My September Reads and Book Reviews

This month has been an exciting journey of pushing beyond my comfort zone. I thoroughly enjoyed every moment and had a great time reading high-quality books.

Legendary by Stephanie Garber

Legendary is not as good as Caraval. It is better. It has more magic, intrigue, world building, and of course, romance. New characters, including one of the most memorable of the series, are introduced, and our knowledge of existing characters is expanded. In short, it is a thoroughly engrossing story that will have you hooked from the very first page.

One of the most striking aspects of this book is that it is written from Tella’s, not Scarlett’s, point of view. Tella has littlescreen, or rather page, time in Caraval, so it is a treat to see her take center stage in this book. We gain insight into the inner workings of her mind, as well as witness firsthand just how courageous and selfless she can be. She might have played a supporting role in Caraval, but in Legendary, we see that she is a leading lady in her own right.

Legendary also introduces us to Jacks, one of the most interesting villains I have come across in quite some time. As one of the immortal Fates, he is devilishly handsome but also cruel and cunning. In spite of his fearsome reputation, you get the sense that there is more to him than meets the eye, and this complexity is what makes him so intriguing. Unlike the villains of most stories, he is not purely evil; there are some glimmers of good (or at least, potential for good) in him.

This book also deepens our understanding of another grey character: Legend. After much buildup, the shroud of mystery surrounding his identity is finally lifted, and the reveal is perfectly executed. You will be wondering right up to that moment who Legend is. Is it Julian? Dante? Or someone else entirely?

Other aspects of the plot will also have you frequently questioning yourself. As was true in Caraval, the boundary between reality and make-believe is a bit fuzzy in Legendary. Much like Tella, you will constantly be wondering whether what is happening is actually happening or if it is just a part of Legend’s game. And there are so many twists and big reveals that you are never at risk of boredom; the story retains your interest throughout its entirety.

One of the most captivating parts of the story is the romance between Tella and Dante. The chemistry between them is palpable, and they have a wonderful dynamic, replete with plenty of playful banter and swoon-worthy interactions. It is a slow-burn romance, where you are left wondering if they will end up together right up until the end of the book.

Plot and characters aside, Legendary excels at world expansion. In this book, we journey to a hitherto unexplored part of the Caraval universe: the capital city of Valenda. With “sky carriages” (cable cars to us non-Valendans) and such intriguing-sounding neighborhoods as the Spice Quarter and Temple District, it is a wonderfully magical setting, and through her well-penned descriptions, Garber brings the city to life. As you read the story, you feel as though you, not Tella, are the one getting lost in its labyrinthine streets and alleyways.

I really found Jacks to be an intriguing character and I am looking forward to read Once Upon a Broken Heart trilogy. 

What a delightful read! Legendary continues the Dragna sisters’ story and leaves you eager for more. I won't waste any time in picking up Finale.

Books Lovers by Emily Henry

Book Lovers is an absolutely perfect romance for me. This book has everything I could ever want in a novel, especially in the romance genre. The character of Nora really resonated with me. As a workaholic city girl who is seen as cold and withdrawn, her personality felt incredibly relatable. I feel like I will never find another character like her in any other book. The story also made me feel realistically hopeful about romance, just like any other Emily Henry books I have read (Beach Read and Funny Story). The way the main romance plot did not overshadow the characters' individual struggles, and how heavy topics were handled with such depth and nuance, truly sets this book apart.

I have never related to a character as strongly as I have with Nora. Her personality closely mirrors mine, which made reading this book an incredibly personal experience. Emily Henry seems to have delved into my thoughts and experiences and crafted Nora's character with such depth and authenticity. This book has left me feeling optimistic in my own romantic pursuits, hoping to find a partner who can embrace my personality the way Charlie embraces Nora's.

Speaking of Charlie, the male lead in the book, he is the perfect blend of sweet, sarcastic, aloof, and brooding. His straightforward and honest nature, without being abrasive or cringey, was a breath of fresh air. The chemistry and banter between the characters are the best I've ever come across in any book. Additionally, the story pays homage to all eldest siblings, portraying the depth of familial love and the weight of responsibilities in a truly touching way.

