The Power of Roots

 

Root Magic by Eden Royce

My Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

My Review on Goodreads

I love to read spooky middle grade books, and this is definitely that. But it's also more than that. It's a coming of age story and a book about the importance of family, embracing and being strengthened by one's heritage and culture, and making good decisions that are often tough. Young Jezebel is the daughter of a family that has strong Gullah traditions, including root magic. It was never something to feel weird about until she started school and she was bullied by the other girls in her grade. Her twin brother Jay seems to fit in very well and has friends, but she has none, except Suzie, a new girl. Jezebel is mourning her grandmother whom she was very close to, and is learning root magic from her uncle Doc. Her mother is a hard working single parent as their father disappeared years ago. Her mom instills strong values in her children that have clearly taken root in Jezebel. However, she is in a period of struggle and change, and a dark force seems fixated on her. Along with a racist deputy bent on causing trouble for the black families in their area, particularly the root magic practitioners.

There is a lot of complexity to this novel. The writing is very good. I think that readers going into it, should understand that while there are some thrilling and very supernatural moments, this story is more focused on Jezebel's character arc. With that in mind, I can't imagine a reader not being sucked into this earnest and beautiful narrative. The narrator captures the young lead character very well, and adds a sense of pathos to her struggles. I was bullied when I was a kid, and it's really hard to see kids getting treated like that by others. This book also deals with racism as the family is literally being harassed and abused by a law enforcement person, and they seem to have no protection from him. Sensitive readers will definitely find themselves being impacted some some aspects of this storyline. There is a sympathetic member of the sheriff's department, but his ability to help them is practically nil. Sadly, not much has changed in that scenario.

Royce is excellent at building tension. The suspense-filled scenes totally drew me in. The uncanny aspects are both fascinating and at times deeply creepy. I absolutely loved some of those aspects of the story, which I cannot talk about because it would spoil the story.

Root Magic is a great book to read in October, or really any time of the year. I loved the descriptions of the food and culture of Jezebel's family. The setting is so well-described, I could feel the heat of the swamps and hear the sounds of the animals that lived there. This book made me so hungry. I love rice, so I definitely got into that aspect of the story. But the characterization is the star of the book. Every one of the main characters and the pivotal secondary characters are well developed and distinct. As much as I would have liked the bullying issue resolved more definitively, I realize that things happened the way they should have. I highly recommend this book.

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Heart of Darkness

 

Nightwise(Nightwise #1) by  R.S. Belcher 

My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

My Review on Goodreads

This is the darkest urban fantasy book I've read so far. And that's saying something. Nightwise is definitely well named and the lead character is as dark gray as a hero can get. Some might not even call him a hero. Think John Constantine, and you're close to getting an idea of Laytham Ballard, but throw in some Appalachian style homespun and generational magical heritage. Laytham came into his power under the tutelage of his beloved granny, but she was unable to save him from the dark path he eventually ended up traveling. Many years later, Laytham has been in places that angels would fear to tread, and has perfected the ability to be highly selfish. It's not that he doesn't do good, but there's always a bit of an ulterior motive. While he's the lead character, and not exactly a good guy, he's the guy you'd want standing between you and those creatures lurking in the dark.

The writing is very good, and that made some of the scenes that much more disturbing. I'd definitely give this one a content warning for sure. I'll never forget this book, partly because of some of the circumstance under which I listened to the audiobook. I drove home in one of the worst blizzards I've ever had to drive in. I could barely see the roads, so I was praying the whole way. It was me and Bronson Pinchot's voice reading this book. There was such an eerie feeling, but at the same time it was comforting, because that voice was a point of connection as I almost blindly navigated through a sea of white. I think that in this sense I'll remember this book fondly, although at the same time, I have in some ways tried to block out some of the most skin crawling moments that I didn't want to pull out of my memory for reflection.

I am truly in love with the urban fantasy genre. I especially love occult detectives. I like my share of anti-heroes, but I suppose I like the more romanticized versions of them. Laytham is not in any way romanticized. He doesn't pretend to be a good buy. He is just himself. But I am so glad that there was one thing in the book that I was praying he would do the right thing on, and he did it. I think down deep that boy that loved his Granny so much is still there deep inside, and it's a pale light in the darkness of his heart that is a source of hope for him.

