April Wrap Up 2022

April 30, 2022

The leaves are turning orange, the air in the morning is crisp and the fog is clinging on for longer and longer everyday. Autumn has finally, truly arrived and I am in my element. Autumn is my favourite season, cold nights, and warm days. The changing colours of the trees and the slow transition from dresses to sweaters. Unfortunately, I spent an entire week of this beautiful month in my room with covid, but this month we also added a new member of the family. Our beautiful puppy Maisy is now almost 12 weeks old and I love her with all my heart.

Since I spent so much time locked down with nothing much to do other than read and watch TV, I used the time to work through my every growing pile of books I’m currently reading. This month I finished 5 books, one audiobook and four paperbacks.

The first book I finished was River Kings by Cat Jarman. I was so lucky to be given a copy of this book for review by Pegasus Books but I ended up going out and buying the paperback version of it before I had finished reading it! River Kings, written by bioarchaeologist Cat Jarman (who is also a field archaeologist who specialises in the Viking Period) takes a small carnelian bead found in the site of Repton and follows what may have been its journey through the Viking world all the way to Baghdad and India. Jarman works with DNA analysis, isotope analysis and radiocarbon dating of the archaeological finds to trace the Vikings from Britain, through Scandinavia and ultimately uncovers greater interaction and movement between the west and the east. This book was so well written and incredibly fascinating. I would recommend it to lovers of trade connections in the ancient world, those who find material culture theory fascinating and all lovers of the Vikings.

Next, I finished my audiobook of Fire by Kristin Cashore. This young adult series is nothing like I imagined it to be, but I am thoroughly enjoying listening to it. I found it a bit slow for the first few hours but once we were introduced to the other main characters of the story it really picked up the pace. I was initially sceptical of this sequel to Graceling because it follows the character of Fire who is what is known as a monster with red, pink and orange hair and who makes men and women lose their minds around her. She is a new character (as are most of the other characters introduced in this instalment), and we don’t hear anything of the characters from the previous book. It didn’t take long though for me to enjoy this part of the world and these new characters, although I didn’t end up enjoying it quite as much as I enjoyed Katsa’s story in Graceling.

Book number three that I finished this month was House of Sky and Breath by Sarah J Maas. By this time of the month I had contracted Covid so I had plenty of free time and just enough ability to focus to finish this mammoth book. One thing I MUST mention and that I didn’t realise in my first read of CC1 (because it was an audiobook) is the amount of mythology and ancient history from different cultures Maas has used in these stories. Midgard as the name of their planet, Hel as the dark realm, numerous gods and beings, Vanir, SPQM. I could go on! I loved being back in the world of Bryce, Hunt and Ruhn (especially since we got so much more from interesting side characters like Hypaxia, Ithan and Tharion). There was some great character development and although I knew there was some shady shit going on with the Asteri, this book just kept throwing curveballs that I didn’t see coming. I didn’t enjoy it as much as CC1 which is a bummer, and every now and then I had a ‘huh?’ moment where I feel like Maas’ writing was confusing, almost as if she forgot whose POV she was writing from. And that’s another thing, I love multiple POVs, this book included, but I feel like sometimes she just glided from one perspective to another and didn’t really make it obvious enough for it to not be confusing… if that makes sense?

You would not believe it but I finally finished Assassin’s Quest by Robin Hobb, and I have decided that I am going to keep on reading these books despite it taking me over 6 months to finish this book! This final instalment of the Farseer Trilogy was the longest and was oftentimes a bit repetitive and slow which was why it took me so long to finish. But once I got into the really juicy last third of the book I absolutely raced through it. I could not put it down. Robin Hobb’s world-building, character development and general fantasy writing ability is truly unseen anyplace else. Her prose is unique and you just can’t help but want Fitz to be happy and healthy at the end of everything he goes through. Less of a battle and action style fantasy is this a soft, political and intricate fantasy. I truly never saw the ending coming. One other highlight for me in this book is the friendship between the Fool and Fitz, and the companionship of Nighteyes.

