
My Review: One day, I was being a good girl at a bookstore and I told myself I could only buy one book. And then I bought two but I REALLY wanted to buy three so I call that a personal win. I saw that this audiobook was available on Libby so I rented it immediately. The narrator is nice… When she’s speaking in her natural (British) accent. However, when she imitated another accent (especially American), she reminded me of Brad Pitt in Inglorius Bastards when he’s trying to speak Italian. That being said, the material is pretty dry and reads like a textbook – so audiobook might be the way to go. I enjoyed hearing all about Virginia Hall, especially after never once hearing about her in my life. She played an important role and was constantly having to deal with dumbass men who were simply there because they were men. It felt like she was constantly having to do triple the amount of work just to prove that she knows her job and is a complete badass. Then, when she got married later in life, the men she worked with thought it was a shame – not because they were in love with her, but because “wife” demoted her and she wasn’t as important anymore.
Okay. I’m done complaining about the misogynistic treatment Virginia got. She never let it get to her, why should I? Did I also mention that she only had one leg? This woman was a bad ass WWII spy – against so many odds. Every new story blew my mind. I’d love for a movie to come out about her!
Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn [Audiobook]
My Rating: 3/5 Stars
What’s it about: Camille is a journalist who is stuck traveling back to her small home town (the one she escaped from years ago) to investigate the murder of 2 young girls. She’s forced to stay with her overbearing mother, oblivious step-father, and bratty teen sister. While unraveling the murders, she begins to unravel secrets about her life that she had forgotten the day she left this town.
My Review: This is the second book I’ve read of Flynn’s. Before the Gone Girl movie came out, I wanted to read the book. I distinctly remember throwing that book across the room. Then I watched the horribly cast movie (except Ben, he did great) and wanted to re-throw the book across the room. That being said, I did love Gone Girl.
I was okay with this book. The narrator’s voice was grating – I might have enjoyed reading it more. I do want to know if Flynn has ever written a female character that isn’t a terrible person though. If she has, I have yet to read that book. Each female character in this books is worse than the next one (and same with Gone Girl). When it got time to wrap up the book, I genuinely wasn’t surprised. Flynn’s over arching theme of books is “everyone sucks”. I did, mostly, enjoy the story and I do really want to watch the show (what a phenomenal cast). I might be done reading her books though.
Neverwhere by Neil Gaiman [Audiobook]
My Rating: 5/5 Stars
What’s it about: In London, there’s a place for people who simply “slip” through the cracks. This is about London Below and a man named Richard, who found himself there.
My Review: This is a re-read for me. I first read this book in the summer of 2006, when my best friend gave it to me. Neil Gaiman is her favorite author (and mine). I refer to this book as my gateway drug to adult fantasy. Before this book, I had only read Young Adult fantasy and hadn’t yet dove into anything intense yet.
This was a fantastic choice.
I ended up picking up this audiobook because I had tried 3 other audiobooks, taken them to 20%, and just could not anymore. I needed something I knew I loved. I didn’t know that it was narrated by Neil himself! My friend described his voice as “a soothing cup of camomile tea for your ears” and that’s correct.Â
This book has random historical tidbits about London (where this takes place). It’s a fantasy story within a real world location, which is tough to master. I enjoyed Richard’s POV because the world building happened around us. He is new to all this too and we got to learn with him, which made understanding it much easier. It’s just the right balance of wildly fantastical and realistic. Your suspension of disbelief is never stretched too thin. Pacing is really good – nothing seems like fluff and I never thought “can we just MOVE ON??” I was charmed by Door, as well as so many of the other Underground characters. Each character was well developed and had their own distinct voice. All in all, this was a good audiobook to end the year on.
Have you read any of these books? Have I convinced you (or not) to read any of these? What was your favorite book to read in December?
Writes with Wolves 