November was actually a pretty decent month (?) for once. It was surprisingly busy, but it was also the month that I finally feel like I started getting my life back on track. Since about February, my husband and I had been looking to potentially move, and long story short... for various reasons, we ended up not moving and we're both really happy about that decision! It's been a pretty stressful year full of uncertainty and I gotta say, when you're in limbo about where you're living for that long, it really takes its toll. All that being said, I've felt more relieved this past month than I have for a long time, haha.
November is also Thanksgiving for those of us in the states, and I really hope all of you who celebrate had a wonderful time. My husband and I actually went to Disneyland with my family and it was such a fun time to spend the day with all of them. I also went to a concert last week for the first time in what feels like ages and it felt so good to be back, that will definitely be something I start prioritizing again.
In reading news, it was also a great month! I read way more books than I expected and had such a great time with so many of them! Highlights include The Square of Sevens, Bunny, Emily Wilde's Encyclopaedia of Faeries, and Nestlings. I also started a new graphic novel series that seems very promising. All in all, I can't complain about my November reading for once–and that feels great, haha.
So, most importantly: how was your November!? Let me know how your month was and what you've been reading!
Nestlings by Nat Cassidy
Source: NetGalley | Format: eARC
Thoughts: I have a review up for this one and I really liked it! It was really a pretty creepy horror story and well worth the read.
Bunny by Mona Awad
Source: Owned | Format: Paperback
Thoughts: This was every bit as weird and f*cked up as I'd been led to believe, so I was extremely pleased about that. This really was a wild ride and I was definitely here for it. Can't wait to read more from Mona Awad!
Emily Wilde's Encyclopaedia of Faeries (Emily Wilde #1) by Heather Fawcett
Source: NetGalley/Owned | Format: eARC/Hardcover
Thoughts: This is just the best. I actually re-read this in preparation for the sequel and I still absolutely adore it. I cannot wait to get stared on a NetGalley eARC that has been sitting on my ebook shelf for so long.
The Square of Sevens by Laura Robinson-Shepherd
Source: Owned | Format: Hardcover
Gideon Falls, Vol. 1: The Barn by Jeff Lemire
Source: Library | Format: Ebook
Thoughts: I really enjoyed this! I've been in the mood for a new graphic novel for a while, so I was looking forward to checking this one out and it did not disappoint (and I ended up reading the next two volumes right after).
Gideon Falls, Vol. 2: Original Sins by Jeff Lemire
Source: Library | Format: Ebook
Thoughts: This wasn't quite as good as the first book, but I still really liked it and look forward to seeing where this setup is all going.
Gideon Falls, Vol. 3: Stations of the Cross by Jeff Lemire
Source: Library | Format: Ebook
Thoughts: I felt pretty lost through most of this installment. I'll probably still continue the series, but I have to say that this was a pretty steep drop in enjoyment compared to the previous two, especially the first one.
The Paleontologist by Luke Dumas
Source: Publisher | Format: Physical ARC
Thoughts: I have a review up for this one as well and I had a good time with the haunted museum setting. Luke Dumas is an author that I'll continue to look out for.
Good Girls Don't Die by Christina Henry
Source: NetGalley/Publisher | Format: eARC
Thoughts: This was a fun take on horror tropes and stories while also delivering them in a fun way. It was a bit predictable at times, but overall a good time.
The Centre by Ayesha Manazir Siddiqui
Source: Library | Format: Audiobook
Thoughts: I liked the language learning aspects of this book a lot, but other parts of it didn't click as well for me. I'll have a review up for this one next week.
Mary and the Birth of Frankenstein by Anne Eekhout
Source: Publisher | Format: Physical ARC
Thoughts: I've also just posted a review of this one and I thought it was a really beautifully written story from Mary Shelley's point of view. It's not overly plot heavy and is very much a character-driven story.
Kagen the Damned (Kagen the Damned #1) by Jonathan Maberry
Source: NetGalley | Format: Ebook
Thoughts: I decided to reread this so I can hopefully get to the sequel finally! This is a pretty solid fantasy that leans on the grimdark side, I've really enjoyed it.
Green Rider by Kristen Britain
Source: Library | Format: Paperback
Thoughts: This was pretty fun, sort of what I expected from a slightly older fantasy novel. I'll look forward to continuing the series, but I don't really think it'll become a favorite.
Wrong Place Wrong Time by Gillian McAllister
Source: Library | Format: Audiobook
Thoughts: This was a fun little thriller that plays with time. I can't say it'll become a favorite, but worth a quick read.
Riot Rules (Crooked Sinners #2) by Callie Hart
Source: Library | Format: Audiobook
Thoughts: I finally got around to reading this sequel (I think it's a standalone, but connected) and thought it was pretty fun as well. These are great for when I just need something to occupy my mind for a while.
DNF/To-Be-Finished:
The Darkness Before Them by Matthew Ward
Source: Publisher | Format: Paperback
I definitely plan to come back and finish this sometime. It was one of those where I picked it up and started reading it and then realized that it seemed good, but wasn't something I was currently in the mood for. Hopefully I'll get to it soon!
I'm glad this was a great month for you, and that the living situation has been resolved! I can't imagine how stressful that would be.
ReplyDeleteWow, you read a lot! I'm glad you're happy about your decision not to move. We moved a year ago and both of us are having second thoughts about it. Or maybe we need more time to adjust...
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