Life Right Now #20

Right now I am: Leaving for our Homeschool Co-op Steering Committee Meeting at a local coffeehouse. It shouldn’t be a long meeting, but we still have things to discuss.

Thinking and pondering: What else do I need to do to finish preparing for this next year’s homeschool plan? I feel like I am missing some things, but not sure what exactly.

On my bedside table: I have many choices from the library, but not really sure what to read next.

On my tv this week: We continued our currently airing shows and started the new season of Foundation. I also continued with Hometown Cha-cha-cha

Listening to: Mostly just K-Pop. ATEEZ dropped their new album and I am obsessed. So good!

On the menu for this week:

• Monday - Lamb Kebab Sliders

• Tuesday - Shrimp Feta Pasta

• Wednesday - BBQ Pork Sandwiches

• Thursday - Cajun Stuffed Chicken

• Friday - BBQ Chicken, Apple, Cheddar Quesadillas

• Saturday - Fish and Chips

• Sunday - Chili Verde

On my to do list: After this meeting, I think that it’s time for a brain dump of to-do tasks. I’m not sure exactly what I need to add to do next.

Happening this week:

• Monday - Home day

• Tuesday - Pool afternoon

• Wednesday - Pool afternoon

• Thursday - Enrichment co-op

• Friday - Pool party at a friend’s house

• Saturday - Home day

• Sunday - Home day

What I am creating: Nothing much. Maybe next weekend I can actually work on my Memory Planner pages.

My simple pleasures: Not being in pain, good fan fiction stories, laughing with friends (even when my depression has been creeping in)

Looking around the house: The boys need to sweep the floors and clean the bathroom while I am gone this morning. When I get back, I have laundry to do… so much laundry.

From the camera: I did not take a single photo this week. It was a weird week.

The Darcy Myth by Rachel Feder

Title: The Darcy Myth: Jane Austen, Literary Heartthrobs, and the Monsters They Taught Us to Love

Author: Rachel Feder

Publisher: Quirk Books 2023

Genre: Nonfiction

Pages: 240

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Nonfiction Reader; Retreat Recommendations

Where I Got It:

You already know Mr. Darcy—at least you think you do! The brooding, rude, standoffish romantic hero of Pride and Prejudice, Darcy initially insults and ignores the witty heroine, but eventually succumbs to her charms. It’s a classic enemies-to-lovers plot, and one that has profoundly influenced our cultural ideas about courtship. But what if this classic isn’t just a grand romance, but a horror novel about how scary love and marriage can be for women?

In The Darcy Myth, literature scholar Rachel Feder unpacks Austen’s Gothic influences and how they’ve led us to a romantic ideal that’s halfway to being a monster story. Why is our culture so obsessed with cruel, indifferent romantic heroes (and sometimes heroines)? How much of that is Darcy’s fault? And, now that we know, what do we do about it?

I got this as a recommendation from friends at the retreat and they are getting really good with their recommendations. I dove into this slim book not knowing what to expect except for the title and subtitle. Turns out this is a hilarious deconstruction of Austen’s most famous hero and the (sometimes not great) lessons in romance we have learned from him. Even after reading the book, I still love Mr. Darcy. But I do understand how he doesn’t give us the best example for real romantic relationships. Feder brings in other famous bad boys of literature and television/movies to back up her arguments. I really enjoyed every page of this one. And she’s absolutely hilarious!

Next up on the TBR pile:

Jujutsu Kaisen Vol. 19

Title: Jujutsu Kaisen Vol. 19

Author: Junji Ito

Publisher: VIZ Media 2022

Genre: Manga Horror

Pages: 208

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Finishing the Series

Where I Got It: Library

In a world where cursed spirits feed on unsuspecting humans, fragments of the legendary and feared demon Ryomen Sukuna have been lost and scattered about. Should any demon consume Sukuna’s body parts, the power they gain could destroy the world as we know it. Fortunately, there exists a mysterious school of jujutsu sorcerers who exist to protect the precarious existence of the living from the supernatural!

