B's Monday Review: The Butcher of the Forest by Premee Mohamed

By: Premee Mohamed

Narrated by: Shiromi Arserio

Length: 4 hrs and 4 mins

Release date: 11-25-25 by Tantor Media

Fantasy/to review

A country has been brutally conquered by a tyrant. Veris is just trying to live her life when they come for her.

There is a forest nearby, and if you enter you will not return. Everyone knows to stay clear, but then the tyrants two children go into the woods. And Veris is the only person who has gone in and come out...

So it is go in and die, come out without them and die. It is a forest filled with horror, strange beings and if you stay more than a day you can not return. It is a race against time, monsters and her own memories.

It was short, which I liked. In and out. The the horrors unfold. An interesting story.

Great narration. I felt she did Veris very well and really got the feel for her

At the northern edge of a land ruled by a merciless foreign tyrant lies a wild, forbidden forest ruled by powerful magic.

Veris Thorn—the only one to ever enter the forest and survive—is forced to go back inside to retrieve the tyrant's missing children. Inside await traps and trickery, ancient monsters, and hauntings of the past.

One day is all Veris is afforded. One misstep will cost everything.

Book Review: Snake-Eater by T. Kingfisher

Author: T. Kingfisher

Title: Snake-Eater

Genre: Paranormal, UF, Horror, Fantasy, Mystery

Format: ebook

Pages: 267

Expected Publication: December 1, 2025

Where I got It: Kindle Unlimited

Summary: 

ith only a few dollars to her name and her beloved dog Copper by her side, Selena flees her past in the city to claim her late aunt’s house in the desert town of Quartz Creek. The scorpions and spiders are better than what she left behind.

Because in Quartz Creek, there’s a strange beauty to everything, from the landscape to new friends, and more blue sky than Selena’s ever seen. But something lurks beneath the surface. Like the desert gods and spirits lingering outside Selena’s house at night, keeping watch. Mostly benevolent, says her neighbor Grandma Billy. That doesn’t ease the prickly sense that one of them watches too closely and wants something from Selena she can’t begin to imagine. And when Selena’s search for answers leads her to journal entries that her aunt left behind, she discovers a sinister truth about her new home: It’s the haunting grounds of an ancient god known simply as “Snake-Eater,” who her late aunt made a promise to that remains unfulfilled.

Snake-Eater has taken a liking to Selena, an obsession of sorts that turns sinister. And now that Selena is the new owner of his home, he’s hell-bent on collecting everything he’s owed.

Review:

I stumbled upon this while looking for something else. Amazon Unlimited allowed some folks to read this in advance of publication, so that was exciting! Weeeee! I really need more of T Kingfisher's books in my life. 

Here we have Selena, who is abandoning her old life to claim her late aunt's house in the desert town of Quartez Creek. Everything is so new and strange, but so beautiful. The neighbors are lovely and she loves the quiet. However, there is something lingering outside of Selena's house at night.....keeping watch. Her neighbor, Grandma Billy, says it is mainly benevolent, but Selena can't shake the feeling there is more to this story. She soon discovers the sinister truth about an ancient god known as Snake-Eater. 

You never know what to expect from this author. There are always so many twists and turns. You just never know where the story is headed next, and I simply LOVE that. 

I will say this wasn't as haunting or even creepy as some of the other stories I've read by her. It still had some creepiness, but this felt a bit more calm. Not complaining! The last one has scarred me a bit hahahahaha. This had an odd sense of...coziness to it. Yes, there is mystery and fantasy and horror, but I loved the cozy vibes given off. I loved that Selena was finding her voice and finding new friends. They were so sweet. 

What else??? Eeeek. I don't want to spoil anything!!!!

This was a fun story. Not my favorite by the author, but I still really enjoyed it. It had a great cast of characters and a nice spooky, but comfy vibe. I def recommend this. 

4 stars. 

Audiobook Review: Against the Clock by Brittany Kelley

Author: Brittany Kelley

Narrator: Greyson Ash, Lee Samuels
Title: Against the Clock

Series: Wilmington Football #1

Genre: Sports Romance, Contemporary
Format: Audiobook
Published: April 6, 2023
Where I Got It: My shelf (Audible)

Summary: 

I'll never date a football player— but all the veteran quarterback wants? Me.

