Review: Agnes Aubert's Mystical Cat Shelter

Agnes Aubert's Mystical Cat Shelter by Heather Fawcett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I have a confession.  I turned down an advanced copy of Agnes Aubert's Mystical Cat Shelter by Heather Fawcett because I thought it would be too romantic for me.  It was being billed as romantasy, and even with the fantastic cover and the lure of cats, I just felt I wouldn't like it.  But, this book did not give up on my.  It kept showing up everywhere.  It was recommended to me repeatedly.  Finally, I decided to put it on hold at the library and let fate decide when/if I should read it.  Well, it came off hold so fast, fate was sending an unmistakable signal.  I now regret turning down the ARC.  There is romance, but I feel in love with the dedication to cat rescue.  The cat shelter isn't a throwaway concept.  It is actually important to the story!  I'm sorry for misjudging you.  If you are passionate about cat rescue and don't mind a little romance, check this out!

Bonus points for so many cats who aren't forgotten throughout the story.  

View all my reviews

Review: Questland

Questland by Carrie Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Questland by Carrie Vaughn is like a dream come true.  If I were offered the chance to go to a theme park based on fantasy literature and gaming, I would not hesitate to say yes.  Actually, why doesn't this exist yet?  I guess they sort of tried it with Star Wars, and I still regret I didn't get to go before it shut down.  I need this to be a real thing.  Sorry, I am digressing from the book.  Our geeky main character is hired to go take back said theme park from the developers who  went rogue.  She is given a small team of mercenaries (my term) who actually do have combat skills but not really gaming skills to assist her in this mission.  I loved all the references.  I thought this book was a lot of fun even though there were some sad parts.  

View all my reviews

Review: The Rose Field

The Rose Field by Philip Pullman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Rose Field is the third book in The Book of Dust series by Philip Pullman. I wouldn't read this as a standalone, and I wouldn't read it if you haven't read His Dark Materials. This book builds on the foundations of those other books and includes references you won't get if you aren't familiar with the universe. As always, the writing and the philosophy are super compelling. Pullman's books make you think. They are epic and sweeping. Without spoiling anything, I was relieved at the end. Lyra and Pan grow through their adventures, but they had to make big sacrifices to get there.

View all my reviews

Review: Winterset Hollow: A Novel

Winterset Hollow: A Novel by Jonathan Edward Durham
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Full Disclosure: I received an Advanced Reader's Copy of Winterset Hollow: A Novel by Jonathan Edward Durham from Union Square & Co via NetGalley.  This edition will be published around October 6, 2026.  

I've been following Jonathan Edward Durham online for awhile because I think his posts are hilarious and often align with exactly what I am thinking.  It is kind of scary.  When I found out he wrote a book, I had to read it.  I felt like I won the lottery when I was picked to receive an ARC of it!  It is essentially two books in one.  There is Winterset Hollow, the children's book that is told part by part interspersed with the story of a group of fans taking a trip to the island where the author lived to pay homage to their favorite book.  What they come to discover is you should never meet your heroes and that fairy tales often have gruesome origins if they are sugar-coated for modern children's consumption.  Reading this is like going to Disneyland only to discover Stephen King designed the whole place, and you can't leave.  As dark and horrific as it might be, I still cried in parts.  Hit me right in the feels!  My edition had the whole Winterset Hollow story at the end if you wanted to read it from start to finish instead of broken up over the course of the book.  It is quite a beautiful story with a dark underbelly.

Bonus points for some fantastic animals and an amazing cover!

View all my reviews

Review: Letters from an Imaginary Country

Letters from an Imaginary Country by Theodora Goss
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Letters from an Imaginary Country is a collection of short stories by Theodora Goss.  I was already a fan of Goss, but this is also a great introduction to her work for those that might not be familiar.  She tends to look at "monsters" through a different lens.  I also like that she explores language, especially Hungarian which is so unique.  If you like the L. Frank Baum books, vampires, Mary Shelley, or sometimes feel like an alien in your own culture/country, I highly recommend reading this book.  