My final read for this month was meant to be a buddy read but honestly, I had nothing else to do with my time so I just read the whole thing in two days, and that was Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo. Despite not loving the Shadow and Bone series (I gave them all 3 or 3.5 ★) I came into this story with high hopes as a dark academia story about secret societies with ghosts set at Yale. However, I was left a little disappointed. This book had such potential, the premise sounds right up my alley but I think a combination of writing style, an unlikable main character and seemingly unnecessary trauma left me not quite satisfied with it. The story itself was interesting, with secret societies at Yale working will all sorts of magic and mystical things under the supervision of Lethe, students specifically chosen to keep the societies in line, but the writing style just wasn’t it for me. Not to mention the main character Alex (short for Galaxy) was unlikeable and flighty. Without a doubt, the supporting characters Darlington and Dawes were interesting and complex characters that I would have loved to learn more about. There are also a lot of trigger warnings needed for this book, and thanks to Samantha at Thoughtsontomes who provided this list on her Goodreads review — rape; murder; child molestation; physical and emotional abuse from partner; grooming; gore; possession; drug abuse; overdose; death of a friend. Please do make sure this book is for you before picking it up because honestly, some of this came out of nowhere. Overall the plot itself kept me interested enough to finish it and to want to read the sequel but it hasn’t become a favourite like I thought it would.

I would love to hear your thoughts on any of the books I read in April! What did you read this month? Any new favourites? Let me know in the comments or over on my Instagram @kell_read ✨

November Wrap Up 2021

December 5, 2021

Goodbye Spring, Hello Summer and December! The final month of 2021 has terrifyingly arrived, but with constant stress brought on by the fact that it’s almost 2022, it is also a festive time for love, laughter and general merriment. So, lets have a look at what I read during the second last month of 2021!

The first book I finished this month was Royal Assassin by Robin Hobb, the second booking the Farseer Trilogy (find my review for Assassin’s Apprentice here). Royal Assassin follows on from the end of Assassins Apprentice in the eyes of Fitz, a bastard son to one of the late kings-in-waiting to the throne of the Six Duchies. This second instalment of the series was not only a lot longer, but quite a lot more brutal too. Just when you think Fitz has been through enough for a boy so young, yet another event puts him in the thick of things. As the Six Duchies continue to be ravaged by the Red Ships, it is also being poisoned from within which makes Fitz even less safe than before. I loved the addition of Nighteyes the wolf, and getting to know more about the Wit, and the way it is received in the community. A wonderful continuation to the series and I am looking forward to seeing how this trilogy will end!

Book two for November was the audiobook of Graevale by Lynette Noni. Graevale is book 4 of the Medoran Chronicles, a YA fantasy series that just keeps getting better with each book. To think that some people had to wait between the end of this book and the beginning of the next stresses me out - I love having every single book available for me to devour as quickly as possible. This series is like a combination of Harry Potter, Covenant and something else I can’t put my finger on in the absolute best way possible, and this one really hit me in the feels. Graevale introduces us to a number of other mortal races in Medora and gives more time to some of the teachers which I loved. The ended absolutely ripped out my heart and I genuinely had no idea what to do with myself. If this series continues to be this wonderful, it will definitely become one on my favourite YA series, and most likely a comfort series that I will read over and over again.

The next book I finished in November was Lore Olympus (volume one) by Rachel Smythe. If you’re not already familiar with Lore Olympus, it’s a webtoon that is updated weekly by Rachel and can be found for free online. This graphic novel only covers the first 25 episodes or so of the ongoing tale, but it hooked me in so quick I then couldn’t help but binge read the rest of the story for the few days following my finishing volume one. Lore Olympus is a reimagining/retelling of the Greek myth of Hades and Persephone which has unique artistic style and doesn't shy away from sensitive topics. This is a brilliant amalgamation of ancient and modern, with Olympus being a modern world, and the real world set in Ancient Greece. The graphic novel introduces all of your major Olympians (although some only feature later in the webtoon), and incorporates a number of myths and aspects of Greek mythology into the story, whilst still feeling like a brand new tale. It is truly wonderful, and I would recommend it for all lovers of Greek mythology.