In order to add a rule that will serve as a loophole in the Culling Game, Itadori and Fushiguro set their sights on a player named Hiromi Higuruma, who has 100 points. But when they enter Tokyo Colony No. 1, the two get separated. They both find others willing to help them, however…

This volume is all about the action of the Culling within Tokyo. A lot of action sequences in this volume. Less about the characters themselves or any big reveal. But we do get a push forward on the large plot. We get to see our main characters attempt to find Higuruma to force a rule addition but of course they are separated and have to encounter a few red herrings in the search. I did enjoy this one, but cannot wait to see what happens next.

Jujutsu Kaisen

• Volume 1

• Volume 2

• Volume 3

• Volume 4

• Volume 5

• Volume 6

• Volume 7

• Volume 8

• Volume 9

• Volume 10

• Volume 11

• Volume 12

• Volume 13

• Volume 14

• Volume 15

• Volume 16

• Volume 17

• Volume 18

• Volume 19

• Volume 20

• Volume 21

• Volume 22

• Volume 23

• Volume 24

• Volume 25

Next up on the TBR pile:

Somewhere Beyond the Sea by TJ Klune

Title: Somewhere Beyond the Sea (Cerulean Chronicles #2)

Author: TJ Klune

Publisher: Tor Books 2024

Genre: Fantasy

Pages: 416

Rating: 3/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Quarter of a Century - 2024; Cover Lover - A Lighted Window

Where I Got It: Library

A magical house. A secret past. A summons that could change everything.

Arthur Parnassus lives a good life built on the ashes of a bad one.

He’s the headmaster of a strange orphanage on a distant and peculiar island, and he hopes to soon be the adoptive father to the six dangerous and magical children who live there.

Arthur works hard and loves with his whole heart so none of the children ever feel the neglect and pain that he once felt as an orphan on that very same island so long ago. He is not alone: joining him is the love of his life, Linus Baker, a former caseworker in the Department In Charge of Magical Youth. And there's the island's sprite, Zoe Chapelwhite, and her girlfriend, Mayor Helen Webb. Together, they will do anything to protect the children.

But when Arthur is summoned to make a public statement about his dark past, he finds himself at the helm of a fight for the future that his family, and all magical people, deserve.

And when a new magical child hopes to join them on their island home—one who finds power in calling himself monster, a name that Arthur worked so hard to protect his children from—Arthur knows they’re at a breaking point: their family will either grow stronger than ever or fall apart.

Welcome back to Marsyas Island. This is Arthur’s story.

Honestly, I think that my expectations for this book were too high. The House in the Cerulean Sea was an absolutely amazing book. I loved every page. And then we waited years for the sequel. I think I was too excited and built this one up too much to truly enjoy it. In this book, we focus on Arthur’s history. I was intrigued about his mysterious past while reading the first book. This one just doesn’t seem to have enough content to actually fill out a 400 page book. I found the pacing to be very frustrating. Long stretches of the book could have been edited out as they do nothing to development characters or the plot. Really I wanted more and more from the relationships between Arthur, Linus, and the kiddos. A pretty big disappointment for me.

Next up on the TBR pile:

Divine Intervention by R.M. Virtues

Title: Divine Intervention (Black Rose Auction #2)

Author: R.M. Virtues

Publisher: Trinkets and Tales 2025

Genre: Romance

Pages: 219

Rating: 2/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Unread Shelf; Finishing the Series

Where I Got It: Preordered

Spice Rating: 7

In this Goldilocks remix, a witch must work with her ex's father (who she betrayed) and an angel to steal a magical chalice from the auction floor. But things get scorchingly complicated when all three agree that revenge is best served in the bedroom...

And that's just the beginning. Accept your invitation to this exclusive auction. You never know who you might see there...

After the success of Katee Robert’s story, I went into this one with high hopes. Unfortunately I could barely make it through the story. The author uses my least favorite romance trope “daddy play.” I just could not keep hearing the FMC call her lover “daddy” especially considering that he was the actual father of her husband. I have very few icks when it comes to romance. This is one of them. Definitely not a story for me. I mean I really should have known from that tagline. Nope.

