Behind on your reading goals?

 It's June!!!  We are half way through this year! 

It's been a VERY long 6 months and I myself am behind on my reading goals. 

So... Of course reading is not a competition.  There's a content creator who always shows how she has read about 8 books a week, and I'm always a bit annoyed by that, but... I let it go,  let it go... let it go. I do not know how she does it, but, I also...know that she does a great job at promoting all sorts of diverse and interesting books, so... who am I to judge.  

I do wonder though, at a rate of 8 books a week- where is that time to sit with something and absorb and digest it?  But I digress. 

 I could... adjust my reading goal to have fewer books on it, but I decided instead to look for some shorter books, while continuing to read all the others I want to read. I MAY have gone overboard requesting some advanced copies- but there were SO MANY good ones coming out... 

If you are like me and find that life catches up to your reading, I have some recommendations for shorter fiction, that I believe is still meaningful and interesting. Many of them are books in translation, so you can beef up your reading of diverse reads with these!   Most are available at your library, so you can check them out without purchase!

Federal Art Project, S. Curb service 10,000 current books - convenient, free, time saving: Chicago Public Library, Randolph St. corridor. Chicago Illinois, None. [Chicago: illinois wpa art project, between 1936 and 1941] [Photograph] Retrieved from the Library of Congress, https://www.loc.gov/item/98508385/.

Without Further ado: 

Murder by Memory by Olivia Waite 

This is a complete novella told in 2 hours. A closed room who-dun-it set on a generation ship in space.  For would be writers, this is a lesson in how to quickly build a world, establish a full story with well developed characters and bring that story to a close.  The pacing was Perfection.  She apparently has a few in this series if you start to like them! 

But Not Too Bold by Hache Pueyo

Coming in at just 115 pages, This is a sapphic gothic novella, with an eldritch like spider-monster-woman. It is a unique translated novella, with the translation crafted by the author. 

Cowboy Graves by Roberto Bolano

This is actually a volume with 3 novellas in one.  3 wildly divergent stories, all in translation as well. I honestly feel like, any description would just be wrong. 

Spring Garden  by Tomoka Shibasaki

You may be sensing a theme here with books in translation! This novella focuses on life in modern day Tokyo. Two lonely people come together over a tale of a spring garden. 

The River Swimmer by Jim Harrison

This comes in at 204 pages.  This novella is set in Michigan and follows two men of different ages who are both confronting life challenges in love, and environment. This felt very relatable, and also had some excellent descriptions of the Michigan landscape. 

The Language of Liars  by S. L. Huang is  a new novella. 

I have a Full Review of this one HERE   or if you feel a wild need to hear me chat about it:  Check it out here: 
 I really fully feel like this novella should be in the contention for a Hugo in 2027. Space Opera, with no human characters, just astounding and creative and fun! 

If you are looking for Romance to sweep you away in under 200 pages... Bad Blood by M. Malone may be the one for you. A RITA winner, 

This follows a typical romance format with familiar tropes- an off limits little sister, a broody main male character that's successful, and yet still single and just awaiting that one moment to throw all his morals aside for said off limits little sister.  At 234 pages, it is maybe longer than a typical Novella, but given it won a RITA for Novellas, I'm letting it be in the list!

I admit, I'm not a huge fan of contemporary romance, but.. romance in space?  For some reason, this... always makes me smile. 

Emily Michel creates an action packed novella with an alien on earth! Meretta - the Female lead is a quiet reserved librarian, who notices that this man's photo is most surely part of a 100 yr old collection.  What's going on? In 108 pages, you'll be taken on a wild ride. Emily has a second book coming out.  which is also novella length- so if you are itching to enjoy some alien novellas- these are really quite fun, easy to read and not extremely serious- so perfect for summer! 

  Which novellas have you enjoyed? Let me know your recommendations in the comments!  I am about 10-12 books behind on my reading goals, so... these may show up as full reviews soon! 

Book Review: The Iron Garden Sutra By A.D Sui

 Many Thanks to Recorded Books (RB media) for the Advanced Listener Copy of The Iron Garden Sutra. 

This book is definitely one that hits with perfect timing, addressing many issues that are top of mind these days.  And even though it has a lot of similarities with other already published novels, Sui was able to use these commonalities between other novels in unique and interesting ways, giving readers an entirely different story.   For me I was a bit stunned at the surface similarities between it and Sisters of the Vast Black by Lina Rather.    As I started to read, I did start to wonder why we seem fascinated and interested to imagine and create religious orders in space.  I have no good answer to that one.  If there is one thing I'd like to leave behind- it would be societies that dictate 99% of a person's day and night - but here we are.  