Will I read the next book? Of course I will.

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Secret Heritage

 

Charlie Hernández and the League of Shadows by Ryan Calejo

My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

My Review on Goodreads

This was such a cool, fun book. It was a little weird at first. I can't say too much because it would be a spoiler, but something happens to the hero that I had never seen and it was kind of hilarious picturing how he looked in my head. But it was also disturbing and I felt really bad for Charlie. He was already dealing with a major loss, and now all of a sudden, some weird changes are happening to him, and his world opens to some very unnatural, downright supernatural occurrences. And it wasn't like he could open up to his friends about everything.

Despite my confusion at first, I really got sucked into this book. I was listening to the audiobook, and the narrator, Giordan Diaz kept it fun. His accent was authentic and that was crucial with this story in which Charlie's Latin heritage is integral. For Charlie is getting dropped right into the world of Latin American creatures of lore. His family has a heritage that makes what was considered legend very, very real. I love folklore, and I was thrilled at getting introduced to characters from the legends, several that I knew, and some that were very unfamiliar and really fascinatingly weird.

I appreciate so much that Latinx kids get a story that speaks to their heritage and takes them on fun adventure in the style of Rick Riordan's Percy Jackson series, but very much unique as well. This was a bit on the short side, but it was an enjoyable introduction to Charlie's world. There are two books so far, and I hope there are more. I recommend it to Middle Grade readers and older folks like me who enjoy Middle Grade books.

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The Swamp Has Its Secrets

 

Swamp Thing, Vol.1: The Saga of the Swamp Thing by Alan Moore (writer), 

Stephen R. Bissette (Artist),

 

John Totleben (Artist),

 

Dan Day (Artist

My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

My Review on Goodreads

I was reading this over a long period, in spurts. With the craziness of life, I just haven't had much time to read graphic novels, unfortunately. I read this on my Ipad, which is really good for looking at comic panels. I love how the Kindle (Comixology) version allows you to tap on each panel and it magnifies the panel. This is the Alan Moore classic that revamped the character. It's very, very dated in the art style, but that's okay. It's historical. The colors are really bright, almost obnoxiously so. It's an 80s comic printing thing, and as I've studied comic art history, that was kind of fun to experience the medium. I was quite pleasantly surprised at how scary this was. Each story is kind of like a monster of the week format, which I absolutely love. For such an older comic, it really was spooky, scary and disturbing. In fact, this would have made a good Halloween read. I think I finished it in the late spring, so unfortunately, I didn't get to enjoy the spookiness for October. I definitely ship Swamp Thing/Alec and Abigail. Their doomed(ish) romance appeals to my sensibilities. I had watched the short-lived but very good DC TV show Swamp Thing and it was nice to compare it with the comic story (it holds up very well, IMO).

There's something about Swamp Thing that I really dig, so I know I'll be reading more.

I would recommend reading this if you don't mind the dated look of 80s era comic books.

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The Dark of Winter

The Bear and the Nightingale by Katherine Arden (The Winternight Trilogy #1)

My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

My Review on Goodreads

 I read this back in the early summer. I listened to the audiobook. I thought maybe it was a retelling of Vasilisa, but it's not that at all. It is however, a wonderful original story that delves deeply into Russian and Slavic folklore in a way that is beautiful, and also deeply unsettling.

I have always loved Winter, since I was a child. This book definitely brings home how winter can be a time of fear and hardship for people. I get that winter can be the enemy in many ways, if one doesn't have shelter, heat, and a food source. But it was a good reminder that its a privilege to have all three things in the coldest times of the year.

One of the things I really liked about this book is it continually makes the reader ask themselves who the real villain of the story is, until one comes to the conclusion that we can all be the villain in some way. In a more philosophical context, our uncontrolled emotions and beliefs (and also how we react to them) can be the enemy/villain: fear, jealousy, loneliness, grief, suspicion, ignorance, intolerance. And the villain we see in others is perhaps in some ways, a dark reflection of ourselves.

