All right. So the comics and novels are back together because I’ve got a new feature for just the new-to-me comics. It’s something I’m doing special thanks to my awesome patrons!
Novels & Short Stories
Grave Mercy (His Fair Assassin #1) by Robin LaFevers – ★3.5-4
I had this in my TBR for a while, and since I was between books thought it would be a good chance to start this one. I liked the concept — a religious order of female assassins — and the not everything is as it seems -ness of it all… However, it took a while for me to get hooked on this one. This isn’t really a coming of age story for Ismae, but there is a lot of self awareness and growth happening. And personally, I like (almost) anything where the characters are brought out to question and try their beliefs — not necessarily in a “is this real” sort of way, but more like a “why do I believe what I believe” way — as a means of personal and spiritual growth. But like I said, I had to force myself back into this one a couple times to trudge through until I finally hit a good pace with it.
Destined for Doon (Doon #2) by Carey Corp & Lorie Langdon – ★4
I had been eagerly waiting this one. I loved the first Doon book. Absolutely not a change-your-life book, but just a good fun read. This one focuses more on Kenna, as well as partially Veronica trying to come into herself as the new Queen of Doon (which, yeah, I totally forgot the detail on exactly how or why this happened in the last book… must have been distracted by the boys in kilts). You’ve got a mysterious zombie mist taking over the outskirts of Doon and of course our heroines have to save the day before all of Doon is lost!
The Glass Magician (The Paper Magician Trilogy #2) by Charlie N. Holmberg – ★3.5
The first book was a fun and interesting read, that I was definitely interested to read the next. And this book was all right. I appreciated that it started out with action. But as seems to be the norm with this series, when we get into action we also get into telling rather than showing as for why the world is the way it is and such. I’m not here to workshop this novel, though. It is an enjoyable read and an interesting concept to boot. I think my one main overall complaint is this overly Susie Homemaker attitude of Ceony’s and this concept that a man needs a good woman to look after him. The book could have well done without that.
The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman – ★5
This was the pick for the NovelTea Book Club for October. I wasn’t actually sure I was going to get to join in this month! But thanks to a used copy for $0.93 on Amazon, I was able to pick up the book no problem. This is the sort of book you need a physical copy. Something that can age and wear as is appropriate for such a book. Anyway. I loved this. It’s beautiful and macabre. And the fact that it can be touching as well as creepy is just all the masterful work of Gaiman. I mean, do you want more praise for it or should you just go out and read it yourself?
The Assassin’s Curse by Cassandra Rose Clarke – ★3.5–4
This is another one that had been in my TBR for a while. A young lady pirate escapes an arranged marriage to someone in another pirate clan, has an assassin sent after her, and stuff ensues. It was a decent read, and a short one. And while there was action happening throughout, it didn’t really feel like there was enough of that action and growth within the characters to feel satisfied at the end. As far as I know, this is just a duet, so we’ll get the conclusion at the next book… But honestly, I think given the short nature of this one, they should have just turned it into one book. I know the big thing is to have multiples and such because it makes readers like us excited and you know, marketing. But not everything needs to follow that plan. Some books are good as just one-offs.
Comics & Graphic Novels
Ms. Marvel, #9: Generation Why, Part II by G. Willow Wilson
Finally getting more of Kamala’s backstory. Yes, this is a superhero story, but more so it’s a girl discovering who she really is, what that entails and means to her and her life, and how to do good in the world. But as questions are answered, we’re really just left with even more questions. And seriously, what is this harvest thing all about? Guess I’ll find out next time. Also, best quote: “Unique is not the same thing as alone.”
Jim Henson’s Storyteller: Witches #2 by Kyla Vanderklugt
We’re half way through this little, beautiful series! This time, Vanderklugt brings us the tale of the Snow Witch. I’ve just loved this series so much. Each issue is a new story — which reads just as one of the folktales the Storyteller would share by his fire — and each issue has a new writer/artist. The art in each is just beautiful. This one is done in landscape, and it just works so well.
Hawkeye vs. Deadpool #1 by Gerry Duggan
These two are just perfect together. We haven’t really gotten much in the way of answers yet. I mean, we know that Black Cat is after the flash drive containing all the S.H.I.E.L.D information… And we know she’s letting loose people who think they’re supes but not to wreak havoc (and get the flash drive). And we also know there are some amazing back and forth happening between Clint and Wade. In this one, though, we also get an AMAZING reaction when Kate Bishop first meets Deadpool sans mask. (Which the artist, Matteo Lolli favorite my tweet about it.. YAY!) I would love to recreate that panel with some cosplayers.
I’ve already met my goal of 50 books for the year. I’ve now read 64 books. Which, according to GoodReads is 23 books ahead of schedule. Wonder if I can make it to 100 before the year is out.
Now what about you, top books for the month?
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