This novel despite the surface similarities, is entirely different and unique when compared to other sentient ship/religious orders in space books that I have read.  I think it is one worth reading! 

The Iron Garden Sutra is a very different novel, and one that will appeal to many different kinds of readers. It is definitely Science Fiction, but it also contains a bit of a closed room mystery for readers who like to untangle and uncover who/what dun it, and a little bit of a budding romance of sorts  as well as a literary fiction vibe that takes the entire book up a notch if you will. 

   Without any spoilers, we follow Iris, a monk  who's order mostly performs death rites for the dead in space. Much of the novel is told from his perspective - as a report from his private journals. As we meet Iris he is suffering from ennui  and he's very excited to attend to a Generation Ship - which is essentially an ancient space craft.  He's hoping to get a lot of time on the ship to search for artifacts, and also- if he's being honest- spend time away from the "monastery" When he arrives he finds the ship is occupied by scientists who also want to search the ship. It's also full of bones, and the bones tell a definite story. As the crew tentatively get to know each other, strange things start to happen and the AI used by Iris, starts to note indications that they aren't exactly alone on the ship. The narrative for this unlikely band of researchers and monk changes from curiosity to terror and from dreams of academic accolades to survival nightmares.   One by one, members of their party start to die at the hands/vines of the Generation Ship. Iris teams up with Jan, a gruff engineer, to make a desperate attempt to leave the ship.  

    For me the book is filled with ethical dilemmas, thought provoking ideas regarding AI, and how it's developed, a heart wrenching romance, and an actual space adventure.  It starts of a bit slow, with a lot of detailed background building, and some light world building.  As one continues to read, the intensity of the situation continues to build until it bursts in a crescendo of action and coming down to a surprisingly gentle conclusion.  

    One thing I've noted in a few reviews that were poor was that they were all from people who did not, in fact finish the novel, so I can say that the latter chapters definitely made the novel for me. 

   I had an advanced copy of the audio book from Recorded Books. The narrator was T Ryder Smith- who is a new narrator for me.  I felt like he did a pretty good job drawing me in, using some different vocal tones to indicate the AI voice as well as the voice of Iris.  I never felt that the narration took me out of the story, so for me this is an excellent narration. 

First Published :  February 24, 2026

Pages: 400

Available as an Audio Book :  YES

Trigger Warnings: Abuse, trauma, mental health, violence, eating disorders, death, body horror (this is not a full list, read responsibly)

         

Book Review: Wolf Worm by T. Kingfisher

 T. Kingfisher is such a curious author to me. The way that she does horror is unique.  It's not at ALL Splatter-punk, or Slasher style, but instead it sort of creeps up on a reader as they are sinking into a gorgeously described setting. Once you hit the shock factor, you're so far in you don't quite know how you got there!  

When I saw  A new book on audio on Netgalley, I hit that request now button very very quickly. Thanks to Macmillan audio/TOR Nightfire  for this advanced copy. I ATE THIS BOOK UP.   

I was not at all disappointed. 

Wolf Worm is the story of  Sonia Wilson.  She's 30 years of age, orphaned by her father in 1899 and unmarried.  With very few prospects, and being entirely fed up with a lucky posting teaching spoiled girls watercolor painting, Sonia bravely answers an ad for a scientific illustrator in North Carolina. With Sonia as the primary narrator, the entire lush North Carolina woods come alive through her artistic eyes. After settling in with some mild foreshadowing of creepy things to come, Sonia enjoys the company of the other house residents and community. Of course, there wouldn't be a story if unusual things didn't start to happen.  As a naturalist, she immediately clocks odd animal behavior, and as time unfolds her curiosity leads her to a rather grim discovery. Despite wanting to simply avoid the facts she's discovered, Sonia finds a way to press on. Although the novel has disturbing moments, an underlying message at the conclusion is that it's possible to overcome dark and sinister plotting even without all the proper tools and training. 

Although I did feel the reveal and action came a little late in this novel, I very much enjoyed Wolf Worm. It had a good balance of the quaint and delightful with the weird and gruesome. Kingfish just knows how to create an atmosphere, hold the attention and bring things to boil impeccably. I love the writing style and it's consistency across her novels despite telling wildly different tales. 

  I am a little bit sad that this novel isn't out until March 2026.  Although it doesn't really touch directly on our current times, the underlying discussion of Sonia initially ignoring what was obviously odd and unusual, and eventual addressing the horrific situation head on was quite thought provoking for me.  I could see that no matter what Sonia had done from day to day she could still make a strong impact when she made a choice to do so. 

