Read in December 2024
I finished November with 89 books on the counter – 94 if I count the DNFs – so I suspected that I would not reach my reading goal of 100 books this year. But a combination of fast audiobooks, shorter stories and cozy devourable books proved me wrong!
I finished December with 13 books, good for 3718 pages. The average December book comes to 286 pages/book, which is as expected a bit short.
There was also one book that I started, but gave up after 105 pages. That brings my total number of DNFs for 2024 to 6 books.
No new 5-star book in December, but books with all possible other options as a rating. This brings the average book of December to 3.1 stars.
In terms of target audience, I didn’t vary that much with only 2 Young Adult books and therefore 12 adult books.
In terms of format, I varied more, with 7 e-books, 4 audiobooks, and 3 bookshelf books.
For the genres, I switched between 4 genres, namely sci-fi (3), mystery (3), romance (4) and fantasy (4).
For the language, I stuck with English again and didn’t read a single book in Dutch.
Below is the list of the books I read in December and my star rating.
Click on the link to jump to the blurb and my review! As always, be aware that both the blurb and the review may contain spoilers, especially if it concerns sequels in a series! Sometimes I will also hide spoilers behind a fold-out text!
- Tchaikovsky, Adrian – Ogres ★★★
- Hazelwood, Ali – Love on the Brain ★★★★
- Ryan, Lexi – These Hollow Vows (These Hollow Vows #1) 🎧 ★★
- Ryan, Lexi – These Twisted Bonds (These Hollow Vows #2) 🎧 ★★
- Chao, A.Y. – Shanghai Immortal (Shanghai Immortal #1) ★★★
- Lares, Mariely – Sun of Blood and Ruin (Sun of Blood and Ruin #1) (DNF)
- Prose, Nita – The Mystery Guest (Molly the Maid #2) 🎧 ★★★
- Prose, Nita – The Mistletoe Mystery (Molly the Maid #2,5) 🎧 ★★
- Wells, Martha – Fugitive Telemetry (The Murderbot Diaries #6) ★★★
- Matthews, Mimi – A Holiday by Gaslight ★★★
- Moore, Liz – The God of the Woods ★★★★
- Coldbreath, Alice – Her Baseborn Bridegroom (Vawdrey Brothers #1) ★★★★
- Wells, Martha – Compulsory (The Murderbot Diaries #0,5) ★★★
- Matthews, Mimi – The Matrimonial Advertisement (Parish Orphans of Devon #1) ★★★★
Tchaikovsky, Adrian – Ogres ★★★
Genre: Sci-Fi
Ogres are stronger than you.
Ogres rule the world.
It’s always idyllic in the village until the landlord comes to call.
Because the landlord is an Ogre. And Ogres rule the world, with their size and strength and appetites. It’s always been that way. It’s the natural order of the world. And they only eat people sometimes.
But when the headman’s son, Torquell, dares lift his hand against the landlord’s son, he sets himself on a path to learn the terrible truth about the Ogres, and about the dark sciences that ensured their rule.
“ Because in the end, changing the world was too complicated, and left to their own devices people wouldn’t change their habits, and so we had to change the people. ”
This is a cleverly constructed and well-written novella, but one that left me feeling oddly detached and lacked an emotional punch, despite its harrowing themes.
The choice of the second-person narrative felt odd at first, but ultimately paid off with an unpredictable twist at the end. However, it also created a sense of distance, which kept me from fully engaging with the story. The format felt both breathless and frustrating, urging me to race through but denying me the chance to connect with the characters, who remained fleeting and forgettable.
So while it is undeniably skillfully written, it ultimately fell short for me of leaving a lasting impression.
Hazelwood, Ali – Love on the Brain ★★★★
Genre: Romance
Sure, Levi is attractive in a tall, dark, and piercing-eyes kind of way. But Levi made his feelings toward Bee very clear in grad school – archenemies work best employed in their own galaxies far, far away.
But when her equipment starts to go missing and the staff ignore her, Bee could swear she sees Levi softening into an ally, backing her plays, seconding her ideas… devouring her with those eyes. The possibilities have all her neurons firing.
But when it comes time to actually make a move and put her heart on the line, there’s only one question that matters: What will Bee Königswasser do?
This was predictable and over the top, but it delivered exactly the lighthearted escape I needed. I devoured it in one sitting, unable to put it down. While it shares many similarities with The Love Hypothesis, I found myself enjoying this one much more. It’s a great reminder that timing plays a huge role in how we experience a book—sometimes the right read at the right time can make all the difference. While not groundbreaking, it’s charming, fun, and exactly what I was looking for.
