Another part of the year has come and gone and more books were read during this time; but as the year turns towards December, which turns out to always be the busiest time of year for me - July as well - and there just isn't enough time in a day...
So I managed to read six, and a bit, books during these 2 months and I am really happy about it, since I seem to be averaging 2 books a month recently...
October
Empire Of Storms by Sarah J Maas
The long path to the throne has only just begun for Aelin Galathynius as war looms on the horizon. Loyalties have been broken and bought, friends have been lost and gained, and those who possess magic find themselves at odds with those who don't.
With her heart sworn to the warrior-prince by her side, and her fealty pledged to the people she is determined to save, Aelin will delve into the depths of her power to protect those she loves. But as monsters emerge from the horrors of the past, and dark forces become poised to claim her world, the only chance for salvation will lie in a desperate quest that may mark the end of everything Aelin holds dear.
In this breathtaking fifth installment of the New York Timesbestselling Throne of Glass series, Aelin will have to choose what—and who—to sacrifice if she's to keep the world of Erilea from breaking apart.
Rating : 5/5
Foundations of Faith by Michael Chrobak
Thomas could think of a million places he’d rather be right now than on a Confirmation retreat. After all, his parents had forced him to attend. It’s only Saturday morning and already he wants to leave. All that changes when Thomas is challenged by a dark presence that wants nothing more than to see his faith fail, a faith he didn’t even know he had. As the darkness consumes him, Thomas’ entire world breaks apart.
Can Thomas find the strength to resist the darkness? Will he become the person Father Dominic believes he will be? Can he really accept the quest to find the Guardians of Zion or was that just a dream?
If only he had superpowers. But then again, perhaps he does…
Rating : 4/5
Find my full review here : https://mrpinkink.wordpress.com/2018/11/07/book-review-018-foundation-of-faith-by-michael-chrobak/
Did Not Finish
It is very rare that I don't finish a book... in the few cases where I DNF (Did Not Finish) something it was because I just didn't like it and there was nothing left to grab me and encourage me to continue reading it.
After reading The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo, I really wasn't up to reading the rest of the series (see here) but I did finish the first book.
The only book I consciously put down, after 200 pages, was Winterbirth by Brian Ruckley, and by extension, the rest of the series - it is just way too slow, and it is highly reminiscent of Games Of Thrones, which I also did not read...
Winterbirth by Brian Ruckley
The greatest tales are written in blood...
An uneasy truce exists between the thanes of the True Bloods.
Now; as another winter approaches, the armies of the Black Road march south from their exile beyond the Vale of Stones. For some, war will bring a swift and violent death. Others will not hear the clash of swords or see the corpses strewn over the fields. They instead will see an opportunity to advance their own ambitions. But soon, all will fall under the shadow that is descending.
For, while the storm of battle rages, one man is following a path that will awaken a terrible power in him - and his legacy will be written in blood.
Rating : 3/5
November
Tower of Dawn by Sarah J Maas
Chaol Westfall has always defined himself by his unwavering loyalty, his strength, and his position as the Captain of the Guard. But all of that has changed since Aelin shattered the glass castle, since Chaol's men were slaughtered, since the King of Adarlan spared him from a killing blow, but left his body broken.
Now he and Nesryn sail for Antica – the stronghold of the southern continent's mighty empire and of the legendary healers of the Torre Cesme. It's Chaol's one shot at recovery, and with war looming back home, Dorian and Aelin's survival could depend on Chaol and Nesryn convincing Antica's rulers to ally with them.
But what they discover there will change them both – and be more vital to saving Erilea than they could have imagined.
Rating : 5/5
Harry Potter: A Journey Through A History of Magic by J K Rowling
An irresistible romp through the history of magic, from alchemy to unicorns, ancient witchcraft to Harry's Hogwarts – packed with unseen sketches and manuscript pages from J.K. Rowling, magical illustrations from Jim Kay and weird, wonderful and inspiring artefacts that have been magically released from the archives at the British Library.
This spellbinding book takes readers on a journey through the Hogwarts curriculum, including Herbology, Defence Against the Dark Arts, Astronomy, Divination and more. Discover the truth behind making the Philosopher's Stone, create your very own potion and uncover the secret of invisible ink. Learn all about the history of mandrake roots and dragons, discover what witches really used their brooms for, pore over incredible images of actual mermaids and read about real-life potions, astronomers and alchemists.
The perfect gift for aspiring witches and wizards and any Harry Potter fan. Celebrating twenty years of Harry Potter magic, and produced in association with the British Library to support their major exhibition, Harry Potter: A History of Magic.
Contents:
The magical world of Harry Potter --
The journey --
Potions and alchemy --
Herbology --
Charms --
Astronomy --
Divination --
Defence against the dark arts --
Care of magical creatures --
Past, present, future --
The British Library --
Rating : 5/5
Interview with the Vampire by Anne Rice
This is the story of Louis, as told in his own words, of his journey through mortal and immortal life. Louis recounts how he became a vampire at the hands of the radiant and sinister Lestat and how he became indoctrinated, unwillingly, into the vampire way of life. His story ebbs and flows through the streets of New Orleans, defining crucial moments such as his discovery of the exquisite lost young child Claudia, wanting not to hurt but to comfort her with the last breaths of humanity he has inside. Yet, he makes Claudia a vampire, trapping her womanly passion, will, and intelligence inside the body of a small child. Louis and Claudia form a seemingly unbreakable alliance and even "settle down" for a while in the opulent French Quarter. Louis remembers Claudia's struggle to understand herself and the hatred they both have for Lestat that sends them halfway across the world to seek others of their kind. Louis and Claudia are desperate to find somewhere they belong, to find others who understand, and someone who knows what and why they are.
Louis and Claudia travel Europe, eventually coming to Paris and the ragingly successful Theatre des Vampires - a theatre of vampires pretending to be mortals pretending to be vampires. Here they meet the magnetic and ethereal Armand, who brings them into a whole society of vampires. But Louis and Claudia find that finding others like themselves provides no easy answers and in fact presents dangers they scarcely imagined.
Rating : 4/5
Orpheus by Katja Bart
"Some bad boyfriends just break your heart. Mine put a curse on my voice and left me to fend for myself.
"But I will get my own back. And I won't let anybody, human or Fae, to get in my way."
Stephanie has not spoken a word to another human in two years. Determined on getting revenge, she waits, isolated and angry. But just as the Fairy who cursed her returns to London, Steph meets someone who shakes her resolve. Or does he?
"Magic is real and my neighbour has powers. That bothers me a lot less than it should.
"All I want is for my Dad to be okay again. I don't care what deal I have to strike to make it happen."
The only thing Travis did was help a crying girl. He did not expect to stumble into a world of curses and Faustian pacts. But he isn't going away from it, even if that means putting himself in harm's way.
Rating : 4/5
Find my full review here : https://mrpinkink.wordpress.com/2018/11/28/pinkreads-book-review-019-orpheus-by-katja-bart/
What was on your TBR pile during these months? Have you read any of these? Don't be shy to share your thoughts about any of these with me in the comments below - I'd love to know what you thought. As always, don't forget to like and share! Until next time...
Keep smiling.