This book was narrator by Mary Robinette Kowal.  This was my first time with her as a narrator. Overall, her usual narration voice is ultra-clear making the novel flow seamlessly.  She did do some voice alteration for various voices that I did not enjoy much, but that said, even the alternative voice pitching for other characters- the reading remained clear. I suspect others will find the alternative voices very appealing! 

Highly recommend placing this one on the TBR! 

STATS

First Published :  Coming March 2026

Pages: 288

Available as an Audio Book : Yes  9 hrs 14 min 

Trigger Warnings:  poverty, racism, classism, bugs, medical issues, body horror, supernatural creatures

(this is not a full list, read responsibly)

 

Book Review: Crooked Plow by Itamar Vieira Junior

 Crooked plow was not on my radar.   I saw a new novel from this author on Net Galley and decided instead of requesting the new novel that perhaps I should explore Crooked Plow- on audio from my local library. This is an award winner, winning the Brazilian LeYa Award and in 2024 it was shortlisted for the International Booker Prize.  I did remember seeing some reviews for this in 2024 and then... it seemed to fizzle out.  I fully took advantage of that fizzle and found that the audiobook was immediately available from my library! 

This is a novel that I probably won't soon forget for many reasons. 

   This story is set in an Afro-Brazilian farming community living on Fazendas.  While technically these Fazendas were basically plantations, the post slavery situation resembled strongly the sharecropping situation in the US  after the Civil War and Emancipation. Folks were free to leave, but the technicalities really left them in poverty and with few options. 

Our story opens with two sister's exploring their Grandmother's secret luggage and enduring an event so traumatic that one sister loses her ability to speak.  Readers watch the two sister's grow and navigate life within their limited choices. Their lives, intertwined with their relatives and with the land, serve as a way for the author to also bring forward the changes that Brazil, and particularly the Sertao area of Bahia Brazil was facing, as tenant farmers grappled with their relationship to the land and their rights as tenants. With relevant themes of generational poverty and trauma, economic and racial injustice and the power of community, it's no wonder this book sparked interest.  I found the writing to be engaging, and the multilayered, multigenerational story to draw me in.  The non-linear style was slightly confusing to me, but I suspect that was because I chose an audio version and the division between chapters where the time switches did occur were not very clear via audio. 

  I found the descriptions of the Jare religious ceremonies to be particularly engaging, and I do want to learn more about this area and time- although passively- i admit, as in, I am more attuned and sensitized to this and will likely prick up my ears if the topic comes up.  Rather than say, going to the library to do a deep dive into the topic.  

  One thing that fascinated me is that the author, a man, chose to center his tale primarily around the lives of women. He writes a great deal about women's work, relationships and struggles, as well as the role of children in the lives of women. I'm always a little skeptical about men writing main character women, though it can be done well.  in this case, I feel that he did capture what life was like as a woman in these areas - essentially - it was a hard row to hoe- with a crooked or straight plow. I do not feel like he really captured the inner lives of women, however, so that area, was sort of flattened, but with so much going on in the novel, I didn't really feel that it was missing, as introspection wasn't the main point as far as I can tell.  I did get that there was a deep respect for women and childbearing, but it seems to be limited to this. Again, given the scope of the novel, there wasn't room for more exploration.  I should note that this book is also a translated work, so some of the spark and meaning may not have hit just right. 

     Overall, I enjoyed this book, and will likely read more from this author.  I don't know that it would reach my top 12 for the year, but I think it's an excellent piece of fiction- again another I'd recommend for book clubs - lots of themes and history to discuss, as well as all the relationships, revenge, and resilience that a reader may want. 

STATS

First Published  6/2023 (English edition) 

Pages: 288

Available as an Audio Book : Yes

Trigger Warnings:  Domestic violence, poverty, misogyny, child death, 

(this is not a full list, read responsibly)  

 

Book Review Discordance: The troubled history of the Hubble Constant. By Jim Baggott

Many thanks to Oxford university Press and Recorded books for an advanced Listener copy of Discordance by Jim Baggott! 

This is my year to read about outer space and when I saw this audiobook on offer at net Galley, I jumped at it! 

  As I've already noted, I am not a math or physics genius, but I do have a bit of an obsession with outer space, and while I know I won't ever be an arm chair Cosmologist, I know I certainly LOVE to learn more as I toddle along. 

  Now, with no spoilers--- can one really spoil a non-fiction book? We are given the story of the Main main character, the Universe. Making cameo appearances are the Big Bang Theory, Afterglow radiation or Cosmic Microwave background radiation, Cosmic inflation and the Lambda-CDM model.  Side Characters of note include: The Hubble Telescope, multiple scientists, The Space Shuttle, The ALMA Observatory (Atacama Desert), Apache Point observatory, (and more), the Supernova Cosmology project,  the JPL Cosmology Group, and so many more.  Supporting roles go to Dark matter and Dark energy (yes, we can't see you, but it seems you might be there, maybe...) Redshift, the strange and charm quarks (and yes the other top and bottom ones too) and gravitational lensing.  There's more, but as any good Academy award winner will note, we are grateful to all players, too numerous to mention.  