View all my reviews

Review: The Rabbit Back Literature Society

The Rabbit Back Literature Society by Pasi Ilmari Jääskeläinen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Rabbit Back Literature Society by Pasi Ilmari Jääskeläinen is possibly the first book I've read by a Finnish writer.  It was translated into English by Lola Rogers.  I was drawn into this mysterious secret society of famous Finnish writers who all come from this small town of Rabbit Back.  How is it possible for one place to generate nine incredible authors across a variety of genres?  That they are cultivated by a mysterious woman who may or may not be real or a witch or something from a C.S. Lewis story makes it even crazier.  There are several mysteries going on and the answers are revealed as the various authors spill their stories or some story.  Maybe not a story?  Maybe the truth?  You'll have to decide whether you believe them.  While there are fairy-tale elements, this is an adult novel.  There are graphic discussions of people's bodies and sex.  It was very frank which you don't see frequently.  

View all my reviews

Review: A Parade of Horribles

A Parade of Horribles by Matt Dinniman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A Parade of Horribles is the eighth book in the Dungeon Crawler Carl series by Matt Dinniman.  You do need to read these books in order, but I guarantee it is worth the investment.  You will look at the number of pages and say NO WAY AM I READING 784 PAGES!  Then, you will start reading, finish, and be sad that there are not 784 more.  Seriously.  These books fly by so fast even when I force myself to put them down because I don't want to finish because I don't want to wait however long until the next one and I have to do things like sleep and eat.  

We are now at the 10th floor of the dungeon.  It is like the most twisted and deadly version of Mario Kart you can imagine.  If you survive, you get a brief respite to participate in a celebration on the extremely short 11th floor.  There is a parade!  Yay?  I remember making floats for parades when I was in high school.  Good luck, Donut!  Also not sure why everyone has an aversion to peach-flavored beer.  Of all the things to be tortured with, it doesn't sound that bad.

Bonus points for Penelope and all the other critters that make an appearance in this book. I don't think I could choose a biological mount because I would be too worried about their safety to race.  

View all my reviews

Review: Dreamers of the Full Moon Coffee Shop

Dreamers of the Full Moon Coffee Shop by Mai Mochizuki
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Full Disclosure: I received an Advanced Reader's Copy of Dreamers of the Full Moon Coffee Shop by Mai Mochizuki from Ballantine Books via NetGalley.  This book will be published around August 25, 2026.

Dreamers of the Full Moon Coffee Shop is the third book in the Full Moon Coffee Shop series by Mai Mochizuki.  I recommend reading the books in order because the stories build on one another.  For those that have read the other books, Dreamers is slightly different.  I highly recommend reading the acknowledgment section where Mai explains why it is different.  While different, it is still a soothing read.  It is a reminder that there are many types of love, and they are all meaningful.  The astrology is also still there but less detailed than before.  Again, the acknowledgments really helped elucidate the astrological aspects.  

Bonus points for a gorgeous cover!

View all my reviews

Review: Gingerbread

Gingerbread by Helen Oyeyemi
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

It felt very meta making and eating gingerbread while reading Gingerbread by Helen Oyeyemi.  I didn't even intend to do that.  It was serendipitous.  I have also been experimenting with what I put in it to make sure I get the right combo.  Gingerbread inspired me to try honey instead of maple syrup.  It was a good idea!  

Gingerbread is a modern fairy tale.  You can see the nods to classic fairy tales throughout the story. Magical realism is not always easy to follow.  You have to be comfortable letting go of certain structures to let the story bloom.  Once I let go, I enjoyed it much more.  I also can't promise that I won't force a loaf of gingerbread on you the next time I see you. 

View all my reviews

Review: The Many

The Many by Sylvain Neuvel
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Full Disclosure: I received an Advanced Reader's Copy of The Many by Sylvain Neuvel from Rebellion via NetGalley. This book was just published.

Let's face it. If Sylvain Neuvel writes it, I will read it. I was excited to see he had a new book coming. Look at that gorgeous cover! I had to read it and thankfully, I got my hands on a copy early. Whew! This is a standalone novel unlike his other books. The Test is technically a novella I suppose so it doesn't count? The point is, you can read this without worrying that you might be investing in a whole series if your reading time is limited. I love that this book is told through multiple perspectives with each chapter alternating viewpoints. There are also not many books that tell the story from a tick's perspective. As someone with an allergy that may have been tick-induced, I related hard to Carole even though I didn't particularly like her. I also haven't read anything with such a diverse cast of characters in a long time. I'm not sure you could get more diverse than The Many.

