All Dragons Read

A little sunshine for your day!

I love lilies, and last year I bought a variety pack of bulbs for my garden.  They are starting to open up now, and every new bloom is a beautiful surprise! They have also been a nice backdrop for when I sit on my porch for some reading time.

The Week in Books

Nightcrawling by Leila Mottley — 4 out of 5 stars

There are no unicorns and fairy tale endings in Kiara’s world, just a relentless cycle of poverty, abuse, drugs, and disappointment.  Doing what she has to in order to provide for her brother and help out a young neighbor boy, she finds herself in the middle of a police scandal that will change her world even more.   Author Leila Mottley was only seventeen when she began writing this novel, using a local true story of police corruption as a base.  It is bleak and raw, and I really couldn’t put it down.  Leila Mottley is definitely an author I will be watching.

Into the Drowning Deep by Mira Grant — 3.5 out of 5 stars

This is the second novel I’ve read in less than a year involving killer mermaids and I have to say, I am here for it!  Young scientist Victoria Stewart wants to find out what really happened to her sister, who, along with the entire crew, disappeared seven years earlier while filming a “mockumentary” near the Mariana Trench in the Pacific Ocean.  This new crew sets sail in order to solve the mysterious disappearances, and what they find will be scarier than they imagined.    I’ll admit, I almost didn’t finish this one.  The first hundred pages or so just dragged for me, and many of the characters just felt like caricatures.  However, the last 200 pages or so really made up for the lackluster first half and I am so glad I kept going!  While my experience was a little mixed, I would still recommend this to anyone wanting a good, scary mermaid read.

Novellas, Short Stories, and Anthologies

Below by Kev Harrison — 3.5/4 out of 5 stars

Nick’s grandfather was lost in a mining cave-in many years before Nick was born.  After hearing so much about his relative, Nick teams up with a social media star to investigate the newly rediscovered mine, because, hey, nothing could possibly go wrong in an abandoned hole in the ground!   This is one of those fun, fast-paced horror reads that drops you into the action right away and doesn’t let you go until the end. Added bonus that it went a direction I really didn’t see coming.  Great choice for a quick afternoon read.

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Stay safe and Happy Reading!

What a beautiful day to sit on the porch and start a new book, this one a recent giveaway win from LibraryThing and Scribe US!

The Week in Books

The Color of Water by James McBride — 5 out of 5 stars

This is a memoir that I believe everyone should have on their “must read” list.  James McBride pays tribute to his mother, the daughter of a rabbi who left her Virginia home to marry the love of her life, a black man, which ostracized her from her family.  Through many of life’s ups and downs she was able to raise twelve children and have all of them graduate college.  This amazing memoir flows between McBride’s memories and recorded interviews with his mother.  Truly inspirational, highly recommend.

Handbook for the Criminally Insane by Brian Holtz — 3.5 out of 5 stars

Between finishing Betty (and feeling totally gutted) and trying to process the latest bullshit in this country, I was in desperate need of some fun, mindless escape, and Handbook fit the bill quite nicely!  A story filled with snarky zombies, ghosts, demons, and a chihuahua you won’t soon forget, this is one of those entertaining tales that lovers of B grade horror movies from the 1970’s and ’80’s will enjoy.

Bunny by Mona Awad — ??? stars???

I’ve read a lot of fucked-up weird shit in my life and I think Bunny is probably in the top five of the weirdest and most fucked-up.  The only way I can describe it is if you simultaneously watched Heathers and The Craft while on a bad acid trip.  I can’t even tell you if I liked it or hated it, I am still trying to wrap my brain around the whole thing!

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What’s on your current reading list?  Drop me a line and let’s talk books!

Stay safe, and Happy Reading!

Summer is finally here so I thought I would go through my giant TBR pile and try to find a lighter read, maybe one involving a warm climate or vacation vibes to fit the summer theme.  Then I checked my Goodreads page…

At the beginning of the year, I picked 22 titles that I really wanted to read for 2022.  As of today, I’ve only read eight!!  What the hell is wrong with me?!!!  So, for the month of July, I decided to pick up the pace a bit and challenge myself to finish three of my 2022 must-reads.  I can’t really say which ones I’ll grab this month as I am a total mood reader (which probably explains why my reading habits have been all over the place this year), but I will keep track of them in my weekly mash-up.  The heat is on!!