  In this account of humans moving closer and closer to deducing the full nature of the universe and all that it encompasses, Dr Baggott introduces readers to the basic physics of Cosmology.  Readers learn about models and ideas, generally accepted concepts of the universe, and key phenomena and building blocks (equations/theories and computations) that hold our concepts of the universe together. 

   As a complete lay person, I will note that there is quite a bit of math, and a few times, I did experience a few flashbacks to my ill fated Astronomy 101 college class.  Baggott intersperses some amusing thoughts, comments or stories in between all the math so I did remain engaged. He is particularly adept at describing the "space drama" regarding a possible "new physics" without going completely off the rails. 

  I did enjoy this listen. I can't say I recommend it for my Library Book Club - as we are diving into Remarkably Bright Creatures this month, and this is definitely not in the same book universe if you will. 

I can recommend it for space enthusiasts, students and readers who want to be challenged as they read. For me, it was definitely worth my time. I feel it answered some of my questions as to why humans aren't just travelling the universe as Bester's Demolished Man predicted back in 1953!

 STATS

First Published : 1/22/2026

Pages: 336

Available as an Audio Book : YES  (~ 9 HRS) 

Trigger Warnings: Math  (not a complete list- be responsible!)

BooK Review: Psycho Fae by Jasmine Mas

 So after reading a bit of a science-y book, I was pretty excited to find that I had been approved for an Advanced Listener Copy for Psycho Fae by Jasmine Mas. 

I buddy listened to it with a friend who also had the advanced copy. 

WE LOVED IT. 

LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVED IT. 

This novel is not great literature, at all. It's awesome, fun, current and a wild ride of entertainment. 

In this installment - our main character Sophie, who's just learned she can shift into an enormous Saber Tooth Tiger, is swept into the Fae Realm with her Alpha entourage. There,. they must compete in some deadly fae games in order to survive. 

I will say that I had guessed at Sophie's discoveries about herself and her origins, well before they were revealed and that I did feel like maybe this could have been a few chapters shorter, but overall, I just really enjoyed this one. While I guessed at Sophie's discoveries, I was not prepared for where the band of found family ended up, and I am highly amused that this somehow ended up being both a paranormal romance and now kinda mafia romance... I mean... who would have thought? 

The book has been out for some time, but this narration is special as it brought together several of the big names in Romance narration, like Jeremy York, Teddy Hamilton, Mollie Stark and Jaime L. Smith. Not to forget Tyler Donne and Stella Ripley.  As there are so many male characters in the novel, and many of them behave very similarly throughout the novel, having the different distinct voices did help me to distinguish them. I definitely recommend the audio version, as the inflections just really just capture each bit of snark, and suggestion throughout the read. 

Am I excited for Psycho Beasts?  Well, YES.  yes I am .   I hope I can wait until March! 

STATS

First Published : 1/13/2026

Pages: 374

Available as an Audio Book : YES  (~ 11 HRS) 

Trigger Warnings: violence,  references to childhood trauma/abuse, blood, death, grief, medical situations,  (not a complete list- be responsible!)

How are those reading goals coming along?

 So, It's already Mid-November, and I am sitting here, bewildered at how it seems like it was just August. How are your reading goals going?  Did you want to read more books in translation? Dip in poetry?  Read a little more non-fiction? Are you short the number of books on your goal?  No worries! I've got help for you! Many of my recommendations are parts of series of short novels, so if you find something you like- there's likely more where that came from! 

But first, let me digress- and explain - if you've fallen behind on a reading goal- I ENTIRELY UNDERSTAND!

For me, this year has been a whirlwind. 

Earlier this year, my company was bought out by another, and while they assured me my job was "safe" I noted that there were some definite changes, and some very smart people, moving strategically elsewhere. Other changes in benefits, and a new very top down management style just weren't my thing.  So, I started looking. I didn't intend to be looking for another job, but the world is a changing place, and we do sometimes need to reinvent ourselves. 

I will say the job market currently is not a kind place, and especially for those like myself- with a very niche skill set and above the age of 30. While employers want decades of experience, they seem to still want someone who is too young to have those decades of experience!  So, most of this year was spent doing loads of interviews. With the help of strong references from former employers,  I finally was offered - strangely- a pretty ideal position, with improved pay and benefits, what appears to be a great leadership team  and  a 15 minute commute-- doing exactly what I'm trained to do. 