The characterization was very good. In a story like this with so many characters, that could be challenging. However, the author did know where and whom to focus on but also didn't ignore the viewpoint of pivotal, if not as prominent characters. Vasya was a great lead character. I loved how strong her sense of self was and her moral compass even in the face of the difficult circumstances it caused her to face. It was disappointing that Anna didn't have the same kind of strength. I think life could have been a lot better and different if she did.

I could read books about Russia all day. Not sure why, but it's always fascinated me. As a lifelong lover of folklore, fairy tales and mythology, I find the mythology of that country and region so enthralling to study and explore. I loved how Arden combined this fictional story filled with Russian history with the deeply held beliefs of the people, and how their faiths-old and new-are integral to who they are.

Some parts were very scary, and unsettling. The author included some elements that I didn't expect for this kind of story, but it totally makes sense for the story and is true to Slavic folklore. I didn't listen to this right before bed, as I usually listen to audiobooks either when I'm commuting to and from work or when I'm cooking. I think this could give a person some nightmares if they listened at bedtime (or maybe it's just me).

I absolutely loved how Vasya could communicate with the spirits (the old spirits/gods? of the region). I really appreciated how each one had a unique characterization and how their way of talking was unique. The narrator, Katherine Gati, was excellent. She has a really good Russian accent. I think she might have narrated Uprooted and Spinning Silver, which I also need to write reviews for.

I really enjoyed this, but it was did take a lot out of me emotionally, if that makes sense. I plan to continue the series, but I think I'll take a break.

I'd recommend this book to fans of Russian folklore in particular.

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Kate's Pack

Magic Strikes by Ilona Andrews (Kate Daniels #3)

My Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

 My Review on Goodreads

Don't get me wrong, I adore Kate and I am becoming a Curran stan, but oh, Derek, Derek, you own me!

This series gets even better with each book. Yes, I am way behind in reading these. If you follow me, this is a typical occurrence. I can count on one hand how many series I am caught up on. The story of my life. But it's good because I have so much goodness to look forward to.

I never know what to expect in these books. The Andrews really know how to write. I love how each book starts, and you are like Kate. You literally have no idea where things are going to lead. I felt like that. I know whatever happens, Kate is going completely kick ass and take names. She's going to hate/lust flirt with Curran, and she's going to mess her enemies up and go ride or die with her loved ones.

I always have to preface my dislike for dystopians by saying I love Kate Daniels books. Normally I avoid most dystopians, but I love the wrecked by magic dynamic in these books. The idea of a post-apocalyptic Atlanta...whew. The mix of creatures is awesome as well.

But, it's the Derek for me. I could write a song called Derek and I'd sing his name a lot. I just love the guy. And this is a story for Derek lovers. He's in huge trouble and for most of the book, Kate and her cohorts have to keep it from Curran. And you can imagine how that goes. I honestly think that Curran would have tried to obliterate Kate if he didn't respect and lust and like her so much. I think that although Curran is the Beast Lord, it would not be as easy as you'd think to take out Kate.

This book has a gladiator angle that is quite interesting, and very brutal. I'm sure that if these were movies, I'd have to look away a lot. Having said that, I would love a Kate Daniels series on HBO Max or Netflix.

It's been a while since I read this, so I can't go into great detail. However, I loved this book. The audiobook is narrated by Renee Raudman and she is fantastic. She nails all the voice, pitches, cadence, etc. I highly recommend listening to this series on audiobook.

I hope I can get to the next book soon. I'm doing a lot of audiobooks from my library, so it's keeping me busy. But I hope to get into the next book before next year.

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Telling Stories

 

Nightbooks by J.A. White

My Rating: 3.75 out of 5 Stars

My Review on Goodreads

Gosh, I realize I never wrote my review for this book!

I read this back in April (listened to the audiobook) and it was a fun read. It's pretty weird as well. The story is about a kid who goes into this apartment and cannot get back out. He is lured inside by an object of great personal value to him, but it's a trap by a witch with nefarious plans. Inside the apartment are two other kids who have resigned themselves to their fate. However, Alex isn't going to give up on escaping. The apartment owner is a bad-tempered, young in appearance witch who is seemingly pacified by stories. Good thing Alex is a writer (he's actually bullied because he likes to write creepy stories in his notebooks). Alex must tell the witch a story every night or something very bad will happen to him. He has to keep her satisfied until he can find a way out for himself and his companions.

