October 2021 Book Haul & Wrap Up

 So far this format is still working. (Except me forgetting to write up September's, because...yeah)

Book Haul: 7

1) The Ex Hex by Erin Sterling - This looked the best out of the choices available for Book of the Month club, which I have been following. It sounds exactly like something I should read in October as well. Who wouldn't want a witch with attitude doing things she probably shouldn't be? Definitely added that one right to the currently reading list. 

2) Playing the Palace by Paul Rudnick - I was in the camping section to get a sleeping bag when I saw this. I have already read and greatly enjoyed Casey McQuiston's book, Red White and Royal Blue, so when I found this I just had to give it a go. It looked amazing. Looking forward to reading it and seeing what I think about it.

3) Iron Widow by Xiran Jay Zhao - I follow Ms. Zhao on TikTok, and at first didn't realize they were an author. I was just following the funny videos. Then when a video announcing the book came across my FYP, I had to have it. I added it to my wish list on Amazon. Then when off looking for a replacement copy for a book that got ruined, I saw one copy of this in the store. I couldn't resist. Did I need it? No. But I bought it anyway because I absolutely wanted to read it. 

4) Kingdom of the Cursed by Kerri Maniscalco - This one was actually due to a blunder on my part. I should have had it earlier in October, but apparently I forgot to update my payment information when I got the new card...so when the opportunity presented itself, I just went and bought a copy. Still got the first edition BN exclusive that I wanted. Just not from preorder.

5) Edie in Between by Laura Sibson - I actually have no idea. It looked interesting and there was only one copy of it left on the shelf. Naturally that meant if I wanted to read it, I would almost have to buy it then and there. I have since started it. It reminded me of a YA version of The Ex Hex where the main protagonist does not want to actually be part of the family tradition of magic. That's all I know. I think she has to do something magic related to save someone or her town? I don't know.

6) Forgotten Tales of Pennsylvania by Thomas White - I saw this while browsing the rack at the local (ish) metaphysical store. As I happen to live in Pennsylvania and am quite fond of unusual, unique, or unheard of tales, well, I just had to pick it up. It has a series of rather short stories in it. Things that are perfect for say a campfire. I am looking forward to getting through it.

7) Backwoods Witchcraft by Jake Richards - Again, I live there. This is a book of folk/conjure magick of the Appalachia. I am further up than Mr. Richards, being in Pennsylvania, but I do happen to be on a branch of the Appalachian mountains. I'm curious about what sort of things are included in the book and what I can adapt and add to my own pr

Wrap Up: 4

1) Playing the Palace by Paul Rudnick - Okay. So yeah. I totally read this in like three days? Worth it. I sped clear through it. The only thing I had issue with was definitely the ages. They definitely read much younger than they were. When I first started the book, I thought they were maybe late teens to early twenties at best. The age that would speak and act the way Carter was. It took me by surprise that he was actually almost thirty. I enjoyed the book the same, but yeah. I liked how it was the Prince who went after him instead of the other way around. I gave this one a 4.5/5 and will definitely be looking into more by Paul Rudnick!

2) Iron Widow by Xiran Jay Zhao - It was amazing! Trying to explain it to my friends, and the best I could come up with is a combination of Pacific Rim and Dragon Ball. I loved the way that Zetian thought the system was rigged against her and just went and did her own thing. I'm also quite proud of myself for recognizing her name. If my thought is correct, she is based on the Tang dynasty ruler, Wu Zetian. I really loved the way the story was told and how there was a proper love triangle. I did call it when I read about all three people. I'm hoping there is going to be a follow up to this story, because I want to know if Zetian does turn the mech world on it's head. 

3) Forgotten Tales of Pennsylvania by Thomas White - This book was....okay. I didn't really dislike it, but I'm not sure I would consider it a favorite. Some of the tales that were in this volume were so short that they may as well not have been included. There was zero resolution or even reasoning behind it. It's just like they were random urban legends and rumors. I am happy that I read a book written about the place I know, but very few of the stories were about eastern PA. Most took place in the western side of the state. I would have like a more even mix. 

4) The Ex Hex by Erin Sterling - It was amusing. I loved the idea that Vivi didn't like doing magic, despite the inherent strength she apparently had. I also very much want to know what The Thing is that Rhys's hair does. Definitely giving this read a 4.5/5 stars. It could have been longer and could have involved a bit less sex.