After that process, I will freely say, I  AM TIRED.  Until that offer became super solid, I had NO IDEA the amount of stress my body was holding.  So I wish anyone searching for employment, the best of luck and connections. I start that job next week and I will have to be "On" all the time so who knows what will happen! 

   That said, some weeks, I barely read at all because I was pre-occupied. If you have had a few weeks like that- maybe you're behind on your reading goals? 

Here are some great short options that check a lot of boxes! 

Georges Simenon is a master at creating immersive novels with short prose. 

I recommend any of his Maigret novels. For me, I was introduced to these by my Dad and devoured the entire series while in-between work assignments one summer. 

Read these if you want:

-a shorter novel

-Mystery genre

-books in translation

-Novels from the 1930's-1940's (and more) decade

Going WAAAY Back- I recommend Basho. 

Basho- born Matsuo Kinsaku is well know as a Haiku Master from the 17th century. 

One of my favorite editions of his work is The Narrow road to the Deep North and Other Travel Sketches 

  

Read this if you want:

-a short book (176 pages) 

-Book from a different century

-Book in translation

-Poetry 

Looking for Non-Fiction?  Look no further than the Object Lessons series! 

I read metronome earlier this year and it was a fascinating read about how the metronome, a seemingly bland tool in a musicians box shaped the way music was performed! 

Read this for: 

- A brief Non-fiction read (184 pages) 

-Non-fiction! 

-If the metronome isn't for you- the Object lessons series is a delightful series which includes other unassuming objects like lipstick, Taco, Snack, and Concrete, you'll be sure to find something to pique your interest. They are all a similar length and so interesting. 

If you just want something to make you forget the world we are currently living in- I really recommend Ruby Dixon. She has multiple Novellas most featuring space aliens or  various other out of this world characters.  There's nothing too serious, it all takes place in an unknown jungle planet, with no dire parallels to real life. 

 

Read this if you are:

 -Looking for escapism

-short novel (77 pages) 

-Looking for vampires

-Looking for romance

-Looking for some "spice" 

-Looking for a Happy ending! 

If you'd like something more serious- perhaps a classic? maybe a classic that isn't one that you were supposed to read in high school? 

Passing by Nella Larsen is a semi-autobiographical novella,  coming in at about 141 pages.  A mixed race woman decides to live her adult life as a white person. This novella looks at race and culture from several perspectives. 

Read this for:

 A book from decades past (1920's)

A short classic (141 pages) 

Diverse author and topic. 

  I've got a few more recommendations-  but I think these 5 are great to start.  All of these authors have other works of a Short nature, so if you find one you like, you know there's more where that one came from. 

 Happy Reading! 

Book Review Bloodtide by Sophie Burnham

 This is book 2 in the Ex Romana Series and I ate this one up like Halloween Candy! 

The new cover direction is really really really good.  i just love how each cover is different, but does follow a theme that is slick and sophisticated, just like the series! 

So this is the second installment in this series and I was a little concerned that it might suffer from that second book slump.  I was delightfully surprised.  Bloodtide is more engaging than Sargassa and I had trouble putting this one down, and I REALLY CANNOT WAIT for THE THIRD! 

Going to try to do this with no spoilers - might be a bit tough. 

   In Sargassa we are introduced to a wide cast of characters who are all cogs in the wheel of the never ended Roman Empire. (or did it really never end?) Initially I was a little overwhelmed by the amount of characters, but I will say as I read they swiftly sorted themselves out pretty cleanly.  And the set up- which included the world building- explaining the social order, introducing the players, and the general environment really sets up Bloodtide for super success. 

   In Blood tide, our band of unlikely allies continues to work to try to bring about a more just situation. Everyone has different tasks and is being lead by a mastermind, who has a somewhat tenuous grasp on power.  As they work, underdog hero/ines emerge, relationships are tested, discarded and maybe picked up again.  This is a fairly queer normative novel with many characters involved in several types of relationships. As Covert missions are completed, family tree elements are revealed, and each character must make difficult choices as they move forward in tense, electric environment. 

 I remained true to my favorite character Theo Nix, who is just the most badass of them all, but seems about to be felled by love!

I did receive this book from Astra Publishing House and this is my completely honest review. I did love this book, and I do want to read more from this author, especially in this series. 

STATS

First Published: October 2025

Pages: 368

Available as an Audio Book : Yes

Trigger Warnings:  violence, grief, Weather events,  body injury, food insecurity, classism. 