June Wrap-up

There’s something to be said for just letting things go and going with the flow.  My June theme was “Just Because” so I counted any book that wasn’t a NetGalley title or personal challenge choice.  Of the fourteen books I completed in June, eleven were “Just Because,” and I have to say it felt really good to just pick up random books and enjoy them without worrying about self-imposed deadlines.  My top five favorite reads for June were:  Betty by Tiffany McDaniel, The Color of Water by James McBride, Beautiful Atrocities by Ross Jeffery, Penance by Kanae Minato, and The Devil in the Red Dirt by Michael P. Smith.  Be sure to check them out!

What will you be reading for July?  If you made any yearly reading goals, how are they coming along?  Drop me a line and let’s talk books!

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Stay safe and Happy Reading!

While the Supreme Court’s ruling on June 24th has left me feeling numb, I will continue to lose myself in my reading, as it truly helps me find balance and restore my mental health.  That’s one thing they can’t take away from me.

The Week in Books

Betty by Tiffany McDaniel — 5 out of 5 stars

I had heard this novel was a heartbreaking and beautiful piece of work, so I went in with some high expectations…and wow, did it deliver!  Loosely based on the author’s grandmother’s childhood, we see life through Betty’s eyes growing up the child of a Cherokee father and white mother.  Fair warning, there is a lot of trauma in these 460+ pages, but there is also a lot of love and hope.  I really can’t recommend this book enough.

Code Talker by Chester Nez — 5 out of 5 stars

The outcome of WWII may have been vastly different if not for the secret code created by Navajo Marine recruits utilizing their native language.  Only a handful of people outside of the codetalkers knew of this, and it wasn’t until records were declassified decades later that Americans (and the world) found out about this secret, unbreakable code that was pivotal in the victories in the South Pacific.  Chester Nez was one of the original twenty-nine young men who created the code, and this is his story.  Mr. Nez tells not only of his Marine service, but also of his childhood and his life after the war.  While reading this, I really felt like Mr. Nez was sitting next to me telling his story.  Highly recommend.

The Devil in the Red Dirt by Michael P. Smith — 4.5/5 out of 5 stars

Set in 1960’s Australia, this is a multi-layered crime novel filled with unspeakable violence and truly flawed, unlikable (yet unforgettable) characters.  While the dark underbelly of humanity is exposed, there are also strong loyalties and glimmers of hope and redemption.  I’ll admit it took me a bit to really get into the story, but once there, I couldn’t stop reading.  One of my top five favorites of the year, highly recommend.

All These Subtle Deceits by C.S. Humble — 4 out of 5 stars

The first in a series featuring the strange town of Black Wells, Colorado.  After Lauren is attacked by supernatural forces in a nightclub bathroom, she seeks help from a local exorcist who just happens to be excommunicated from the church.  What follows mixes dark humor with horror, and adds a twist to the standard “possession” trope.  Very entertaining, I can’t wait to read the next Black Wells installment.

Novellas, Short Stories, and Anthologies

This Census-Taker by China Mieville — 3 out of 5 stars

I’ve been a fan of Mieville’s weird fantasy fiction for some time, so when I came across this novella at the library I just had to read it.  I honestly don’t know what to say about it other than its stranger than hell, even by Mieville standards.  Not something I could really recommend except for die-hard Mieville fans.

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Stay safe and Happy Reading!

It seems like forever since I last sat at my keyboard, attempting to write anything, least of all a book review.  But thankfully things have somewhat settled down around my household (not so much in the country or world, but I know I have no control over others and it’s best for my mental well-being and blood pressure to avoid news channels and certain social media for now).  And with the persistent spring rains and cooler weather that just won’t change over to summerlike temps I’ve had a lot of reading time on my hands!

The Week in Books

Kind Nepenthe by Matthew Brockmeyer — 4.5 out of 5 stars

In literature, nepenthe is used to describe a drug or drink that brings forgetfulness or “chases away sorrow.”  Very fitting title for this outstanding novel set in modern Northern California.  Deep in the forested mountains is another world, one of outlaws and drugs, not a place for the faint of heart.  A few of the characters include a young mother trying to create a better life for her child, an ex-con trying to change his ways, and his son who is hell-bent on revenge.  Oh, and there’s ghosts, too!  I would describe this as noir meets the paranormal…and it’s a very good mix.

