This month’s wrap up looks a little short, but that’s because I’ve decided to leave out pretty much all of the festive books. I’m going to be talking about them a lot this month so I don’t want to overdo it by talking about the same books for weeks on end.
I did, however, finish 15 books in November which included a few graphic novels and audio novellas. So nothing too impressive but not bad considering I’ve been chain reading festive romances and getting a little bored of the whole concept of them.
Pumpkin Spice & Poltergeist by Ali K. Mulford & K. Elle Morrison
Read: 1/11/24 – 3/11/24
If you love sapphic witchy books, you’ll love Pumpkin Spice & Poltergeist. It wasn’t my favourite read of the year but I’m definitely interested in reading more books set in this universe.
Book Review: Pumpkin Spice & Poltergeist by Ali K. Mulford & K. Elle Morrison
Synopsis: The last thing apothecary witch, Jordyn, had on her mind was romance, but when she got witchy-wasted, she cracked open the coffin of her love life and conjured the ghost of her ex-girlfriend. Jordyn is in for a spell of trouble now that the snarky specter is determined to haunt her until she finds someone new.
Enter Harlow, the new girl in town, who just wants a job in her sister’s cafe but she discovers that the spooky town of Maple Hollow is more than just a gimmick. Real magic lives here. But after run-ins with vampires and one too many grave cafe blunders, she’s ready to hop on a broomstick and fly out of town. Until she finds herself falling under the spell of the enchanting witch who asks her on a date.
As sparks fly and cauldrons bubble, will this unlikely pair brew up a love potion that defies the ghostly odds? Or will Jordyn’s shade-y ex be the ultimate buzzkill to their budding romance?
This Christmas by Georgia Beers
Read: 3/11/24
This is a sneak peak of an upcoming 12 books of Christmas review. I’m not going to say much here as I don’t want to spoil my review, but I’ve basically included this in this post, and not any of the other festive books, so I can have a festive looking featured image.
Synopsis: It’s Christmastime and everyone is in the holiday spirit at no-kill animal shelter Junebug Farms.
When Junebug sponsors the annual Christmas parade to raise money and awareness for their shelter, the staff have a the king and queen of the parade will spend the holidays filming adorable Christmas vignettes to bring in donations and find forever homes for lovable pups before Santa comes.
What they don’t know is that Mia Sorenson, volunteer dog walker and superior matchmaker, is about to rig the voting so that her granddaughter, Samantha, and Sam’s friend Keegan, win queen and queen of the parade. Sam and Keegan have been dancing around each other for years, and if Mia doesn’t do something, they might never realize they’re meant to be together. But can Sam and Keegan ever forget the Big Embarrassing Thing that makes romance a nope?
It’ll be all paws on deck to bring them a miracle and make this Christmas one to remember.
Dandelion by Sabir Pirzada
Read: 3/11/24
*I was given an ARC of this graphic novel in exchange for an honest review*
My expectations for this graphic novel, based on its cover, were so high. Sadly, these were not met in the slightest. There were a few really cool art styles but the actual story fell very flat for me. Also, none of the art was similar to the cover which is a massive shame. I hate when graphic novels do that.
ARC Review: Dandelion by Sabir Pirzada
Synopsis: When climate change and automation disrupt the lives of millions, a new civilization is formed in the skies—one that threatens the wealthy citizens who’ve been hoarding Earth’s meager resources for themselves.
Lightkeepers by Kennedy Plumb
Read: 6/11/24 – 9/11/24
This book is a little wild. I’m talking about baby stealing cults, which is not what I expected from a Tangled retelling. Yes, I say Tangled and not Rapunzel because this is more like the Disney movie than the original story. Which is hilarious because the original story is super dark and so is this. Proceed with caution.
Book Review: Lightkeepers by Kennedy Plumb
Synopsis: What if Rapunzel was trapped in a dangerous cult, and Flynn Ryder was trapped in the foster care system? How would they still find their way to each other and to the lives they dream of?
Zella has been faithful to the Program her entire life, never doubting Mother’s choice to keep her in isolation since birth. As the first “Child of the Lighthouse,” she’s always had a responsibility to be an example to the others—be grateful, be obedient. But after seventeen long years up in her lighthouse all alone, it’s getting a lot harder to push down her secret—and forbidden—dreams of living a normal life, no matter the risks she’s heard of. She secretly dreams of freedom.
Ryder can’t count the amount of “families” he’s had over the years. He’s been bounced around from home to home for as long as he can remember. That’s why he’s not exactly impressed by this new family’s fancy house, or the fancy new school they’ve enrolled him in. They’re putting on a friendly face, but they’ll show their true colors eventually. They always do. Luckily, he only has to make it a little while longer because soon he’ll be eighteen, and he’ll finally be free.
One whirlwind night changes everything for Zella and Ryder, as the two dreamers cross paths and open each other’s eyes to what true freedom could really look like.
Critical Role: The Mighty Nein Origins: Jester Lavorre by Sam Maggs, Laura Bailey & Matthew Mercer
Read: 10/11/24
This graphic novel doesn’t have a ton of substance, so you probably couldn’t read it without knowing the character first. However, Jester is my favourite so I absolutely adored this. The art and colours are so beautiful, every page feels like a treat.
Graphic Novel Review: The Mighty Nein Origins – Jester Lavorre by Sam Maggs & Hunter Severn Bonyun
Synopsis: Jester Lavorre had an unconventional upbringing, even for one born in cosmopolitan Nicodranas. Daughter of the famed Ruby of the Sea, she had many opportunities for mischief as a small child, of which she took full advantage! Dive into the mystery of Jester’s early years, her first meeting with the Traveler, and the fateful events that set her on a path to eventually join the Mighty Nein.
Cult of the Lamb Vol. 1: The First Verse by Alex Paknadel
Read: 10/11/24
*I was given an ARC of this graphic novel in exchange for an honest review. This has not been published yet but will be December 17th*
Another graphic novel that I loved the art style of. Although unfortunately, it did have a few problems. A lot of the pages are overwhelming and there was something just a little off about the whole thing. I did enjoy it though.
ARC Review: Cult of the Lamb Vol. 1 by Alex Paknadel & Troy Little
Synopsis: In a land pervaded by cruelty and evil, the most innocent among us—young Lamb—was selected to become a noble sacrifice. . . . Their death would be the magical rite that would forever seal the darkest of the Old Gods out of our realm and usher in a new age of bounty.
So Lamb died . . . but then they made a deal of their own.
At the crossroads of eternity, Lamb was met by the imprisoned deity known as the One Who Waits, who revealed the falsehoods and distortions of the false prophets who rule the world and the Old Faith. And so, Lamb was given a choice: Enter oblivion as intended . . .or return to the land of living with unholy powers and deliver a new cult unto the Earth.
The Four Bishops of the Old Faith must fall. The disbelievers must be destroyed. And, as Lamb assembles their flock, a new master shall reign over all of creation. Praise be to the Cult of the Lamb!
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