Read in November 2024
In December I always have all sorts of plans for the blog, to get everything in order so that I can start the new year with a clean slate. But just like every year I have all sorts of other plans, besides the fact that it is already a busy month, which makes time run away from me a bit. What I definitely want to have online before New Year are my reviews of the books I read in November, which I managed to do at the last minute!
November was a fairly average month, in which I finished 8 books, good for 2651 pages. The average November book comes to 331 pages/book.
There was also one book that I started, but gave up on quite quickly. So my number of DNFs for this year is currently 5 books.
It was also a month of highs and lows in terms of my ratings. The stars ranged from 1 to 5, with all possible options in between. This brings the average of books read in November to 3.3 stars.
In terms of target audience, I varied between 1 middlegrade book, 2 Young Adult books and 6 adult books.
As always, I also varied in reading method, with 3 e-books, 2 audiobooks and 4 physically owned books.
For the genres, I switched between 4 genres, namely romance (1), horror (1), mystery (1) and fantasy (6).
For the language, I read a book in Dutch for the first time this year – a translation – which immediately became the book that I did not finish, partly because of the language, lol.
Below is the list of the books I read in November and my rating in stars. Click the link to jump to the blurb and my review! As always, be aware that both blurb and review may contain spoilers, especially for sequels in a series! Sometimes I will hide spoilers behind a foldout text or under black bars!
- Watson, Andrew – Silence is Silver (Shadowbinders #0,5) ★★★★
- Gwynne, John – The Fury of the Gods (The Bloodsworn Saga #3) ★★★★
- Woods, Kell – After the Forest ★★★
- Underwood, Sarah – Lies We Sing to the Sea 🎧 ★★★
- Valente, Catherynne M. – Comfort Me With Apples ★★★★★
- Reid, Ava – A Study in Drowning (A Study in Drowning #1) ★★★★
- Jones, Diana Wynne – Castle in the Air (The Land of Ingary #2) 🎧 ★★
- Hawley, Noah – Voor de Val (DNF)
- Sage, Lyla – Done and Dusted (Rebel Blue Ranch #1) ★
Watson, Andrew – Silence is Silver (Shadowbinders #0,5) ★★★★
Genre: Fantasy
Beneath the desert sands, Bas has spent his entire life training to become a fully-fledged Urdahl. And now his time has come to prove his worth. First, he must drink from the Seeing Bowl to clear his clouded mind and witness visions bestowed to him by ancient deities. Next, he must prove strength of body with the Passage of the High Pass. But destiny is shrouded in red and strength of arm will not be enough to survive its true tests.
Will he ascend to a full Urdahl or will his visions of blood come to pass?
The turning season has begun.
“Breaking is an act of creation as much as it is destruction.”
Silence is Silver is a novella that delivers a powerful emotional punch in a compact package. Centering on Bas, an enigmatic figure introduced in Harbinger of Justice, this coming-of-age tale transports readers to a society shaped by stoicism and fierce individualism. Through the lens of a harrowing ceremony, Bas’s past is revealed, while his culture, with its painful traditions and austere values, is painted with stark clarity. I found the ending profoundly moving, bringing me to the verge of tears.
Gwynne, John – The Fury of the Gods (The Bloodsworn Saga #3) ★★★★
Genre: Fantasy
THE FINAL BATTLE FOR THE FATE OF VIGRIÐ APPROACHES
Varg has overcome the trials of his past and become an accepted member of the Bloodsworn, but now he and his newfound comrades face their biggest challenge yet: slaying a dragon.
Elvar is struggling to consolidate her power in Snakavik, where she faces threats from within and without. As she fights to assert her authority in readiness for the coming conflict, she faces a surely insurmountable task: reining in the ferocity of a wolf god.
As Biorr and his warband make their way north, eager for blood, Gudvarr pursues a mission of his own, hoping to win Lik-Rifa’s favour and further his own ambitions.
All paths lead to Snakavik, where the lines are being drawn for the final battle – a titanic clash that will shake the foundations of the world, and bear witness to the true fury of the gods.
John Gwynne delivers an epic conclusion with The Fury of the Gods, weaving together breathtaking battle scenes, emotional reunions, and character arcs that will stay with me long after the final page.
I read a small portion of this book through audio and the voice of the narrator was so soothing. This provided quite a fascinating contrast to the constant roaring and bellowing of war, even lending an almost serene quality to the chaos of battle.
“ To lead the pack, you must have strong jaws, wolf-cunning and a storm-hardened heart.”
Elvar’s character journey was an undeniable highlight. Her transformation from someone I absolutely despised to someone I admired—and ultimately rooted for—was nothing short of masterful. Her final scenes left me reeling, both heart-wrenching and infuriating in equal measure.
