My Top Books of October 2023

And my one let down….

October flew by. Like most months, my reading goes in ebbs and flows. I do read every single day — I take that Kindle streak seriously — but some days are more “productive” than others.

With that said, I read 16 books this month which came to 4,548 pages. I am not a seasonal reader, but I do love thrillers and spooky books. So I take October seriously.

Book 1: The Fragile Threads of Power by V.E. Schwab

I LOVED The Darker Shades of Magic trilogy and I honestly felt it ended perfectly. Needless to say, I was surprised when Schwab announced she was adding to the series with a new trilogy set seven years after the events of A Conjuring of Light.

Like the typical book nerd, I went to Blackwells’ website to preorder my UK cover edition since my DSoM trilogy are all UK covers. And lord it’s pretty.

But anyways. Schwab delivered with this newest edition to this world. It felt lovely being back in the Londons and see how the characters have grown since the last of the trilogy. The new characters introduced added to the enjoyment and the storyline was a page turner. Even with the new characters, I found myself wanting to be with the original characters.

However, like most book ones in a new fantasy series, because technically she is calling this a standalone, there was lots of character building and world building. So while I loved this book, I did only give it 4 stars because as someone who read the trilogy I felt the world building to be a bit unnecessary. This is not a knock on Schwab’s writing. Because like always, it was on point.

As I mentioned, Schwab is calling this a standalone. I think that is a mistake. If you do not read the trilogy beforehand, there are little comments and storylines that may not make as much sense.

Book 2: Betty by Tiffany McDaniels

I bought Betty as an add-on with my February Book of the Month box. It came highly recommended. Fast forward a good 19 months and I finally read it.

McDaniel’s book is based on her mother’s (Betty) childhood. Betty is half Cherokee and half white. Unlike most of her siblings, Betty came out looking more Cherokee than white. This alone makes her upbringing difficult in itself.

But as the story unfolds over years, Betty’s whole family is faced with difficulties and heart aches. I found myself having to put the book down at times as family secrets were revealed.

The fact that Betty made it to adulthood and then proceeded to have her own children was remarkable.

McDaniel wrote a story that will keep you hooked, but at the same time crying your eyes out. I would love to meet with McDaniel and ask her how difficult it was to write about some of the family moments she did. I won’t say more due to spoilers. But if you have read this or read it, you will know what I mean.

I do not post trigger warnings because I feel they can be spoilerish. However, this book has many. So if that is important for you to know beforehand, please google this information as there are many.

Book 3: My Darling Girl by Jennifer McMahon

I love McMahon’s books. I have devoured numerous novels by her and they creep me out every single time! My Darling Girl was no different.

Allison has an extremely tough relationship with both Christmas and her mother Mavis. But when her mother’s assistant calls her to let her know her mother is dying, and her ONLY wish is to live with Allison until she passes. Reluctantly, Allison agrees.

Then all the weird shenanigans being to happen.

Of course Allison clearly thinks this has something to do with her mother. And that is where I will leave you as saying too much can be a major spoiler.

Just know this was an easy 5 star read for me, and many of my friends agree. While I thought McMahon could not beat The Children on the Hill, I was wrong. I devoured this book, and I feel anyone who likes a good creepy read will as well.

The Let Down: The Starling House by Alix E. Harrow

I am probably in the minority here. But Harrow’s gothic novel of a creepy house fell flat for me. Though I said before Schwab can do no wrong, I did not love 2022’s Gallant, and to me this one had similar vibes.

I am not sure if I wanted something more creepy or I was hoping for a different storyline. I just know I am 2/4 with Harrow’s books, and though I will continue to read her novels I probably will use the library instead.

In November, I am hoping my reading continues to be as good as my October was! I have a long weekend with Veteran’s Day and a week off for Thanksgiving, so I am hopeful I can squeeze in many great reads!