October Wrap-Up

Okay, stress reading is A THING! *lol* It’s official now because even though I had so many things to do in October I somehow still managed to read 6 books! Which is more than I managed to read all year. I mean the most I was able to read in a month was 5 books in September so a whopping six in October is amazing! XD I’m kind of behind on my reviews now though so I’m sorry if all you got last month were a lot of reviews on my blog. I needed to do some serious catching up to all the reviews that have been waiting to be written and I hope you’ll forgive me for my blog being less varied for a while. It will get better again, I promise. 😉

As for other things that happened this month: I already said that stress reading is a thing so yes, studying kept me busy again and I finally wrote my final assignment so that I can get my diploma in addition to my already existing certificate. 😀 This took me a little while and since we were all ill again at the beginning of October it was quite a tough time to write it. Anyway I managed and now I’m still waiting for my grading. Fingers crossed I’ll get a good grade. Well, and to top it all off I already started with my next course at the beginning of October too so I had double the stress because I needed to keep up with the new one while finishing the old one. Fun times. ;-P

But hey, it worked out fine in the end and I read so much more than I read before because I was stress reading. *lol* I think I was very lucky with my book choices as well because I enjoyed so many of those books and to host #Rainboween made this even more enjoyable! I loved to host #Rainboween and to read all the spooky LGBTQIA+ books so be prepared that I’ll host another round of it next year as well. It will become an annual thing and I just love that! ❤ Anyway, enough of my month, let’s go for the bookish summary!

Books read: 6 (6 books & 0 webcomic, I can’t believe I actually read 6 books! O_o)

Pages read: 1.780 (Even though some of those books were pretty short it seems like the page count is big though?)

Average rating: 4,00 (It was such a good reading month! XD)

Books that were on my reading list: 0 ( 0 from 2020, 0 from 2021 and 1 from 2022. And I’m back to being a mood reader. Haha! But honestly after this amazing reading month I can’t even regret it.)

October Reads:

          

       

Blackout: ,5

This was such a nice collection of short stories and I really enjoyed to read a different one every night. It were six stories in total and all focused on a blackout in NY City during a hot summer night. What I really liked was that this was own-voices (all black authors) and that there were even two stories that featured LGBTQIA+ representations. Plus all the stories were connected to each other and this was nice. =) If you want to read my full review you can do it here!

All Systems Red:

I wanted to read All Systems Red for ages and I finally did! I was supposed to read this book in September but oh well, as plans go I didn’t manage to get to it and then decided to read it in October instead. *lol* And I have no regrets. This might have been a typical sci-fi scenario story but the POV was definitely unique and I’m looking forward to read more of the „Murderbot Diaries“. 😉

Lore & Lust: ,5

I absolutely loved this book!!! This story was exactly what I needed! A m/m vampire story with two amazing characters that become friends and then fall in love. Their mutual trust, their slow burn and especially their consent(!!!) made this such an amazing experience! I love Nino and Haru and I can’t wait to read the rest of the books in this series.

The Gentleman’s Guide to Getting Lucky:

It was so good to be back in Monty’s and Percy’s world and I loved to get a glimpse at their life together after the first book ended. They are both still adorable and Monty is still a mess but ahh what a sweet mess they are together. *lol* I think after I read this it’s finally time to pick up the third and last book of this series. I can’t wait to get to know their little brother. My full review about this book can be found here!

Legendary:

This was fun! XD After reading „Caraval“ I wanted to know who Legend is and well, I guess it’s no spoiler to say that you’ll find out if you read this book. 😉 I mean it’s named „Legendary“ for a reason, right? This said, I found myself enjoying Tella’s story more than Scarletts because Tella is a little reckless demon and I kinda liked that about her. *lol* Also the two love interests in here were amazing and I was intrigued by both of them, though admittedely I liked one of them more. ;-P

Into the Drowning Deep:

Oh boy! I so rarely read horror but I wanted to read this because it’s about sirens in the Mariana Trench and the dark deep always fascinated me. I even wanted to become a marine biologist when I was a teen but in the end didn’t become one because of my asthma and well, I live in a landlocked region. *lol* Anyway! This book was great and exactly the right mixture of gory, creepy and fascinating. I loved to read about the scientists when they spoke about life in the sea and the mermaids or rather sirens were at least as creepy as they were fascinating. Loved this, but I gotta say: I never want to meet one of those sirens.. Ever. XD

This said: How was your October? Was it a great reading month for you too? (I swear it was legit the best one I had in about a year!) Which spooky books did you read for Halloween month and did we have some in common? Did you take part in my #Rainboween Readathon? And if yes, which spooky LGBTQIA+ books did you read? Any recs for me? Also are you studying too and if yes, what are you studying?

Talk to me and let me know! 

And as always take care and stay healthy and safe! ❤

*hugs’n’kisses*

The Sassy Library Fox

Top Ten Tuesday: Spooky LGBTQIA+ Books

TTT was created by The Broke and Bookish and moved to That Artsy Reader Girl (click here for upcoming TTT topics!).

Today’s Topic is: : Halloween Freebie (This time I decided to go for a focus on spooky LGBTQIA+ books because there are many and I’m having a lot of fun with the readathon I’m currently hosting #Rainboween so I figured why not give a couple more recs?! Some of them aren’t all too spooky but others well, they are. *lol*)

1.) „Into the Drowning Deep“ by Mira Grant

I just finished reading this book and boy did it have me at the edge of my seat! There are flesh eating sirens in this book and they are creepy af! *lol* Also they are very interesting because the ship that wants to find them is full of scientists and I really liked that science aspect during the book. =) If they’d really be real I wouldn’t want to meet them though. And yes there is a f/f relationship in this too so it definitely has a LGBTQIA+ rep.

2.) „Lore & Lust“ by Karla Nikole

This was the first book I read for #Rainboween and I loved it so much! It’s about two male vampires named Haruka and Nino who meet through an ancient vampire ritual they are kinda forced to supervise/witness. They are both very curious about each other and eventually become friends. This is a slow burn, people, but it really was such a lovely and nice one and I can totally recommend reading the book if you love vampires and m/m books.

3.) „Summer Sons“ by Lee Mandelo

Okay, I haven’t read that one yet but it sounds very promising and I definitely want to get a copy into my greedy hands! The plot sounds super mysterious because it’s about two best friends that wanted to go to college (at least I think it’s college?!) together. Eddie goes there first though and shortly before Andrew can join him Eddie dies. Apparently it was suicide, at least that’s what everyone thinks. Well, and then the shit hits the fan because Andrew finds out a lot of dark secrets about his bestie and begins to wonder if he ever knew him. Oh yeah and he’s haunted by a phantom too. *lol* Honestly, I want to read this so bad.

4.) „The Darkest Part of the Forest“ by Holly Black

I read this a while ago but I still remember it vividly because it was my first Holly Black book ever and it totally got me hooked on her books. ❤ „The Darkest Part of the Forest“ is about two siblings named Holly and Ben that live in a town named Fairfold that basically lives next to the faerie world. And right smack in the forest there is a glass coffin that holds a mysterious sleeping faerie prince. Both siblings are in love with him until one day he wakes up and turns their world upside down. ;-P

5.) „Wolfsong“ by TJ Klune

I loved all of TJ Klune’s books I read so far and I’m convinced I’ll love this one too. It’s about werewolves and the love between two boys named Ox and Joe that meet on a road when they are young. Apparently they grow older as the book progresses but find each other again? There isn’t a lot said about the plot but listening to everyone and their grandma raving about this series made me more than just curious. *lol* I am ready!!