Daniel

My life’s defined by my long career as a quarterback. I’m determined to have a great season, because I’m not sure how many I have left. But when I slam into gorgeous reporter Kelsey Cole on the sidelines, my focus on the game takes a backseat to my fascination with her. She’s tiny, smart, and fierce, and she makes me feel young again. Only one problem: she hates football—with good reason, too. Still, you don’t become a champion quarterback without learning how to fight for what you want.

Football’s always come first, but Kelsey might be the one to change that.

Kelsey

The last thing I need is to get involved with huge and handsome quarterback Daniel Harrison. Under all those muscles he’s hiding charm and a surprising intellect— an irresistible combination. I can’t deny our chemistry, but I can’t stand what he does for a living. Not to mention, once the internet starts shipping us, the spotlight becomes unbearable.

The fans will hate me even more when they find out I’m writing a piece that could leave the league they love in shambles.

There’s no future for the hot quarterback and I— so why can’t I say goodbye?

Review:

One of my private goals was to read a football romance at some point this year. Earlier this year, I realized I hadn't read many football romances over the years. Mainly, hockey ones. So I decided I wanted to try and read one or two this year. I found this little one on Audible. 

Here we follow Kelsey and Daniel. Daniel is a veteran quarterback who is nearing the end of his career. Kelsey is a reporter who wants nothing to do with football or football players. One day, while she is on the sideline working on her investigative piece, Daniel accidentally runs into her. To make it up to her, he takes her out for some grub. There is an attraction, but it seems impossible. 

At first, I thought this was going to be such a shallow love story. The lust and love happened SO fast. Too fast to be perfectly frank. However, we did get some depth! I was happy as a clam. Again, the lust and love happen quickly, but they have a lot of trauma and trust to dig through. Kelsey has some good reasons why she hates the football world. And Daniel is having some personal and career questions. I'm happy that we did get the depth. It helped flush out the story a bit. 

The beginning was slightly cringy. There is no way that scene would've played out. The quarterback would've helped her up and run off. I could be wrong, and maybe the clock would've paused to make sure there wasn't an injury on the sidelines. I don't think so, though. 

I am bummed that we didn't learn more about the piece that Kelsey wrote about the cheerleaders and how they were being mistreated by the league. I wanted to know what she found. It was sooooo glossed over. The next book stars one of the cheerleaders, so maybe we'll learn more than?? 

The narrators did a lovely job. I would've liked more time with the male narrator. I think Daniel needed more time in the spotlight. 

Overall, I did have fun with this story. It was super, DUPER spicy, and I think I would fall for Daniel too. What a sweetheart!!!!! I loved the depth we were given, but the love and lust were waaaay too quick. We needed more time to see them develop this. Maybe date 2? LOL, I also wanted to see more of Kelsey's work being shown and talked about. Just a hair more. Maybe this will be talked about more in book 2, which I am curious about. 

I'll stamp this with 3 stars.

 Challenge(s):

- Audiobook #58

Book Review: The Princess and the Pea by Victoria Alexander

Author: Victoria Alexander

Title: The Princess & the Pea

Genre: Historical Romance, Fairy Tale retelling

Format: Paperback

Pages: 354 

Published: January 1, 2009 

Where I got It: My shelf (Used book store)

Summary: 

A true American princess, Cecily White stood to inherit her father’s business empire. And with the twentieth century right around the corner, the independent beauty had no intention of marrying some foreign nobleman seeking her money. Then on a trip to England, Cece fell under the spell of a dashing peer who had more to recommend him than the length of his title and the size of his countinghouse. But Cece wouldn’t surrender her heart to the virile Earl of Graystone until he proved that the only treasure he wanted was her love.

Review:

I picked this up forever ago, and it has just been collecting dust on my bookshelf. Yayy for reading challenges to get me to pick up these dusty books!!

Here we follow Cecily and Jared. Cecily is a true American princess who stands to inherit her father's business empire. She is everything society wants: beautiful, rich, and polite. However, she is independent and has no desire but to marry for love. Especially those poor English peers that only have a title and debt in their pockets. However, there is something about Jared, the Earl of Graystone, that she can't resist. 

This story started off swell. I really enjoyed it. Cece was a gem, and I liked Jared. They were perfect for each other, but they literally "fell in love" like immediately. Luckily, there were a lot of issues, and Cece isn't an empty-headed fool. He needs to earn her and really show he loves her. GOOD. He's a fortune-hunter...no better than the girls of the ton. 

I think my biggest issue was how modern everyone felt. I get being "ahead of the times" and oddities, but sometimes it was a bit much. 

