Welcome to Litsy!

Not what I expected, and nothing like this cover. The anachronisms weren‘t too bad but there were enough small ones to annoy. And while Eden has been compared to Mary Stewart, she falls short Stewart‘s skill, telling more often than showing. But a fast light read, which I needed yesterday. #readyourkobo @CBee

I‘ve been so happy seeing all the T Kingfisher books popping up on Litsy lately, and all the Littens that are newly enjoying her writing thanks to #authoramonth 🎉
I took the opportunity to finally get to the second book in the Sworn Soldier series and while I loved the Poe allusions in book 1 more, I liked continuing Alex‘s story in this book. I also love Kingfisher‘s asides, like in the quote above. Relatable, and funny 😆

While I‘m often reluctant to read anything with a romantasy label attached - I ended up really enjoying this.

It‘s got a very modern vibe in an otherwise fantastical, somewhat historical European setting. I loved how enterprising both sisters were & how they came to reconcile their history to their present circumstances & I do love an unconventional happy ending.

I‘m quite tempted to find myself a copy of Angela Carter‘s The Bloody Chamber…

I will read whatever KJ Charles publishes. They are a go-to author for me. This is the first one where I was not fully invested in the characters. It is not bad writing or story. A gothic novel mystery is always fun and with queer representation is a bonus.
All of this to say, if you are picking up a KJ Charles for the first time- don‘t start here. Try Slippery Creatures. Or The Secret Lives of Country Gentleman.

“The parties at the Tuñóns‘ house always ended unquestionably late, and since the hosts enjoyed costume parties in particular, it was not unusual to see Chinas Poblanas with their folkloric skirts and ribbons in their hair arrive in the company of a harlequin or a cowboy.” #firstlinefridays @ShyBookOwl

What a ride! 🤣 This was unhinged, grotesque, and weirdly funny. The author makes even the mundane feel disgusting, and the MC is violently psychotic yet witty and amusing. Excellent deadpan audiobook narration that nailed the humor. Still curious about Ms. Notty‘s backstory, but overall this was a deranged, darkly comedic romp. Probably not a rec for the masses but I was appalled and thoroughly entertained. 🥲 Great start for #AuldLangSpine !

Honestly, I loved reading Collins‘ book. I jumped in without knowing anything about it other than thinking it was a horror book. Checking Goodreads, I see that it is first historical fiction, followed by fantasy and gothic fiction. That definitely fits the book more than horror, but there were some horrific portions well placed throughout. The buildup to the story‘s climax was so suspensful that I could hardly put it down!

This was another great YA horror read for me 😄 I didn‘t entirely love the ending, but I understood it. I‘m also just always wanting more 🤣😭 Skyla‘s monster was such a cool one, so very unique!! I‘d love to hear more about how he came about and if there are others out it in the world 🦋🌱💀 I will definitely look into more books by this author 💯%

On the eleventh day of Christmas my favorite book of November was We Have Always Lived in the Castle. Wow.

#12booksof2025 @TheEllieMo

I am super late posting my #AuldLangSpine list from @Avanders due to the holidays and absolutely not because of a lack of excitement for these titles!! I am interested in literally all of them lol! I had Victorian Psycho so I‘m already almost finished, and it is deliciously unhinged! 😆 Next up will be Heartwood or Mapping the Interior. I HAVE to get to James this year (already own it) and I own The Family Upstairs so I‘ll continue this list!