🎧 Ryan, Lexi – These Hollow Vows (These Hollow Vows #1) ★★
Genre: YA Fantasy
Gaining unfettered access to the Seelie court is easier said than done. Brie’s only choice is to pose as a potential bride for Prince Ronan, and she soon finds herself falling for him. Unwilling to let her heart distract her, she accepts help from a band of Unseelie misfits with their own secret agenda. As Brie spends time with their mysterious leader, Finn, she struggles to resist his seductive charm.
Caught between two dangerous courts, Brie must decide who to trust with her loyalty. And with her heart.
This started off with a fun, familiar vibe, offering the kind of light, airy read I was hoping for. But that quickly turned into something far too predictable. The book is riddled with clichés and tropes, feeling like the author was just checking off boxes—ACOTAR vibes, love triangle drama, and all. The first couple of chapters were engaging, but soon it became stale and hard to focus on. I switched to the audio version, which was ideal for when my mind wandered because honestly, I didn’t miss much.
The story felt inconsistent and full of conveniences. The protagonist was frustratingly passive, never questioning anything and making poor decisions. The love triangle? Typical and exhausting, with the heroine switching affections faster than I could roll my eyes. I’m also tired of the “betray the loyal guy and fall for the brooding enemy with a nice chest” trope. And the constant use of the word “male” only made my eyes roll harder.
There’s some potential here, especially in the ending, which made me curious enough to want to read the next book. But for the most part, this was a bog-standard YA fantasy—nothing subtle, nothing new. It’s a perfect book to listen to while crafting, but don’t expect much more.
🎧 Ryan, Lexi – These Twisted Bonds (These Hollow Vows #2) ★★
Genre: YA Fantasy
After Abriella’s sister was sold to the fae, she thought life couldn’t get any worse. But when she suddenly finds herself caught in a web of lies of her own making - loving two princes and trusting neither – things are not quite as clear as she once thought.
As civil war wages in the Court of Darkness, Brie finds herself unable to choose a side. How can she know where she stands when she doesn’t even know herself anymore? In this darkly romantic thrill ride, the more Faerie is torn apart from the inside, the clearer it becomes that prophecies don’t lie and Brie has a role to play in the fate of this magical realm – whether she likes it or not.
This sequel delivers more of the same from the first book—entertaining but not particularly deep. Had I been reading with my eyes, I likely wouldn’t have finished it, but it made for a decent audiobook companion while crafting. The world-building had some interesting concepts, but it felt shaky and underdeveloped. While some of the plot developments were interesting, they felt rushed and underutilized. The love triangle was dragged on for far too long, and the ending left me with a sense of hurry, as if the story needed to wrap up before it could really get somewhere.
Overall, much like the first book, it was a light, easy read with some potential that ultimately went unused. It’s a good choice if you’re looking for something simple and entertaining, but it doesn’t offer much depth or originality. Perfect for passive listening during a crafting session, though.
Chao, A.Y. – Shanghai Immortal (Shanghai Immortal #1) ★★★
Genre: Fantasy
Half fox-spirit.
All trouble.
Pawned by her mother to the King of Hell as a child, Lady Jing is half-vampire, half-hulijing fox-spirit and all sasshole. As the King’s ward, she has spent the past ninety years running errands, dodging the taunts of the spiteful hulijing courtiers, and trying to control her explosive temper – with varying levels of success.
So when Jing overhears the courtiers plotting to steal a priceless dragon pearl from the King, she seizes her chance to expose them, once and for all.
With the help of a gentle mortal tasked with setting up the Central Bank of Hell, Jing embarks on a wild chase for intel, first through Hell and then mortal Shanghai. But when her hijinks put the mortal in danger, she must decide which is more important: avenging her loss of face, or letting go of her half-empty approach to life for a chance to experience tenderness – and maybe even love.
This richly told adult fantasy debut teens with Chinese deities and demons cavorting in jazz age Shanghai
Shanghai Immortal blends vibrant mythology with fast-paced adventure, though it stumbles with some jarring issues.
The main character, Jing, is almost a century old, but she behaves more like a petulant teenager—she’s impulsive, self-sabotaging, and unnecessarily crude. The excessive use of vulgar language, particularly insults like “rotted deer eyes” and various forms of “farts,” became tiresome quickly, detracting from the otherwise intriguing narrative.
