The Seasonal Reading Challenge discussion

Here is the Review Raffle thread for Fall 2026.

We will draw a random name from anyone who posts a review in this thread and they will be given the opportunity to create a task in the Winter 2026 season - the more reviews that you post, the more chance of being drawn!

Reviews must be for books read within the current challenge period. You may link to your review on Goodreads, or type the review in the thread. (Please do not link to a review on a site outside of Goodreads).

Your review does not have to be positive but it should be at least a couple of sentences long - "loved it" or "not for me" is not helpful to other readers!

Please remember to include your Readerboard name when posting your review.

Sky

A Natural History of Dragons
⭐⭐⭐⭐

I am not typically one to reach for dragon-centric fantasy, but Marie Brennan’s A Natural History of Dragons completely won me over. Instead of a high-fantasy epic, it reads like the witty, faux-Victorian memoir of a pioneering female scientist. Lady Isabella Trent is a fantastic lead—headstrong, deeply curious, and fiercely determined to push past the rigid social expectations of her era to pursue her scientific passions.

What makes the book so engaging is its grounded, academic approach to world-building. Rather than treating dragons as mystical creatures, the story treats dragonology like real-world field biology, anatomy, and zoology. The narrative traces Isabella's journey from early childhood defiance, like sneaking into a private menagerie to see live specimens, all the way to a dangerous expedition in the snowy, untamed mountains of Vystrana to study aggressive rock-wyrms. Along the way, the plot shifts into a gripping investigation as Isabella and her companions work to unravel the unnatural hostility of the local dragon population and uncover a shadowy smuggling plot tied to dragon bones.

The dynamics between the characters add a great deal of depth to the adventure. My favorite character by far is Isabella's husband, Jacob Camherst. He could have easily been written as a traditional, oppressive obstacle, but instead he is genuinely supportive of Isabella's intellect, opening up his extensive library to her and standing by her as an equal partner in the field. On the other hand, my least favorite character is fellow researcher Thomas Wilker. His rigid sexism and outward disdain for Isabella—viewing her presence as an unnecessary hindrance simply because of her gender—made him consistently frustrating to read.

Overall, it is a captivating start to the series that balances historical social constraints with genuine scientific intrigue.

Sky


Once Upon a Maiden Lane
⭐ (1.5 stars)

While historical settings often capture my interest, Once Upon a Maiden Lane unfortunately proved that even an engaging time period cannot bridge the gap for a reader who fundamentally dislikes the romance genre. Pressed into reading it to complete a Book Bingo card, I found myself once again struggling to connect with the core elements of the story. While the historical backdrop provided a brief saving grace, the narrative itself fell short of holding my attention.

The primary issue lies in the predictability of the romance and a distinct lack of believable chemistry between the main characters. Because the romantic relationship completely dominated the narrative, it crowded out any potential for subplots, worldbuilding, or broader story development that might have otherwise sustained my interest. I spent the majority of the book waiting for a central plot to emerge beyond the courtship, but it never materializing into anything substantial.

Ultimately, I recognize that my dissatisfaction stems largely from personal genre preference rather than a failure of the author to meet romance conventions. However, for a reader who craves plot-driven fiction, survival alone earns this a 1.5 out of 5 stars. With only a few romance prompts remaining on my bingo card, I can only hope my next selections lean heavily into subplots—or better yet, a good murder mystery.

Sky

Spiking for Love: A Lesbian Sports Romance
⭐⭐

I went into Spiking for Love knowing that romance is generally not a genre I gravitate toward. I’m currently working my way through several romances for Book Bingo, so while this isn’t necessarily a book I would have picked up on my own, I was willing to give it a chance.

The strongest part of the book for me was the sports storyline. I enjoyed the volleyball elements and the competitive atmosphere, and I particularly liked the concept surrounding the “Games.” The Games are essentially the Olympics under a different name, which felt like a fairly obvious workaround, but I still enjoyed that aspect of the story. The competition gave the book something outside of the romance that I could actually get invested in.

Unfortunately, I struggled with Eve as a character. She felt overly zealous at times, and I had a difficult time connecting with her personality. The other major issue for me was the amount of spice. The book is very spicy, and while that will undoubtedly appeal to readers who enjoy a high level of steam in their romances, it wasn't something I personally enjoyed. It became another element that pulled me away from the parts of the story I found more interesting.

Overall, Spiking for Love had some elements I genuinely enjoyed, particularly the volleyball and Games portions, but the romance itself didn't connect with me. My personal dislike of the genre definitely plays a role in my rating, but even putting that aside, I found the characters and romantic storyline difficult to engage with.

Sky


The Poppy War
⭐⭐⭐ (3.5 stars)

The Poppy War by R.F. Kuang was a wild, intense ride, and I ended up giving it a solid 3.5 out of 5 stars. It’s a dark military fantasy that pulls heavily from 20th-century Chinese history and the Second Sino-Japanese War, which makes the worldbuilding feel incredibly grounded and brutal. While I really respected what Kuang was trying to do, a few structural pacing choices kept it from reaching top-tier status for me.

There was still plenty to appreciate about the story. For starters, I loved the pressure-cooker environment of the Sinegard academy in the first half of the book. Watching Rin grind her way up from an impoverished orphan to a top student felt deeply satisfying and kept me hooked early on. I also really liked the magic system, where shamanism and accessing the gods require altered states of consciousness and heavy spiritual stakes—it felt so unique compared to standard fantasy magic. On top of that, Kuang deserves credit for not pulling punches when showing the horrors of war. The second half gets incredibly dark, but it makes the stakes feel real and terrible rather than romanticized.