While the twists in this finale were for the most part excellent and brilliantly executed, others unfortunately felt rather wasteful. I was particularly taken aback by how quickly Snakka appeared and disappeared, making the impact of this epic character very minimal.
“Our choices matter,” Frek said. “I did not think they did, I did not think one decision could change anything, but I was wrong.”
That said, everything tied together beautifully within the grand narrative. The ending managed to be both heartbreaking and heartwarming, offering a powerful resolution while I also feel like the door is left ajar for more stories in this richly imagined world. My only wish was for a touch more reflection—a few quieter character moments to let the story’s emotional weight truly settle.
Even so, this was an intense and exhilarating read that kept me on the edge of my seat from start to finish, and ultimately delivered a satisfying conclusion.
Woods, Kell – After the Forest ★★★
Genre: Fantasy
1650: The Black Forest, Wurttemberg.
Fifteen years after the witch in the gingerbread house, Greta and Hans are struggling to get by. Their mother and stepmother are long dead, Hans is deeply in debt from gambling, and the countryside lies in ruin, its people recovering in the aftermath of a brutal war. Greta has a secret, the witch’s grimoire, secreted away and whispering in her ear, and the recipe inside that makes the most sinfully delicious – and addictive – gingerbread.
As long as she can bake, Greta can keep her small family afloat. But in a village full of superstition, Greta and her intoxicating gingerbread is a source of ever-growing suspicion and vicious gossip.
And now, dark magic is returning to the woods and Greta’s own powers – magic she is still trying to understand – may be the only thing that can save her … If it doesn’t kill her first.
After the Forest delivers a dark and atmospheric fairytale that intertwines the classic stories of Hansel & Gretel with Snow White & Rose Red in a way that feels fresh and original.
The first half of the book was particularly captivating, drawing me in with its immersive storytelling and moody ambiance. Unfortunately, my enthusiasm waned somewhat in the second half—though I’m not sure if that was due to the book itself or my reading mood. Objectively, the story remained original and interesting throughout, and I immensely appreciated its dark, fairytale-inspired themes.
The writing, however, was a bit clunky at times. Characters were often introduced in ways that felt confusing, and there were moments where the prose seemed to be trying too hard to impress. Despite these issues, the romance in the story stood out as surprisingly enjoyable, adding a touch of warmth to the otherwise dark tale.
Greta, the protagonist, had her frustrating moments—her decisions bordered on idiotic at times—but she managed to stay just within the realm of tolerable for me.
Overall, while After the Forest wasn’t flawless, its unique approach to blending familiar fairytales and its compelling story make it a worthwhile read for fans of dark fairytales. Also, considering this is a debut, it is rather impressive and it makes me eager to read more as this author’s writing matures.
🎧 Underwood, Sarah – Lies We Sing to the Sea ★★★
Genre: Fantasy
In Lies We Sing to the Sea, debut author Sarah Underwood delivers a thrilling and breathtaking tale that will enthral readers from the very first page as they are transported to the cursed shores of Ithaca.
A reclamation of a story from thousands of years ago, Lies We Sing to the Sea is about love and fate, grief and sacrifice, and, ultimately, the power we must find within.
My younger self would probably have loved this book, but now I was repeatedly exasperated by the emphasis on the romantic developments. They often felt out of place, especially considering the limited time the characters had to achieve their goals. This made the story feel rushed. The ending was also too abrupt; I would have liked to know more about what happens after.
There were other aspects that took me out of the story too.
For example, the disproportionate malice of the queen and her followers, such as Olympia, felt exaggerated. I also found it strange that Matthias, who is so obsessed with his sister, only finds her diary in her room three years after her death. And don’t get me started on Melantho, who despite her 300 years, behaves incredibly childishly. Despite her backstory, which is gradually revealed, it feels like she has learned absolutely nothing and her character has remained stagnant despite all she’s been through and her years of experience.
Still, Lies We Sing to the Sea has a really cool concept at its core, but it was mainly the execution that I didn’t like as much.
Unfortunately, the way this book was promoted didn’t do it any good either.
Comparing it to works by Madeline Miller immediately raises expectations. But where Miller’s stories are often retellings from the perspective of another, often misunderstood character, this is not what Sarah Underwood wants to do with this book, while the marketing does want to give that impression.