That said, the novel’s setting is a standout. The immortal version of Shanghai is wonderfully described, with a whimsical, otherworldly atmosphere reminiscent of Studio Ghibli’s Spirited Away. The fusion of Chinese mythology adds depth, though it felt underutilized once the story shifts to mortal Shanghai. The historical setting of 1930s Shanghai is vague and could have been swapped with any other period without much impact on the plot.
The story took a while to get going for me, largely due to Jing’s frustrating antics. The first third of the book is also slightly bogged down by a high number of unfamiliar mythological creatures and terms, which required me to do several reference checks to understand what was going on.
However, once the action picks up, the book became much more engaging. Jing’s backstory provided some insight into her behavior, though it didn’t make me enjoy her shenanigans any more.
While the romance was really underdeveloped and the crude potty-humor grating, the book holds promise for the series ahead. Jing shows notable growth, and I’m curious to see where her character—and the fascinating world Chao has built—will go.
Lares, Mariely – Sun of Blood and Ruin (Sun of Blood and Ruin #1) (DNF)
Genre: Fantasy
The empire of Montezuma II has long fallen, a city raised on the bones of Tenochtitlan. None dare whisper the names of their gods- or speak of the magic that once graced the land, of the witches who hunted as jaguars, the warriors who soared as eagles.
Until a new name emerges- a curse on the lips of the Spanish, a hero in the hearts of the people. A masked vigilante, a sorceress with a blade.
Pantera
But that is not her only name. To all who know her, Leonora de Las Casas Tlazohtzin is a glittering jewel of court, promised to the heir of the Spanish throne. The respectable Lady Leonora faints at the sight of blood and would sooner be caught dead than wield a sword…even against a dauntless thief with a cutting smile.
No one suspects that Leonora and Pantera are one and the same. Leonora has fooled them all, and, with magic of her ancestors running through her veins, she is nearly invincible- until an ancient prophecy of destruction threatens, and she is forced to decide: surrender the mask or her life. But the legendary Pantera is destined for more than an early grave, and once she discovers the truth of her origins, not even death will stop her.
DNF after 13 chapters (105 pages).
While the premise of Sun of Blood and Ruin held promise, the execution ultimately left me disengaged. The narrative felt incoherent and disjointed, with a plot that seemed to meander aimlessly. It was a mix of separate ideas that never quite came together into a cohesive story, and I found myself losing focus as my thoughts wandered while reading. Additionally, the tone and pacing gave it a very YA feel, which didn’t align with my expectations for this book. Despite the intriguing concept, I couldn’t find the motivation to continue.
🎧 Prose, Nita – The Mystery Guest (Molly the Maid #2) ★★★
Genre: Mystery
When Detective Stark, Molly’s old foe, investigates the author’s unexpected demise, it becomes clear that this death was murder most foul. Suspects abound, and everyone wants to know: Who killed J. D. Grimthorpe? Was it Lily, the new Maid-in-Training? Or was it Serena, the author’s secretary? Could Mr. Preston, the hotel’s beloved doorman, be hiding something? And is Molly really as innocent as she seems?
As the high-profile death threatens the hotel’s pristine reputation, Molly knows she alone holds the key to unlocking the killer’s identity. But that key is buried deep in her past, as long ago, she knew J. D. Grimthorpe. Molly begins to comb her memory for clues, revisiting her childhood and the mysterious Grimthorpe mansion where she and her dearly departed Gran once worked side by side. With the entire hotel under investigation, Molly must solve the mystery posthaste. Because if there’s one thing she knows for sure, it’s that secrets don’t stay buried forever.
When I read The Maid in 2022, I didn’t expect it to turn into a series, but here we are with The Mystery Guest. Where I felt that the author tried to do too much in The Maid, this time she dialed it back so much that the result feels a bit bland. While the writing makes for an easy read, the frequent repetitions became tiresome. With no exciting twists or compelling reveals to hook me, the story felt more like background noise—which lends itself well for multitasking, but lacking the intrigue to demand my full attention. It’s fine as a casual read but doesn’t offer anything particularly memorable.
🎧 Prose, Nita – The Mistletoe Mystery (Molly the Maid #2,5) ★★
Genre: Mystery
But when a Secret Santa gift exchange at the Regency Grand Hotel raises questions about who Molly can and cannot trust, she dives headfirst into solving her most consequential—and personal—mystery yet. Molly has a bad feeling about things, and she starts to wonder: has she yet again mistaken a frog for a prince?
A heartwarming, magical story about the true spirit of the season, The Mistletoe Mystery reminds us that love is the greatest mystery of all.
