Forever Lost in Literature: august 2023

August has been a doozy in this household. It started off well enough, but unfortunately we've hit a few snags. Namely, the hurricane-turned-tropical storm Hilary that came through Southern California ended up hitting our roof with massive amounts of rain that it did not handle well (as in, we had a large multi-gallon tub centered under one of the leaks that basically let in water as if we had no roof), and then about a week after that my husband acquired Covid. We've found that our dog is incredibly skeptical of us wearing our masks in the house, and is also absolutely avoiding my husband at all costs–he's really taken the idea of "isolation" very seriously (some dogs want to comfort their humans when they're sick, but my dog will run from you because you're being weird–he doesn't like weird). It's been a fun time, for sure, and it's why I've missed a few posts this past week and am a bit behind on visiting other blogs. I have managed to do a few fun things in August despite everything else, such as trying out an aerial chains workshop where we basically treat chains as if they are an aerial sling (yes, it's painful, and yes, I had many bruises as a result). I did post a video on my aerial IG, @jordanrose.aerial, if you're curious, but I had an amazing time and apparently the masochistic part of me really wants to try it again.

But for those of you who are here for the books (don't worry, I know that's why most of us are here), I also read a lot of great books in August! I made my way through what I consider a pretty decent amount of fall 2023 ARCs, so I'm feeling good about that–feeling good, of course, when I'm turning a blind eye to that stack of ARCs still waiting for me to get to them next. Starling House, Red Rabbit, The Hexologists, and Medusa's Sisters are probably the highlights from my reading month, but I think most of the books I read were pretty good! It was a pretty good bunch overall, which was very refreshing. All that being said, I've posted my usual quick roundup of all the books I read below with some brief comments on them, as well as the rest of the things I posted on my blog this past month.

How was everyone's August? What books have you been reading? Let me know in the comments and feel free to link your own wrap-ups (or any posts, really!), and I hope you all have a wonderful September!

# books read: 11

Starling House by Alix E. Harrow
Source: Publisher | Format: Physical ARC

Thoughts: I was really pleasantly surprised by Starling House and ended up liking it a lot more than I thought. It feels like a book with a lot of sort of cliche elements, but still feels really unique overall. Definitely keep this on your radar for October when it's out! I'll have a review up closer to its release.

The Hexologists by Josiah Bancroft
Source: Publisher | Format: Physical ARC

Thoughts: Josiah Bancroft is back! This was a lot of fun and I really enjoyed meeting our new main characters. I cannot wait to see more from this world and its characters. My review will be up soon!

Red Rabbit by Alex Grecian
Source: Publisher | Format: Physical ARC

Thoughts: I didn't know all that much about this book going into it, and I'm sort of glad I didn't! I really liked this one a lot and highly recommend it to anyone who likes horror that takes its time and likes to focus on its characters and setting. Review up closer to its release!

After the Forest by Kell Woods
Source: NetGalley | Format: Audiobook

Thoughts: This was a really fairy tale-esque story inspired by Hansel and Gretel. There was something missing that prevented me from really loving it, but overall it was a really magical and interesting read.

Medusa's Sisters by Lauren J.A. Bear
Source: Publisher/NetGalley | Format: eARC

Thoughts: I loved this story of the three Gorgons, focusing on Medusa's sisters, Stheno and Euryale. This was a beautiful, tragic, and riveting story and is probably one I'd consider a favorite Greek mythology retelling of mine now.

Silver Nitrate by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
Source: Library | Format: Audiobook

Thoughts: I honestly didn't expect to like this as much as I did given how hit or miss Silvia Moreno-Garcia's work has been for me lately, but this was a nice surprise! I loved the film aspects and enjoyed exploring this setting.

The Handyman Method by Nick Cutter
Source: NetGalley | Format: eARC

Thoughts: This was a bit of a miss for me, but still provided a really interesting premise!

The Mask of Mirrors by M.A. Carrick (re-read)
Source: Owned | Format: Paperback

Thoughts: I already love this book, so I knew I'd enjoy the re-read as I prepare myself to dive into the third and final book in the trilogy! I think this series is really underrated and highly recommend it to fantasy fans.

Clara Poole and the Long Way Round by Taylor Tyng

Source: Publisher | Format: Physical ARC

Thoughts: This was such a fun middle grade read! I thoroughly enjoyed this one. My review is already up for this one, and you can find a link for it below.

Last Night at the Hollywood Canteen by Sarah James
Source: Publisher | Format: Physical ARC

Thoughts: This was a compelling historical fiction murder mystery centering around Hollywood during the 1940s that I had a great time reading. Historical fiction fans, keep it on your radar!

Pestilence by Laura Thalassa
Source: Library | Format: Audiobook

Thoughts: I've heard a lot of great things about this series, and I can understand why. Despite some shaky world-building at times, I actually think this premise is pretty neat and I'm enjoying exploring this author's take on the apocalypse.

DNF/To-Be-Finished:

None! (?)

My Name is Iris by Brando Skyhorse
I Keep My Exoskeletons to Myself by Marisa Crane
Thornhedge by T. Kingfisher
Gods of the Wyrdwood by R.J. Barker
Medusa's Sisters by Lauren J.A. Bear
The Handyman Method by Nick Cutter, Andrew F. Sullivan
Clara Poole and the Long Way Round by Taylor Tyng

Posts:

(other than reviews)

Blog Tour: Magdalena by Candi Sary
Month in Review: July 2023
New Release Spotlight + Review: Medusa's Sisters by Lauren J.A. Bear
Anticipated September 2023 Releases

Blog Memes:

Can't-Wait Wednesday:

8/2: The Land of Lost Things by John Connolly & Normal Rules Don't Apply by Kate Atkinson
8/9: The Hexologists by Josiah Bancroft & Midnight at the Houdini by Delilah S. Dawson
8/16: Hemlock Island by Kelley Armstrong & Black Sheep by Rachel Harrison
8/23: Red Rabbit by Alex Grecian & Rouge by Mona Awad
8/30: Black River Orchard by Chuck Wendig & The September House by Carissa Orlando

The Friday Face-Off:

Current Read(s) #12
Current Read #13

Another month is upon us, which means a whole new array of upcoming releases, and August's releases are looking outstanding. I've been fortunate enough to read a couple of these (including Thornhedge, which was as wonderful as you might expect from T. Kingfisher), and I cannot wait for the rest (especially Cassiel's Servant, although that does remind that I'm super behind on starting a re-read of the Kushiel's Legacy trilogy...oops). August is shaping up to be another amazing month for book releases. What August releases are you most looking forward to?