That said, two major things held the book back from a higher rating. The most glaring issue was the jarring shift in tone and pacing. The first half feels like a high-stakes magic school story, but the second half abruptly turns into a horrific, full-scale war novel. The transition felt so sharp that it almost felt like reading two completely different books put together. Additionally, Rin’s decision-making in the final act was really frustrating to read through. While I get that trauma and desperation were driving her choices, watching her yield to sheer destructive impulse made it really tough to stay on her side by the end.

When it came to the cast, Jiang Ziya, the Lore Master, was easily my favorite character. On the surface, everyone views him as this eccentric, misunderstood fool who just tends the garden and acts completely out of it. But underneath that facade, he’s actually a brilliant, tragic, and low-key badass leader who understands the catastrophic cost of shamanic power better than anyone else in the empire.

Overall, it’s a powerful, relentless story that definitely isn't for the faint of heart. It had some flaws with its execution, but it certainly left a lasting impression.

Sky

Demon Copperhead
⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.25 stars)

Taking on a 500-page modern spin on a Charles Dickens classic is definitely a commitment, so I was a little leery at first—mostly because of the title, since I had no idea what it was actually going to be about. But as soon as I realized it was a twist on David Copperfield, I was completely sold. I am such a sucker for the classics, and I can never resist a good retelling. Barbara Kingsolver takes Dickens's original story and sets it right in the modern-day Appalachian Mountains, and she pulls it off so well. Overall, I’d give it a solid 4.25 out of 5 stars.

There are four huge things that really stood out to me while reading. First, Demon’s voice is unforgettable. He tells his story with this incredible mix of dark humor and grit that keeps you hooked, even when things get heavy. Second, the setting itself feels like a real character, giving you a deep, heartbreaking look at the opioid crisis and rural poverty without ever feeling preachy. On the plot side, two specific storylines really stuck with me. The first was Demon’s rough path through the foster care system—especially his time doing backbreaking labor on a farm—which was just painful to read through. The second was his time as a high school football star, where he finally got a taste of success, only for a terrible knee injury to derail everything and push him right into the trap of addiction.

As for the characters, Maggot was easily my favorite. He’s a total underdog—eccentric, different, and navigating a pretty harsh environment—but he has so much heart and stays a loyal friend through thick and thin. On the other hand, my absolute least favorite had to be U-Haul. He was just awful, taking in foster kids purely to use them for cheap labor and profit off their checks while barely giving them the basics to survive.

All in all, it’s a bit of an emotional roller coaster and can definitely feel relentless at times, but it’s such a powerful story. If you're up for a heavy but incredibly rewarding read, I really think you'd appreciate this one.

Sky

A Clockwork Orange
⭐ (1.75 stars)

I am giving the original novel A Clockwork Orange a 1.75 out of 5 stars. This is one of those exceedingly rare instances where I found the movie adaptation to be vastly superior to the original source material. Normally, I fall into the camp of readers who champion the book over the film, but reading Anthony Burgess’s text was an absolute chore. It easily stands as the only dystopian novel I have ever picked up and thoroughly disliked, largely due to how grating and unapproachable the writing style is from start to finish.

The biggest wall I hit while reading was the insufferable, made-up slang that saturates nearly every single sentence. Burgess created a fictional teenager dialect called "Nadsat"—a bizarre mashup of modified Russian, Cockney rhyming slang, and childish babble. While I understand the artistic intent was to immerse the reader in an alienating youth subculture, in execution, it completely ruins the pacing of the narrative. Constantly stopping to decipher what basic actions or objects Alex is referring to strips away any emotional weight or narrative momentum, turning what should be a gripping story into a grueling translation exercise. Here are just a few of the words:
* Glazzies = Eyes
* Droogs = Friends
* Devotchka = Young woman or girl
* Gulliver = Head
* Viddy = To see or look at
* Slooshy = To listen or hear
* Horrorshow = Good or cool
* Krassing = Stealing or robbing
* Britva = Razor
* Baddiwad = Bad

Beyond the headache-inducing vocabulary, a couple of other major flaws drag the book down. The narrative structure feels incredibly repetitive, especially in the first act. Alex and his gang wander around committing sensory-overload acts of ultra-violence, which gets monotonous fast without adding any deeper character dimension. Stanley Kubrick’s film adaptation manages to translate this chaotic energy into a sleek, visually stunning, and deeply memorable cinematic experience, giving the themes room to breathe visually without the linguistic sludge. Furthermore, the notorious final 21st chapter of the book—where Alex abruptly "grows out" of his psychotic tendencies—feels entirely unearned and cop-out simple compared to the bleak, ironic brilliance of the film’s ending.

If I have to grant the book one redeeming quality, it is the underlying philosophical core of the story. Burgess raises a truly fascinating ethical dilemma regarding free will, state control, and moral choice. The central question—whether it is better for a man to choose evil than to have goodness forced upon him like a mechanical machine—is a brilliant concept. It is just a shame that such a compelling thesis is buried beneath hundreds of pages of tedious jargon. Ultimately, the film captured the soul of this idea far better, leaving the book as a rare, highly disappointing misfire in my dystopian reading list.

Sky

Burn
⭐⭐⭐ (3.75 stars)

I have to be honest with you—if you had told me a while back that I’d end up genuinely liking a book featuring dragons, I probably would have laughed. I’ve just never been much of a dragon person when it comes to reading. But Burn by Patrick Ness completely proved me wrong, and I ended up enjoying it far more than I expected.