The Mistletoe Mystery didn’t live up to its name, as the so-called “mystery” was glaringly obvious from the very first chapter. The novella felt largely unnecessary, and I’m glad it came as part of my audiobook subscription rather than being a separate purchase. That said, it made for decent and somewhat fitting background listening while I wrapped Christmas presents, as it didn’t demand much mental engagement.
Wells, Martha – Fugitive Telemetry (The Murderbot Diaries #6) ★★★
Genre: Sci-Fi
When Murderbot discovers a dead body on Preservation Station, it knows it is going to have to assist station security to determine who the body is (was), how they were killed (that should be relatively straightforward, at least), and why (because apparently that matters to a lot of people—who knew?)
Yes, the unthinkable is about to happen: Murderbot must voluntarily speak to humans!
Again!
“Okay, wow. But it wasn’t like it hurt my feelings or anything. Not at all. I was used to this. Completely used to it.”
After hearing that it may be better to read Fugitive Telemetry, before picking up the full-length novel, it seemed like the perfect easy and low-stakes read this close to the end of the year. This novella delivered another formulaic Murderbot adventure in the now classic “mystery of the week” style of this series. However, the whodunnit elements in this story stood out, grabbing my attention more than previous installments, making this one of the more engaging additions to the series for me.
“Possibly I should just stop complaining like a human and get on with it. ”
Matthews, Mimi – A Holiday by Gaslight ★★★
Genre: Romance (historical)
Sophie Appersett is quite willing to marry outside of her class to ensure the survival of her family. But the darkly handsome Mr. Edward Sharpe is no run of the mill London merchant. He’s grim and silent. A man of little emotion–or perhaps no emotion at all. After two months of courtship, she’s ready to put an end to things. After all, even a dutiful daughter has her limits.
A Taciturn Tradesman
Ned has come a long way since his days working as a draper’s assistant. He’s wealthy, ambitious, and eager to take a wife. But the courtship advice issued in The Gentlemen’s Book of Etiquette isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. Though he’s followed it to the letter, Miss Appersett still doesn’t wish to see him again. Frustrated and hurt, he’s more than happy to oblige her.
A Christmas Courtship
Severing ties with her former beau isn’t as straightforward as Sophie envisioned. Her parents are outraged. And then there’s Charles Darwin, Prince Albert, and that dratted gaslight. What’s a girl to do except invite Mr. Sharpe to the annual Christmas party at Appersett House and give him one more chance to win her? But this time there’ll be no false formality. This time they’ll get to know each other for who they really are.
I discovered A Holiday by Gaslight on my e-reader and with the holidays coming up, I thought this would be the perfect time to read it.
This short novella reminded me that I really need to read more of this author’s work. She really impressed with her engaging writing style and talent for bringing the historical atmosphere to life in a visual and cozy way. However, the story would have been stronger if the drama with Sophie’s spoiled sister and Ned’s foolish friend had been left out, because in my opinion the plot was already engaging and tight enough for its short format. Overall, however, this was a delightful, fast-paced and light-hearted story, enriched with historical details that were seamlessly woven into the story.
Moore, Liz – The God of the Woods ★★★★
Genre: Mystery
Early morning, August 1975: a camp counselor discovers an empty bunk. Its occupant, Barbara Van Laar, has gone missing. Barbara isn’t just any thirteen-year-old: she’s the daughter of the family that owns the summer camp and employs most of the region’s residents. And this isn’t the first time a Van Laar child has disappeared. Barbara’s older brother similarly vanished fourteen years ago, never to be found.
As a panicked search begins, a thrilling drama unfolds. Chasing down the layered secrets of the Van Laar family and the blue-collar community working in its shadow, Moore’s multi-threaded story invites readers into a rich and gripping dynasty of secrets and second chances. It is Liz Moore’s most ambitious and wide-reaching novel yet.
I started The God of the Woods as an audiobook, but I quickly found myself so engrossed that I had to switch to reading it with my full attention. This really was a well-crafted literary, slow-burn mystery that turned out to be more compelling in its journey than in its destination.
This was not a story of shocking twists or jaw-dropping reveals. Instead, it explored its characters, delving deep into their inner workings and reflections.
“ When one’s parents or grandparents have already quested and conquered, what is there for subsequent generations to do? ”
The writing was hypnotizing, with an atmospheric quality that drew me into the interwoven timelines and perspectives. The story unfolded like a labyrinth, complex and immersive. Despite it being labeled as a mystery, at its heart, this read more like a family drama—a tale of deeply flawed humans that avoided the pulse-pounding pace of a thriller for something quieter yet equally engaging.