Instead of wanting to retell the original mythical story, she uses it as a springboard for a new coming-of-age story that is driven by romance and mystery, but also wants to reflect on the consequences of violent acts, both in the present and generations later. In doing so, she does not shy away from difficult themes such as grief, mourning and the need for revenge, which certainly gives the book a deeper layer. But while I certainly picked up on that deeper layer, it didn’t quite come into its own in this youthful and overly romance-focused story to really have an impact. Maybe it would work better for a younger audience, but for me it was just an okay read.
Valente, Catherynne M. – Comfort Me With Apples ★★★★★
Genre: Horror
It’s just that he’s away so much. So often. He works so hard. She misses him. And he misses her. He says he does, so it must be true. He is the perfect husband and everything is perfect.
But sometimes Sophia wonders about things. Strange things. Dark things. The look on her husband’s face when he comes back from a long business trip. The questions he will not answer. The locked basement she is never allowed to enter. And whenever she asks the neighbors, they can’t quite meet her gaze…
But everything is perfect. Isn’t it?
Absolutely brilliant! Highly original, unsettling and with a twist that made me gasp out loud.
Reid, Ava – A Study in Drowning (A Study in Drowning #1) ★★★★
Genre: Fantasy
Effy’s tattered copy is all that’s keeping her afloat through her stifling first term her prestigious architecture college. So when the late author’s family announces a contest to design his house, Effy fells certain this is her destiny.
But Hiraeth Manor is an impossible task: a musty, decrepit estate on the brink of crumbling into a hungry sea. And when Effy arrives, she finds she isn’t the only one who’s made a temporary home there. Preston Héloury, a stodgy young literature scholar, is studying Myrddin’s papers and is determined to prove her favourite author is a fraud.
As the two rival students investigate the reclusive author’s legacy, piecing together clues through his letters, books, and diaries, they discover that the house’s foundation isn’t the only thing that can’t be trusted. There are dark forces, both mortal and magical, conspiring against them – and the truth may bring them both to ruin.
“It began as all things did: a girl on the shore, terrified and desirous.”
I often find the concepts of Ava Reid’s books very appealing, but my only previous experience with her work made me wary of A Study in Drowning. Still, the premise was compelling enough, though my enthusiasm was tested quite a bit in the beginning.
“The unexpected display of chivalry vexed her. Rather than saying thank you, she shot him a sulky glare.”
Main character Effy initially felt like a repeat of previous work: a sulky, childish character full of prejudices that she expresses without embarrassment. Her hostility and hypocrisy made her difficult to sympathize with, especially because she calls others reproachful and petty while she herself regularly falls into that trap.
“ What did that make her? No better than Preston, in the end. At least he was committed to the vaguely noble principle of truth. Mortified by this realization, Effy fell silent. ”
This behavior initially dampened my reading enjoyment, but there was still something that kept me from putting the book aside. The underlying story that was slowly germinating, increasingly succeeded in overshadowing my irritations about the behavior of the main character. It also helped that Effy gradually began to realize how hypocritical she was.
“It was the task of a fairy tale, the sort of hopeless, futile challenge the Fairy King himself might have set.”
The unfolding story quickly managed to intrigue me.
Initially, I expected a world that I recognized, but it soon turned out to be a fictional universe – a surprising twist that fed my curiosity. Reid’s world building and atmospheric writing style take the story to a higher level, with an ominous atmosphere that is reminiscent of a dark fairy tale. The interplay between mental health, the fight against prejudice and the question of whether the supernatural is real or only in people’s head, is masterfully interwoven. The metaphor that becomes reality creates a constant sense of threat and mystery that gives the book a unique tone.
“ I believe in the human mind’s ability to rationalize and externalize its fear.”
Despite the strong elements, I struggled to emotionally connect with the characters. The intense atmosphere sometimes felt flattened, as if you were hearing everything through a wall of water. This made the impact of the story less profound. Furthermore, the marketing surrounding the book is misleading. Although it is promoted as “dark academia” with an enemies-to-lovers element, I found it to represent neither convincingly. This may disappoint some readers.
“No one owns the right to tell a story,” he said flatly. “Besides, I’m not pushing any particular agenda. I’m just here for the truth.”
The mystery and the build-up to the climax kept me reading, though. Although the ending was predictable and the coincidences sometimes felt lazy, these elements enhanced the fairytale nature of the story. The book felt like a puzzle that is easy to solve, but still fascinating and satisfying.
Although, the last sentence left me a bit confused, because it again emphasizes a mystery that was referred to earlier in the book, but was not resolved. But then I discovered that this is not a standalone book, but a sequel is already planned. This explains the abrupt transition and although I could have done without it, the overall resolution of the main story was satisfying enough.
“I know I beat him in the end, but for so many years all I could do was run and hide. I just sat there and let the water pour in around me. I didn’t know that I could fight back. I didn’t know how to do anything but wait to drown.”