(this is not a full list, read responsibly) 

Book Review: The Buffalo Hunter Hunter, by Stephen Graham Jones

  I want to just write 5000 stars, no notes... but that wouldn't really be...correct. 

  I have an odd relationship with this novel  and perhaps just with SGJ in genera. 

  SOOOOO,  The Indian Lake Trilogy broke me down and put me back together. It was a very intense reading experience.  After that I dipped into more of his work, The Babysitter lives is one that entirely creeped me out, and there were a few unfortunate experiences- Zombie Bakeoff did not do it for me.  As I digested more of his work, I could see a progression within SGJ's writing-- things he was creating, massaging, and experimenting with through all of his works. I liked it. I always feel like, if this author is anything, he's genuinely the real deal- a writer who's put in the work - and now he's putting all of that knowledge and work together to give readers a genuine, impactful, powerful and enjoyable work. And A lot of folks seem to agree with me. Mostly horror folks. I really couldn't convince anyone that they needed to read a book about a "chainsaw heart" but if they had read it, we'd both chat so enthusiastically. He's got a unique style and some folks don't love it.  

Along came The Buffalo Hunter Hunter, and this book- had more press than some films! 

Buffalo Hunter Hunter has had SO MUCH publicity, I was a little...concerned it wouldn't live up to the hype.  I mean look at the spread for the reading guide! It's so obviously BIG BIG BUDGET.   SGJ suddenly looks like a film star...rather than a mountain biking professor.

 When I came out, I grabbed the audio copy from my library, and actually- read about 3 chapters and then it sat, until it was returned to the library. Something was not sitting right with me. I suspect it was that I had too much going on, and for me it was something I really wanted to absorb deep into my skin. 

I restarted it as a buddy read with one of my TikTok pals.  Same book, different time. She blew through it in 2 days on a road trip. I took about 2 weeks. As I let the narrative unfold, I became so invested in the characters - the sort of crept in and settled and I found them in the periphery of my thought all the time. 

   As a summary - this is a novel told in multiple timelines, Etsy- a "modern day" professor of literature is struggling with the "Publish or Perish" situation in academia when a journal of a relative is returned to her.  This diary tells the story of her relative- a Lutheran Pastor in 1912, and of Good Stab, a member of the Blackfeet- who has lived an extraordinary life. and yes - there is a vampire involved...but I surely don't want to give a book report.  I will say this is an excellent novel to explore ideas, and themes of horror, destruction, exploitation, revenge, forgiveness, and justice. Knowing more about US history, particularly the Marias Massacre of 1870 will help readers understand the narrative in a deeper way. 

This is a 1925 Re-enactment of a War Dance, and I like this photo as it shows sort of the progression of time and circumstance.  It's slightly later than the time frame that SGJ wrote about, but,  I just feel like the wagons, and the audience sort of... showed an interesting juxtaposition. 

Underwood & Underwood, C. C. (ca. 1925) Re-enactment of war dance at Blackfeet Indian reservation at Browning, Montana. Montana Blackfeet Indian Reservation Browning, ca. 1925. [Photograph] Retrieved from the Library of Congress, https://www.loc.gov/item/2012646812/.

  For me the thing that really shines  is the sort of - off hand observations made by all the characters- that hints at just how much we have in common. These bring the characters to life- and the story. The second thing, and I do not know how SGJ does it, but he writes women well. I noticed this in the Indian Lake Trilogy as well, and I can only surmise that he observes and then is able to apply small details that usually aren't noted by other writers.  Just perfection.  Some have said they had trouble with this book- and noted a "Staccato" writing style, and I did note that there was sort of punctuated feeling while reading this one, but it didn't bother me.  I actually think this may be his best yet. 

Surely looking forward to more! 

First Published : 3/2025

Pages: 448

Available as an Audio Book :YES

Trigger Warnings: Animal death, mass death, murder, blood consumption, vampires, 

Not a full TW list, please read responsibly

Book Review: The Shadow Key By Susan Stokes-Chapman

  I am not sure who recommended this novel, but I wish them all happiness.  This was amazing at every turn!

Because I am still having eye issues, I did do the audiobook, and the narrator- Richard Harrington was fantastic.  I was surprised in the end to realize it was only one narrator. 

  I'm going to try to do this without spoilers, because they are just the worst, but this one may be a bit hard to not spoil a wee bit. 

Readers are taken to a wild rural area of Wales where the majority of men are working in dangerous mines, and Lords and Ladies rule the day.  We join Henry - a disgraced physician who found the only employment available was as a county doctor in what was surely considered a backwater area.  henry is sharp and observant, and as he attempts to settle in, he finds his suspicions aroused, as strange events are going on. He's befriended by Linette, a lady of the estate, who endeavors to teach him the mythology , history and language of the area.  Henry and Linette find themselves becoming fast friends and team up to solve a deep and somewhat sinister mystery that will threaten them all. Along the way, there are so many twists and turns, that my mind was constantly one step behind trying to figure this out! 