6.) „Malice“ by Heather Walter

Honestly this story had me at f/f „Sleeping Beauty“ retelling because YES! This is what I’m here for! XD Apparently gentle Aurora falls in love with the witch in this one and this idea has me super intrigued! I love fairy tales with a spin and this one sounds amazing! I’m sure I’ll get to this one sooner or later. Well, hopefully rather sooner! It just sounds so good. 😉

7.) „The Sacrifice“ by Rin Chupeco

I’ve never read a single book by Rin Chupeco but I’ve heard of them and they all have me intrigued so I guess it’s finally time to pick one up?! „The Sacrifice“ sounds absolutely awesome! I mean an island in the middle of the Philippines that is cursed? And a local guide that is supposed to help a Hollywood film crew? Sounds like my kinda cup of tea! *lol* Also I heard that there is a non-binary rep in here and quite honestly that makes this book even more tempting! =)

8.) „Sawkill Girls“ by Claire Legrand

I absolutely loved this book when I read it last year! Again we have an island setting and some sort of monster that lives on it and abducts young girls. What for? Well, you’ll find out if you read the book! *lol* Not gonna spoil anything here! All I’m going to say is that this book had me hooked and I honestly didn’t expect to enjoy it so much! It was a total surprise! There’s a sapphic rep in there too, but that’s all I’m going to say! ;-P

9.) „The Ghost of Buxton Manor“ by Jonathan L. Ferrara

I’m not gonna lie, by the end of this book I cried buckets of tears! Seriously, I was ugly crying and I still have no idea how a book about a boy that falls in love with a ghost boy that haunts his new home caused me to end up like that. There’s just something about Jonathan L. Ferrara’s writing style that hits you right smack in the feels! ❤  I was a mess after this book! Slightly spooky and creepy at times but so, so sad and charming at the same time. I highly recommend to read this one!

10.) „The Luminous Dead“ by Caitlin Starling

A psychological horror thriller about a woman who goes to a foreign planet in order to map a cave system but then ends up stuck in it with a guide she can’t fully trust? And something that might lurk in the dark and is following her? Is it imagination or is it real? Well, I’m definitely going to find out when I start to read this book! 😉

So what about you? Which freebie topic would you have chosen for this Top Ten Tuesday? Did you like my LGBTQIA+ take on it and if yes have you read any of the books I mentioned? Do you have some recommendations for me too? Any good and spooky LGBTQIA+ books I should add to my ever growing TBR?

Talk to me and let me know!

And as always take care and stay healthy and safe! 

*hugs’n’kisses*

The Sassy Library Fox

Top Ten Tuesday: Spooky Books for Scaredy Cats (like me)

TTT was created by The Broke and Bookish and moved to That Artsy Reader Girl (click here for upcoming TTT topics!).

Today’s Topic is: Halloween Freebie

So since this is a freebie I decided to make my topic: „Spooky Books for Scaredy Cats (like me)“ because I get scared easily and I’m pretty sure I’m not the only one. 😛 So if you want to read spooky reads that are easy to digest and don’t leave you staring into the dark with your eyes wide open these ten books might be the right thing for you!

1.) Lockwood & Co. by Jonathan Stroud

 

I loved this series so much and I think everyone should read it! The storyline and concept of the ghosts is just great and the Lockwood & Co. crew is amazing! I loved to be a part of those „ghost hunters“ and George will always be my favourite character! ❤ Just think the early episodes of „Supernatural“ but a lot less creepy! Then you might know what you’re getting yourself into. 😉 (Psst! This is middle grade but being the scaredy fox that I am, I mostly read those books during the day. *lol*)

 

2.) Anna Dressed in Blood by Kendare Blake

 

This is a book that gave me real „Supernatural“ vibes and I loved it! I mean we have an old Victorian house that’s haunted by a ghost named „Anna“ and we have Cas Lowood who makes sure the ghosts he comes across are sent where they belong. Anna’s story was so intriguing and boy did she leave a trail of blood. *lol* Not to mention that she’s one hell of a sight with her white dress all drenched in red blood. XD  I really enjoyed this and Cas is such a sweet character you couldn’t help but root for him. 😀 

 

3.) The Ghost of Buxton Manor by Jonathan L. Ferrara

 

