Tag Archive for: Book of the Month

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Wild Reverence

Wild ReverenceTitle: Wild Reverence
Author: Rebecca Ross
Series: Letters of Enchantment #3
Genre: Romantasy
Format: Audio
Pages: 527
Length: 22h 8m
Narrator: George Weightman, and more
Source: Owned
Reason: BotM Backlist
Rating:

My Thoughts

When I read DIVINE RIVALS and RUTHLESS VOWS, I really wanted to learn more about the gods and their magic system. I’m so glad Ross decided to write WILD REVERENCE as a prequel from the POV of one of those gods. I loved spending time in the Under and Skyward Realms. I also loved seeing the Mortal Realm from a god’s perspective. Matilda was a fantastic character to give us the insight we wanted. I loved watching her grow into her powers, gaining confidence, and kicking ass. I especially enjoyed witnessing her life with and love for Vincent.

Additional Narrators: Hannah van der Westhuysen, Rebecca Norfolk

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Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil

Bury Our Bones in the Midnight SoilTitle: Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil
Author: V.E. Schwab
Genre: Romantasy
Format: Audio
Pages: 535
Length: 18h 26m
Narrator: Katie Leung, and more
Source: Library
Rating:

My Thoughts

I didn’t realize BURY OUR BONES IN THE MIDNIGHT SOIL was a vampire story going in. That was a fun discovery. I enjoyed the stories of each of the women. Although, Alice was my favorite because I related to her more than the other two. I wasn’t as interested in or drawn to the sapphic relationships as I was the other aspects of the story. However, I think these relationships were the best way to tell the story Schwab wanted to tell.

Additional Narrators: Marisa Calin, Julia Whelan

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How to Write a Love Story

How to Write a Love StoryTitle: How to Write a Love Story
Author: Catherine Walsh
Genre: Romance
Format: Audio
Pages: 336
Length: 9h 10m
Narrator: Jonathan Aarons, Róisín Rankin
Source: Owned
Reason: Book of the Month
Rating:

My Thoughts

I really enjoyed HOW TO WRITE A LOVE STORY. It was a fun premise. I loved the way Walsh wrote grief, its many forms, how it affects our lives, and people don’t grieve the same way. I loved the characters, especially Sam and Ciara. I love watching them get to know each other and learn to care for each other. I loved the setting in Ireland and getting to experience a little of Irish culture.

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The Stardust Thief

The Stardust ThiefTitle: The Stardust Thief
Author: Chelsea Abdullah
Series: Sandsea Trilogy #1
Genre: Fantasy
Format: Audio
Pages: 480
Length: 15h 38m
Narrator: Nikki Massoud, and more
Source: Owned
Reason: BotM Backlist
Rating:

My Thoughts

I’ve always been fascinated by stories of genies, magical lamps, and wishes. It wasn’t until I read THE GOLEM AND THE DJINNI by Helene Wecker that I realized genies were a misappropriation of Middle Eastern folklore and mythology. Since then, I’ve tried to learn more about the actual mythology. So when THE STARDUST THIEF was a Book of the Month option, I snatched it right up. 

THE STARDUST THIEF was everything I wanted it to me and more. I love that the story took inspiration from ONE THOUSAND AND ONE NIGHTS so that parts of it were familiar. The characters, the world, and the djinn’s magic system were amazing! I loved Loulie and Qadir so much. I loved their connection and how much they rely on each other. At first I thought Mazen was kind of a sissy, but I’m glad he grew into his strengths and stood up for what he believed. I loved that it was told from different POVs so we could witness more of the whole picture. I’m excited how this one ended and I’m looking forward to how the story continues.

Additional Narrators: Rasha Zamamiri, Sean Rohani

Hang the Moon

Hang the MoonTitle: Hang the Moon
Author: Jeannette Walls
Genre: Historical Fiction
Format: Audio
Pages: 349
Length: 12h 29m
Narrator: Jeannette Walls
Source: Owned
Reason: BotM Backlist
Rating:

My Thoughts

I love prohibition era stories so when I read the synopsis for HANG THE MOON, I was super excited to read it. I didn’t realize until about a third of the way through the story that Walls was using Queen Elizabeth I’s life as inspiration for the main character. At first, I liked the allusion but then it just got to be too much. I wished it hadn’t so closely followed that history because I kept wondering who each character represented in Tudor era England. The story was also a little slow and, at times, really grim and sad. (I get it. Both of the these times in history were grim and sad. I had just hoped for something a little more inspiring.) I’m glad I read the book, even if it was a little disappointing.