October Reading Recap
October was a slow reading month for me. I've been pretty focused on getting this blog properly set up and work has been bonkers. We have had an event or program nearly every weekend I've needed to attend. We have had author visits, writing workshops, ESL classes, festivals, and more. I've also been re-watching Stranger Things to prepare myself for the final season coming out this month. Despite those challenges I did manage to read a few things. Mostly in audio format, but that still counts!
- Lion Hearts by Dan Jones
I love medieval historical fiction. I think it stems from reading too much high fantasy as a kid and wanting something a bit more "grown up" as I've aged. This is Jones' third book in the Essex Dogs series. Jones is known for his nonfiction books on medieval history, of which I've read many, and the Essex Dogs series is his first published set of fiction books. I've really enjoyed them so far. I've read many series that take place in the Hundred Years' War: Christian Cameron, Bernard Cornwell, David Gilman, and others. But I really enjoy the camaraderie between the men of the Essex Dogs that Jones manages to get onto the page. I hope Jones continues to explore the fiction space.
- Brigands and Breadknives by Travis Baldree
This book doesn't come out until November 11, but I was given an advance audio copy from NetGalley. You read my full review here. In short, I really enjoyed it.
Circle of Days by Ken Follett I've read many of Follett's books. His Century Trilogy is very good, and I absolutely loved the Kingsbridge books. This one was...ok. i felt like it was Kingsbridge set in ancient England and instead of building a cathedral they are building Stonehenge. I enjoyed the main characters. I hated the "bad guys". The storyline was just too similar to Kingsbridge though.
Tender is the Flesh by Augustina Bazterrica This book left me with many emotions. Intrigue. Disgust. Fascination. Nausea. Tender is the Flesh is a dystopian novel set in in a time where animal flesh has become poisonous to humans. So what do we humans do? Start eating other humans, of course! The level of detail and thought that went into the book is undeniable. While it is quite good, it is not a book I would recommend to just anyone.
Books I am looking forward to reading in November:
Shadows Upon Time by Christopher Ruocchio
The Blackfire Blade by James Logan
The Strength of the Few by James Islington
Had I not already read it, Brigands and Breadknives by Travis Baldree
7/100