  This novel falls into the genre of Gothic novels that have been popular lately. It does not fall, however, into the super trendy "dark academia" or even into "dark romance"  though there is a touch of romance that enters- and exits quite differently from the dark romances. 

As I was reading, all I saw in my mind was THIS: While they lived mor ein a manor house, there were lots of ruins noted....

Views in England, Scotland and Wales: Caerphilly Castle, Glamorganshire. Period: 19th century. Accession number: B1981.25.2145. Amos Green (1735–1807); Harriet Green (1751–1807)

I really loved learning more about this part of Welsh history, the myths, language, the mines and even the "HellFire" clubs!  The plot hung together very well, and the ending was satisfying to me indeed. 

 5 Stars!  Recommend. 

First Published : 5/2024

Pages: 464

Available as an Audio Book :YES

Trigger Warnings: kidnapping, murder, poison,  more murder, medical situations, death, dreary weather. 

Not a full TW list, please read responsibly. 

Book Review: The Autumn Springs Retirement Home Massacre by Philip Fracassi

 If you are just building your Spooky Season TBR,  this is a book that needs to be put on pre-order for spooky season reading! 

Many Thanks to Macmillan Audio  for the advanced Listener copy. 

Holy Heck what a Ride! 

This thriller surprised and delighted me all the way to the very final end where one amazing final girl is left standing. (there are so many candidates for this final girl, and you know I won't be spoiling this one. 

 This is a perfect novel for those who are a bit tired of all the 20 something protagonists! Set in a wrap around retirement facility in upstate NY, almost all the characters are well beyond 70, and most are sharp, witty and living the best life that they can within the confines of aging.  That is, until someone starts offing them one by one.  I mean, I don't think, given the title, that this is a spoiler.  For me, I will say I expected this book to have a bit of a gentler edge, but it quickly became one I could not really listen to at home alone. Every time I'd glance at a window in the middle of the night, I had a moment of dread. Seriously spooky. This thriller had me on the edge of my seat. I suspected almost every character at one point in time, and the need to know propelled my reading. Towards the end I did "guess" the killer- but I think it was at that point that the author was directing the reader to the solution  as I only had a brief satisfaction of realizing Ohhhhh, that's the one! 

  In short I loved the setting, loved the premise and the tension/mystery/suspense created by the author. Definitely a good one to curl up with as the leaves begin to fall, and everything turns pumpkin flavored. 

January Lavoie was the narrator and was - of course- extraordinary. As my eyes are still not doing as well as I'd like, I really appreciated the audiobook. Of course, with a cover like this- I might need a book trophy.  Maybe it comes out at the end of September! 

First Published : 09/2025

Pages: 416

Available as an Audio Book :YES

Trigger Warnings: medical situations, drugs, alcohol, murder, elder murder, fire, references to domestic abuse

                   Not a full TW list, please read responsibly.   

Book Review: Sargassa by Sophie Burnham

   I'm starting this post off with a huge thank you to DAW books  for sending me a copy of Sargassa in it's new cover!  This is an exclusive edition which will go with the second book- Bloodtide- which is due out in October 2025. 

I was OVER THE MOON  when this arrived.  

The old cover was fine:

But I have to admit the new cover has a finesse and luxe appearance that the first one is missing.  

 That said, I really had not picked up this novel before.  The Roman Empire- is not my Roman Empire- if you will!  but of course, I pulled out the trusty audiobook,  and started on an immersive reading journey. 

This book grew and grew on me.  Initially, I was overwhelmed by the moving time line, and multiple multiple characters.  I admit, I also started reading at a time which for me, personally- has been pretty bleak, which made it a bit hard to concentrate. That said,  I was able to stay on track with the audiobook- which would be fantastic as a multi-cast production! All of a sudden, I was immersed in a society that grew up as the Roman Empire never fell- adventure, high- and low- society, action, complicated messy relationships that we all love, powerful semi-magical kind of weapons and more. This is an adventure to savor. My absolute favorite character is Theo Nix.  The ending is a gentle cliff- hanger with a promise of more to come, without the dreaded jolt that many cliff hangers give. 

The only thing missing - and I can't believe I'm writing this- is a map.  I desperately need a map for this one. 

I will be picking up the next book Blood Tide as soon as it's out!  I'm excited to see what happens to all the characters, but especially Theo Nix! 