Black Rose Auction

• #1 Wicked Pursuit

• #2 Divine Intervention

• #3 Stolen Vows

• #4 Irresistible Devil

• #5 Shattered Innocence

• #6 Royal Heart

Next up on the TBR pile:

Wicked Pursuit by Katee Robert

Title: Wicked Pursuit (Black Rose Auction #1)

Author: Katee Robert

Publisher: Trinkets and Tales LLC 2025

Genre: Romance

Pages: 277

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Unread Shelf; Finishing the Series

Where I Got It: Preordered!

Spice Rating: 7

A mafia heiress meets her match when a dangerously obsessed stalker claims her as his own. In this scorching reimagining of Little Red Riding Hood, bestselling author Katee Robert pulls back the curtain on a world where forbidden tastes are explored, loyalty is lethal, and love is the most dangerous game of all.

I had seen this series teased on Katee Robert’s instagram for months. Unfortunately I do not pay for her Patreon and so had to wait until it was published more traditionally. Thankfully that was in March and I snacthed this up. I didn’t get around to reading until just a bit ago, but devour it I did. We get a Little Red Riding Hood retelling where Red is not so innocent and the Wolf is wearing many disguises. I do love a good stalker romance as an escape fantasy. I don’t often turn there, but I trust Robert to not lead me astray. I could have used a bit more meat to this story, but I understand that they are supposed to be novellas and started as an author challenge. I cannot wait to read the stories from the other authors.

Black Rose Auction

• #1 Wicked Pursuit

• #2 Divine Intervention

• #3 Stolen Vows

• #4 Irresistible Devil

• #5 Shattered Innocence

• #6 Royal Heart

Next up on the TBR pile:

Why Raeliana Ended Up at the Duke's Mansion Vol. 8

Title: Why Raeliana Ended Up at the Duke’s Mansion Vol. 8

Author: Milcha

Publisher: Yen Press 2023

Genre: Manga

Pages: 256

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Finishing the Series

Where I Got It: Library

“ONE OF YOU HAS TO DIE IN THE END.”Just when all hope of unearthing Raeliana’s memories seems lost…enter Iosa Ben! The dark priestess has the ability to awaken truths long since buried—and Raeliana is damned if she doesn’t finally get answers. But along with those answers comes Iosa’s ominous warning that her days are numbered, and she and Noah can no longer afford to stay on the defensive. As soon as they think they’ve finally got Beatrice backed into a corner, though, the ex-heroine turns around…and frames Raeliana for murder?!

AHHHH!!!! I have been so sucked into this story. I am desperate to see how the entire things concludes. I cannot believe the reveal about Beatrice and who she really is. And the political intrigues and Vivian and the high priest and priestess. And there’s still some lingering mysteries with Adam. I devoured this volume in one feverish sit-down. Unfortunately I have to wait until October to find out what happens… Boo.

Why Raeliana….

• Volume 1

• Volume 2

• Volume 3

• Volume 4

• Volume 5

• Volume 6

• Volume 7

• Volume 8

• Volume 9

Next up on the TBR pile:

Why Raeliana Ended Up at the Duke's Mansion Vol. 7

Title: Why Raeliana Ended Up at the Duke’s Mansion Vol. 7

Author: Milcha

Publisher: Yen Press 2022

Genre: Manga

Pages: 284

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Finishing the Series

Where I Got It: Library

“THE ONLY ONE WHO MAKES MY HEART RACE EVER SO IS YOU.”Raeliana is off to save Noah from the terrorists’ trap, gun in hand and ready for action! But when the ominous sounds of explosions reverberate, she is horribly unprepared to find Noah gravely injured. Overwhelmed by guilt, Raeliana finally lets her big, body-jumping secret come tumbling from her mouth…and in the heat of the moment, so too follows a confession of love! With all laid bare between them, the couple should finally be on the path to their happily ever after, right? But the book this world takes place in is called Beatrice, not Raeliana, and the true heroine is fed up with waiting to take her rightful place. She’ll kill Raeliana with her own hands if she has to!

All the things are finally seeing the light of day! I really love where the relationship between Raeliana and Noah is going. I feel like they are finally actually getting not he same page. I do love it when characters finally talk to each other. I heartedly dislike the miscommunication trope. And we get to dig into Beatrice and why she seems so intent on killing Raeliana.

