This post is a wee bit late (ok, it's a lot late), but things have been very busy. I'm sure everyone else is finding they have less time in the lead up to Christmas, and that has impacted on the time I have to read. I haven't read a lot in the last few months, but I'm hoping that December and January will let me devour more books than the four below.
The Winter People - Jennifer McMahon
This is one of the scariest books I've read in a long time. I genuinely had chills reading some sections, and didn't want to go on - but the writing is so immersive and draws you in so that you can't put this book down! The perspective alternates between that of Sara Harrison Shea who died in 1908 after the tragic death of her young daughter, and modern day where Ruthie Washburne notices strange things happening in her home and town - the same place Sara lived and died over a century ago. The split perspective really keeps the plot moving, and allows the reader to make connections between the two women, and draws attention to small details that would otherwise be lost. It allows the author to draw out the suspense, and really extend the horror during certain events. I won't spoil the plot, or the ending, but if you like thrillers, horrors, or are a bit of a history book lover, you should go out and read this! Highly recommended!
See Me - Nicholas Sparks*
I don't read Nicholas Sparks novels often, but I always enjoy them when I do. This is fairly typical to begin with - boy and girl meet and fall in love, despite some sort of awful circumstances. It does go much further than generic love stories though and has a stalker, some major tension and a few action scenes. I quite liked it, for an afternoon read in the sun. It doesn't take long, but is a good way to relax after a hard day at work.
Slade House - David Mitchell*
A haunted house that isn't always accessible, several missing people over half a century, and two troubled siblings at the depth of some sinister soul-sucking. Once again this book was a deviation from my normal reading, but I quite enjoyed it. It's compact, and divided into a series of what seems to be short stories to start with, but connects later on to become one overall plot. The characters are easy to understand, the setting is vivid, and the writing clear. I loved reading this, although it does have supernatural and horror themes (warning for those who aren't into that).
Daughter of Smoke and Bone - Laini Taylor
I read this for a book club, and it was great. It's been on lists of great books for awhile now, and is a must for all fantasy fans. It turns beliefs and superstitions of historic angels and demons on their heads, and creates a world full of magic, family, and the truly wonderful. Set in Italy, Karou studies at an art academy, while also carrying out errands for her adopted 'father' all over the world. Things take a turn for the dark when her access to the Otherworld is cut off, and she begins a journey to discover who she is, and where she came from. This book truly transports you to another place, provides different perspectives on war and conflict, and explores romantic and familial love. I really enjoyed it, and would recommend it to others in a heartbeat!
*PR samples and affiliate links.
There you are, the four books I read in October and November. They were all very good, if a bit different to my normal reading choices.
Until next time ...
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