And the MIL? Omg. SURE she loves her son and wants the best, BUUUUT YOU ARE ABOUT TO BE IN THE POORHOUSE. Let him marry whomever he wants. Gah. I wanted to kick her. 

Plus the side romances drove me insane. I love when side characters find love too, don't get me wrong, but it was too much. It really bled into the story sometimes. 

Even with the issues, I did enjoy the journey of these two. 

I'll stamp this with 2 stars. 

 Challenge(s):

- TBR #11 (Change of Plans)

Blodeuedd's Monday Review: The Housemaid is Watching by Freida McFadden

Series: The Housemaid (#3)

Format: 383 pages, Paperback

Published: June 11, 2024 by Sourcebooks

Thriller/own

This one took some time to finish, because frankly it was boring. The Housemaid should have stayed with 2 books.

I did not feel any twists or turns.

It has been several years and Millie and Enzo are married with 2 kids and move to the suburbs. One neighbor is noisy, another woman is flirting too much. And then noooothing happens. Just Millie wondering if Enzo is cheating on her.

Then when something FINALLY happens, well I do not really care, and when the twists come, eh. Not twisty enough, and the second one, well made no sense when I think of it.

It was ok. But stay with the first 2.

“You must be our new neighbors!” Mrs. Lowell gushes and waves across the picket fence. I clutch my daughter’s hand and smile back: but the second Mrs. Lowell sees my husband a strange expression crosses her face. In that moment I make a promise. We finally have a family home. My past is far, far behind us. And I’ll do anything to keep it that way…

I used to clean other people’s houses—now, I can’t believe this home is actually mine. The charming kitchen, the quiet cul-de-sac, the huge yard where my kids can play. My husband and I saved for years to give our children the life they deserve.

Even though I’m wary of our new neighbor Mrs. Lowell, when she invites us over for dinner it’s our chance to make friends. Her maid opens the door wearing a white apron, her hair in a tight bun. I know exactly what it’s like to be in her shoes. But her cold stare gives me chills…

The Lowells’ maid isn’t the only strange thing on our street. I’m sure I see a shadowy figure watching us. My husband leaves the house late at night. And when I meet a woman who lives across the way, her words chill me to the bone: Be careful of your neighbors.

Did I make a terrible mistake moving my family here?

I thought I’d left my darkest secrets behind. But could this quiet suburban street be the most dangerous place of all?

Book Review: Frosting and Fairies by Danielle Garrett

Author: Danielle Garrett

Title: Frosting and Fairie

Series: Sugar Shack Witch Mysteries #4

Genre: Paranormal, Mystery, Fantasy, Cozy Mystery

Format: Ebook

Pages: 256 

Published: January 2, 2025

Where I got It: Kindle Unlimited

Summary: 

Small-town journalism isn’t exactly a thrill ride. Between PTA meetings and bake sale bulletins, I was drowning in monotony. But when I begged my editor for a juicier assignment, I should’ve been careful what I wished for.

Enter the Summer Lovin’ Book Festival. BOGO deals on paperbacks with a side of beefcake, as five hunky models vie to become the next Captain Riker Bones, the shirtless swashbuckler adorning Grandma Rose’s favorite bodice-rippers.

Sure, a little eye candy never hurt anyone, but ten minutes of watching grown women cry over washboard abs has me wishing I’d volunteered to write up the waste management ordinances instead.

But when one of our would-be pirates turns up dead in his hotel room, my puff piece transforms into a full-blown murder mystery. And the plot thickens faster than my family’s famous buttercream when a poison-laced cupcake from Sugar Shack is found at the scene.

Now I’m racing against time to catch a killer, clear my family’s name, and keep Grandma Rose from sailing into the sunset with one of the wannabe pirates. Someone pass the rum.

Review:

We forge forward with our gal.

Ella's new role as the small-town journalist hasn't been a thrill ride. Between PTA meetings and bake sales, she has been dying of the monotony. When she asks her editor for a juicier assignment....she gets what she asks for in spades. The Summer Lovin' Book Festival is in town, along with five of their hunky models. When one of them turns up dead in the hotel after eating a cupcake from her family's business. Now she will have to find the killer and clear her family's name.

Yayy for the next book. Plus, Orion is here too! Yayy! Don't get me wrong, I do adore Ella running around doing her thing, but I think they make a better team together. I hope he gets to stick around for a while or at least for these mysteries.