Why Raeliana….

• Volume 1

• Volume 2

• Volume 3

• Volume 4

• Volume 5

• Volume 6

• Volume 7

• Volume 8

• Volume 9

Next up on the TBR pile:

Why Raeliana Ended Up at the Duke's Mansion Vol. 6

Title: Why Raeliana Ended Up at the Duke’s Mansion Vol. 6

Author: Milcha

Publisher: Yen Press 2021

Genre: Manga

Pages: 288

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Finishing the Series

Where I Got It: Library

“IF SHE APPEARS BEFORE YOU…WILL YOU STILL LOVE ME THE SAME?”As the first snow of the year descends in luscious flurries on Chamus, so too follows a romantic legend: Couples whose ties bind under such a sky shall live happily ever after. Noah, swept up by the romantic tale, vows his love once more to Raeliana, offering her a ring anew—only this time, it’s not a contractual farce. Forced to confront her feelings and just how her actions have changed the plot, Raeliana is still none the wiser to how twisted things have become. Enter Beatrice, the original heroine…now turned villain! She’ll do anything to see Raeliana dead—and Noah may very well end up as collateral damage…

A slow volume set in the snow. I know that the series needed a quiet volume before the last three action oriented volumes.

Why Raeliana….

• Volume 1

• Volume 2

• Volume 3

• Volume 4

• Volume 5

• Volume 6

• Volume 7

• Volume 8

• Volume 9

Next up on the TBR pile:

Why Raeliana Ended Up at the Duke's Mansion Vol. 5

Title: Why Raeliana Ended Up at the Duke’s Mansion Vol. 5

Author: Milcha

Publisher: Yen Press 2023

Genre: Manga

Pages: 286

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Finishing the Series

Where I Got It: Library

A PLACE TO RETURN— NOT FOR THE RAELIANA McMILLAN WHO WAS…BUT FOR ME.Raeliana is putting on her detective cap! Set on unraveling the secrets behind her strange reincarnation, she starts digging into original-Raeliana’s past—which happens to entail an extended leave from the duke’s mansion. In light of her recent rejection of Noah’s advances and Justin Shamal’s persistent flirtations, this investigation may be just what she needs. Little does she know, the fated meeting between Beatrice and the duke has finally come to pass! With plot point after plot point from the novel playing out, will Noah’s heart join in following destiny’s script…?

Finally we get to see more about the workings of Raeliana’s body switch and learn a bit more. But my favorite part of this volume was the rivalry between Justin and Noah. Love it! Extra surprise, we finally get the appearance of Beatrice! Where is this series going to go next?

Why Raeliana….

• Volume 1

• Volume 2

• Volume 3

• Volume 4

• Volume 5

• Volume 6

• Volume 7

• Volume 8

Next up on the TBR pile:

Music Monday - Stray Kids "Thunderous"

Based on my new obsession, I decided to do a Top 10 series of my favorite Stray Kids songs. There are so many songs, but I keep coming back to the same ones again and again. (I’m focusing on songs featuring all 8 members; no subunit or solo songs.)

We’ve reached my Number 1 song from Stray Kids. I come back to this one over and over. My favorite section is the first very verse by Changbin.

Their vampire version is great.

Next up on the TBR pile:

Life Right Now #19

As I look outside my window: Bright, sunny, and hot day. I am not a fan of this weather. The humidity was killing me.

Right now I am: Attempting to relax after a long day working on my to-do list.

On my bedside table: More manga of course. I also have Seoulmates, Feathers So Vicious, and Kill Creatures.

On my tv this week: We kept up with our currently airing shows. And we started The Sandman S2. I also started Hometown Cha-cha-cha for my lunch K-drama selection.

Listening to: All the K-Pop! Seungmin has a new song out and I am dying. Bang Chan wrote it for Seungmin to sing. I was almost in tears listening to it. I cannot wait for the songs written by HAN and Changbin to drop.

