Books Read = 14
It never fails, I make a game plan for the month and I end up doing the opposite. I’ve been struggling for a while now to balance blogging and reading and have for many weeks ended up avoiding both completely, but I feel like I’m finally getting back into the swing of things, at least in terms of reading. Blogging is still a whole other matter but, baby steps. I did manage to post some reviews this month so I’m considering it a success. I didn’t manage to read quite as many horror books as I planned on but I read a whole lot of other things and all in all it was a good month.
Posted Reviews
- [4 Oct] Twice in a Blue Moon by Christina Lauren ★★
- [4 Oct] Wanderers by Chuck Wendig ★★
- [4 Oct] The Unkindest Tide by Seanan McGuire ★★★
- [4 Oct] Sapphire Flames by Ilona Andrews ★★★
Unreviewed Reads
- Kill the Queen (Crown of Shards #1) by Jennifer Estep ★★★
- Dead Voices (Small Spaces #2) by Katherine Arden ★★★★
- Pumpkinheads by Rainbow Rowell ★★★★
- Paper Girls, Vol. 1 by Brian K. Vaughan ★★★
- Paper Girls, Vol. 2 by Brian K. Vaughan ★★★★
- Paper Girls, Vol. 3 by Brian K. Vaughan ★★★★
- The Unwritten, Vol. 1: Tommy Taylor and the Bogus Identity by Mike Carey ★★★★
- The Unwritten, Vol. 2: Inside Man by Mike Carey ★★★★
- Before the Devil Breaks You (The Diviners #3) by Libba Bray ★★★★★
- No Happy Endings: A Memoir by Nora McInerny ★★★★
- Summer Frost (Forward Collection #2) by Blake Crouch ★★★★★
- Evil Has A Name: The Untold Story of the Golden State Killer Investigation by Paul Holes ★★★★★
Best of the Month: Before the Devil Breaks You (The Diviners #3) by Libba Bray ★★★★★
By this point, I’m already fully aware that Libba Bray is an incredible storyteller, but she continues to astound me with how much better she seems to get. This series is simply fantastic. Complex and creepy storytelling with one of the largest cast of characters that amazingly enough all end up being central in some way to the plot. January Lavoy is an absolute marvel and is quickly becoming my favorite audiobook narrator ever.
Least Favorite: Twice in a Blue Moon by Christina Lauren ★★
It’s sad, but I think I’ve fallen out of love with CL. I’ve read every single one to date and with each new release I feel they keep getting less and less special. (And actually, I’ve already attempted their upcoming 2020 release and it’s sitting firmly on my DNF shelf). I think it’s time to call it quits.
Biggest Surprise: Evil Has A Name: The Untold Story of the Golden State Killer Investigation by Paul Holes ★★★★★
Admittedly, this could probably be considered more a podcast than an actual book, but however you want to designate it, this was riveting. Having read I’ll Be Gone in the Dark, I thought this would just be Paul Holes’ side of things but it was a fascinating look at the ins and outs of the investigation that eventually led to the Golden State Killer finally being captured.
Biggest Disappointment: The Unkindest Tide by Seanan McGuire ★★★
This series has been consistently well but this installment had me all frustrated. It took me ages to get through and I just wasn’t loving it and I couldn’t understand why. Still not sure if it was the book or myself (and my mood) to blame.
Tammy @ Books, Bones & Buffy
I’m glad you’re blogging again! You read way more than me, and now I’m kicking myself for never starting The Diviners. I mean, I know I can read it any time, it’s just hard for me to go backwards😁
Tammy @ Books, Bones & Buffy recently posted…ALL SYSTEMS RED by Martha Wells – Review #SciFiMonth
Bonnie
I’m really trying. lol I really wish I could post more but my creativity is really lacking these days. I totally get that about going backwards. I try to mix backlist with review books often and it usually ends up a mess. lol The Diviners is truly fantastic though. The finale comes out in 2020!
Bonnie recently posted…Monthly Rundown | October 2019
Barb @ Booker T's Farm
What a great month. I struggled in October as well. I wanted to read ALL the horror but it just didn’t happen. I also had several 2 star reads and I hit a slump. Guess I need to start the Diviners huh? And don’t you hate it when a well-loved series kind of disappoints you?
Bonnie
I think I just need to learn to mix horror throughout the year so I don’t feel the need to go all-in in October. 🙂 Diviners is fantastic! And yes, well-loved series that end up disappointing is the worst. I’m really hoping the next installment makes me forget all about that.
Bonnie recently posted…Monthly Rundown | October 2019
Lisa @ Bookshelf Fantasies
Wow, quite a month! Your little synopses are very helpful. 🙂 Are you continuing with the Unwritten series? I loved the first couple of volumes, and then felt like the story went downhill (I think I quit before the end) — will be really interested to hear your thoughts!
Lisa @ Bookshelf Fantasies recently posted…Book Review: The Mermaid by Christina Henry
Bonnie
I’ve got the whole stack of Unwritten sitting on my coffee table (so, yes. lol) It’s not a favorite of mine but it’s interesting enough. 🙂
Bonnie recently posted…Monthly Rundown | October 2019
Jennifer | Book Den
I know what you mean. You’d think after all these years, we would have some kind of balance down, but the struggle is real.
Jennifer | Book Den recently posted…Recent Updates and Currently Reading | November 10
Bonnie
So real. Reviews seem harder to write these days. I feel like I’m repeating myself all the time. lol
Bonnie recently posted…Monthly Rundown | October 2019
Heidi
I am struggling with reading and blogging too. Right now it feels like a chore. I am having a hard time balancing work, blogging, reading and kids. I am keep hoping to get back on track but I just feel too tired lots of nights to delve into blogging. I just wrote my review for Twice in a Blue Moon and I really didnt’ like it either. I hated Sam and the romance. I will try Christina Lauren again, but there last couple haven’t been nearly as good. Hope you have a great week, Bonnie.
Trang Tran
WOW 14 books?! That’s a lot 😀 I’m impressed ! The Diviners series is such a good one, that reminds me I should probably go and review it haha.
Trang Tran recently posted…Parasite (2019) – Movie Review