October Wrap Up (2023)

 Hey guys, this is Abi here, 

And I'm here with my October Wrap Up (2023)!

Due to the 24 readathon I took part in (just a personal one) at the start of October, I have a lot to talk about. So let's get started! 

1. Bad Magic, by Derek Landy 

This is a short (obviously Abi, it's a graphic novel), fast-paced tale that takes place, I'm assuming now- after the events of Until the End, but before the new trilogy starts. Being a graphic novel, it was an absolutely perfect novel to start in the early hours of the morning for my 24 hour readathon, before my brain had woken up. It was a spooky story about possession, with Valkyrie and Skulduggery at the centre, working a case and being their usual awesomeness. I even had the pleasure of meeting Derek Landy on his tour and getting it signed so that was the cherry on top. 

2. Coraline, by Neil Gaiman (Illustrations/Adapter: P. Craig Russell)

I'd been wanting to read Coraline for the longest time, and I'd heard about how creepy the graphic novel was. When I saw it in my local Waterstones, there was no doubt in my mind that I had to have it. Going into this, I honestly wasn't expecting anything more than the film I'd seen a number of times, but the graphic novel actually lended a lot more to Coraline's character than the films did. You could feel the fear she must have felt, going head to head with the other mother and possibility of losing everything if she didn't succeed. 

Oh, and the illustrations for the other mother were just as creepy as everyone had said. 

3. The Pearl Sister (The Seven Sisters #4), by Lucinda Riley 

I have a few more thoughts on this in my Seven Sisters Series' Review, but in short, when I started this book, I wasn't terribly keen on CeCe, because of the other POV's I'd read in the first three books. But reading the book that was all about her, her journey and her growth, really changed my opinion about her. Looking forward to seeing her again in the later books. 

5. Trouble Girls, by Julia Lynn Rubin 

Trouble Girls is about two girls, Trixie and Lux that are off for the weekend on a roadtrip. They haven't seen eachother in months, and for the first time in ages, are free from responsibilities. That is, until one fateful night, something happens, that could honestly happen to anyone, that changes their life forever. What was once a carefree trip with a friend, turns into a desperate attempt to flee the police. 

Honestly, this was such a wonderful book to read. All it took, when I heard about this was: "A queer YA #MeToo reimagining of Thelma & Louise", and I was sold. It's so easy to put yourself in the POV of Trixie and Lux. The anger and vulnerability you feel when viewed as nothing more than a body part, and the confusion about what to do when something unexpected happens. I have no idea what I would do if I were to experience what these two girls have happen to them, but that's just it. Nobody does until faced with it. Wonderful book, amazingly fleshed out characters with a clear voice. Thoroughly enjoyed this. 

6. The Mist, by Stephen King

I bought this, with the idea in mind that I would read it during my 24-hour-readathon. With it being just 180 pages, I knew I'd be able to get through it relatively quickly. But then, with over half of The Pearl Sister still to finish, I decided to put this to one side for a rainy day (which happened to be the following saturday/sunday). 

You guys, this is a short snappy, creepy book that is perfect for this time of year. I've been a fan of the film for several years, which is just as good as the book by the way, but what's impressive about the book is how much they manage to pack into it. I don't feel like it's rushed at all, I had no trouble remembering all the characters, it's really easy to follow if you want a, not nice, but good start to the genre that is horror. I genuinely think it's one of King's best, despite it's short length. Highly recommend. 

7. The Moon Sister (The Seven Sisters #5), by Lucinda Riley 

Okay, I kind of have to include this on the list. I'm currently just shy of page 500/738 and although it's a high order that I finish this in two days, I'm going to try. I really love this book so far, I don't know what it is about Tiggy, but I just love her as a character. Lucia's awesome to read about too, her spirit, her talent as a flamenco dancer, and her passion is endearing, but for me, Tiggy is where it's at. Honestly, it doesn't matter whether I manage to finish this before midnight on tuesday, I just know it's going to be five stars, just like the rest of them.

Update (31/10/23): I finished it! If I like a book, I will always do my damnest to finish it! Loved the ending, loved the ending of Tiggy's arc, and honestly, she's one of my favourite sisters! Can't wait to see what comes next for her!

Okay! Those are all the books I've read this month- so many more than recently! I have to say I'm proud of what I read, given the limited time I've had! 

As always, feel free to comment what you finished this month and we can talk about them in the comments! 

I hope you have a wonderful evening and I'll see you all soon! 

Byeeeee! 

-Abi xxxxxxx