Nightbooks is tailor-made for people who like short and child-appropriate, but nasty, scary stories. I have to admit those stories are pretty horrifying. I love short stories, particularly those in the horror, fantasy and science fiction genre, and I am a huge sucker for the "story within a story" concept. One could draw a very strong comparison to Scheherazade and the Arabian Nights as she is in a similar situation.

While I found this one enjoyable, something didn't 100% gel with me. I wasn't super thrilled with the narrator, so maybe that was part it. Perhaps I wasn't completely satisfied with the plotting. Possibly I was felt the conclusion was somewhat anti-climactic. Although I was relieved about one aspect. I did love the themes in the book about how being different as a kid is usually something that leads to bullying by others. It has something important to say about good and evil that I think would precipitate a good discussion between parent and child. I liked the diverse representation as one of the kids is a young Muslim girl. Of course, as a huge booknerd, I love the storytelling/writing themes. There's a hug library in the apartment, which is kind of like a TARDIS or let's say some waiting room that leads to different dimensions (perhaps a small allusion to the Chronicles of Narnia). It's kind of a creepy library though. Alex is a good leading character. He's a good kid at heart, and his penchant for writing horror stories is not a reflection on his character in any way. There's nothing wrong with enjoying the macabre when one understands the difference between truth and fiction and knows right from wrong. I think this would be a good book for kids who like spooky stuff, but maybe feel left out because of it. I think the content is okay for a kid who is 9-12 years old. I'd personally be cautious about letting a child younger than this age read it, because there is some scary imagery and it's about an adult who wants to inflict harm on children.

Overall, I'd give this a 3.75/5.0 rating. It just doesn't feel like a four star read to me, but it's close. I'm looking forward to reading more by this author.

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Acheron, The River of Woe

 

Acheron by Sherrilyn Kenyon (Dark-Hunter #14)

My Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

My Review on Goodreads

I'm over a year late writing this review. I read this back in July 2020. The audiobook was an entire experience, which a character like Acheron highly deserves. The mystique of his character was something that kept me as a reader continually wrapped up in the series. Acheron was something like a guardian angel who watched over his crew with the fierce devotion of a father. While he could not always prevent bad things from happening, he strove to protect his Dark Hunter family and moved mountains to see things right. Acheron's ongoing presence in the books is as a mentor, a sage, a friend, and an ally. Now, his story became the focus, and I was here for it.

Kenyon goes back to the beginning, when Acheron was born, and the formative years of his life, and it is heartbreaking stuff. Talking about trauma. It's hard to put into words how to describe how reading about Acheron's past made me feel. It was like a history story that I was seeing unfold but I was not able to emotionally detach from. Having seen where he came from, I can truly understand his devotion and protectiveness towards his Dark-Hunter family. I always loved Acheron, but I love him even more after reading his book.

It was honestly a relief when the story moves to the present and there's hope for Acheron to have a happyish ending. I really liked Tori. I actually think she's perfect for Acheron. Despite the huge age difference between them (like 11,000 years), there wasn't a gap or a feeling that they were mismatched. Her story was compelling in its own way, but it didn't take the smoke away from Acheron, because frankly, this is his story. She's sweet but also feisty and independent. Acheron has a protective streak, but he also needs a heroine that doesn't need to be over-protected or coddled. Their interactions were a balm to me after all the horrible stuff that Acheron went through and that toxic relationship with Artemis he'd had over millennia that served to cause him nothing but pain and actually made things worse for him in the long run.

This book did give me insight into the complicated relationship between Acheron and Artemis, and I get that dynamic and why he continued to be in that twisted relationship with her throughout the series. I can't say I feel more sympathetic towards Artemis, but I understand her feelings and connection to Acheron more. I'm glad that this book offered some closure on that.