What really won me over first was the absolute genius of the setting. Instead of taking place in a traditional, sweeping high-fantasy world with castles and knights, Ness places dragons right in the middle of 1957 Cold War America. It creates this fascinating, uncanny atmosphere where small-town agricultural life and global political paranoia collide with ancient mythical creatures. Seeing a giant blue dragon casually hired out as cheap farm labor to clear fields alongside a struggling family felt so grounded and strange at the same time, and that contrast kept me hooked.

Another aspect that made the book so compelling was how masterfully the multi-perspective storytelling was handled. Ness weaves together several seemingly unrelated character threads—a young girl trying to save her family's farm, an assassin belonging to a dragon-worshipping cult, and two FBI agents investigating supernatural threats—and slowly draws them toward one another. The tension builds naturally as these different paths converge, giving the narrative a momentum that makes it really hard to put down.

Finally, the underlying thematic depth elevates it far beyond a simple fantasy thriller. Beneath the dragons and secret cults, the book tackles some surprisingly heavy and deeply human issues, particularly surrounding racism, homophobia, and the generational trauma of the 1950s. The characters feel raw and vulnerable, fighting not just external monsters or apocalyptic prophecies, but the rigid prejudices of their own society. While a few elements near the end felt a little rushed for my taste, it remains a thoroughly unique and memorable read that I'm really glad I gave a chance.

Kelly L

Chosen Family


What an imperfectly excellent story of queer friendship, love, quiet obsession, and family. I really enjoyed the Australian setting & slang - the characters came to life in their dialogue! Eve and Nell were both difficult and easy to love, and their vision for what family can look like was really special.

I highly recommend this for fans of Emma Copley Eisenberg's Housemates and Chloe Howath Mitchell's Sunburn.

Rating: 4 / 5 stars

Kelly L

Body Language


Mothers and daughters in emotional turmoil, grappling with aging and relationship dynamics? Sign me up! This cast of complicated women trying to feel their way through their various relationships was well-written. I liked the sense of place when they descended upon their mother's home in Indiana; it intensified their emotional regressions to their most base relationships to each other. The choice for one of the daughters/sisters to be a nun was thoughtful and she became my favorite of the three. I picked up a paperback copy of, but never finished, Meg Howrey's previous novel, They're Going to Love You, and now have great reason to return to it.

I would recommend this to fans of Allegra Goodman's This Is Not About Us, and Claire Lombardo's The Most Fun We Ever Had.

Rating: 4.5 / 5 stars

Kelly L

Under Story


I loved The Immortalists and eagerly awaited the release of Under Story, and it did not disappoint. Chloe Benjamin managed to create a story that is completely otherworldly, and also universally familiar. I loved the supporting cast of characters at McMurdo and would read another book set in their world. At times, the combination of science with emotional intensity made this dense, but I never stopped wanting to pick it up.

I would recommend this to fans of Wild Dark Shore by Charlotte McConaghy, and Camp Zero by Michelle Min Sterling.

Rating: 5 / 5 stars

Sky

God of Malice
⭐⭐⭐ (3 stars)

I landed right at a 3 out of 5 stars for God of Malice by Rina Kent. Going into this, I honestly didn't think I would like it at all because romance just isn't typically my thing. That being said, I found out dark romance is actually pretty bearable for me. It was definitely a mixed bag, but there was enough substance beyond the main relationship to keep me reading to the end.

Two things I really didn't like were the spicy scenes and the main character dynamic. To be completely honest, I just didn't care for the explicit intimacy in the book—it really wasn't for me. Beyond that, the relationship between Killian and Glyndon gets deeply unhinged. Killian is essentially written as a psychopath with severe antisocial personality disorder, and his toxic obsession with her was pretty hard to stomach at times.

On the flip side, two things I genuinely liked were the surrounding subplots and the setting. The family dynamics of each core family were super interesting to unpack, and seeing how all those complex backgrounds shaped the story added a lot of weight. I also really enjoyed the college setting and the intense rivalry playing out between the two groups. Those background storylines gave the book actual plot momentum outside of the romance.

Overall, it's a solid 3-star read for me. It didn't fully convert me into a massive dark romance fan, but the intrigue, college drama, and character psychology made it worth picking up.

Sky

The Grace Year
⭐⭐⭐ (3.75 stars)

I ended up giving The Grace Year by Kim Liggett a solid 3.75 out of 5 stars. I was dynamic enough to keep me hooked overall, though it definitely had a couple of flaws that held it back from being a total top-tier read for me. Still, for a dystopian thriller, it delivered a really compelling atmosphere.

The first thing I really liked was the constant tension and paranoia built into the setting. The psychological pressure the girls face while isolated in the county—wondering who to trust while trying to survive both the elements and each other—was executed so well. I also loved the themes of female solidarity that emerge despite a system specifically designed to make women tear each other down. Finally, the pacing was fantastic; once the story gets moving, it moves fast, and the survival elements made it incredibly hard to put down.

My favorite character ended up being Kiersten. She might be a bit of an unexpected choice—and definitely not someone most readers would call a traditional hero—because she spends so much of the novel acting as a cruel, antagonistic force among the girls. But I found her character fascinating. She’s a product of the deeply oppressive system they live in, projecting her own fear and desperation into control and malice. Watching how her survival instinct manifests makes her such a complex, tragic underdog in terms of character depth, even if her actions are hard to root for.

The one thing I really didn't like was how predictable certain plot beats felt toward the middle and end of the book. While the atmosphere kept me invested, a few of the survival twists and romantic turns followed fairly standard YA dystopian tropes. It lost a bit of its edge when it played things safe instead of fully leaning into the darker, more unexpected directions it hinted at earlier on.