The final book I finished this month was another audiobook, and that was We Three Heroes by Lynette Noni. This book is actually three novellas, one from D.C.’s point of view, one from Jordan’s perspective and one from Bear’s. It doesn’t follow on from Graevale but there were a few really important aspects from these novellas that you probably want to know about before jumping into Vardaesia (I know it’s hard but it’s worth it). I wasn’t as much of a fan of the three narrators for these stories, and D.C.’s novella was a bit repetitive and slow, but it was really redeemed with Jordan and Bear’s stories. Both of them had a lot of grief to work through, and being able to read some scenes from previous books but from their perspectives was truly wonderful, and it would be remiss of me to mention that there are SO MANY heartfelt scenes in these novellas. I literally couldn’t handle it sometimes, my emotions were all over the place! This book really got me ready for the final instalment of this series (even though I’m gonna be so sad when it’s over).

It was a tie between Lore Olympus and Graevale for my favourite read of this year, let me know what your favourite read of the month was in the comments or on my wrap up post on Instagram! ✨

Review: Royal Assassin by Robin Hobb

November 6, 2021

★★★★☆ This review will spoil the first book in the series - you’ve been warned!!

What is the book about?

Royal Assassin by Robin Hobb is the second book in the Farseer Trilogy that focusses on the life of Fitz, a bastard son of the former King-in-Waiting to the Farseer Throne of the Six Duchies. As a boy who was brought to Buckkeep, and spent much of his time in the stables before beginning his training as a member of the Farseer family, he holds a unique position of power - one that can be wielded as a weapon if forged correctly. He quickly becomes an assassin for the royal family under the tutelage of Chade, as well as a boy with skill in the Skill, and the taboo’d Wit. After his near death experience at the Mountain Kingdom, and wanting nothing more than to stay there to live the rest of his life in peace, he returns to Buckkeep after being drawn by both his burgeoning love, and his oath to King Shrewd. He returns to Buckkeep as it continues to be threatened by Red Ship raiding, as well as a threat much closer to home that threatens the throne held by the ailing king. Fitz’s position and role at the keep and in the royal family means that the fate of the Six Duchies may fall to his hands, and just what he may need to sacrifice is yet to be seen.

History is what we do in our lives. We create it as we go along… The future is another kind of history. (287)

Thoughts and feelings

For a story about an assassin for the Farseer family, the royal family of the Six Duchies, this book is a slow paced read with very minimal action. This book is very character centred and is a character driven book versus a plot driven book. It is a story full of political intrigue and subtle nuances between characters. It is an ever growing web of secret interactions, alliances and betrayals that keeps you on the edge of your seat even if nothing is really happening. Our main character Fitz continues to mature and grow in this second instalment as his position at Buckkeep is questioned and challenged after his time in the Mountain Kingdoms leaves him in a less than desired physical and mental state. My love of character driven books and intricate political-fantasy stories really made me get lost in this book, so much so that I stopped annotating almost immediately, and simply let myself get immersed into Buckkeep and it’s ever-growing concerns of the Red-Ships, and a threat even closer to home. If you’re expecting an action packed, battle filled story you will be sorely disappointed - although you definitely do get a bit more of that than in the first book. Fitz really goes through a lot in this book, and I don’t think I have ever felt so much empathy towards a main character as I do to Fitz, and his new wolf friend is such a joy in this book full of ever growing treachery.

September Wrap up 2021

October 1, 2021

This was the quickest month of the year so far, I blinked and I missed it.

September Reads

I didn’t finish anything in the first 3 weeks of September, and then suddenly I finished four. I can thank the return of audiobooks for that. I am loving that the blooms are out and the weather is slowly warming. This is one of my favourite times of year.

The first book I finished this month was the audiobook of A Touch of Malice by Scarlett St. Clair. I have listened to this whole series plus the first book in Hades POV, and I could not recommend the audiobook enough! This instalment is definitely my favourite from the series so far. It was heavy on the character development (love!), and the three main storylines hooked me in. This book really shows how much Persephone and Hades (among other characters) have grown, and I absolutely loved it. So much happened in this book, lots of little things either falling in to place, or hinting towards bigger things to come in the final book of the series, and I am so excited for the conclusion of this series.