As for the ongoing story in the book, and how it ties into the series--Well I think that it was well done how the plot does have an aspect of completion, but also ties into the ongoing Dark-Hunter storyline. I liked the concept of overcoming what one's fate seems to dictate, or in other words, taking command of one's fate. It's great to see some of the gang show up, and it made me sad to see how Nick and Acheron are at odds. As a lover of Simi, it was really gratifying to see the evolution of her relationship with Acheron and why Acheron calls her his daughter.

There was so much to love about this book. It was really long. The audiobook was (I just checked) 23 1/2 hours. But it didn't feel bloated. I was surprised at how much of the book was about Acheron's past, but it makes sense. Acheron is a hugely important character to the Dark-Hunter series. And there is so mystique about him, it only made sense that Kenyon took the time to delve deeply into who he was. While it was extremely painful at times because of the relentless cruelty that Acheron suffered, it was also enthralling to explore his character and to fall more deeply in love with him. He is a very strong person to have gone through so much and to be so good and kind for all the abuse that others inflicted on him.

Just a note about the audiobook. Holter Graham is a fantastic narrator. If the narration had been substandard, there was no way I could have listened so long and tolerated all the awful things that Acheron experienced. I have read one or two other books with him, and I would strongly recommend him. I definitely recommend this audiobook.

Final thoughts: I am well aware how late I am in reading this book. I can't regret that I finally read it when I did, in the midst of the hellscape of 2020. It was the kind of all in read I needed at that time.

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Just Admit You Like Him Already!

 

Don't Toy With Me, Miss Nagatoro, Vol. 1 by Nanashi

Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars

My Review on Goodreads

I heard about this Manga indirectly, from a You Tube anime recommendations list. I was intrigued because it seems like the twist on that old thing my mom and family would tell me if a boy at school was teasing me. It was because he liked me. I can definitely see some of that in Nagatoro's treatment of Naoto. However, at first it made me uncomfortable because it did come off as bullying. I was bullied from elementary up to my junior year of high school, so I can tell you how bullying made me feel. I felt really bad for Naoto. I think I would have hated Nagatoro except for at the end of each chapter there's an interlude where she questions her actions. That made it clear to me that she had a thing for Naoto and she was acting out, trying to get his attention. What would have been nice is for to jsut admit it, instead of playing games. I really hate that she made Naoto cry in some parts. But the end was pretty good as the tables are turned on Nagatoro.

I was really surprised how sexual this gets. No there is no sex. But there is a lot of sexually suggestive dialogue from Nagatoro's part, and some really overt sexual teasing as Nagatoro does exactly what the name of the story implies.

As for the artwork, it's very good. I do like the way that Nagatoro is drawn. She's very impish and cute in a devilish way. I also liked Naoto's rendering. Poor guy was so shy and prone to blushing. This is my first manga so I kept forgetting that you have to swipe to the left to keep reading. LOL.

Is this book for everyone? Nope. Did I like it? Yes. Will I read more? Yes. Feel free to judge me. I'm just curious and I think that the author didn't manage to go over my hard line. I'm glad my library has this in ebook so I can indulge my curiosity without having to buy all the mangas.

I'm giving it a 3.5 stars because Nagatoro is really quite unsympathetic for the first 2/3 of the book.

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The Tree of Life and Death

 

The Night Gardener by Jonathan Auxier 

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

My Review on Goodreads

 I picked this one up as an audiobook from my library because I love middle grade books and I am quite drawn to horror books in this age genre. I feel like authors can be so creative about crafting a scary tale for readers of this age. I went into it knowing nothing, just wanting a creepy tale, and definitely got that.

The author nails the gothic atmosphere. It felt very grounded in the 19th century. The narrative isn't preachy, but it's clear that the author did research and understood his characters and the world they lived in. For me, that makes for great storytelling because their motives, choices and struggles are intrinsic to the story. Instead of being pulled out of the narrative by an interlude where you feel like the author is giving you tidbits on historical events, the history notes are fully part of the story. Now I love history, and I enjoyed reading a good fictional tale and learning more about the period it's set in. But I also think it's important to keep things organic, and that was done really well.

