It’s amazing how much perspectives can shift upon a re-read. When I first picked up The Raven Boys nearly two years ago, I listened to the audiobook. I loved Will Patton’s narration but had a few reservations about the book itself. Recently, I sat down with the hardcover edition, post-its and pencil in hand, determined to annotate as I revisited The Raven Boys. There were so many things I newly discovered, I grew to love it a whole lot more.
THE CALL by Peadar Ó Guilín
Before receiving a review copy of The Call, I hadn’t heard of it. Reviews on Goodreads were few and vague. The synopsis didn’t give much away either. All I knew was that this would be a book of horror — a genre I generally avoid. In any case, with Halloween around the bend, I thought I should at least read one creepy book this month.
THE DARK DAYS CLUB by Alison Goodman
When I first heard of The Dark Days Club, I was intrigued. Though I hadn’t read Jane Austen novels nor any of the popular series of Cassandra Clare, I knew those names held promise. Yes, Alison Goodman is an author unto herself but sometimes it’s hard to discount influences. With that, I first picked up Pride & Prejudice. It took me more than a month to reach page 84 before I got too exasperated and put it on hold. I didn’t try City of Bones. I dove into The Dark Days Club, not wanting to postpone it too long.
BLUESCREEN by Dan Wells
Bluescreen was a fast-paced mystery rooted in science fiction. Set in the near future, the setting felt immediate yet very much more advanced. A lot of the communication technology and technology as a whole reflected current imaginations of what could be possible in a couple of decades. I thought Bluescreen tapped on that technological knowledge very well and injected some creativity as well.
ASSASSIN’S HEART by Sarah Ahiers
Assassin’s Heart wasn’t a book that I had prioritised to read. The reason I got to it so soon after publication was that I had the maximum 6 credits on my Audible account. In order not to forfeit any credits, I had to spend one before the new cycle. Since Assassin’s Heart was the only book available as an audiobook from my TBR (to be read) pile among the titles I didn’t own, I went for it. Essentially, I went in without any set expectations.