But yes, we have two mysteries at play here. One, our poor dead hunk. Two, the main mystery of finding out who is causing mayhem using magical creatures. However, the mystery of the dead hunk takes over when her family's business is besmirched. NOT THE CUPCAKES NOOOO.

Now...some realness....I did struggle a bit with this. Not sure why. Maybe I've been spoiled with the narration. The narrator is one of my favorites, and I love her. I read the ebook this time because I saw it as a freebie on my Kindle Unlimited. Maybe I'll go back and do the narrator someday.

But yes, I did struggle in the middle. The beginning was fun, and the last third was intense and caught my attention again. What an ending!!!! Again, I'm not sure why I had some struggles.

Other than my issues with the middle part and missing my narrator......I did enjoy our gang and the backdrop of the Book Festival.

I'll stamp this with 3 stars.  

Audiobook Review: When We Were Friends by Jane Green

Author: Jane Green

Narrator: Lucy Rayner
Title: When We Were Friends

Genre: Short Story, Novella, Chick Lit
Format: Audiobook
Published: 1, 2024
Where I Got It: My shelf (Audible)

Summary: 

By all accounts, Lucy’s handled her divorce well. She’s finally in the cozy, plant-filled house of her dreams. And although she doesn’t fit in with the other divorcées—all busy looking for their next ex—she’s excited to get down to earth and savor the small joys of life.

When Lucy meets Elle, a hip younger woman who shares her same passions, their connection is instant. Taking a chance on kismet, Lucy forges a friendship that fills her days with meaning. She and Elle are inseparable, from sunup to sundown, enjoying the immediate ease and familiarity of each other’s company.

But as Lucy introduces Elle to her circle, a new side of her friend appears. And try as she might, Lucy can’t ignore her misgivings. Who is Elle really? And can their all-consuming friendship survive closer inspection?

Review:

I've enjoyed this author before and so why not try out this one? Plus I needed a nice short anyway. 

Here we follow Lucy who has dealt with her divorce well-enough. She lost herself during her marriage and now that it is over, she is trying to find herself again. One day during an event she didn't really want to attend, stumbles upon Elle. They seem to connect so easily and fit together so nicely. Maybe this is the sister and friend she has been looking for all her life. However, when Lucy introduces Elle to her circle, Elle doesn't seem like the Elle she knew. A whole new side appears and can their friendship survive?

This one made me terribly sad. I hate how it ended. I get WHY it ended the way that it did and Lucy had to do what she had to do. But I hated it. 

I enjoyed the story well-enough and there are some lessons to be had. I get that, but man. :/ And I'm sure we all have had a friend like Elle or have been the Elle. Life is about lessons and Lucy (and Elle) learn some tough lessons about life and friendships. 

The narrator did well. I enjoyed her accents and voices. 

Maybe we will get some sort of sequel with Elle. 

Rating? Oh boy. Ummmmmmm..........errrr..........3 stars methinks. 

 Challenge(s):

- Audiobook #57

Movie Review: Nuremberg (2025)

Title: Nuremberg

Length: 2h 28m

Released: 2025

Genre: Drama, Legal Thriller
Rating: PG-13
Where I Got It: Theater

SUMMARY:

A WWII psychiatrist evaluates Nazi leaders before the Nuremberg trials, growing increasingly obsessed with understanding evil as he forms a disturbing bond with Hermann Göring.

Trailer

REVIEW:

Rarely do I go to the theater anymore, but when I do it is for a movie that I've been itching to see. This is one of them. I took my fellow history-loving friend and Hubby. I'm so glad we did. 

The movie follows Dr Kelley as he is tasked with being a psychiatrist for the Nazi leaders arrested. They will be facing trial. One of the main leaders is Hermann Goring who is 2nd in charge of Nazi Germany. Dr Kelley becomes obsessed with learning and understanding the evil in front of him. 

This movie is haunting me. I want to go back and see it again. The way they filmed this was great. They really dig into the minds of these Nazi bastards. Especially Goring. Goring and Kelley form a weird friendship until Kelley sees something that cannot redeem these men. 

The first half you can see how Goring got to where he was in life. He was charming and sauve and he felt like you could have a beer with him. He was an amazing maniuplator. There were times I started to feel bad for him, but then the court scene. Oh.My.God. I was in tears. It was hard to watch but it was a HUGE reminder that these men were evil. Pure evil. Sure they are human at their core and maybe didn't start evil, but they were just as bad as Hitler. 