All in all, it’s a strong 3.75 stars. It’s a fast, gripping read with great commentary on rivalry and survival, even if a few of the story beats felt a little too familiar.

Sky

Wellness
⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.5 stars)

Nathan Hill’s Wellness is an extraordinarily rich and layered novel that earns a very well-deserved 4.5 out of 5 stars. The narrative seamlessly switches between multiple perspectives, offering a deep, multi-faceted look into the lives of its main characters, Jack and Elizabeth. Seeing the same relationship and events mapped out through different lenses gives the story a remarkable sense of depth, allowing the reader to empath2e with everyone’s flaws, missteps, and hidden motivations without taking a single simple side.

For anyone who leans into the scientific side of things, this book is an absolute feast. The detailed deep dive into placebo experiments is completely fascinating, illustrating how powerfully belief alone can shape human physiology and emotional reality. Alongside that, the exploration of behavioral psychology and neurobiology grounds the broader narrative in real intellectual weight, making the characters' choices feel both complex and scientifically fascinating. Even for those of us who appreciate fine art despite not being able to draw a stick figure to save our lives, the vivid exploration of the 1990s Chicago underground art scene and the creative process adds a rich, colorful texture to Jack's backstory that is just pure fun to read.

Beyond the science and art, several other standout elements make this book truly exceptional. Hill’s razor-sharp satire of modern lifestyle culture, tech algorithms, and suburban wellness trends is both wildly funny and scarily insightful, holding up a mirror to the strange ways we seek self-improvement today. On top of that, despite its ambitious scope and length, the pacing is remarkably fluid, floating between past and present without ever losing momentum or clarity. Above all, the novel’s emotional core shines through its poignant look at long-term marriage, exploring the quiet illusions people construct to sustain love over decades. It is a brilliant, thought-provoking read that genuinely stays with you long after the final page.

Sky

Murder Between the Stacks: A Willow Grove Bookshop Cozy Mystery
⭐⭐ (2.5 stars)

Murder Between the Stacks lands firmly in the middle of the road—a "meh" read that ultimately proved cozy mysteries just might not be my cup of tea.

The highlight of the book is definitely the central whodunit. Piecing together the clues and trying to unmask the killer kept things engaging enough to finish, offering that classic puzzle-solving satisfaction that mystery fans look for.

Where the story fell flat for me was in the execution and plotting mechanics. Too many scenes felt either juvenile or heavily forced. Key plot advancements rely a bit too much on convenient tropes rather than natural detective work—like the main character’s cat conveniently stumbling upon hidden papers, or a friend happening to show up at the exact right second to save the day multiple times. These moments pulled me out of the story and made the narrative feel contrived rather than earned.

If you are a die-hard cozy mystery fan who enjoys lighter, trope-heavy tropes and don't mind a few convenient plot armor moments, this might hit the spot. But if you prefer tight, grounded investigation without the forced antics, this one might miss the mark.

Sky

The Halloween Tree
⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.25 stars)

I was first introduced to Ray Bradbury during a college English class, and he completely won me over—which is saying a lot, considering I am usually not much of a science fiction reader. There is something about Bradbury’s writing that feels entirely different from the genre I typically associate with science fiction. His prose is atmospheric, poetic, imaginative, and often surprisingly dark. The Halloween Tree is a perfect example of that style, and it turned out to be a wonderfully strange, fast-paced September read.

What I enjoyed most was the way Bradbury transforms a Halloween adventure into a fascinating and rather morbid history lesson. A group of boys is whisked through time by the sinister Mr. Moundshroud, traveling through different cultures and eras to uncover the ancient origins of Halloween and the traditions surrounding death and the dead. The journey touches on Egyptian mummies, Celtic Druids, and Mexico’s Día de los Muertos, among other traditions, creating this wonderfully eerie exploration of how different civilizations have confronted death, celebrated the dead, and tried to understand what comes after life.

Beneath all of that historical and supernatural exploration, though, there is a surprisingly emotional story driving the entire adventure. Their friend Pipkin is suffering an acute appendicitis attack in the real world, and during the crisis, his soul is taken from him. The boys follow Moundshroud through time because they are determined to bring their friend back, turning what initially feels like a bizarre Halloween adventure into a desperate race against death. That underlying sense of urgency gives the story considerably more weight than I expected from such a short book.

Mr. Moundshroud was another highlight for me. He is exactly the kind of unsettling, mysterious character who makes a story like this work. He is not simply a straightforward villain; he feels almost like an embodiment of the darker side of Halloween itself. He guides the boys through their journey while constantly reminding them of mortality, fear, and the price that comes with trying to cheat death. There is something particularly effective about the way Bradbury makes him both fascinating and deeply unsettling without having to rely on excessive violence or traditional horror.

The climax was probably my favorite part. When the boys finally have the opportunity to bargain for Pipkin’s soul, they discover that getting their friend back comes at a very real cost. Each boy must sacrifice a year from the end of his own life in exchange for Pipkin’s return. I loved how dark that idea was, especially because it ties so neatly into one of the book’s central themes: our fascination with death and our willingness to make extraordinary sacrifices for the people we love.

Overall, The Halloween Tree is a wonderful blend of dark history, folklore, supernatural adventure, and vintage autumn atmosphere. It is a very quick read, but Bradbury manages to pack an impressive amount of history, symbolism, and atmosphere into it. It has the feeling of an old Halloween tale told around a fire, except that beneath the pumpkins and autumn imagery is something considerably darker—a story about mortality, ancient traditions, fear of death, and the human desire to hold onto the people we love.