In the end, I really enjoyed A Study in Drowning. It’s far from perfect and it won’t appeal to everyone, but I found it an engaging and atmospheric read.
🎧 Jones, Diana Wynne – Castle in the Air (The Land of Ingary #2) ★★
Genre: Fantasy
By day Adbullah is a humble carpet merchant, yet in his dreams he is a prince. But his dreams start to come true when he meets the lovely Flower-in-the-Night.
When a hideous djinn carries Flower off into the sky, Adbullah is determined to rescue her – if he can find her, and if he can avoid all the ferocious villains who seem to be after him. But how can he possibly succeed, with only a bad-tempered genie and an unreliable magic carpet to help him?
Unfortunately, this one failed to match the magic and charm of Howl’s Moving Castle. The book felt dated in its writing style and contained problematic messages, such as repeatedly portraying women as only valuable if they were thin and beautiful, while fat characters were consistently portrayed as ugly, annoying, stupid, and mean. Even cameos from beloved characters like Sophie and Howl couldn’t save the story. Ultimately, I only finished it so I could tick it off my list, but it is definitely not recommended, and I don’t plan on picking up the third book in this series.
Hawley, Noah – Before the Fall (DNF)
Genre: Mystery
Was it by chance that so many influential people perished? Or was something more sinister at work? A storm of media attention brings Scott fame that quickly morphs into notoriety and accusations, and he scrambles to salvage truth from the wreckage. Amid trauma and chaos, the fragile relationship between Scott and the young boy grows and glows at the heart of this stunning novel, raising questions of fate, morality, and the inextricable ties that bind us together.
Read in translation to Dutch.
Although Before the Fall initially intrigued me and made me curious about the outcome, I encountered several obstacles that hindered my reading experience.
This was the first time in a long time that I read a book in Dutch and as a Flemish person I often found the language use to be clashing. In addition, certain word use simply comes across as a lot more vulgar in my own native language than in English, which made for an unpleasant read.
After the rescue of Scott and the boy, the story also took an uninteresting turn by focusing on the background of all the people involved, who almost all turned out to be extremely unsympathetic. These digressions felt long-winded, while the tragedy of the plane crash lost its impact due to the insincerity and corruption of most of the victims. Despite the promising start, I eventually dropped out on page 173.
Sage, Lyla – Done and Dusted (Rebel Blue Ranch #1) ★
Genre: Romance
For the first time in her life, Clementine “Emmy” Ryder has no idea what she’s doing. She’s accomplished everything on her to-do list. She left her small hometown of Meadowlark, Wyoming; went to college; and made a career for herself by doing her favorite thing: riding horses. But after an accident makes it impossible for her to get back into the saddle, she has no choice but to return to the hometown she always wanted to escape.
Luke Brooks is Meadowlark’s most notorious bad boy, bar owner, and bachelor. He’s also the unofficial fifth member of the Ryder family. As Emmy’s older brother’s best friend, Luke spent most of his childhood antagonizing her. It’s been years since he’s seen her, but when she walks into his bar and back into his life, he can’t take his eyes off her. Despite his better judgment, he wants to do a whole lot more than just look at her.
Emmy’s got too much on her mind to think about romance. And Luke knows he should stay away from his best friend’s younger sister. But what if Luke is just what Emmy needs to get her spark back? Or will they both go up in flames?
“ it was predictable. Comfortable, even. Two things I needed right now. ”
Sometimes you need something predictable and comfortable, a book that doesn’t ask too much of you. With that mindset, I started reading Done and Dusted. Unfortunately, this comfort read turned out to be anything but satisfying.
I had never heard of this book before, but was accidentally sent it via a Vinted order. With its accessible appearance, it seemed like a great read for a light snack. But it soon became apparent that this book mainly caused me a lot of frustration.
This story seems to have been written for horse lovers – a group to which I definitely do not belong. The detailed descriptions of brushing, saddling and cleaning horses were more soporific than compelling to me. Although I appreciate the theme of overcoming your fears and “getting back on the horse”, these passages were so incredibly boring.
My biggest problem, however, was the writing style. The main character’s inner monologues were circular and repetitive, even within the same paragraph. The dialogue felt wooden and unnatural, and the prose was juvenile and stiff, as if the book had not been edited properly. This made reading it a frustrating experience.
In addition, none of the characters were well-developed. The romance felt formulaic and forced. There was a complete lack of chemistry.
I ended up reading the last 40% diagonally, but honestly, this was a DNF (did not finish) from 60% on.
So this book fell short on almost every front and was a miss for me.