I liked the idea that if people could just understand how others think and feel, we might be able to change society for better. There are a host of ethical issues that come up with that. Also, who gets to define what better means. And also, would you want to know what other people really think? While that could of taken us to some deep dark places, Neuvel keeps it fairly light and positive.

Bonus points for the giraffe. I will not say more than to say it was trippy but so fun.



View all my reviews

Review: The Universe Box

The Universe Box by Michael Swanwick
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Full Disclosure: I received an Advanced Reader's Copy of The Universe Box by Michael Swanwick from Tachyon Publications via NetGalley.  This book has already been published.

The Universe Box is a collection of short stories by Michael Swanwick.  The stories are a mix of fantasy, speculative, and science fiction.  In addition to some very interesting stories, I found the introduction to the stories fascinating.  When someone comes up with such wild ideas, you do wonder where they come from.  Some of the stories read like myths if you like mythology.  There is some humor.  I appreciate that animals are generously represented.  If you want something different and super well-written, get a copy of The Universe Box.  

View all my reviews

Review: Toto

Toto by A.J. Hackwith
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Toto by A.J. Hackwith might be my favorite version of the Wizard of Oz stories.  Don't come at me.  It is updated to a more modern time and told from the perspective of Toto.  It was so fun!  I still would have loved it even without the pop culture references.  Toto has always been my favorite character in the Wizard of Oz.  It is about time they got their own book!  And like any good little dog, Toto has big aspirations.  Toto is very funny too!  Whether you like the Wizard of Oz or animals, I think you will like this book.

View all my reviews

Review: The Kaiju Preservation Society

The Kaiju Preservation Society by John Scalzi
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Kaiju Preservation Society by John Scalzi is the right book at the right time.  It is the pop song of books that we all need right now.  Or at least, I needed it right now.  I had it with a side of Taylor Swift.  I came to John Scalzi backwards (and in heels) by reading Starter Villain.  Anyone who could write that book is my kind of writer.  The Kaiju Preservation Society is also my kind of book.  I'm all about animal preservation.  I was excited to learn about what it would take to save Kaiju.  I have held a top secret clearance but do not do food delivery, so I'm not sure how I get into this gig, but if KPS is hiring, please give them my name.  I like that there are smart people in the book, but you don't have to be that smart to understand anything going on.  I also like that it reinforces my belief that all billionaire tech bros are douchebags.  

If you need to escape from our current reality for a couple of hours or days, check this out.  It was delightful from start to finish.  

View all my reviews

Review: The Codex Arcanum 1888: The Alchemical Chronicles, Book 1

The Codex Arcanum 1888: The Alchemical Chronicles, Book 1 by Tasmin Turner
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Full Disclosure: I received an Advanced Reader's Copy of The Codex Arcanum 1888 by Tasmin Turner from Wish Books via NetGalley.  This book was published in December 2025.

The Codex Arcanum 1888 is the first book in the Alchemical Chronicles by Tasmin Turner.  You will definitely want to start here for two reasons.  The first reason is the second book isn't out as of this posting (a very important detail) and the second reason is this book is a bit cliffhangery.  You could certainly read it as a standalone, but you will definitely want to read it before the next book.  

This book has a lot of elements that I really like in my reading.  There are secret societies, paranormal events, a mysterious book that needs to be deciphered, a lost language, and esoteric history.  I give it bonus points for setting partly in the neighborhood I lived in when I studied in London.  I found myself imagining walking down the streets again even though I was there in much more modern times.  It was so fun.  It will be interesting to see what comes next!

View all my reviews

Review: The Bewitching

The Bewitching by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Bewitching by Silvia Moreno-Garcia is told by three different narrators across three different time periods.  The chapters alternate among them to move the story forward.  There are threads that tie them all together, mostly witches but not just witches.

I love a book about a book.  This is one of them.  The Vanishing is a haunting fictional tale of a "real" event where one of the characters' friends goes missing.  Jump forward to Minerva who is doing research on the book and its author.  This takes her to dark places her grandmother warned her about.  There once were witches.  There still might be witches.  

I really enjoyed all the references to music and horror writers.  It is always fun when writers drop some Easter eggs and you catch them!  Minerva and I share a similar taste in music.  I love the playlist.

I did have a hard time with some descriptions of animal death.  If you triggered by incest and/or rape, this book might also be difficult for you.  I tried to remember that there was a time, especially in remote areas, where marrying someone who was not an immediate family member was acceptable.  

Bonus points for Karnstein!  Good kitty!

View all my reviews

Review: The Cat Who Saved Books

The Cat Who Saved Books by Sōsuke Natsukawa
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Cat Who Saved Books is the first book in The Cat Who...book series by Sosuke Natsukawa.  I haven't read the second book yet, but it is also about cats and books.  This is a sweet, cozy read for anyone who loves books.  Liking cats is a bonus but not a requirement.  While the cat gets title recognition, he does not save the books on his own.  He enlists the aid of a young booklover who happens to have inherited a bookstore.  They go on adventures to save books from misguided bookish people.  It is all very wholesome.  


View all my reviews

Review: We'll Prescribe You Another Cat

We'll Prescribe You Another Cat by Syou Ishida
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

We'll Prescribe You Another Cat is the second book in the We'll Prescribe You a Cat series by Syou Ishida.  You will want to read them in order because they build upon each other.  

I didn't love We'll Prescribe You Another Cat as much as I loved the first one.  That said, I still cried my eyes out on the Nikke chapter.  Be careful when you get there.  I think the problem I had this time is I didn't always understand how the prescribed cat related to the issue.  It was sometimes as if someone prescribed antibiotics for a broken arm.  The cats are still cute and fun and well worth reading about.

View all my reviews

Review: Moonlight and Magic

Moonlight and Magic by Darynda Jones
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Moonlight and Magic is the fourth book in the Betwixt & Between series by Darynda Jones.  I listened to the audiobook narrated by Traci Odom.  I definitely recommend reading at least one other book in the series before this one for a couple of reasons.  The first reason is the books really do build upon one another so you lose something if you skip around or over any of them.  The second reason is this book focuses a bit more on Annette, the best friend of the main character of the series.  I'm glad she got her own story, but if you started here, it would make less sense.  As to whether you should lister to it or read it, up to you.  My library only had the audiobook, so that's what I went with.  

Moonlight and Magic has plenty of the spicy romance and humor that you get with a Darynda Jones book.  We learn more about Annette and what is going on with her own magical journey.  I'd be really careful about crossing her.  A lot of things that can heal you can also kill you.  If she offers you a coffee, definitely do not drink it no matter how caffeine starved you may be.  Now we just need a book five!

View all my reviews

Review: Beguiled

Beguiled by Darynda Jones
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Beguiled is the third book in the Betwixt & Between series by Darynda Jones.  I recommend reading the books in order to really appreciate the story.  They build on each other.  They are pretty fast reads, so it isn't asking much to just read them all.  

Beguiled is spicy romantasy.  That's not my usual thing, but I love the humor and the characters are always fun.  There is also a coffee dependency that I can relate with hard.  It doesn't hurt that the main character is close to me in age and gives me hope that I can find a hot Scot living in my basement.  I haven't found him yet, but he must be down there somewhere!  I just need to move a few more boxes.  If you like stories of the paranormal, witches and warlocks, and things that go bump in the night, check this out.  Have a fan ready because you will need it!

View all my reviews

Review: One Aladdin Two Lamps

One Aladdin Two Lamps by Jeanette Winterson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Full Disclosure: I received an Advanced Reader's Copy of One Aladdin Two Lamps by Jeanette Winterson from Grove Press via NetGalley.  This book is set to be published in January 2026.

One Aladdin Two Lamps by Jeanette Winterson is an exploration of life through the art and power of storytelling.  Winterson guides us through One Thousand and One Nights and how it can teach us about ourselves and help us find hope when things are bleak.  Great timing!  It has been a very long time since I read those stories.  It was interesting to revisit them as an adult.  Like most "fairytales," they aren't really for children.  I certainly didn't learn the same things from them as a kid that I took away during this revisit.  

If you are already a fan of Jeanette Winterson, this is also part memoir.  She learned to recognize that she could change her own story.  For me, that was the most valuable lesson of this book.  I am the story.  

View all my reviews