Spoiler Alert: Due to my bias, I will give high ratings to all Emily Henry books.

Billy Summers by Stephen King

Billy Summers epitomizes my favourite kind of character - a morally complex individual who targets only those deserving of it. After facing a tough childhood in an abusive home, spending time in foster care, and serving in the military, he wants a more traditional life. His final job gives him a chance to explore this desired change.

I didn't like some of the decisions that Billy made. The unresolved issues in Billy's story frustrated me. I wished that Billy had dealt with a certain character earlier in the story because I knew they would cause trouble for him later on, and the outcome would ultimately be the same – that character would be killed by Billy. What made it even more frustrating for me was that Billy himself was aware of this. I enjoy stories with well-developed characters that make me feel protective of them, even when I disagree with their choices. Stephen King's careful attention to plot details and excellent character development captivated me from the very beginning of the novel.

The one last job theme is commonly used in stories. Billy mentioned it in the book, hinting at where the story was headed. I was really surprised by the sudden change in the story when Billy finished his task, which happened halfway through the book. This unexpected twist hooked me, and the story's momentum kept building from there. I loved reading the story that Billy was writing throughout the book. The fact that there was a story within a story added depth to the novel.

Stephen King wrote this for fans of crime fiction, and not for Stephen King fans. I don't like horror, and I always thought he only wrote horror stories. I'm glad that I chose to read it as my first crime fiction book in my 30s.

5⭐️ (purely for how much I enjoyed this book)

The Seven Year Slip by Ashley Poston

The Seven Year Slip is an enchanting fusion of magical realism and heartfelt romance that immerses readers in a world where time becomes both a friend and a formidable adversary. Ashley Poston masterfully crafts a narrative that revolves around the captivating concept of a time slip, drawing us into the story of Clementine, a relatable protagonist who finds herself transported to a different era through an enchanting New York City apartment.

Poston's expressive language draws readers into Clementine's journey as she navigates love, loss, and the enigmatic mysteries of time. The characters, especially the captivating Iwan, are skillfully developed, adding depth and charm to the story. Their genuine connection beautifully showcases the intricacies of relationships that transcend time and circumstance.

The book strikes a perfect balance between heartwarming moments and poignant reflections on the passage of time, making it both captivating and thought-provoking. The pacing is generally smooth, though there are a few sections that could have benefitted from tighter editing to maintain the story’s momentum. The emotional payoff in the final act is well worth the journey, leaving readers with a deeply satisfying conclusion that lingers long after the final page.

Overall, The Seven Year Slip is a beautifully crafted tale that will resonate with anyone who has ever felt the weight of time and the pull of love. It's a story that reminds us that the most unexpected adventures often hold the most profound meaning. Not going to lie, I was sceptical getting into this book but I highly recommend the book for fans of magical realism and heartfelt romance.

The Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradley

I've started reading "The Ministry of Time" by Kaliane Bradley. I paused at the 60% mark, but I want to share my thoughts so far.

The book's premise of time travel mixed with bureaucracy is clever and captivating. Bradley does a great job of creating an imaginative world where history is alive and the characters interact with it. The characters are diverse and well-crafted, adding a unique flavour to the story.

However, around the halfway point, I hit a wall. It wasn’t that the story lacked depth or intrigue; I just wasn't in the right mindset to fully appreciate it. The pacing felt uneven at times, and I wanted a stronger sense of urgency to keep me hooked.

Still, I believe there’s more to discover, and I’m excited to return to the book when I’m feeling more engaged. Kaliane Bradley’s writing is thoughtful and engaging, and I think the best parts are still ahead of me.

By the end of the month, I found myself in a slump. I couldn't get into any of the books I picked up; I didn't stay interested beyond the first two pages. So, I ended up binge-watching Season 1 of Reacher on Amazon Prime, finishing the whole season in one sitting. I knew the series was based on Lee Child's Jack Reacher books, so I thought I might pick up one of his books to give his writing a try. I'm heading straight to Waterstones after posting this.

Until next time, Ta!