Since I am rededicating myself to serious reading, I’d like to welcome you to my January Bookshelf. I decided now would be a great time to join up with some reading linkups. Here we are, with Fairyburger, for “My Month Is Booked,” reviewing what I enjoyed (or didn’t) in the month of December.
The Assassin’s Blade – Sarah J. Maas (Throne of Glass Series #0)
Forgive me my Sarah J. Maas era, but here we are. This prequel to the Throne of Glass series was an easy read, neither compelling nor dull. It follows the titular assassin Celaena Sardothien in her adventures traveling around Erilea with her companion Sam Cortland, prior to the multi-book narrative ahead. Maas used the time to set up the Throne of Glass world, as well as the relationships between Calaena, her boss, the King of Assassins, and her hopes and dreams for the future. It’s worth nothing that I read this out of order, after the first two books of the series. 3/5 stars.
Heir Of Fire – Sara J. Maas (Throne of Glass Series #3)
While this is no great work of literature, I loved Heir of Fire. Disgraced assassin Celaena leaves the Kingdom of Adarlan to begin training as a Fae with warrior Rowan Whitethorn. She leaves behind her former lover and Captain of the Guard, Chaol, and the Crown Prince Dorian, to hold down the proverbial fort and continue battling the unnamed evil overtaking the kingdom. But I’d like to direct your attention to the introduction of Manon Blackbeak, and the covens of witches. For some reason, this subplot is what is driving me thought the series, with Manon being the most interesting character thus far. 4/5 stars.
Archer’s Voice – Mia Sheridan (December Book Club Pick)
The talent of Mia Sheridan is what saved this read for me. Archer’s Voice is the story of Bree Prescott, who comes to a sleepy town in Maine to escape an unspeakable trauma. While there, she meets the isolated Archer Hale, who lives alone with his own secrets. The book relies heavily on the language that develops between a man who can’t speak and the woman who doesn’t want to, as well as the horrific pasts that threaten to tear them each apart. There is a bit too much “drama”, and not enough fleshing out of certain plot point that would have enhanced the story, but it was a little different, and well-written. 3/5 stars.
Queen of Shadows – Sarah J. Maas (Throne of Glass #4)
MORE MANON BLACKBEAK, PLEASE! Assassin Celaena has fully embraced her Fae lineage as Aelin Galathynius, the rightful Queen of Terrasen, and is ready to seek revenge on all who have wronged her and save her kingdom. But for me, the real story is Manon and her coven, as they discover the real reasons they are being trained as warriors, and must decide if they will allow their brutal, bloodthirsty skills to be used, or if they will go rogue and follow their own destinies. The character arc is fascinating and I can’t wait into see what happens!
Holly – Stephen King
Stephen King is one of my first author loves, and I went into “Holly” completely cold. What emerged was a riveting narrative of investigator, Holly Gibney, who embarks on a quest to find a missing daughter. We also meet Rodney and Emily Harris, professors who are hiding a horrific secret in their basement. This novel is set against the backdrop of the pandemic and political upheaval of the last few years, which really figures in to the motives and actions of our characters. Flawlessly written with incredible characters and a satisfying conclusion, I couldn’t put it down. 5/5 stars.
We are off to a great start and January promises many more books! Have you read any of these? Ever get distracted by a subplot?
Yay for more book reviews! I used to be a big Stephen King fan, until I wasn’t. Holly sounds good! I will add it to my TBR.
Holly was GOOD. And I totally get what you mean… he definitely goes through phases of things I love and things I enjoy less. But at the end of the day, he is just a pro at his craft. His characters are so well created and his grasp of the written word is equal to none. He’s also a really cool guy.
I have been eyeing the Throne of Glass series since I do love a good series but I sometimes struggle with fantasy novels so I’m not 100% convinced yet! I’m sure I’ll add it to my list eventually though since it seems like so many do enjoy it.
In my opinion, it starts pretty slow, but I’m pretty into it right now. Again, for the side plot, not the main character and her journey. But whatever gets it done!
I love to read and do it every night instead of TV.
Never read any those you’ve listed and my to-read list is huge.
Just finished the Memory Dress and Frozen River. Now reading Bad Summer People.
I barely can write my blog so I know I couldn’t keep up with reading posts.
Yay! Thanks so much for linking up — so happy to have you join us! :]
I’ve heard a ton about Sara Maas’ series but still have yet to read em’ — they’re on my TBR but with your description of Holly = I will probably end up reading that way sooner!
It’s never a bad thing to rededicate yourself to reading! I read quite a few novels from the middle of the 20th century last month for my challenge celebrating re-issue publisher Dean Street Press.
Oh, that’s a great challenge!