This is definitely a book I would recommend for October, particularly if you enjoy atmospheric classics, creepy folklore, dark history, and stories that explore the stranger side of Halloween. It is not frightening in the conventional horror sense, but there is something wonderfully eerie about it, and Bradbury’s writing gives the entire story a timeless, almost dreamlike quality. For such a short book, The Halloween Tree left me with considerably more to think about than I expected.

Sky

Catch the Devil: A True Story of Murder, Deception, and Injustice on the Gulf Coast
⭐⭐⭐ (3.75 stars)

I ended up giving it a 3.75 out of 5 stars, and I really enjoyed the read overall. Colloff is an exceptional writer, and she manages to craft a narrative that is as infuriating as it is impossible to put down.

Crazily enough, I found myself extra invested because I have personal ties to—and frequently visit—literally every single location featured across the book's narrative span, including Clearwater, Indian Beach, Pinellas County, St. Petersburg, Texas, and various stops along the broader Gulf Coast, with the sole exception of Miami. Recognizing the geographic backdrop throughout the story made the entire account hit remarkably close to home.

There are three key elements that make this book particularly outstanding. First, Colloff's meticulous, cinematic reporting builds dual biographies—contrasting the predatory, manipulative life of con man Paul Skalnik with the tragic trajectory of Jim Dailey—with unbelievable depth. She presents a massive web of facts, court documents, and human interviews in a seamless style that reads almost like a dark thriller while preserving complete journalistic integrity. Second, the narrative maintains an uncompromising focus on the actual human victims rather than getting bogged down purely in procedural legal mechanics. Colloff continuously highlights the devastating trail of collateral damage left behind, from the women and young girls Skalnik manipulated to the families torn apart by a fundamentally flawed outcome. Finally, the book delivers an incisive critique of systemic flaws, shining a harsh spotlight on the perverse incentives within the criminal justice system—specifically the over-reliance on unvetted jailhouse informants to secure quick convictions. It powerfully exposes how an institutional desire to win can override the pursuit of truth, making for an intellectually rigorous and hauntingly persuasive read. It is a deeply compelling, well-crafted piece of non-fiction that I would certainly recommend if you are looking for a thought-provoking true crime account.

Sky

Sunny
⭐⭐ (2.75 stars)

Sunny by Jason Reynolds landed at a 2.75 out of 5 stars for me. I picked this up on audiobook as a standalone listen for my Book Bingo challenge, and while I haven't read the rest of the Track series, it served as a light, engaging companion while I was knocking out chores around the house. Reynolds has an undeniable talent for capturing authentic adolescent voices, making the audiobook format a quick, easy roll through the main character's world, even if the story as a whole didn't completely click for me.

There were definitely a few distinct elements that made the listen worthwhile. First, I really appreciated the unique narrative structure written entirely as private diary entries. Hearing Sunny process his inner world through his daily reflections gave the story an exceptionally intimate feel, especially when brought to life by the audiobook narrator. Second, Sunny’s transition from running track to field events like the discus throw felt like a refreshing, honest portrayal of a young athlete trying to forge his own identity rather than living up to heavy external expectations.

On the flip side, a couple of major factors kept this from being a standout read. The plot felt noticeably slow and light on action, often focusing so heavily on quiet internal monologues that the overall narrative momentum stalled out. Additionally, because I picked this up mid-series, some of the supporting team dynamics and the emotional core of Sunny's relationship with his father felt somewhat unresolved and underdeveloped by the final chapter, leaving me wanting a much deeper resolution.

Overall, Sunny was a solid, middle-of-the-road entry that accomplished its job for my bingo card. It may not have blown me away as a standalone, but Reynolds' character work still made it a quick, low-effort listen for a busy afternoon.

Sky

Ethan Frome
⭐⭐⭐

SPOILER ALERT: This review contains full plot details and spoilers for Ethan Frome.

Edith Wharton’s 1911 novella, Ethan Frome, is a stark, haunting piece of literature that lands right at a solid 3 out of 5 stars for me. My main reason for enjoying it was my appreciation for the era in which it was written and its authentic depiction of turn-of-the-century New England. Wharton captures the oppressive isolation of Starkfield, Massachusetts, so vividly that you can practically feel the bitter chill radiating off the page, and that atmospheric historical setting remains one of the book’s greatest strengths.

There are three key elements that made this novella a worthwhile read. Beyond the transportive era and Wharton’s exquisite prose, the brilliant narrative framing technique stands out, as an unnamed narrator uncovers Ethan's tragic backstory years after the main events took place. Additionally, the tragic irony of the climax is deeply compelling: Ethan and his secret love, Mattie Silver, attempt a suicide pact by sledding directly into an elm tree to escape their grim reality, only to survive and end up severely crippled. This leads directly to a third strength—the sheer, brutal reality of the ending, where Ethan is left permanently trapped in a living hell, cared for by the sickly wife, Zeena, he sought to abandon, while also tending to a now-embittered Mattie.

However, three significant flaws kept the book from achieving a higher rating. First, Ethan himself is an immensely frustrating protagonist, as his pervasive passivity and inability to make decisive choices make it difficult to fully empathize with his plight. Second, the pacing in the middle section feels surprisingly sluggish for such a brief story, lingering so heavily on daily mundane farm chores that the narrative momentum grinds to a halt. Finally, the relentless, suffocating misery of the narrative ultimately feels overwhelming; while bleak realism is clearly the point, the complete absence of even a single hopeful note makes the reading experience somewhat draining by the end.