I loved how complex this was. It was so layered and I couldn't look away. The acting was amazing and if they don't receive an award....then I don't know what a good movie is. 

But yes, trigger warning....I'll put a spoiler alert here: There are ACTUAL scenes from the camps that they show at the trial. [End spoiler] I felt these were super important to display to remind viewers of the terrible events that transpired and that our pity for these men could and should only go far. 

The scene where Kelley gets in Goring's face was Oscar-worthy for both men. Damn. You could feel the hatred. 

100% worth the watch. This movie came out at a good time to remind us that evil is great at hiding. Evil men (and women) are amazing at charming their way to the top. They are great at tricking and lying straight to our faces. Bad people can do a lot of damage. Sure, they may have not started off as evil, but power is a nasty, nasty thing.

5 stars. 

Audiobook Review: Blind Date with a Werewolf by Patricia Briggs

Author: Patricia Briggs

Narrator: Holter Graham
Title: Blind Date with a Werewolf

Series: Alpha & Omega
Genre: UF, Paranormal Romance, Fantasy
Format: Audiobook
Published: October 21, 2025
Where I Got It: My shelf (Audible)

Summary: 

Dear Asil:

We are worried about you. A werewolf alone is a sad thing, especially at Christmastime. So we have a challenge for you: five dates in three weeks. We have taken the work out of it and connected you with five people from online dating sites. You should also know that we have informed the whole pack and instigated a betting pool. Have fun!

Sincerely,

Your Concerned Friends

Review:

Weeee been wanting more from this series and/or world for a bit now. One negative about being caught up. ;) 

Here we have a collection of short stories following Asil taking on the Christmastime date challenge. A "concerned friend" has lined up 5 dates for Asil to go on. He has not been right in the head or heart in years...many, many, years. In a weird way he's excited to get out and prove his friends wrong that he can act normal. 

This is technically "standalones" but I totally encourage reading the other books of the world first before this. 

I simply and utterly adored this collection. Asil is a gem and I'm so glad we got to follow him find himself and maybe love. ADORABLE. We got to see a side of Asil never shown in the other books. He's been rotting away as a side character that we all love (find me one person who doesn't like him...I have a presentation to show them hehe). He's such a deadly werewolf, but man is he kind. He love protecting those who cannot protect themselves. 

But yes. 5 dates. 5 people who may be friend, foe, or more. Each date was soooo different but they each had a lesson for our Asil. 

That ending???? EEEEEK. ADORABLE!!! I hope we see more. 

The author did a lovely job. His voices for everyone was fitting. I believe he did the others in this series. He's good. 

Did I say this was adorable? I may have. 

But yes, I loved it. 

5 stars. 

 Challenge(s):

- Audiobook #56

Books and Reviews: The Pumpkin Spice Spell by Erin Branscom

Author: Erin Branscom

Title: The Pumpkin Spice Spell

Series: Wisteria Cove #1

Genre: Contemporary Romance, Paranormal

Format: Ebook

Pages: 326

Published: September 10, 2025

Where I got It: Kindle Unlimited

Summary: 

In Wisteria Cove, love is messy, magic is real, and pumpkin spice fixes almost everything… almost.

Willa Maren has a bookstore café, two meddling sisters, a witchy mother who swears by candle spells… and a big Tate Holloway is back in town.

Her first love. Her heartbreak. The boy next door, who left, is now back, looking entirely too hot in flannel.

The whole town is matchmaking, her sisters are firmly on Team Tate, and even their mother, Lilith Maren seems to stir up a love spell or two.

But this time, Willa’s determined to protect her heart, even if it takes every ounce of magic she’s got.

For readers who believe in second chances… and a little small-town magic.

Review:

Grabbed this because of the cover and it was labeled as a Halloween romance which I wanted and needed in my life. 

Here we follow Willa and Tate. Tate was Willa's first love and her first heartbreak. When he left, she decided love may not be for her. She only needs her bookstore cafe and her family even if they like to meddle. Years later....Tate is back. And it will take all her willpower and magic power to protect her heart. 

Was there magic? Sure. It was so limited it didn't feel like a paranormal/witchy book at all. We needed more. 

Also, we needed more Halloween-ness. It was there but again...lacking. 

I also didn't buy the chemistry between Willa and Tate. Sure it was there...but we needed more. 

