And here we are, at the end of 2023. December is typically the month where I catch up with books I didn’t get to, but it’s also the month where I try to read ahead a bit and knock off a few January review books. As I’m writing this post, I’m not really sure what I’m going to be reading this month, lol. I’d like to make this a “mood read” kind of month if I can, especially since I purchased some books earlier in the year and haven’t had the chance to read them. The list of books below is more of a “menu,” with a few must reads and the rest I’ll choose based on my mood.
December releases:
These first three are my only December release review books, so these are all must reads for sure. I may be reading Salt & Broom by Sharon Lynn Fisher when this post goes up. This is a witchy Jane Eyre retelling, and I always look forward to Sharon’s books!
Where the Dead Wait by Ally Wilkes is being called a “Polar Gothic” story, and I’m not sure I’ve ever read a book with that tag before. It sounds perfect for the winter season.
Her Second Chance Shifter by L. MacNaughton sounds like a fun urban fantasy, and it’s pretty short too, which makes it even more appealing right now:-)
“Catch Up” books:
The Ghosts of Beatrice Bird by Louisa Morgan is a must read, although I’m hoping my physical review copy shows up soon. If not, I’m diving into the eARC!
Tonight, I Burn by Katharine J. Adams was a November release that I really wanted to get to but didn’t have time. Hopefully this month!
I’ve been so excited to read The Strange by Nathan Ballingrud ever since it was announced, but for whatever reason I haven’t read it yet.
Purchases I’d love to read:
I can’t believe I haven’t read Iron Flame yet, but I will definitely get to it this month.
I’ve seen A Child Alone With Strangers by Philip Fracassi recommended over and over again, so I finally broke down and bought a copy. This is a fairly long book at over 600 pages, but I cannot wait to read it.
Another book that fellow bloggers have consistently loved is The Adventures of Al-Sirafi by Shannon Chakraborty, and I bought a copy months ago, thinking I would squeeze it in.
January review books:
These are all early January releases, and I’ve love to read at least two of them this month (although I will hold my reviews until January):
Mislaid in Parts Half-Known by Seanan McGuire is very short, so I should have no trouble fitting this in. This is the ninth book in the Wayward Children series.
Thirteen Ways to Kill Lulabelle Rock by Maud Woolf sounds like a lot of fun. I love clone stories, and I think this is going to be really good!
Deep Freeze by Michael C. Grumley is the first in a new series, a near-future thriller about a man who dies in a freezing river and then is brought back to life.
The Adventures of Amina Al-Sirafi is one I’d love to read soon as well, might save it for the new year now though. I got Salt and Broom last month too so looking forward to your thoughts on that one, a Jane Eyre retelling sounds really good 😀
She did a great job with the Jane Eyre parts:-)
OMG yes please read (or rather listen if you can) to Aminal al Sirafi!!! I can’t wait to read your thoughts about that one Tammy!
I will let you know!
We’re in the same boat when it comes to Iron Flame! I bought a copy… and just haven’t found time for it yet. Maybe while I have a few days off at the end of the month — feels like a book that needs a big chunk of dedicated time. Good luck with your December reading!
Exactly, it is a chunky book:-)
I just finished Iron Flame on audiobook and I need the upcoming book asap. I also just downloaded the audiobook copy of The Adventures of Al-Sirafi . I hope you enjoy all of these!
I’m hoping that means you enjoyed Iron Flame:-)
“polar gothic” is indeed a new definition and I’m beyond curious to learn how it applies to the story you will read 🙂
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It evokes a certain feeling, right? 🙂
I can’t believe it’s December! I am trying to get ahead with my eARC’s for next year too!
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Good luck to both of us!
Ooh Salt and Broom sounds like a good one!
It was, she’s such a good writer:-)
This morning I saw a giveaway for Salt & Broom, but I’ll probably hold off deciding whether to enter until I’ve read your review. Looking forward to it.
I really enjoyed it. If you like Jane Eyre, she does a really good job of incorporating a lot of the story elements into her book.
I’m going to try to get ahead with my January books too, but realistically my catch up books usually take up the whole of December!
I’m sure I could spend the whole month catching up, but I’d love to get a little bit ahead.
The Adventures of Amina Al-Sirafi is great. Hope you find time to squish it in.
Lynn 😀
Yes, I am going to try:-)
I have been desperate to read Ally Wilkes but my library for some reason will not purchase her books! Even after I suggested her debut for purchase. I will keep an eye out for your thoughts on WHERE THE DEAD WAIT…
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