Monthly Reading Wrap-Up: September 2023

Back again for another fun month of book suggestions? Here are the things Kristin and I have been reading since the last wrap-up. Be sure to tell us if you see any of your favorite reads, something on the never-ending To-Be-Read list, or if you know of a comparable title we might enjoy. Thanks again for reading! Write on.

Kamryn:

So, as I said in my last blog, two of the books I read this month were me finishing out Jennifer A. Nielsen’s Ascendance series, which coincidentally were the two newer books I hadn’t previously read. From what I can tell, this series originally started as a trilogy, but these latter two books fill in a time-jump within the third book.

It’s always a little bit hard to discuss this series without spoiling some major plot twists, but as I kind of described in last month’s blog, the story is set in motion by an orphan named Sage getting roped into a plot to be presented as the false prince of his country, essentially stealing the throne. Books Four and Five- The Captive Kingdom and The Shattered Castle- both introduce a hidden treasure aspect to the story, while keeping with this series’ typical fast pace and wise-cracking humor. I greatly enjoyed this series, so if you like a snarky, YA fantasy that could be kind of a quick read, you might want to give the Ascendance series a try.

The third book I read this month was Witch and Wizard by James Patterson and Gabrielle Charbonnet. Having just re-read Maximum Ride a few months ago, I figured I might give one of James Patterson’s other prominent series a try. Witch and Wizard was one of those series I always thought looked interesting, but never got a chance to read it before. It takes place in an authoritarian world where a brother and sister are suddenly marked as being able to use magic and hunted down. I would say it fits in with the same dark YA vibe as Maximum Ride with Patterson’s usual fast pace, if you’re on the lookout for some dystopian/magic vibes from your next read.

Kristin:

This month, I only managed to read one book. Again. In my defense, I was sick and BIG things have been happening in the publishing world and that is where the majority of my free time went this month.

That being said, Volume 7 of Heaven Offical’s Blessing came out and I got it on pre-order! I have missed MXTX’s writing style. She is so funny and I love the story building and these characters. It was like meeting up with old friends. Which, after volume 6, I needed some happy times. Things are heading toward the big final battle between Xie Lian and White No-Face and the entire time I was reading, I was admiring not only the excellent storytelling but wonderful writing technique. MXTX doesn’t use complicated prose but does an excellent job of making you connect with her characters and you are genuinely excited for all of them. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, this is one of the best series I have ever read and I am both super excited and sad that the last volume is coming out in November.

That’s all for this month! Be sure to let us know what you’re reading and we’ll see you in October! Write-on!