This was entertaining overall, don't get it twisted....but it needed more of everything. It was light on everything. 

All-in-all, I'll give this 3 stars. Not bad. Loved the town and the characters, but it simply needed more on a lot of things.

 

 Challenge(s):

- Library Love #30

- Romance Reading #24 (Non-Xmas setting)

Blodeuedd's Monday Review: Pumpkinheads by Rainbow Rowell

Format: 209 pages, Hardcover

Published: August 27, 2019 by First Second

Ya/fiction/library

I read this one for bookclub and it was a great pick. I really liked how it was drawn, and there was even a map at the beginning to show the place where these two worked.

Two besties who are only besties when they worked together at this enormous very US thing. Like Pumpkin land? Anyway I guess they do not go to the same school. And they have worked there for years and Josiah has a crush on someone. This story takes place in one night as they hare trying to find his crush since this is their last year before college.

On the way there they meet others, try all the yummy stuff you can buy, there is a goat on the loose and well it all ends well.

Deja and Josiah are seasonal best friends.

Every autumn, all through high school, they’ve worked together at the best pumpkin patch in the whole wide world. (Not many people know that the best pumpkin patch in the whole wide world is in Omaha, Nebraska, but it definitely is.) They say good-bye every Halloween, and they’re reunited every September 1.

But this Halloween is different—Josiah and Deja are finally seniors, and this is their last season at the pumpkin patch. Their last shift together. Their last good-bye.

Josiah’s ready to spend the whole night feeling melancholy about it. Deja isn’t ready to let him. She’s got a plan: What if—instead of moping and the usual slinging lima beans down at the Succotash Hut—they went out with a bang? They could see all the sights! Taste all the snacks! And Josiah could finally talk to that cute girl he’s been mooning over for three years . . .

What if their last shift was an adventure?

Audiobook Review: A Rip Through Time by Kelley Armstrong+

Author: Kelley Armstrong

Narrator: Kate Handford
Title: A Rip Through Time

Series: A Rip Through Time #1
Genre: Historical Fiction, Mystery, Thriller, SciFi
Format: Audiobook 
Published: May 31, 2022
Where I Got It: Borrowed from library

Summary: 

May 20, 2019: Homicide detective Mallory is in Edinburgh to be with her dying grandmother. While out on a jog one evening, Mallory hears a woman in distress. She’s drawn to an alley, where she is attacked and loses consciousness.

May 20, 1869: Housemaid Catriona Mitchell had been enjoying a half-day off, only to be discovered that night in a lane, where she’d been strangled and left for dead . . . exactly one-hundred-and-fifty years before Mallory was strangled in the same spot.

When Mallory wakes up in Catriona's body in 1869, she must put aside her shock and adjust quickly to the reality: life as a housemaid to an undertaker in Victorian Scotland. She soon discovers that her boss, Dr. Gray, also moonlights as a medical examiner and has just taken on an intriguing case, the strangulation of a young man, similar to the attack on herself. Her only hope is that catching the murderer can lead her back to her modern life . . . before it's too late

Review:

I've read some books by this author in the past. I enjoyed them and I wanted to read more, but you know how life goes.....other things took my attention. Blodeuedd strongly encouraged reading this and I needed a good historical fiction and a good mystery SO why not?

Here we follow Mallory in 2019. She is in Edinburgh to be by her dying grandmother's side. While out jogging one evening, she hears a woman in distress so she goes to investigate. She is a detective and helping people is so important to her. While down in the alley she is attacked and loses conciousness. When she awakes, she soon finds out she is in a strange body and it is 1869. She will have to adjust quickly to keep her job as a maid for the undertaker who moonlights as a medical examiner. He has just picked up an intriguing murder case that was similar to  the attack on herself. Her hope is to help catch the murderer and find her way back home. 

I was immediatly hooked from page one. I didn't want to stop listening! I had to know how everything was going to end. And that ending??? Awesome! I couldn't listen fast enough. 

Time travel stuff is soooooo particular and I am so picky with it. It has to make sense and be done well. I think the author did a fabulous jump juggling everything. Especially near the end when things happen. I won't spoil anything. 

Loved Mallory. Loved Dr. Gray and his sister. I can't wait to read more. They are a great set of characters. 

The narration was delightful. I enjoyed all her voices and how seamless her transitions were especially for Mallory who is faking a Scottish accent but is Canadian. Beautiful job. 