Coldbreath, Alice – Her Baseborn Bridegroom (Vawdrey Brothers #1) ★★★★
Genre: Romance (historical)
Until one day her uncle arranges a marriage of convenience for her, a marriage in name only with a young puppet groom… but Sir Roland does not show up. In his place turns up his base-born brother Mason Vawdrey. And dark, forceful Mason is no-one’s puppet.
Things are about to get interesting at Cadwallader Castle. And Linnet is about to discover that maybe a golden leopardess does not need to change her glorious spots.
I’ve been saving Alice Coldbreath’s first series for a while, and after reading Mimi Matthews’ novella, I was in the mood for more historical romance and this one definitely didn’t disappoint! Despite a slight worry that it wouldn’t measure up to her later works, this book was so much fun.
It’s a charming, character-driven romance that’s easy to read and sweetly comfortable, with just the right pacing. While the setting draws from medieval times, the dialogue has a modern, witty flair that makes it accessible and engaging. The clever innuendos and foreshadowing add a delightful touch.
If you’re looking for a lighthearted romance with great banter and endearing characters, this is an excellent pick!
Wells, Martha – Compulsory (The Murderbot Diaries #0,5) ★★★
Genre: Sci-Fi
While trying to watch episode 44 of The Rise and Fall of Sanctuary Moon, Murderbot is—again, what is it with humans?—distracted by something that is technically outside its purview. A miner is suddenly in danger following a pointless (to Murderbot’s way of thinking) argument, and the choice is to risk discovery and leap into action, which would require hitting the pause button during a very exciting part of SanctuaryMoon, or to follow orders and stay still.
This is a tougher choice than it seems. But then, when has Murderbot ever been faced with an easy choice?
“ Imaginary humans on the entertainment feed are much nicer than real humans. ”
A shot of sarcastic Murderbot that underlines why this character is so beloved.
Matthews, Mimi – The Matrimonial Advertisement (Parish Orphans of Devon #1) ★★★★
Genre: Romance (historical)
Helena Reynolds will do anything to escape her life in London, even if that means traveling to a remote cliffside estate on the North Devon coast and marrying a complete stranger. But Greyfriar’s Abbey isn’t the sort of refuge she imagined. And ex-army captain Justin Thornhill–though he may be tall, dark, and devastatingly handsome–is anything but a romantic hero.
He Needed Redemption…
Justin has spent the last two decades making his fortune, settling scores, and suffering a prolonged period of torture in an Indian prison. Now, he needs someone to smooth the way for him with the villagers. Someone to manage his household–and warm his bed on occasion. What he needs, in short, is a wife and a matrimonial advertisement seems the perfect way to acquire one.
Their marriage was meant to be a business arrangement and nothing more. A dispassionate union free from the entanglements of love and affection. But when Helena’s past threatens, will Justin’s burgeoning feelings for his new bride compel him to come to her rescue? Or will dark secrets of his own force him to let her go?
I decided that I needed something lighter and less mentally taxing while delving into the next Murderbot novel. Since I only just rediscovered Mimi Matthews through A Holiday by Gaslight, which renewed my intention to explore more of her work, rereading this novel felt like the natural choice.
This book truly read like a BBC period drama. From the vividly described settings to the intricate character dynamics, it was incredibly atmospheric. It immersed me in a world that felt both cinematic and authentic, with painstakingly crafted Victorian-era details, lending the entire novel a historical accuracy that only served to enhance the story’s charm and coziness.
The romance between the protagonists was tender and sweet. As a clean romance, it leans heavily into pining and yearning, creating moments of credible emotion that were both heartwarming and bittersweet. While I found myself wishing for more scenes focused on the couple and their developing feelings, the side plot—with its intrigue and tension—kept me thoroughly engaged. This balance between a romance full of longing and a moving external conflict only strengthened the BBC drama comparison.
The story’s pacing and structure worked beautifully for me, though I must admit the last-act breakup felt a bit exasperating. Thankfully, it was resolved with excellent communication—clear, concise, and satisfying in its emotional payoff.
In the end, I enjoyed this reread so much that I decided to increase my previous rating to 4 stars. Matthews’ ability to craft such an atmospheric, historically rich, and emotionally resonant story is truly commendable. If you’re a fan of Victorian-era romance, elegant writing, and stories that transport you to another time and place, then this would be a perfect choice.