On the menu for this week:

• Monday - Sesame Chicken

• Tuesday - Snack Dinner

• Wednesday - Fancy Ramen

• Thursday - BLT Grilled Cheese

• Friday - Pizza Night

• Saturday - Kebab Sliders

• Sunday - Ginger Glazed Pork Chops

On my to do list: Oh so many things… I am deep into Homeschool planning for this coming year. I still have so many items to complete, but I’m finally making some progress.

Happening this week:

• Monday - Home Day

• Tuesday - Pool Day

• Wednesday - Grocery and errands

• Thursday - Enrichment Co-op

• Friday - Home Day

• Saturday - Co-op Book Club

• Sunday - Co-op Steering Committee Meeting

What I am creating: Nothing too exciting. I have to do a ton of regular to-do tasks. No time for creative fun.

My simple pleasures: Air conditioning (seriously my favorite right now), pool days, iced tea, baking disasters that actually work out okay.

Looking around the house: The kitchen is seriously bothering me right now. I think that tomorrow is going to be a kitchen cleanout day. My number one priority is getting things into a better place.

From the camera: Elephants! Somehow I only took photos at the zoo on Monday and nothing later. At least we got to see some cute elephant babies.

Why Raeliana Ended Up at the Duke's Mansion Vol. 4

Title: Why Raeliana Ended Up at the Duke’s Mansion Vol. 4

Author: Whale

Publisher: Yen Press 2023

Genre: Manga

Pages: 283

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Finishing the Series

Where I Got It: Library

“IF BEATRICE DOES SHOW UP…WILL HE KEEP LOVING ME?”

Raeliana is being held hostage! Well, sort of. After being summoned to the palace by Noah’s half brother, King Siathrich, she’s forced to stay there—and to confront the future of her relationship with Noah. Considering the kiss he planted on her while she was sick, it’s obvious there are feelings involved, but the ever-present weight of Beatrice’s existence complicates things. Still, Raeliana doesn’t intend to sit around waiting for her Duke Charming Noah to come save her, and she’s got a plan…Little does she know, the universe has something else in store!

Loved the introduction of the King. He’s such a mysterious figured. I love how Raeliana is not afraid of him and even challenges him occasionally. I also love the dichotomy between Siathrich and Noah. Added another fun element to this series. I cannot wait to see what happens next.

Why Raeliana….

• Volume 1

• Volume 2

• Volume 3

• Volume 4

• Volume 5

• Volume 6

• Volume 7

• Volume 8

Next up on the TBR pile:

Why Raeliana Ended Up at the Duke's Mansion Vol. 3

Title: Why Raeliana Ended Up at the Duke’s Mansion Vol. 3

Author: Milcha

Publisher: Yen Press 2023

Genre: Manga

Pages: 288

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Finishing the Series

Where I Got It: Library

It’s off to the temple for the torch-lighting ceremony! But what should be a mundane ritual is turned on its head when the legendary priest Heika Demint takes a liking to Raeliana…and demands Noah break up with her?! Meanwhile, Vivian Shamal is determined to have the duke for herself—and desperate times call for desperate (and deadly) measures. As the day of Beatrice and Noah’s fated first encounter approaches and the terms of Raeliana and Noah’s engagement draw to a close, it seems inevitable for the couple to go their separate ways… So why does Noah insist he still needs his fake fiancée?!

Oh we get a villain character introduced in this volume! I love seeing Raeliana adjust to the differences from the book and what she is actually experiencing. I’m very obsessed with this series. It’s just so much fun!

Why Raeliana….

• Volume 1

• Volume 2

• Volume 3

• Volume 4

• Volume 5

• Volume 6

• Volume 7

• Volume 8

Next up on the TBR pile:

Why Raeliana Ended Up at the Duke's Mansion Vol. 2

Title: Why Raeliana Ended Up at the Duke’s Mansion Vol. 2

Author: Whale

Publisher: Yen Press 2018

Genre: Manga

Pages: 272

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Finishing the Series

Where I Got It: Library

Raeliana McMillan thought she was escaping death through her fake engagement to Duke Noah Wynknight…only to realize that he’s a whole different kind of danger! Thoughtful and flirty one moment, cold and calculating the next, Noah is quickly blurring the line between obligation and volition. On top of that, her resentful ex and Noah’s jealous admirers all seem to be plotting against her—as if she didn’t have enough to worry about. And with the heroine Noah is fated to fall for missing, Raeliana’s starting to wonder just how much her actions are changing the story…