 

First Published : 10/2024 

Pages: 416

Available as an Audio Book :YES

Trigger Warnings: death, parent death, drug use, blood, medical situations, violence, murder, mental health situations. 

Not a full TW list, please read responsibly. 

Book Review: Your Knife, My Heart By K.M. Moronova

 Ok, so, there's no water theme here. 

I do like to dabble into the dark romance genre from time to time. 

I love the overblown intensity of emotion, the impossible situations, the deus ex machinas employed to "fix" things when everything goes so horribly wrong. 

So, enter an ARC copy of  Your Knife, My Heart. 

It is true that a very deluxe edition comes out in November, (perfect for gifting your romance loving reader)  but my copy came across as an ebook file on my reader. SO no super cool stabby sprayed edges, decorated case, or end papers. 

  I have a theory that often books that aren't the best get the sprayed edge treatment to boost sales.

  I was delighted that this one did not disappoint from the story standpoint!!!! 

  So, lets do a quick review with no spoilers, because as you know, I abhor a spoiler. 

This is the story of how Cameron and Emery come together in brutal circumstances. He's a lethal asset in an underground military group- but he's got a teensy problem- his partners keep ending up dead. Emery was shaped into a deadly assassin and when she's caught, she's given a "second chance" in the military group. Did she request this? Oh no... but she's a fighter and she's going to grab any chance for survival 

   Emery is predictably both frail appearing and extremely tough. Cameron's terrifying, but with a load of trauma, that possibly... just possibly Emery can be "the one" to heal.  Despite the predictable nature of the plot line, I can say I had a great time with this novel. Lots of morally gray to black characters, action, and some mild insanity interspersed with RoMAnCE. (sort of.) When I pick up a dark romance, I take a lot of pleasure in wondering how the plot line will be executed (no pun intended here.) I'm not looking for a novel that will permanently alter my world perspective, I'm just looking for a good time.  Moronova delivers that time in spades, and then leaves us breathless with a cliffhanger! 

So this is NOT a book club read, unless your club is dedicated to the Dark Romance genre ( my book club ladies would go for Ali Hazelwood  but not for this!) It's definitely one to enjoy with a decadent chocolate snack and a warm cozy set up. 

Giving this one 3 chili peppers out of 5.  Definitely a spicy book with lots of heart and passion. 

Many thanks to Net Galley and Bloom Books for sending this eARC my way. It was the perfect read in between some heavier non-fiction reads! STATS

First Published : 11/11/25

Pages: 304

Available as an Audio Book :YES

Trigger Warnings: death, drug use, blood, medical situations, violence, murder, Sex, Military type situations, mental health situations. 

Not a full TW list, please read responsibly. 

 

Book Review : SALTCROP by Yume Kitasei 4.25/5 Stars

 

 Saltcrop is going to possibly be my surprise book of 2025. 

I was not a fan of The Stardust Grail . So when I saw an opportunity for the Advanced Audio copy of a new book by Yume Kitasei, I sat on that. After realizing it was centered on sailing and the ocean, I found myself hitting the request button, and was surprised to find the audiobook downloaded soon after. 

(A HUGE THANK YOU TO MACMILLAN AUDIO - they have been very generous this year!) While I do love a physical book trophy, with my recent vision issues, having an audiobook available is a delight. 

    

Of course, the cover is stunning, understated, and just made me want to pick it up. In fact, I like the cover so much, I feared for the story. 

As a Summary: Three sisters grow up in challenging circumstances in a future earth that is more ocean than dirt. Each sister makes her own way, but when one sister goes missing, the other two embark on a quest to find her. In finding her, they reaffirm their bond, and also, it seems, find themselves. 

     Overall, the novel starts off a bit on the slower side. I was not immediately hooked. Eunice Wong is the narrator and her smooth narration really did help me move through the chapters. At a quarter of the way in, I was thinking this was pretty good. I liked the way Kitasei uses minute details to flash out a character. Her style was easy to read/listen to, but I also noted that I wasn't that intrigued. As a person with a sister, some of the relationship points were maybe even a little too on the nose for me. 

then... BAM at the halfway point, I found myself choosing this novel over all the others I have on deck. I had to know what happened next, and then next and then next. I was astounded at my abrupt change from a casual listener to one on the edge of my seat.  I finished this off in record time. 

Do I recommend?  Yes! I really do. With themes of family, climate/environment change, justice and self fulfillment, this is one that could capture a lot of imaginations! 

Publishing in September 2025, this is one for your TBR!

STATS

First Published : 9/30/2025

Pages: 384

Available as an Audio Book :YES

Trigger Warnings: death, drug use (minor), blood, medical situations, violence, murder, climate change, parental death

Not a full TW list, please read responsibly.