Reading Recap: November

This month was a slower month. I guess that's what happens when you sort-of participate in NaNoWriMo, finish your first draft of your next novel, and also draft a short story for a writing competition.

This month I finished reading:

Gideon the Ninth Captain's Fury

As always -- there are no spoilers BUT if you have not read previous books in the series, I would read with caution.

And at the end I've listed a few of my favorite quotes from this month.

Hope you enjoy.

November Stats:

• 1,379 pages read

• 6.4 hours listened

November Reads:

Gideon the Ninth by Tamsyn Muir

Gideon is brilliant with a two-hander, loves her dirty magazines, and is absolutely done with Harrowhark Nonagesimus and the other nuns of the Ninth House. But when Harrow is called by the Emperor to a deadly trial of necromancy, Gideon finds herself accompanying her as her cavalier. (I mean, she didn't really have a choice but a girl can pretend). They soon find out that becoming a Lyctor is more challenging than they thought. And Harrow needs Gideon more than ever if she wants to win.

My apologies for the absolute fangirling that is about to happen here. Gideon the Ninth is a treasure to the world and I will accept absolutely no slander of her name. When I'm not hardcore crushing on Harrow with her endearing condescension and kickass powers, I'm trying to be Gideon's best friend. Because, fuck, she's cool.

This book is filled with Muir's hilarious (strange) sense of humor, irreverent narrative, and basically a bunch of mind-boggling weird shit. Her blending of the science fiction and fantasy genres is masterful, and her characters constantly make me laugh out loud -- even if they are in a mysterious dangerous necromancer competition.

I'm in awe that this is Tamsyn Muir's debut novel. Seriously.

Captain's Fury by Jim Butcher ⁠

Tavi, Cursor to the Crown, continues his journey as he rises through the ranks in the Aleran military. As Captain of a war-torn legion, Tavi's leadership is tested in ways he could never have imagined. Meanwhile, Cursor Amara struggles with her own challenges, trying to keep the Emperor safe from his enemies ... and himself.

Not going to lie -- I started this series purely after seeing that Obama read all six books in quick succession based on his annual book list. I haven't devoured them quite as fast as our past president but they are really great epic fantasy books that you should check out if you haven't heard of them. Honestly, given how much time I'm spending between books without rereading, I'm pretty impressed with how much is sticking with me.

This is a brilliantly accessible military/political fantasy which weaves in battle strategy, political intrigue, and magical powers with finesse and charm. I've enjoyed watching the characters grow over the course of the four books so far and can't wait to see how the series will end over the final two in the series.

If you like Roman-empire vibes, elemental magic, and military strategy, I highly recommend these books.

Quotes of the Month:

I told you I would fangirl. Here are three (ugh only three?) of my favorite quotes:

“Never work with children, Griddle, their prefrontal cortexes aren't developed.” - Gideon the Ninth

“He had the eyes of a very beautiful person, trapped in resting bitch face.” - Gideon the Ninth

“We do bones, motherfucker." - Gideon the Ninth