Penance by Kanae Minato — 4.5 out of 5 stars

Five young girls encounter a stranger at a local park.  One of the girls never makes it home.  Fifteen years later, the now-grown young women tell their stories of what happened that day, and how their own guilt and other feelings, coupled with the curse put upon them by their friend’s grieving mother, has affected their lives (with some surprising outcomes).  Wow, this book!  I went into it totally blind, based on a recommendation from a goodreads friend, and devoured it in two short sittings.  The various POV narratives work well here, as there is not a constant jumping around.  Each characters voice is distinct, and the writing (and translation) is spot-on.  Powerful story, highly recommend.

Dead Silence by S.A. Barnes — 4 out of 5 stars

A repair crew in outer space stumble upon a missing luxury spaceliner that had been missing for twenty years.  After deciding to claim the ship as salvage, they board the vessel, only to discover the horrors within.  The story gives off total Alien vibes, but (spoiler alert) there are no exploding alien pods or creatures breaking their way out of human torsos.  It’s fast-paced and addictive reading, and the jump scares were great (hey, if I can feel a jump scare when reading, you know it’s pretty darn good).  Perfect for sci-fi and horror fans.

Just Like Mother by Anne Heltzel — 3.5 out of 5 stars

Maeve and her cousin Andrea were raised in a cult known as Mother Collective.  After an escape/rescue, Maeve found a home with a new family and lost contact with Andrea until many years later.  Will reconnecting with her cousin be a good thing for Maeve or will her past come back to haunt her?  I’d label this more as a psychological thriller with hints of horror (because the thought of a room full of creepy dolls is definitely horrific).  I enjoyed the story well enough, but Maeve was just too wishy-washy for me.  I don’t mind unlikeable, unreliable MC’s, but I just couldn’t muster up enough “give a crap” to care about her and her outcome.

Novellas, Short Stories, and Anthologies

Beautiful Atrocities by Ross Jeffery — 5 out of 5 stars

I don’t think I’ve ever given the full five stars to a collection/anthology before, but this one totally deserves every star!  Ross Jeffery’s writing is loaded with mood and each disturbing tale draws you in and doesn’t let go, even after the last sentence.  I still can’t stop thinking about a few of these dark stories.  Highly recommend.

Stargazers by LP Hernandez — 4 out of 5 stars

Something strange is happening.  People are drawn out of their houses late at night to gaze up at the stars.  Then these people, the Stargazers, start walking…but where are they going?  What is happening??  Focusing on a war vet named Henry and his wife and child, LP Hernandez weaves a tale of societal breakdown as the Stargazers follow some unnamed force.  Fast-paced and absorbing read, I really enjoyed this one…but I was left wanting more!  I could totally see this being the first in a duology of sorts (hint, hint!).  Great afternoon read, especially for fans of apocalyptic horror.

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Stay safe, and Happy Reading!

I can’t believe we’re at June already, nearly halfway through 2022!  When I was trying to think of a theme for this month, I started reviewing the titles I’ve read so far this year.  Of the 65 titles I’ve finished so far, many of them were “planned” reads of some sort, either NetGalley requests or books I’d picked for my monthly and yearly personal challenges.  So for June, I decided to throw away any planned reading lists and just pick up whatever strikes my fancy at the moment.

But where to begin?  I have a ton of unread books, and who knows how many titles stored on my Kindle, so how do I even narrow down my selections?  Should I go with some indie-published horror that I ordered last month…

…or perhaps one of these titles I recently picked up at a used book store…

…and let’s not forget these recent buys from Thriftbooks!

As of this writing, June 3, I’ve already finished Kind Nepenthe (look for my review in the upcoming Weekly Mash-Up) and I just started Penance , which I will probably finish up this evening, it’s that good!

What will you be reading this month?  Be sure to drop me a line and let’s talk books!

Stay safe, and Happy Reading!

When I started this blog, I promised myself that I would stick to sharing my love of books and stay away from politics and “hot button” topics.  However, the national events of the past week, culminating with the massacre of nineteen young children in their classroom on May 24, has left me spent, my emotions fluctuating between utter heartbreak for all the families and total rage that these mass shootings have become a norm in our society.