The second book for September was Assassin’s Apprentice by Robin Hobb. This is the first book of the Farseer Trilogy, and I wish I’d picked this up a long time ago! Full of political tension, this book is essentially a coming of age story for our main character, Fitz, who lives on the cusp of both the top and bottom of the social hierarchy. His liminality added a whole other dimension to the story that was unfolding; a story full of politics, magic and secret assassinations. Honestly, I adored this book and I am thrilled that I can just get straight in to book number two. ★★★★☆.5

Book number three was Egyptian Mythology: A Travelers Guide from Aswan to Alexandria by Garry Shaw, which I was generously given by Thames and Hudson for a review. This non-fiction combining travel and Ancient Egypt was a wonderfully unique read, which takes you on a journey up the Nile, stopping at the fourteen main sites and delving into their mythologies and historical past. Not only do you get the local variations of well known stories, but you are given both a glimpse into the site at its prime and evocative descriptions that makes it feel like you could be standing at the site. Brilliant for travel lovers and Egyptian mythology enthusiasts alike, I absolutely loved this read! ★★★★☆

The final book I finished this month was Akarnae by Lynette Noni, a Young Adult audiobook by an Australian author (yay!) This was such a fun listen, and I would definitely recommend the audiobook (although I have a feeling I’ll be buying the paperbacks to add to my collection at some point). As a combination of Narnia and Harry Potter (kind of), Alex finds herself in another world with incredible technological advancements, strange and wonderful creatures, a magic library and kids who all have special gifts. This book follows Alex at Akarnae, a boarding school in Medora as she makes new friends, learns about this new world and uncovers a sinister plot that has something to do with a mysterious man that keeps appearing. I thought this book was so much fun, and I really enjoyed it!

What was your favourite read in September? Let me know in the comments or over on my Instagram @kell_read ✨

Review: Assassins Apprentice by Robin Hobb

September 24, 2021

★★★★☆.5 promising start to the series! I am excited to keep reading.

What’s the book about?

In the kingdom of the Six Duchies, the Farseer family rule at Buckkeep and they are on the brink of a civil war, and the last thing they needed was Fitz, a bastard son of the King-in-Waiting who then promptly abdicates his right to the crown and leaves with his wife. Fitz, who is raised in the stables of Buckkeep and finds solace in very few places, one being his affinity with animals, is despised by those at the keep. He could also be a problem to the crown one day, so he is taken under the wing of the royal family and taught the ways any young noble boy should be taught. He is also taught to be a weapon for the royal family, and tutored by Chade in the artistry of killing, and in the traditional magic of the Farseer family. With the weight of the royal family on his shoulders, Fitz must survive even when the odds are against him.

All events, no matter how earthshaking or bizarre, are diluted within moments of their occurrence the the continuance of the necessary routines of day-to-day.

My thoughts

It took me a long time to read this (partly because I set it aside for a month to buddy read Red Rising), but boy did I love this book. It reminds me of no other, it’s rife with stunning world-building and backstory. Hobb has found a way to set the scene without info-dumping, but completely immersing you into the world. Each chapter starts with a tidbit of history of their world, and these sections explain customs, laws, political intricacies and everything else you could need to understand the events of the novel without just dumping all the info on you at once. It is gradually divulged to the reader in a sophisticated and completely engrossing way. Hobb’s writing style is beautiful and unique, it’s complex, it’s gritty. She describes. the good and the bad in a way like no other author I have experienced. I am completely invested in the world she has invented, and much of that is due to her writing style. One thing I loved about this world is the custom of naming in the royal family based on the virtues or characteristics they embody. Without knowing anything about a character, you can still get a feel for the type of person they are, and I love it.

Fitz is a liminal character, existing on the boundaries of the lowest of society, whilst simultaneously existing in the world of the royals. In such a structured and political environment, he is an outcast, and he could be deadly. This book not only sets up for greater political intrigue and subterfuge in the coming books, but it is very much a coming of age story for Fitz. He grows from a young child to a young man, he develops from a boy who barely speaks to an articulate and witty character, and he goes from being a bastard, to an indispensable assassin for the royal family. This book isn’t what you may think when you hear ‘secret assassin for the royal family.’ There is very minimal action, it’s a gradual buildup to the last 100 pages where the pace picks up and the stage is set for the next book. The book is nuanced with political intrigue, and there is so much that is yet to be revealed that you just have to keep reading. It was definitely a character-driven story, dotted with an underlying magical element which I am looking forward to learning more about in coming books. Have you read this book, this series or anything by Robin Hobb? What did you think? Let me know in the comments or over on my Instagram @kell_read ✨

Most prisons are of our own making. A man makes his own freedom, too.