I want to say more, but I don't want to spoil anything!!! The twists and turns were great. I called the killer, but I was unsure so I was hesitant to think it. Plus......I wanted to be wrong. 

You need to read this if you like historical fiction and murder mysteries. 5 stars. 

 Challenge(s):

- Audiobook #55

Book Review: The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss

Author: Patrick Rothfuss

Title: The Name of the Wind

Series: The Kingkiller Chronicle #1

Genre: Fantasy, SciFi

Format: Ebook

Pages: 662

Published: March 27, 2007

Where I got It: Borrowed from library

Summary: 

Told in Kvothe's own voice, this is the tale of the magically gifted young man who grows to be the most notorious wizard his world has ever seen.

The intimate narrative of his childhood in a troupe of traveling players, his years spent as a near-feral orphan in a crime-ridden city, his daringly brazen yet successful bid to enter a legendary school of magic, and his life as a fugitive after the murder of a king form a gripping coming-of-age story unrivaled in recent literature.

Review:

I remember seeing a couple of people read this, but I honestly I forgot about it. When this was a book that was redeemed for me to read by a member of my Twitch community.

The story is told in Kyothe's own voice. He tells his own story. From a magically gifted young man to the most notorious wizard the world has ever seen. 

I love the whole concept and the whole way the story was written. You can't help but love a story told in someone's own words. It makes the story slightly biased and the narrator is slightly unreliable. 

Honestly, this felt like a roller coaster. I would be super into the story and having a blast, but then I would be over it. There were sections that for sure didn't help move the plot along or help any sort of character growth. I think this could've been slimmed down a wee bit. 

I also struggled to like Kyothe. He seemed like a spoiled and entitled snot. Sure, I love a good bad guy and complex characters. Love a character in grey! However, he just was not a nice person at times. It would've been fine if that was how he was in his youth, but I don't think he ever learned any of the lessons he was supposed to learn. No growth. Just idiocy. 

Even though I struggled to like the main character I did become invested in his story. I am curious about book 2. I am curious to see what the idiot does next. 

But yes, I enjoyed this overall. There were sections that needed a heavy red-lines and the character needs to grow up a bit, but I liked it. It is like those Fail videos you can't help but enjoy. I'll give this 3 stars.  

 Challenge(s):

- Library Love #30

Blodeuedd's Monday Review: And The Trees Stare Back by Gigi Griffis

Author Gigi Griffis

Narrated by Rachel Yong

Publication date Nov 4, 2025 by Tantor Media

Running time 9 hrs 20 min

To review/ Horror Mystery Fiction

Do not go into the bog, you will not come back. Vik knows this. She knows the trees move, the trees stare at you, the deity Soovana moves through the bog. But one day she goes to close with her little sister, and then, her sister Anna is gone. Just like so many others from this village.

Horror, mystery, but, see many others will fall into the creepiness of this nearby bog. But I am Finnish, my DNA is coded with centuries of trauma so I was all at once; The Russians did it. I could never fall into the spookiness of moving trees, and spotting a strange being with deer antlers on its head. Nope, Russians. That is what they do and always have done.

And Estonia, little brother, did the Soviets mess you up so much that you wanted to burn witches in 1989? It felt more like 1789.

So for me this was more a mystery, because something comes out of the bog, someone finally returns. How, why? What is this? It has been 5 years after all and she has not aged.

There is also the whole Estonia wanting freedom, getting out from under the Iron Fist of Soviet. Wanting to speak their language, being afraid when seeing soldiers. About friendship and family and how loss changes you.

A good book, not much horror when I went all logical, but that is the hazards of living here. But a good mystery. Like what was actually going on? And would they find out before they got killed?

Good narration. I felt she got the tone right for the book. Lots of emotions going on.

Soviet Estonia. In sixteen-year-old Vik's village—and the cursed forest that looms beyond—danger is everywhere. Soldiers threaten those who so much as dream of dissent. The villagers' words are sharp with accusations of witchcraft. And deep in the heart of the wood, a lantern-eyed spirit lies in wait to disappear those who wander too far past the trees.

Vik knows because five years ago, she led her little sister Anna over that invisible line—and never saw her again.

The only thing Vik has wished for since then is her sister's safe return. So when Anna stumbles back through the tree line on the anniversary of her disappearance, it's a miracle...Or is it a lie?