I’m not going to go on a rant as I know my words won’t change anything.  “Thoughts and prayers” are fucking worthless.  But today, I wanted to share some pictures I took at a local Japanese garden May 25 as a tribute to those lost.

A bit of beauty in a fucked-up world.

The Week in Books

The Way of the Rabbit by Mark Hawthorne — 5 out of 5 stars

Check back the weekend of May 27-29 for my full review, both here and at MrPinkInk!

Planting Dandelions by Kyran Pittman — 4 out of 5 stars

One of my May reading selections.   A collection of essays highlighting the various twists and turns of being a parent (and an adult).  Pittman explores many topics, from marriage to children’s parties, to the death of loved ones.  Her writing is easy-going and the topics are, for the most part, relatable.

The Savage Instinct by M.M. DeLuca — 4 out of 5 stars

Set in 1873, this is the story of Clara Blackstone, a young woman who returns home after spending time in a mental institution (her problem?  A breakdown after the stillbirth of her child).  She soon crosses paths with notorious serial killer Mary Ann Cotton (be sure to look up the true story of Cotton, England’s first female serial killer!), leading to a suspenseful build-up and shocking conclusion.  This was a book that took me by surprise, one that I didn’t know if I would enjoy or not and wound up surpassing my expectations.

Wisteria Cottage by Robert M. Coates — 3 out of 5 stars

One of my May reading selections.   Florence and her two adult daughters befriend bookstore clerk Richard Baurie.  He arranges for them to stay at an isolated beachside cottage for the summer…what could possibly go wrong??  There were aspects of this story that I liked, particularly Richard’s unreliable narration and descent into madness.  I can see how this would have easily been a 5-star read when it was originally published in 1943, but reading it in 2022, I found it good but slightly underwhelming.

Novellas, Short Stories, and Anthologies

Hao by Ye Chun — 4 out of 5 stars

An amazing collection of stories from Chinese American author Ye Chun explores the strengths of women in difficult situations, the unbreakable bonds of family, and how words/language can be the bridge needed to survive.  There is a wide span of topics, from immigration to the death of a child.  While the stories are often depressing, there is still an underlying feeling of hope.  Highly recommend.

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Stay safe, hug your loved ones, and keep on reading…

Well, another week of spring rain and cooler than normal weather.  On the bright side, I got to spend more time indoors reading!

The Week in Books

The Gift of Rain by Tan Twan Eng — 5 out of 5 stars!

One of my April selections.  Oh my God, this book!  Set in Penang during WWII, it’s the story of Philip Hutton, the son of a British businessman and his late Chinese wife.  Being of mixed heritage has left young Philip feeling like an outsider in his own family.  He befriends an older Japanese diplomat, who becomes Philip’s friend and sensei.  As the war years unfold, loyalties will be tested with both family and friends.  The writing is superb, rich and atmospheric.  I was immediately drawn to the characters and storyline, staying up way too late a few nights because I didn’t want to put it down.  And I’m not ashamed to admit that I cried…twice.  Highly recommend.

The Ghosts of Walter Crockett by W. Edward Crockett — 4 out of 5 stars

Ed Crockett’s father was known as the “biggest drunk in Portland (Maine).”  The father abandoned his wife and children and spent several years living on the city streets while his family struggled to survive.  Crockett’s memoir, detailing his childhood struggles and his journey to adulthood while living in the shadow of being the son of the town drunk, is honest and unflinching, at times heartbreaking, and ultimately a tribute to the power of family love and forgiveness.

The Pain Eater by Kyle Muntz — 3.5/4 out of 5 stars

Michael and Steven are trying to cope with their father’s death.  Then a creature born from a dead cat enters their lives, a creature that feeds on their deepest pains.  Creepy, gruesome, and haunting were the first three words that popped into my mind when I finished this dark tale.  The blending of emotional pain with the macabre is disturbing and effective.  I’m looking forward to reading more of Muntz’s works in the future.