Ultimately, Ethan Frome is a masterclass in atmospheric classic prose and a fascinating artifact of early 20th-century literature, but its relentless gloom prevents it from being a personal favorite.

Kelly L

Hollow Bones


Oh, Jodi. You are who you are and I may never learn!

As a preteen/teen, I gobbled up Jodi Picoult books because their subject matter felt heavy, and the moral quandaries her characters inevitably face felt very adult to me. Unfortunately, as an adult, this is not the case - Small Great Things had me yelling out loud as I listened to the audiobook in the car.

Some of the plot twists in Hollow Bones landed better than others, but the final reveal and chapters sat poorly with me. (view spoiler)[Molly's complete rejection of the woman who raised her -- and maybe even more so, and Adam's immediate dumping of his wife of 25 years for his college girlfriend!!! -- felt so sudden and out of character. (hide spoiler)] I also got the ick from the age gap between Molly and Jesse, and how artificially Picoult wrote Molly's young adulthood to make it plausible for them to be together.

Rating: 3 / 5 stars

Sky

Orange Is the New Black
⭐⭐⭐

I recently finished reading Orange Is the New Black by Piper Kerman, and it was a solid, engaging read overall. It is pretty rare for me to say this—though surprisingly, it’s happened a few times already this year—but I actually enjoyed the television adaptation more than the original book. Still, the memoir has its own distinct strengths, and getting to step directly inside Piper’s head gave the story a completely different feel than watching it on screen.

One of the things I appreciated most was getting to know the real women behind the narrative in a more grounded, authentic way. While the TV series leans heavily into high drama and exaggerated plots, the book offers a much more candid, humanizing look at prison life and the day-to-day survival strategies of its inmates. I also really enjoyed Kerman’s insightful commentary on the systemic flaws of the American correctional system. Her first-hand perspective on the bureaucratic absurdities, the lack of constructive rehabilitation, and the wasted potential within the system added a layer of real substance to her story.

On the downside, the narrative pacing felt a bit uneven at times. Because it sticks strictly to real events rather than scripted drama, certain stretches of the book tend to drag, falling into the repetitive lull of daily prison routine without much narrative momentum. While that realism is part of the memoir's point, it didn't always make for the most compelling page-turner. Ultimately, it’s a insightful and worthwhile read, even if the adaptation managed to capture my attention a bit more.

Sky

The Bear and the Nightingale
⭐ (1.75 stars)

The Bear and the Nightingale by Katherine Arden came so highly recommended, but after listening to the audiobook, I have to admit it just wasn’t for me. I gave it a 1.75 out of 5 stars, and while I can certainly appreciate why some people fall in love with its fairytale atmosphere, the overall listening experience ended up being quite a slog.

The biggest issue for me was the pacing, as the narrative takes far too long to actually get going. The entire first half of the book feels like an endless buildup of rural village life, repetitive domestic chores, and family dynamics, leaving very little room for real plot momentum. By the time the main conflict with the Frost demon finally began to take center stage, I had already lost most of my investment in the story.

On top of the slow burn, many of the characters and their dynamics were genuinely frustrating to listen to. Vasya’s stepmother, Anna, and the priest, Konstantin, drove me up the wall with their relentless, one-note religious fanaticism, which quickly grew irritating rather than compelling. Furthermore, the subtle romantic undercurrents between Vasya and Morozko felt unearned and distinctly uncomfortable, given the vast age gap and the fact that he had effectively watched her grow up.

If there was one saving grace, it was definitely the world-building and the vivid winter setting. Arden does a beautiful job bringing traditional Russian folklore to life, and I genuinely enjoyed learning about the various household spirits like the domovoi that protected the village. It was a wonderfully atmospheric backdrop, but unfortunately, the immersive setting simply wasn't enough to save a plot and cast of characters that left me feeling cold.

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The Unknown
⭐⭐⭐

The Unknown by Riley Sager was my very first time diving into this author's work, and it definitely kept me guessing from start to finish. As someone who usually turns to Freida McFadden for a go-to thriller fix, I wasn't entirely sure what to expect, but Sager's eerie setup grabbed my attention right away. Overall, I’d rate it a solid 3 out of 5 stars—it was far from a bad book and I genuinely enjoyed certain parts of it, but by the time I hit the final pages, I realized Sager's resolution style just wasn't completely my cup of tea.

There were two major highlights that made the read really fun while it lasted. First, the tension and atmospheric creepiness were top-tier. Sager does a fantastic job building a constant sense of dread where every shadow feels malicious and every bump in the night keeps you on edge. Second, the sheer unpredictability of the plot kept me totally hooked through the first two-thirds of the story; I genuinely had no idea where the narrative was heading, which made for a fast, compelling page-turner.

On the flip side, two key things ended up pulling the experience down for me. The biggest issue was the sharp shift in tone at the end. (view spoiler)[ For most of the book, I was convinced there were actual supernatural forces at play, which made the story feel genuinely terrifying. When the grand finale peeled back the curtain to reveal a string of grounded, unmasking explanations, it felt very "Scooby-Doo" and completely deflated the supernatural horror vibe I had been loving. (hide spoiler)] Additionally, the rapid-fire string of late-stage twists felt a bit too convenient and overengineered, making the final reveal feel more silly than satisfying.