As unsettling inconsistencies between this girl and the one who vanished reveal themselves, Vik starts to doubt whether this Anna is her Anna—or something else entirely. Whoever she is, one thing is she was never meant to escape the trees.

And unless Vik can uncover the secrets of the forest, it's going to take her back.

Bests of October

Here are the best of the bests for October!!!! 

Best Book of the Month:

Blodeuedd - A Rip Through Time by Kelley Armstrong

"Best book of the month. A thrilling mystery"

Carole -  Heart of Obsidian by Nalini Singh

"Lots of really good ones this month, but this was just a smidge better. ;)"

Best Movie of the Month:

Carole -  We Have a Ghost (2023)

"Fresh and fun. Humor and feels."

Blodeuedd - The Blackening (2022)

"I wanted something scary for Halloween, but not too scary, so humour and social commentary, perfect."

Best TV show of the Month:

Blodeuedd - Wednesday (s2) & Elsbeth

"I finally watched s2 of Wednesday. Elsbeth was a fun series too."

Carole - The Osbournes (s1-4)

"Revisited this show because...why not? I forgot how much I loved this family!"

Best Cover of the Month:

Carole's pick. 

Blodeuedd's pick

Honorable Mention(s):

Carole's pick(s):

"The last two of this series is just so good and you can't stop reading. When can I re-read the series ;)"

 

3-in-1 Short Story Review: Wailing Well & For the Blood is the Life

Author: MR James

Narrator: Anthony Head
Title: Wailing Well
Genre: Horror, Classic, Paranormal
Format: Audiobook 
Published: January 1, 1928
Where I Got It: Audible

Summary: 

"The Wailing Well" is a 1928 ghost story by M.R. James about a badly behaved Boy Scout named Stanley Judkins who disobeys a warning and enters a haunted field containing a well. Despite being told not to go near the field and its well, Judkins goes there to get water, only to be met with an eerie wail and supernatural terror

Review:

I'm really liking MR James. His stuff is spooky and classy. 

This short tells the story of a badly behaved Boy Scout who never, ever listens to his elders. Well. He is about to discover a horror beyond his imaginations. 

Lovely. Loved it. Spooky and fun. 

Dumb humans being dumb. Gotta love it. 

The narrator brought this story to life. 

5 stars

 

Author: F. Marion Crawford

Narrator: John Telfer
Title: For The Blood Is The Life
Genre: Horror, Classic, Paranormal
Format: Audiobook 
Published: anuary 1, 1911
Where I Got It: Audible

Summary: 

This story tells the classic gothic horror account of a young man in the thrall of a vampire, and...yes, there WILL be blood.

Review:

Something just hits different with these classic horrors. I feel like they are....scarier. Sure, lots of these modern horrors have the blood and the screams. But these oldies are classics for a reason. 

This one follows the story of a man who falls in the thrall of a vampire. He knows what he is doing, but he can't stop himself. 

This was great. I loved seeing this POV. He KNOWS he is enthralled, but he can't stop himself. Night after night. Poor man. 

This wasn't "scary" as some other horrors, but it is creepy and shows the fraility of man. Loved it. 

The narrator did a good job. 

I'll give this 5 stars as well. Why not. I was entertained. 

Author: MR James

Narrator: Peter Coates
Title: An Episode of Cathedral History
Genre: Horror, Classic, Paranormal
Format: Audiobook 
Published: June 10, 1914
Where I Got It: Audible

Summary: 

Behind the stone walls of a venerable English cathedral, the past stirs with a presence that should have remained undisturbed.

In this haunting narrative, the mundane slips imperceptibly into the macabre. A scholar's inquiry unlocks a forgotten secret; shadows lengthen; and something long sealed away begins to wake. With James's signature blend of erudition, atmosphere, and mounting unease, this tale draws the listener into a world where ancient relics conceal more than dust, and history is anything but dead.

Review:

A nice way to end the Spooky Season! I'm liking this author so much. He is good!!!

A man's curiosity unlocks a haunting and forgotten secret. Behind the stone walls of an English cathedral, the past should stay undisturbed. 

Another tale of when curiosity kills the cat and MIND YO BUSINESS. LOL. Oh humans. 

But yes, this was creepy and I liked the ending. It did drag a bit in the beginning. I kept losing focus and having to rewind a couple of seconds. But once we got near the end I was absolutely hooked. 

The narrator was lovely and really brought the horror in. 

4 stars from me. 

 Challenge(s):

- Audiobook #52 & #53 & #54