Welcome to my first reading wrap up. If you’re new, this is a new format I’m playing with to feature recent reads rather than your typical lengthy book review. Today, we’re going to look at the 5 stars reads I’ve enjoyed over the last year. Two you would’ve seen on the blog before, but two I just have to give a special mention to as they were fantastic!!
Mexican Gothic
by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
Horror, Historical Fiction, Stand Alone
This book was a fantastic if unsettling read. Not the usual type of book I read, I was compelled to give it a go after my partner read it. He loved it. And so did I. It is so well written, with a complex heroine who doesn’t idly sit by and let the horrors happen to her. She has spirit and grit, she fights back. Creepy and unnerving, it was at times difficult to know what was real or illusionary. Truly one of the best pieces of fiction I’ve read in years, this one has stuck with me long after reading. I’ve recommended it to so many people.
Mushrooms will never looks the same…
Mistress of the Empire
by Raymond E. Feist and Janny Wurts
Fantasy, Asian Inspired Historical Setting, Series
A stunning conclusion to an excellent trilogy that I have adored. It’s a bloody long read but a well crafted and written one. The politics and drama are second to none! I was gasping in shock and awe at Mara’s adventures to save the Empire. She was such an incredible character; flawed, brave, dangerous, vulnerable. This book was a great and satisfying ending to the series.
If you haven’t, check out my review of book one here.
For No Mortal Creature
by Keshe Chow
Fantasy, Paranormal, Romance, Stand alone
I am a big fan of anything written by Keshe Chow, and this stand alone ghost story romance surprised me in so many ways. It is excellent in its writing and felt so fresh and different in this space. It explores grief and death beautifully while bringing in a sweet and simmering romance. There is so many layers to this novel (hehe… you’ll see what I mean!).
If you’re looking for a more detailed review, you can read it here.
“The best lies are those that are formed in half-truths”
An Amateur Witch’s Guide to Murder
by K. Valentin
Urban Paranormal, Romance
Again, this was not a typical read for me. I don’t normally gravitate to the paranormal, particularly if set in the modern world. But Valentin’s novel is excellent. Genuinely funny, I was laughing out loud at the antics as much as I was horrified by the more gory elements of this otherworldly story. A chaotic dynamic trio, Mataeo, Ophelia and Topher are worth getting to know as they run around the US trying to get rid of a dastardly curse.
My full review of the novel can be found here.
It’s funny how some of the best things I’ve read this last year have been horror or included horror elements. Rather like most of the best films I’ve seen lately have been horror too…funny that. Had you said a year ago that’d be the case I would have laughed, as I never much enjoyed the genre. Though I am so glad to be exploring it now. From fantasy to the paranormal, these four books had me captivated. From a great series end to the potential start of another, these four books were all five star reads.
Until next time,
Catherine