At the end of the day, The Unknown is an entertaining thrill ride with phenomenal creepy vibes, even if the ending didn't fully land for me. While Freida still holds my top spot for psychological thrillers, Sager certainly knows how to craft a nail-biting mystery—(view spoiler)[ I just wish the resolution had leaned into the spooky darkness rather than explaining all the magic away! (hide spoiler)]

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The Sun Down Motel
⭐⭐⭐ (3.75 stars)

The Sundown Motel by Simone St. James hits a surprisingly sweet spot between a grounded mystery and a genuinely haunting supernatural thriller. As someone who doesn’t typically gravitate toward traditional mystery or detective fiction, I was completely won over by the eerie ghostly atmosphere—it elevates the story far beyond a standard whodunit. The dual-timeline structure works brilliantly here, bouncing between Viv in 1982 and her niece Carly in 2017. It keeps the momentum high and had me constantly guessing how the pieces would align, while making the motel itself feel like a living, menacing entity trapped in time.

Beyond the spooky vibes, two major highlights really made this book stand out for me. First, the brutal and satisfying revenge arc near the end was fantastic—watching the ghosts actively take matters into their own hands to bring down the killer shifted them from passive spooky set dressing into active agents of justice. Second, the dynamic between Carly and her roommate Heather gave the 2017 timeline a strong, believable human core. Their investigative partnership provided a grounded anchor while all the paranormal madness unfolded around them.

If there was one thing I didn't love, it was definitely the pacing through the middle section. The investigation slows down quite a bit as both timelines re-tread similar clues and observations, making a few of those mid-book chapters feel somewhat repetitive before the climax finally kicks back into high gear.

All in all, The Sundown Motel is a creepy, engaging read that cleanly bridges genre lines. It earns a solid 3.75 out of 5 stars, especially if you love a good ghost story with real teeth.

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The Haunting of Hill House
⭐⭐⭐

The Haunting of Hill House earns a solid 3 out of 5 stars and serves as a fantastic, eerie way to kick off October and dive right into spooky season. It captures that quintessential autumn mood, balancing unsettling atmosphere with a rich, character-driven story that draws you in from the very beginning.

The first highlight is the exceptional atmosphere and setting. The house itself feels like a breathing, malicious presence, crafted with a deep sense of psychological dread rather than relying on cheap tricks. The subtle, unsettling tension builds steadily, creating a classic, lingering creepiness that makes it ideal late-night reading for the fall season.

The second highlight is the complex, deeply layered characterization, particularly through Eleanor Vance. Her internal journey and fragile psychological state give the story an incredible amount of depth. Watching her dynamic unfold with the rest of the group adds a fascinating layer of tension that makes the supernatural elements feel much more intimate and tragic.

The main setback is the pacing in the latter half of the story. While the slow build-up works wonders early on, the narrative momentum drags a bit near the middle, and the resolution feels somewhat abrupt. The climax lacks the final sharp payoff that the fantastic setup promises, leaving the ending feeling a little muted compared to the build-up.

Overall, it is a thoroughly enjoyable read with plenty of gothic charm and unsettling moments. It has its minor pacing flaws, but it remains a great spooky pick to set the tone for October.

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The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches is a heartwarming, cozy fantasy that proves to be an absolute delight from start to finish. Giving this story a well-deserved 5 out of 5 stars, I found myself completely captivated by its charm, warmth, and endearing cast of characters. It strikes the perfect balance between magical intrigue and genuine emotional depth, making it an incredibly comforting and enjoyable read.

There were three key elements of the book that particularly stood out to me. First, the incredible warmth of the cozy, found-family atmosphere immediately drew me into the story, creating a safe and inviting world that felt like a warm hug. Second, the magical setup felt refreshingly unique and clever, blending everyday modern life with hidden spellwork in a way that felt grounded yet utterly magical. Finally, the romantic subplot was executed brilliantly, building a natural, slow-burn tension that added a sweet, compelling dynamic without ever overshadowing the core emotional journey of the characters.

While the entire ensemble was fantastic, my absolute favorite character was easily Terracotta, the middle child among the three young witch sisters alongside Rosetta and Altamira. Her initial hesitancy, sharp prickliness, and fierce reluctance to trust Mika made her journey all the more rewarding to watch unfold. Seeing her slowly let down her walls, reveal her inner vulnerability, and ultimately open her heart to become part of the family added so much genuine heart and authenticity to the narrative.

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Pink Ink

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Pink Ink was a completely unexpected read that thoroughly surprised me in the best way possible, earning a solid 4 out of 5 stars. Selected as a book club pick for Bookish Besties, I initially went into it with a bit of hesitation. Dark romance isn't typically my go-to genre, and I was genuinely concerned I wouldn't enjoy it. However, I ended up really enjoying the story overall. Because it features only a few smut scenes, typical dark romance enthusiasts might find it a bit tame for their tastes, but that restraint worked exceptionally well for my reading preferences.

What truly elevated the story for me was its brilliant characterization and atmosphere. The serial killer element was captivating, the integration of art added a rich texture to the narrative, and the cinematic quality of the storytelling made every scene vivid and memorable. The incredible attention to detail throughout the world-building, paired with the compelling subplot involving the Order, gave the plot a strong structure and fascinating depth. On top of that, the dynamic psychological tension between the main characters was handled with impressive nuance, keeping me deeply invested in their choices and interactions. While the pacing felt a bit slow in certain sections, the overall execution made for a thoroughly engaging and satisfying read.

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An Unkindness of Ghosts
⭐⭐⭐ (3.25 stars)

An Unkindness of Ghosts by Rivers Solomon is a dark, atmospheric sci-fi novel set aboard the HSS Matilda, a generation ship operating under a brutal, racially stratified feudal system. While I picked up this book primarily to fulfill a prompt for the PopSugar Reading Challenge, the narrative offered a heavy, thought-provoking examination of power dynamics, generational trauma, and survival in deep space. It was not entirely what I was expecting, but it certainly left a lasting impression.