Yeah! We finally get this story really going! I loved seeing Raeliana interact with all the characters, especially Adam, and start to figure out her storyline. We get to see elements of more mysteries in the background as well as some great little action scenes. And we get a monster hunt! I am very intrigued as to where this is going. Also, what’s with the seemingly telepathic connection between Noah and Adam? Interesting…

Why Raeliana….

• Volume 1

• Volume 2

• Volume 3

• Volume 4

• Volume 5

• Volume 6

• Volume 7

• Volume 8

Next up on the TBR pile:

A Beautifully Foolish Endeavor by Hank Green

Title: A Beautifully Foolish Endeavor (The Carls #2)

Author: Hank Green

Publisher: Dutton 2020

Genre: Science Fiction

Pages: 452

Rating: 2/5 stars

Reading Challenges: COYER; Quarter of a Century - 2020

Where I Got It: ebook

The Carls disappeared the same way they appeared, in an instant. While the robots were on Earth, they caused confusion and destruction with only their presence. Part of their maelstrom was the sudden viral fame and untimely death of April May: a young woman who stumbled into Carl’s path, giving them their name, becoming their advocate, and putting herself in the middle of an avalanche of conspiracy theories. 
 
Months later, April’s friends are trying to find their footing in a post-Carl world. Andy has picked up April’s mantle of fame, speaking at conferences and online; Maya, ravaged by grief, begins to follow a string of mysteries that she is convinced will lead her to April; and Miranda is contemplating defying her friends’ advice and pursuing a new scientific operation…one that might have repercussions beyond anyone’s comprehension. Just as it is starting to seem like the gang may never learn the real story behind the events that changed their lives forever, a series of clues arrive—mysterious books that seem to predict the future and control the actions of their readers—all of which seems to suggest that April could be very much alive.
 
In the midst of the search for the truth and the search for April is a growing force, something that wants to capture our consciousness and even control our reality. A Beautifully Foolish Endeavor is the bold and brilliant follow-up to An Absolutely Remarkable Thing. It is a fast-paced adventure that is also a biting social commentary, asking hard, urgent questions about the way we live, our freedoms, our future, and how we handle the unknown.

Such a disappointment of a book. I really enjoyed Green’s first book and was interested to see what happened after April “died.” The book started well with chapters from each of April’s friends discussing their lives after the first book. Of course, we all knew that April would be back. But once she was back, the book started to go off the rails for me. There’s a whole middle section that seemed superfluous. Multiple characters just spin their wheels for entire chapters. It was boring. And then the action kicks back in and I could not care less. Too much deus ex machina and weird philosophical tangents that muddled the message.

The Carls

• #1 An Absolutely Remarkable Thing

• #2 A Beautifully Foolish Endeavor

Next up on the TBR pile:

Why Raeliana Ended Up at the Duke's Mansion Vol. 1

Title: Why Raeliana Ended Up at the Duke’s Mansion Vol. 1: A His-and-hers Contract

Author: Milcha

Publisher: Yen Press 2017

Genre: Manga

Pages: 272

Rating: 3/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Finishing the Series

Where I Got It: Library

Eunha Park thought she was getting another chance at life when she awoke in the world of a novel. The only problem? Raeliana McMillan, the character she was reborn as, is fated to be killed by her fiancé! For the sake of her survival, she comes up with an idea—get into a fake marriage with a man more powerful than her groom-to-be. But when that protection comes in the form of Noah Wynknight, the duke with a warm smile and cold heart, Raeliana realizes she might be a bit in over her head…She’s going to regret this plan, isn’t she?

Okay… the premise of thus series is just silly and yet I was very intrigued by it. I was wanting something a bit more lighthearted and fun after my focus on horror manga. We dive into a book within a story and follow Eunha as she inhabits Raeliana’s body and life. The first volume was pretty slow, but that was to be expected. We needed to meet all the characters and acclimate to the world. Still I was entertained and cannot wait to keep reading.

