Another successful month of reading under my belt. I read five books and marked another off my reading list. Two were physical books, but I’m coming to love audiobooks more and more. Especially because this month I finally got a library card and downloaded the Libby app, so I have unlimited access to audiobooks now without having to wait for my credit from audible. And I also discovered something that blew my mind and I’m still not really sure why… I can increase the speed of narration? Like what? Haha, so now I can get through the audiobooks even faster! I’m strange, I know.
The Obelisk Gate by N.K. Jemisin
We’re back in this crazy end of the world land with people able to control the ground they walk on.
Essun tries to be strong as more and more days pass without going to find her daughter. But she has a bigger job to handle first.
Alabaster’s fate breaks my heart with each page turn, but we have to come to terms with it because at least his slow demise has a purpose.
Nassun on the other hand, is becoming an amazing and powerful girl in her own right. And her journey is thrilling and exciting and a bit nerve-wracking.
The battle at the end had me on the edge of my seat. And it left us in limbo at the end, so I had to hurry and get the final installment to find out what happened.
Wow. What an ending to a trilogy. It wrapped it up and answered all the questions to make a reader happy.
The journey to Core Point is dangerous and heartbreaking for both Nassun and Essun. And along the way, we get Hoa’s story and learn the origin of how the world came to be in the state it’s in.
I don’t want to say too much and give away spoilers. But this trilogy is amazing and has earned a spot on my favorites list. It will be one that I’ll have to revisit again, and I’ve already forced one of my friends to read it so we can talk about it.
So, you go read it too!
This one might be my favorite of the series so far. There was a ton of action and angst, and our heroes had to overcome several obstacles and a few seemingly dead ends.
And the dragons! They really stole the show this time.
I won’t gush too much, since I’ve already mentioned how much I love these characters. But I will say this one ended on a cliffhanger that drove me crazy and I had to run to the next one right away.
Practical Magic by Alice Hoffman
This story has a special place in my heart. This was my favorite movie when I was younger. When I was a kid, I believed I was a witch and imagined being just like Sally and Gilly when I grew up.
I didn’t even know it was a book for the longest time, but when I found out about it, I was a little nervous to read it. I loved the movie so much and didn’t want to ruin it. But I finally did it. It’s very different, but still good.
We meet the Owen’s women and get little tidbits and gossip. The Aunts are mystical and dark, but the girls bring them light when they arrive on their doorstep. Sally is a strong leader, but Gillian is bound to be a troublemaker.
They face many problems, but the number one thing they have to fight against is the dark cloud of their Aunt’s house. But they eventually escape and try to live their lives.
Sally’s life is a roller coaster of love and loss and children that turn out just as strong-willed as her and her sister.
And then Gillian turns up on her doorstep and turns it all upside down like they’d done to their Aunt’s so many years before. She brings her own kind of drama to the mix, but in the end gets Sally out of the slump she didn’t want to admit she was in.
The story was written very differently than I’m used to reading, but it came out lyrical and poetic and, dare I say it, magical.
I don’t know if I enjoyed it more because I already loved the Owens women, or if it was amazing on its own. Either way, I’m glad for the read.
Release Strategies by Craig Martell and Michael Anderle
My craft book for the month was super helpful. I’m planning the launch of my next book (!!!!) and found some really great tips and tricks to set it up. I really love that this book is specifically for indies and has checklists and timelines to be as successful as can be.
I feel really good about how I’ve done with my reading goals this year. My reading list is shrinking each month, and I love checking things off lists. Gives me a real sense of accomplishment. How has your reading gone so far this year? How in love with audiobooks are you?