Such a month was October. I resolved some health issues and have regained a modicum of my energy. Unfortunately, being awake and aware this month came with its own trials. I don’t know about you, but I don’t remember ever being so scared about an election. An election that’s less about issues and more about what democracy means. The fact that this is even up for discussion after almost 250 years is troubling.
But on to the books. It was a great month for my reading with more successful books than any other month this year, including 2 five stars novels. I read solely based on mood, which meant lots of plot and lighter books, with fantasy mixed in with humor and thrillers. Hopefully, books will continue to provide a welcome escape for the rest of the year.
Mirrored Heavens (Between Earth and Sky, #3) by Rebecca Roanhorse
Published by Saga Press
Publication date: June 4, 2024
Bookshop
The final novel in the Between Earth and Sky trilogy by Rebecca Roanhorse is Mirrored Heavens and it was a resounding success. Key characters Serapio, Xiala, and Nara all finish their journeys, both physical and personal. This series is a great starting point for anyone wanting to try a fantasy series. Roanhorse fully builds a magical world, but doesn’t make it overly complex or technological. The realm and its customs are largely based on the ancient civilizations of Central America. An outstanding series.
The Sequel by Jean Hanff-Korelitz: Review to follow
The Puzzle Box by Danielle Trussoni: My review
Somewhere Beyond the Sea (Cerulean Chronicles, #2) by T.J. Klune
Published by Tor Books
Publication date: September 10, 2024
Bookshop
Another fantasy series, but this one is closer to our world. Somewhere Beyond the Sea is T.J. Klune’s tender sequel to The House in the Cerulean Sea. Peter, Linus, and their family of extraordinary children are back. In the midst of welcoming a new addition to the family, they come under attack by a government agency that wants to take the children away because of their magical abilities. This is a novel of joy, silliness, hope, and humor, firmly grounded in the belief we are all equal and all due respect and acceptance. Period.
Like Mother Like Mother by Susan Reiger: Review to follow
A Song to Drown Rivers by Ann Liang: My review
The Mighty Red by Louise Erdrich
Published by Harper
Publication date: October 1, 2024
Bookshop
Louise Erdrich’s new novel The Mighty Red is a slice-of-life set set in small North Dakota town at the crossroads of staying put and sugar beet farming or joining the many making their fortunes in fracking. Kismet is a high school senior caught between two boys who epitomize the economic shift. Gary is a golden boy who will inherit family beet farms and Hugo is an outsider who leaves school to join a fracking company and earn the money to win her heart. This novel is so loosely woven that it’s hard to hold it all together. I couldn’t find a through line and so no place to land and invest my attention. This cements Erdrich as an author who works for me as a writer, but not as a storyteller.
This post contains affiliate links to Bookshop.org which means if you click on a link and make a purchase of any kind, I get a small commission (at no cost to you).
I’m glad to hear that you have resolved some health issues!
Thank you! It was something as simple as a vitamin deficiency, but no one has ever tested me for it before.