One of the standout aspects of the book is its remarkably rich worldbuilding and vivid atmospheric detail. The layout and social structure of the Matilda—from the privileged upper decks to the harsh, impoverished lower decks—are rendered with meticulous depth, making the ship feel like a breathing, claustrophobic character in its own right. Additionally, Aster is a compelling, deeply complex protagonist. Her unique voice, resilience, and sharp intelligence as an herbalist and healer anchor the story, driving the overarching mystery surrounding her mother's death and the true mechanics of the ship.

However, certain aspects of the execution kept the book from reaching its full potential for me. The plot pacing is noticeably uneven, with long stretches where the overarching mystery feels stagnant and the narrative bogs down in repetitive trauma rather than moving forward. Furthermore, I didn't care too much for the spicy parts, which felt somewhat jarring and unnecessary given the overall oppressive tone of the story. Ultimately, An Unkindness of Ghosts is a powerful, ambitious work of speculative fiction that holds immense thematic depth, even if the pacing and tone occasionally hindered the reading experience.

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Midnight at the Blackbird Café
⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.25 stars)

Midnight at the Blackbird Cafe by Heather Webber is a heartwarming, utterly charming novel that seamlessly weaves family secrets, grief, and healing into a delightfully cozy narrative. Earning a 4.25 out of 5 stars, this book was a complete joy to read. The enchanting small-town atmosphere of Wicklow, Alabama, paired with the comforting presence of the cafe itself, creates an inviting backdrop that immediately draws you in and makes you want to pull up a chair.

The characters truly drive the emotional heart of the story. Anna Kate was easily my favorite character, grounding the book with her warmth, resilience, and determination to honor her grandmother’s legacy, while Ollie followed very closely behind as a sweet, memorable presence. Beyond the central cast, there is so much to fall in love with throughout the narrative. The magical realism involving the blackbirds and the famous blackbird pies adds a wondrous, nostalgic layer to the plot that feels both whimsical and deeply meaningful. Additionally, the theme of generational healing as the townspeople confront past misunderstandings brings a wonderful depth to the community. The overall cozy, southern aesthetic—complete with mouthwatering descriptions of comfort food and close-knit neighborly bonds—makes the setting feel alive. Remarkably, I didn't even mind the little bit of romance sprinkled throughout the story, as it developed naturally alongside Anna Kate's personal journey rather than taking over the plot.

Ultimately, Heather Webber delivers a captivating tale about home, forgiveness, and the unexpected ways the past can feed the future. With its rich small-town charm, lovable characters, and touch of everyday magic, Midnight at the Blackbird Cafe is a thoroughly satisfying read that leaves a lasting, comforting warmth long after the final page.

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I'll Make You an Offer You Can't Refuse: Insider Business Tips from a Former Mob Boss
⭐⭐⭐ (3.25 stars)

I'll Make You an Offer You Can't Refuse by Michael Franzese surprised me in the best way possible. Finding a book to satisfy the "mob" prompt for the PopSugar Reading Challenge was a genuine hurdle for me, as it is a category I rarely feel drawn to. However, this pick proved to be a refreshing departure from the usual true crime or grit-heavy mafia narrative. Instead of dwelling purely on sensationalized underground drama, the book creatively bridges the gap between mob life and executive strategy, offering genuine, practical business advice through the lens of unique past experiences.

What stood out most to me was how accessible and engaging the storytelling felt throughout. The author's crisp, straightforward tone keeps the pace moving smoothly, making complex leadership and negotiation tactics remarkably easy to digest. Additionally, the real-world anecdotes provided a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at high-stakes decision-making, which gave the professional takeaways a memorable, sharp edge.

On the downside, the book does get somewhat repetitive in its central messages as it progresses. A few of the core philosophy points are hammered home a bit too frequently, which made certain chapters feel like they were retreading familiar territory rather than introducing fresh insights. Overall, while it may not be a new personal favorite, it was a unique and worthwhile read that handled an unfamiliar prompt with a surprisingly practical twist.

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The Witch
⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.5 stars)

The Witch by Freida McFadden is another absolute home run from an author who has easily earned a spot on my auto-buy list. Clocking in at a strong 4.5 out of 5 stars, this book delivers everything psychological thriller fans crave: relentless pacing, sharp character dynamics, and signature twists that keep you guessing until the final pages. McFadden’s ability to weave tension out of simple everyday interactions while building a pervasive sense of dread is top-tier, making it nearly impossible to put down once you start.

One of the standout elements of the novel is its masterfully crafted dual timelines. The split narrative structure creates a compelling layer of suspense, allowing the past and present to mirror and complicate each other in brilliant ways. McFadden seamlessly weaves these two storylines together, dropping subtle clues in one timeline that completely reframe what is happening in the other. This back-and-forth momentum keeps the narrative moving at a breakneck speed while building constant anticipation for how the two threads will ultimately collide.

Beyond the structural genius, the character development and atmospheric tension truly elevate the story. The characters are delightfully complex and morally ambiguous, making their motivations deeply intriguing to parse through as the plot unfolds. McFadden grounds the psychological horror in an eerie, claustrophobic atmosphere that makes every setting feel slightly off-kilter and unsettling. Finally, the trademark plot twists deliver a massive payoff; just when you think you have calculated every outcome, the narrative shifts, proving once again why Freida McFadden is an absolute master of modern suspense.