Why Raeliana….

• Volume 1

• Volume 2

• Volume 3

• Volume 4

• Volume 5

• Volume 6

• Volume 7

• Volume 8

Next up on the TBR pile:

Odds and Ends

Here's my randomness for the week:

• I’m way too hot and sticky this week… Thank goodness for pool days.

• I started an actual novel and I’m really into it. My reading may actually be getting back to normal.

• Loving my new(er) jean shorts. I actually like jean shorts again?

• Started a new-to-me K-drama and it’s so good! It’s Hometown Cha-cha-cha in case anyone was actually wondering.

Next up on the TBR pile:

The Familiar by Leigh Bardugo

Title: The Familiar

Author: Leigh Bardugo

Publisher: Flatiron Books 2024

Genre: Fantasy

Pages: 379

Rating: 3/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Unread Shelf

Where I Got It: Book of the Month May 2024

In a shabby house, on a shabby street, in the new capital of Madrid, Luzia Cotado uses scraps of magic to get through her days of endless toil as a scullion. But when her scheming mistress discovers the lump of a servant cowering in the kitchen is actually hiding a talent for little miracles, she demands Luzia use those gifts to improve the family's social position.

What begins as simple amusement for the nobility takes a perilous turn when Luzia garners the notice of Antonio Pérez, the disgraced secretary to Spain's king. Still reeling from the defeat of his armada, the king is desperate for any advantage in the war against England's heretic queen—and Pérez will stop at nothing to regain the king's favor.

Determined to seize this one chance to better her fortunes, Luzia plunges into a world of seers and alchemists, holy men and hucksters, where the lines between magic, science, and fraud are never certain. But as her notoriety grows, so does the danger that her Jewish blood will doom her to the Inquisition's wrath. She will have to use every bit of her wit and will to survive—even if that means enlisting the help of Guillén Santángel, an embittered immortal familiar whose own secrets could prove deadly for them both.

So incredibly boring. That’s my review…

I was so very excited to get this from BOTM last year. I was hoping for a magical fantasy mystery with great characters. Instead, I got a very very very slow moving story with just a little bit of magic and no interesting characters. Luzia wasn’t going to be that interesting, but I hoped that she would be the entry point for the readers to get involved in a great expansive mystery. Most of the book is so incredibly slow and and boring. I kept wanting the plot to actually pick up. When it finally does, it includes a romance that I really never bought at all. Why include that part? No need. I finished this reluctantly.

Next up on the TBR pile:

June 2025 Wrap-up

June TBR Pile (29/34):

