September Wrap Up

Welcome back, readers.

I am, as ever, woefully behind the schedule I set for myself. I started a new job at the beginning of October so life has been hectic. Once I work through this backlog--and get settled into my new schedule--I hope to even out the posting dates for this blog.

We shall see how that goes, dear reader. But before we further any more ados, let me share what I read in the month of September.

From left t right: Dowry of Blood by ST Gibson, Black Gryphon by Mercedes Lackey, Goodbye, Battle Princess Peony by Mira Ong Chua

First was a book I meant to get to several months ago Dowry of Blood by ST Gibson. This was a novel suggested by booktuber BookswithChloe, a lovely human being and style icon. She also, incidentally, got me into making my own reading journal. Perhaps I shall share pictures of it sometime, dear reader.

Anyway, the book! Dowry of Blood is an epistolary novel written by one of Dracula's brides that details her life with him. It is also, incidentally the least racist Dracula work I've read so far. The bar is on the floor, reader. This novel does deal with an emotionally abusive relationship-Dracula is not a great husband to his partners. I thought it was well handled, personally, but as ever use your own judgement, reader.

I found the book an interesting exploration of how heavily time weighs upon a vampire psychologically. All our main cast are bisexual disasters in one form or another, and that was also fun to read about. It's a short novel and an entertaining one. I liked our main character's voice, reader. First-person is always a hard sell for me. I don't usually prefer it. If you're looking for a good vampire story, I'd give this a try.

4/5 pumpkins.

My second book of the month was a reread of Black Gryphon by Mercedes Lackey. I am mild to moderately obsessed with Mercedes Lackey's Valdemar books, reader. I picked them up in high school when I was deep into my hunting down and collecting used mass market paperbacks phase. I liked the thrill of collecting a whole series of fantasy novels for cheap, I suppose. Anyway, the Valdemar books were some of the first novels I read that featured queer characters. These books will always hold a special place in my heart because of that.

Now, I shall be the first to admit that while the writing in these stories is just average. It isn't distractingly bad nor is it distractingly good. It's easy to slip into and it holds your attention. Honestly, the world-building is what really shines in these books. Which of course brings us to the actual book in question.

Black Gryphon is the first in a trilogy of prequel novels that deal with some of the prehistory of the world (Velgreth) that the Valdemar novels are set in. This first book is about the end of the Mage War, a conflict that does come up in the later books. We follow a few characters as they cope with the stress of warfare, some human and some gryphon. It talks a lot about feeling inadequate, either due to circumstances outside one's control or because of other people belittling you, and the emotional turmoil that results.

It's a solid Valdemar novel, all said. The pacing and characters are good. The conflict is pretty simple good mage vs bad mage. I wouldn't call it one of my favorites, but it's interesting enough.

3/5 pumpkins.

The last book I read was the graphic novel Goodbye, Battle Princess Peony by Mira Ong Chua which was thrust into my hand by a roommate along with the declaration that it was very gay and I would love it. It was indeed very gay, reader. 

I loved the art style, it was very cute. It has a magical girl sort of feel. The story itself is fast-paced wlw nonsense, which I loved. I don't have much to say about this story beyond that. It's a quick, fairly light-hearted, romantic little read. It might be hard to find since Chua's graphic novels have limited print runs and are Kickstarter projects. I was lucky enough to have a friend loan it to me.

4/5 pumpkins.

That wraps up September's books, reader. I'm working on getting my July Wrap Up posted, but it might take a little time. There are a few more books in there that I need to find the time to talk about. 

I am having better luck reading than in previous months and I've enjoyed most of the books I've picked up.

Until next time, dear reader🎃