After You Died by Dea Poirier — 3.5/4 out of 5 stars

Some mixed feelings on this one.  Set in 1968 at a notorious boys reform school, we meet Asher, a teen found guilty of murdering his girlfriend, a crime he doesn’t remember committing.  While serving his time at the school, he begins to have horrific nightmares and visions, and starts having blackouts, only to wake up and find himself covered in blood.  There’s some good psychological thriller twists with paranormal elements.  My issues were few but I felt they brought down the story for me.  The year 1968 seemed pretty arbitrary to the storyline, as everything, from the character names to the dialogue, seemed more 1998 (there is mention of a brother in Viet Nam, but it’s not relevant to the plot).  My biggest issue is with the ending!!  No spoilers here, but I was under the impression that this was a stand-alone novel so the sudden ending and unanswered questions left me wanting to throw the book across the room.  If this is part of a series, then I would recommend it, but if it is a stand-alone then I would say read it only if you like disappointing endings.

Novellas, Short Stories, and Anthologies

Comfort Me With Apples by Catherynne M. Valente — 3.5 out of 5 stars

A basic summary of this novella would be The Stepford Wives meets the Book of Genesis from the Old Testament.  It was good, definitely different, with enough creepy elements to keep the story going.  It just felt like something was missing that would have pushed it into “terrific read” territory.

Growing Things and Other Stories by Paul Tremblay — 2.5 out of 5 stars

Sometimes, the third time is a charm.  Other times, it’s three strikes and you’re out.  Sorry Mr. Tremblay, but Growing Things is the third chance I’ve given your work, and sadly it was a swing and a miss for me.  There were a couple of standouts, but in a collection of nineteen stories I was hoping for more than a couple of crumbs.

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Stay safe and Happy Reading!

A Happy Belated Mother’s Day to all the moms out there who were able to celebrate on Sunday!

Things have been really quiet around here.  It seems that Mother Nature has decided to extend our winter, with steady rain, wind, and some snow and hail mixed in for good measure.  Hey, I love the cold dark days when it’s October and November, but c’mon, its May!  I’m ready for some spring sunshine (and I know my plants are ready as well).

At least being stuck in the house made me buckle down and finally finish a book that I started in 2021…

The Week in Books

The Crimson Petal and the White by Michel Faber — 4 out of 5 stars

Whew, after seven months I finally finished this mammoth tale!  Set in the mid-1870’s, we are introduced to Sugar, a well-known prostitute who dreams of a better life; William Rackham, a perfume tycoon who is obsessed with Sugar; Agnes Rackham, William’s long-suffering and mentally unstable wife; Henry Rackham, William’s well-meaning brother; and little Sophie Rackham, William and Agnes’ young daughter who has been kept out of the public spotlight as well as her parents’ affections.  I really liked the story as a whole, and the plot and characters were easy to follow (a plus when I would put the book aside for weeks at a time).  My biggest complaint?  The ending!!  No spoilers here but let me just say, after 835 pages, I wanted something better than that!!

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Short and sweet this week.  Until next time, stay safe and Happy Reading!

As the saying goes, last month’s April showers bring in May flowers, so I decided to use that for this month’s reading theme.  Once again, I went completely by book title and pulled these three from my TBR mountain.

Planting Dandelions sounds like an entertaining memoir/essay collection, written by a 40-something woman detailing the everyday life in her chaotic household.  I’ve enjoyed stories like this in the past so I’m looking forward to starting this one.  Wisteria Cottage is from a past NightWorms package and is the creepy tale of a woman and her two daughters who rent a cottage by the sea and find out that the nice young bookstore clerk isn’t who he seems.  Originally published in 1948, I have a feeling this will be a great psychological thriller, perhaps along the lines of Shirley Jackson.  As for Growing Things, I’m hoping that Paul Tremblay’s short stories vibe with me better than his novels I’ve read in the past.  We shall soon find out!

As for my April selections, I finished Flood by Andrew Vachss with a bit of mixed reactions.  It wasn’t my favorite crime thriller I’ve ever read but it was good enough to make me want to read more in the series.

I debated over reading The Gift of Rain by Tan Twan Eng or Master of Rain by Tom Bradby.  I eventually chose Eng’s World War II novel and I am so glad I did!  As of this writing I am about halfway through, and I am truly loving every bit of it.  It’s a story I am savoring, and although I have a feeling my heart is going to get broken by the end, it’s been a story that I have looked forward to reading a bit every day.

What is on your May reading list?  Drop me a line and let’s talk books!

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Stay safe and Happy Reading!