1. Bookworms BC: Water Moon by Samantha Yambao Sotto ✓

2. Friend BC: The Wedding People by Alison Espach ✓

3. Nerdy Bookish Friends BC: (already read)

4. Kid Book Club: May the Best Player Win by Kyla Zhao

5. Kid Read Aloud: Fantastic Mr. Fox by Roald Dahl ✓

6. Fantasy: Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins ✓

7. Romance: Enchantra by Kaylie Smith ✓

8. Romance: Great Big Beautiful Life by Emily Henry ✓

9. Romance: Say You’ll Remember Me by Abby Jimenez ✓

10. Romance: Ne’er Duke Well by Alexandra Vasti ✓

11. Romance: Seoulmates by Susan Lee

12. Comics: Uzumaki by Junji Ito ✓

13. Comics: Betwixt

14. Comics: Gyo by Junji Ito ✓

15. Comics: Deserter by Junji Ito ✓

16. Comics: Tombs by Junji Ito ✓

17. Comics: Soichi by Junji Ito

18. Comics: Alley by Junji Ito ✓

19. Comics: Black Paradox by Junji Ito ✓

20. Comics: Smashed by Junji Ito ✓

21. Comics: The Liminal Zone by Junji Ito ✓

22. Comics: Jujutsu Kaisen Vol. 0 ✓

23. Comics: Jujutsu Kaisen Vol. 11 ✓

24. Comics: Jujutsu Kaisen Vol. 12 ✓

25. Comics: Jujutsu Kaisen Vol. 13 ✓

26. Comics: Jujutsu Kaisen Vol. 14 ✓

27. Comics: Jujutsu Kaisen Vol. 15 ✓

28. Comics: Jujutsu Kaisen Vol. 16 ✓

29. Comics: Jujutsu Kaisen Vol. 17 ✓

30. Comics: Jujutsu Kaisen Vol. 18 ✓

31. Comics: Twisted Wonderland Vol. 1 ✓

32. Comics: Twisted Wonderland Vol. 2 ✓

33. Comics: Twisted Wonderland Vol. 3 ✓

34. Comics: Twisted Wonderland Vol. 4 ✓

1,000,000 Page Goal

Monthly Total: 8308 pages
Pages Remaining: 147,072 pages

Current Read - The Familiar by Leigh Bardugo; Black Rose Auction series; more manga

Books I Gave Up On (1) - The Book of the Most Precious Substance by Sarah Gran: Billed as a romance thriller. It was neither. Somehow the book made sex magic boring. Gave up about halfway through.

Books Bought/Received (12)

I grabbed two books from this month’s Book of the Month selections.

• A Curse Carved in Bone by Danielle Jensen

• Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil by VE Schwab

I also had a preorder copy of Irresistible Devil by Jenny Nordbak and Stolen Vows by San R. Miller get delivered.

And during the Bookish Retreat, I bought seven books and received two in the exchange.

• The Sirens by Emilia Hart (Afterword)

• Of Monsters and Mainframes by Barbara Truelove (Afterword)

• Hooked by Emily McIntire (Under the Cover)

• Pestilence by Laura Thalassa (Under the Cover)

• Grave Matter by Karina Halle (Under the Cover)

• Matrix by Lauren Groff (Flagship)

• The Golden Enclaves by Naomi Novik (Flagship)

• Payback’s a Witch by Lana Harper (exchange)

• Witch of Wild Things by Raquel Vasquez Gilliland (exchange)

UnRead Shelf Progress

• Starting Number: 298

• Books Read: 2

• Books Acquired: 12

• Books Unshelved: 0

• Finishing Number: 308

July TBR Pile:

1. Bookworms BC: Already read

2. Friend BC: The Mayor of Maxwell Street by Avery Cunningham

3. Nerdy Bookish Friends: Already read

4. Kid Book Club: The Mechanical Mind of John Coggin by Elinor Teele

5. Kid Read Aloud: TBD

6. Fantasy: The Familiar by Leigh Bardugo

7. Scifi: A Beautifully Foolish Endeavor by Hank Green

8. Romance: Wicked Pursuit by Katee Robert

9. Romance: Divine Intervention by R.M. Virtues

10. Comics: Why Raeliana Ended Up at the Duke’s Mansion Vol. 1

11. Comics: Why Raeliana Ended Up at the Duke’s Mansion Vol. 2

12. Comics: Why Raeliana Ended Up at the Duke’s Mansion Vol. 3

13. Comics: Why Raeliana Ended Up at the Duke’s Mansion Vol. 4

14. Comics: Why Raeliana Ended Up at the Duke’s Mansion Vol. 5

15. Comics: Why Raeliana Ended Up at the Duke’s Mansion Vol. 6

16. Comics: Why Raeliana Ended Up at the Duke’s Mansion Vol. 7

17. Comics: Why Raeliana Ended Up at the Duke’s Mansion Vol. 8

Movies Watched

• Kpop Demon Hunter - Amazing! And the soundtrack slaps.

TV Shows Watched

• Leverage: Redemption

• Doctor Who

• Last Week Tonight

• Um, Actually

• Game Changer

• Murderbot S1

• Welcome to Wrexham S4

• Andor S2

• Clarkson’s Farm S4 - Finished

• Goblin S1 - Finished this one. Loved it so much!

• Clone High S1 - Finished

• Smartypants

• Alice in Borderland S2

• SKZ-Talker (2022)

• SKZ-Talker Go (2022)

• SKZ Code (2022)

Comments - Another manga heavy month, but I’m okay with that. Beyond the reading, I did watch some great media.

Next up on the TBR pile: