October was… a bit of a sickly blur and I spent most of it feeling rough (yay for autumn germs 🫠🤧), so there were a lot of days curled up with tea, a blanket, and books that I was too tired to properly focus on.
I didn’t quite beat September’s record of 9 books, but I still managed 6 books (7 if you include my DNF), totalling 2,247 pages, with an average rating of 3.67⭐. Which I’m still counting as a win, especially since I was sick for half the month! Plus, five of those were ARCs, so the backlog is finally shrinking (slowly).
Here are the StoryGraph stats to prove it (minus my DNF) 👇
So without further ado, let’s recap on what I managed to get through in October:
1. The Book Reader by Astrid Rose – DNF – ★★☆☆☆
The premise hooked me, but unfortunately, it just didn’t deliver. The book does need a lot of editing to make it readable, IMO. And I think the team may be working on this before it’s delayed release. Still, a beautiful idea, but with very slow execution. DNF @ 63%.
Why you’ll like it: if you’re patient with slow burns and enjoy introspective magical realism this might be for you, but I’d hold off until the author comes through with some big fixes.
🔗 Check out my full ARC review of The Book Reader here
2. Limerence by L.S. Delorme – ★★★★☆
Limerence is weird, emotional, and kind of beautiful in that haunting, cosmic way. Don’t make the same mistake I did though – This is book 5 of The Limerent Series, so do your research.
Why you’ll like it: it’s not a light read, but if you’re into lyrical fantasy with mythic vibes and a love story that literally breaks reality, then this might be for you.
🔗 Check out my full ARC review of Limerence here
3. The House Witch and the Enchanting of the Hearth by Delemhach – ★★★★☆
An absolute comfort read. A hug in a book. It’s charming, low-stakes fantasy with a heart as big as its kitchen (and a cat POV!!). Some plots don’t wrap up in this book, but this is a trilogy (I also own the 2nd book) so I would hope for some closure eventually 🤞🏻
Why you’ll like it: if you want cosy domestic magic, found family, cat Mafia and a main character who proves that gentle doesn’t mean weak.
🔗 Check out my full review of The House Witch here
4. Flesh & Bone by H.R. Leigh – ★★★☆☆
Creepy, atmospheric, and full of haunting imagery. I loved the eerie setting and gothic tone, but it left me wanting a little more story and less prose. Still, it hit the October mood and I’d be interested to see how book two shapes up.
Why you’ll like it: if you’re into gothic tension, dark secrets, and slow-burning unease. Just be warned, it’s very descriptive.
🔗 Check out my full ARC review of Flesh & Bone here
5. Fatewoken by Juliet Lockwood – ★★★★☆
Fatewoken kicks off the Fates Trilogy with a bang. Clever, chaotic, and full of morally grey characters, it’s a wild ride through fate, free will, and big, messy magic. Honestly, it sometimes felt like the mortals were pawns in one very intense game of chess, and I loved that concept.
Why you’ll like it: if you enjoy morally grey characters, fate vs. free will drama, and a fantasy world that keeps you guessing the next move.
🔗 Check out my full ARC review of Fatewoken here
6. The Everlasting by Alix E. Harrow – ★★★★★
Completely spellbinding. This book broke my heart and then lovingly stitched it back together. Harrow blends history, myth, and yearning into something utterly unforgettable. I finished it feeling both hollow and complete. Think Sliding Doors meets The Truman Show meets Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children all with a Medieval balance.
Why you’ll like it: if you love myth, timeless love stories, and writing that feels like poetry, this one definitely belongs to you.
🔗 Check out my full review of The Everlasting here
7. A Night in the Lonesome October by Roger Zelazny – ★★☆☆☆
I’m still gathering my thoughts and feelings on this one. I rated it 2-star initially, but that could change as I recap the chapters for my review, which I’ll try and get finished over the next day or two.
✨ Faves of the Month
No surprise here; The Everlasting completely stole my heart. It’s one of those rare reads that reminds me why I love stories in the first place.
I’m still thinking about it now, and honestly? It’s a top contender for my Book of the Year 🥇
Alix E. Harrow, bravo! 👏🏻
💭 October Thoughts
Being ill this month definitely slowed me down, but reading became a bit of a lifeline. Something to focus on between naps and tea refills. I’m calling it a win: six books finished, one DNF, five ARCs cleared, and one new all-time favourite (The Everlasting, obviously).
Not everything was a hit, but that’s part of the fun. My average rating of 3.67 feels fair. A real mix of magic, melancholy, and a few “meh” moments.
📚 November: What’s Next?
November’s already off to a strong start! I’m hoping to mix things up a bit with some genre variety. After all, October was supposed to be spooky season, but somehow it ended up being equal parts smooching (the protagonists, not me!) and ARC backlogs.
So here’s what’s currently on my definite reading list this month:
- Daughter of Smoke & Bone – I’m diving into this one for the first time with the Book Club. I’ve heard so many good things, and I’m excited to see if it lives up to the hype! I’m a few pages in already and I’m enjoying the writing style.
- The Book Binders Secret (ARC) – Which is due for release on the 6th November – because I’m apparently incapable of saying no to bookish mysteries and tight deadlines. Secret societies, hidden knowledge, and a little bit of danger? Count me in. 😅
- I, Medusa (ARC) – myth retelling + vengeance = sign me up immediately! I’m here for all the epic, dramatic, and slightly terrifying twists that come with ancient gods and monsters. Due for release 20th November.
🎧 Still listening to The Fellowship of the Ring… because nothing says autumn like a little trip to Middle-earth for a sing-song. 🧙🏻♂️
👋🏻So that’s it for October!
What were your highlights, and what’s on your TBR for November? I’m always on the lookout for recommendations so link me to your recaps below!
Until next time, happy reading… 🕯️📖🖤
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