I hadn’t planned on reading The Familiar because the cover creeped me out a bit and I wasn’t sure if it would be too dark for me. How wrong I was. I’m so glad my friend persuaded me to give this a read because it was a heartbreaking, beautiful love story, one only Leigh Bardugo could have written. Though I haven’t read her new Ninth House series, I have read all but one of Bardugo’s Grishaverse books. To me, Bardugo is a superior writer because she has a way of weaving tragedy so humane ...
reading
WOMS: Dreamspinner
Remember my recent return to reading epic fantasy and how annoyed I was? It reminded me I hadn't yet read the third trilogy in Lynn Kurland's Nine Kingdoms series. If you haven't guess by now, that's exactly what I did, so let's talk about it! Why I took so long to read this third trilogy, I don't know nor understand. Sure, last year I might have needed a break after plowing through the first six books, but for an entire year? When I love this series so, so, SO much? What's so great about ...
WOMS: A Grave Robbery
Veronica and Stoker are back at it, and this time they must solve a dastardly crime! This week for "What's on my Shelf," it's Deanna Raybourn's latest A Grave Robbery! Last we heard from our sleuthing lovers, they had reconciled and returned to Bishop's Folly in contented bliss after solving their last case. As employees of Lord Rosemorran, we find them continuing their work of documenting and preparing the myriad of specimens in his collection for public viewing. Much to their dismay, the ...
WOMS: The Curse of Penryth Hall
It's getting close to spooky season, and since I happened to read a few thrilling stories over the summer, let's get in the mood! This week, we're reviewing Jess Armstrong's The Curse of Penryth Hall. What drew me most to this book was its setting in post-war England, especially since that is when my own work in progress is set. Of course, the promise of an enticing mystery didn't hurt. I had heard The Last Heir to Blackwood Library compared to this novel, so I hoped I would be indulged ...
WOMS: A Botanist’s Guide to Society and Secrets
Saffron Everleigh is at it again, and this time she’s going undercover to unravel the secrets of a sinister society in the heart of the British government. This week for “What’s on My Shelf,” it’s A Botanist’s Guide to Society and Secrets! In the third installment of a series I am absolutely adoring, Saffron is tasked with helping clear Alexander Ashton’s brother name as a suspect in King’s Cross constabulary’s latest murder case. "But wait!" You might say. "Isn’t that the same love ...