If you’re looking for a sweet m/m ghost/human romance that’s slightly creepy and involves a mystery that needs to be solved: Search no more! This is your book! =) I really loved this one and the author did such a great job at combining the LGBTQ+ element with a spooky story. Rupert and Aaron are too precious and I loved their respectful relationship. Also this book has parents that actually care about their child’s wellbeing and are an active part of the story!! (which is pretty rare in YA) Also I never read a ghost story that made me cry, but that one… well keep your tissues at hand, that’s all I’ll say! ;-P

 

4.) The Language of Thorns by Leigh Bardugo

 

I just finished this and it was perfect! If you love dark fairy tales this is the right book for you! „The Language of Thorns“ features 6 short stories that all play in the Grishaverse and I enjoyed every single one of them. My favourites were „The Too-Clever Fox“ and „The Witch of Duva“ because they were especially dark and creepy! If you want to take a closer look at my full review you can do it here!

 

5.) The Dark Descent of Elizabeth Frankenstein by Kiersten White

 

Are you looking for a Frankenstein retelling? Great, because this is one, but it’s also so much more than that! 😉 The two MCs, Elizabeth and Victor were quite something and their relationship? Puh, how to put it into words? It was… destructive and noxious? *lol* But mostly it was really fascinating! I swear their dynamic was more than just intriguing! Mix it with gory details and add a few creepy scenes and you have the perfect spooky entertainment for Halloween! XD

 

6.) City of Ghosts by Victoria Schwab

 

This was my first Victoria Schwab book and I’ve become a huge fan ever since I read it! I just loved the atmosphere in this! Edinburgh sounded really interesting and I’m sure I’ll travel there one day! I mean just to see „Mary King’s Close“ would be awesome and since I’m such a history geek to explore the city would be fun! Anyway! Back on track! This is a middle grade book so the plot was pretty predictable, this however didn’t diminish my enjoyment. Cassidy and her best friend Jacob (who happens to be a ghost) were a really nice duo and I adored them and their friendship! ❤ I can’t wait to read the second book!

 

 

7.) Deadmarsh Fey by Melika Dannese Hick

 

Now that’s a book that kind of blew my mind! I swear the atmosphere of the old big house, the marsh around it, the fog that was seemingly omnipresent pushing against the windows of the house, the creepy fae that lurked at every corner! It was amazing! ❤ This is one of those super long books that’s very well-thought out and detailed! If you love books like that and are a fan of stories that stick to the original fey legends I’m convinced you’ll be a happy camper! 😀

 

8.) Krabat by Otfried Preussler

 

So this is a book from a German author I had to read when I went to school. And tell you what: It was one of the really good ones! I loved to read about Krabat’s apprenticeship and the dark atmosphere of the mill he works at was great. Strange things happen at night and the miller isn’t who he seems to be! „Krabat“ is mysterious, gloomy, haunting and yes, at times even kind of twisted. XD And it’s a real classic of German literature! What’s not to love?

 

9.) Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie

 

Want to get your mind into a knot?! Well, this one is the perfect pick! *lol* I had so much fun solving this puzzle and to collect all those breadcrumbs was quite an adventure! This was my first Agatha Christie but definitely not my last! 😉 I recently saw the movie on Netflix and I think they did a great job so I can totally recommend it if you want to follow up the book with a movie. 😉

 

10.) The Seven Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle by Stuart Turton

 

I just finished this book at the weekend and this was… brilliant!!! I rarely read a debut that was as amazing as this one and if every book Turton writes is as good as „The Seven Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle“ I’ll become one of his most enthusiastic fans! I LOVED Blackheath and the countless clues and hints that were left througout the entire book! This was one hell of a puzzle and I almost… almost got it all right! *lol* This was a mystery that bent my mind like a pretzel and I regret NOTHING! ❤ 

 

 

So what about you? Did you read any of the books I recommended and if yes did you enjoy them? Are you a scaredy cat too? Do you have any Halloween recs for me? What are you up to this Halloween!? Do you have a costume?! 

Talk to me and let me know! 😉

And as always: Stay healthy and safe!

*hugs’n’kisses*

The Sassy Library Fox