The story is about two orphans, Molly and Kip, who are Irish and have had terrible experiences. They are homeless and things are desperate for them. Molly is at the age where she might have to do some questionable things to provide for her younger brother. And Kip has a leg that is disabled, which limits what he can do to bring in money to help them. Sadly at this time, there are no lawes preventing children working and they have no other options. They end up traveling to a small town in the English countryside and seeking employment at a house that the locals avoid. But they are so desperate for a safe place of shelter, they are willing to take the chance. Molly is a born storyteller, a craft that she has used to insulate Kip about some tragic truths about why they are separated from their parents. Molly also uses her stories to keep her own hope alive. When she convinces Mrs. Windsor to hire her, Molly's gift of persuasion comes in handy, as the lady is reluctant to hire children as servants.

The story is from the viewpoint of both Molly and Kip as they encounter life with the Windsors in a house that feels deeply off. While Molly is highly resourceful and insightful, Kip also has a gift for seeing the essence of a situation and has a very strong compass that guides his actions. He has such a strong sense of determination and is both kind and practical. Their Irish heritage is looked down upon by many (a time when Anti-Irish bigotry was rampant), however, it is a strength for them as they draw from their upbringing (and the lessons their parents instilled in them) to navigate their difficult circumstances.

As I mentioned earlier, Auxier builds wonderful atmosphere as the story progresses and more become clear about the house and the dominating force of the large tree that is actually growing through the house. Each one of the Windsors has fallen under its spell as the tree has both enthralled and entrapped them. Molly and Kip are not immune, and that ratchets up the sense of threat for readers. It's very much a case of being careful what you wish for (that's all I'll say).

I appreciate how the true malevolent force was revealed and even that was entwined with the ongoing theme of storytelling. As a lover of books and stories, that resonated with me.

This story has some genuinely scary moments. It was also very thrilling. I got very involved in the plot as I listened. I cared about the characters and I wanted them to be safe. I like that Molly, Kip and the Windsors, the father Bertram, mother Constance, and kids Penny and Alastair, are all flawed humans, with good and bad points. While some of the characters may seem unsympathetic at some points, their inner vulnerabilities are revealed and it's clear that they have hurts and anguish, hopes and dreams that drive their choices. The theme of family and what you would do to protect yours, but also how much family matters to you is a huge part of the narrative.

I was glad I finished this one in October although I started it at the end of September, because it really fits the spooky mood of the month. Yesterday I was driving to and from work, and it was a blustery, rainy day, and it was just the perfect atmosphere. I think this book would be perfect to read on such a cold, rainy day curled up with a hot drink, wearing wool socks and a fleece blanket. Even better if you have a cat or dog hanging out with you.

The narrator was really good. Her accents were gorgeous. I loved her Irish accents for Molly and Kip. It was very involving and thrilling to listen to this story.

This was a solid four star read. I think I would have rated it higher if it hadn't take a while for things to get going. Initially I wasn't sure what I was reading and where the plot would go. It's not necessarily a bad thing if you want a story that slowly builds up. I think I wanted things to get spooky a little more soon. It appeals to me as a lover of classic and gothic horror stories, and I think the concept was very interesting, and it felt unique to me.

I do recommend this book to middle grade readers who like the spooky and creepy, and older folks like me who enjoy this theme and reading books for this age range.

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October Scare Fest 2021

 

As I actually have time this year to do some thematic reading, my goal is to dive in full steam to pick up my tradition of October spooky reading.  so, here we are... October Scare Fest 2021!

Here is my tentative list.  I am very certain I won't have time to read all these books, but go big or go home, right.

E-Books 👻

Horror on the High Seas:  Classic Weird Sea Tales Selected by David A. Sutton

Dark Dixie II: Tales of Southern Horror by Ronald Kelly

Amongst Screaming Things: A Collection of Cozy Horror by Various

The Platform Edge: Uncanny Tales of the Railways Edited by Mike Ashley

Tales of Terror: from the Tunnel's Mouth by Chris Priestley

Audiobooks🧛

Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno Garcia

Scary Tales to Tell in the Dark by Alvin Schwartz

HP Lovecraft's Book of the Supernatural by Various Authors

Yeah, I know I'll be lucky to read three or four of these, but at least I'll try!

Happy Spooky Halloween!🦇

I'd love to hear what you're reading this month. Feel free to post in the comments section.