It has taken me many years and several attempts but I have finally finished the Kate Daniels series by Ilona Andrews. It is one I have long claimed as a favourite, despite never having read all of the books released. Now, I can finally confirm that it gets a place on my favourites list. Not that it is a particularly exclusive list, I think I proclaim a book as a favourite all of the time. I am very easily pleased, but it is there all the same. And it was deserved, because I can see this being a series I continue to want to reread over and over again.
I really wanted to talk about the series on my blog, but with any series it's so difficult to do because spoilers are inevitable. Something which is a well established fact later on in the series is often hush hush and yet to be revealed at the start. How on earth was I meant to talk about everything when it's basically a minefield of spoilers? I decided to look at the general things I loved, this may contain minor character spoilers but I obviously won't tell you the specifics of what happens. To be safe, if you want to avoid spoilers then you are probably better off skipping this whole post, which would suck, but I know not everyone lives life on the edge like me and just embraces the spoilers as they happen.
The good
The romance
The main romance here is between Curran and Kate and it was wonderful. I loved that it was so slow burn, it takes several books for them to even get close to admitting they like each other and there were still hurdles to over come. They were such a great couple, htough. Yes, kate was impulsive and reckless and Curran was a bit of a control freak and was a touch over protective. But they balanced each other out and the great thing was that neither expected the other to be something that they weren't. Too often you see characters change through a long running series and they don't even resemble who they were when it started. But not here, they grew as people and a couple but I never felt like they were becoming something that they weren't, even when Kate was adjusting to life within the pack and the rules of being with The Beast Lord, you could tell she was herself. The titles and rules didn't sit right with her but she knew there were limits to which she could push those rules and she always did.
The secondary characters
One thing I love in a long running series is that you can truly have a full cast of characters because you know that there is time for them to be fleshed out in various books. As the series progressed so did the secondary characters who made frequent appearances, and as the series progressed those who were featured more often changed too. I loved that you saw Kate find herself with a mismatched collection of friends and colleagues. It was so nice to see her grow closer with Andrea and get herself a best friend, and various faces within the pack like Barbaras and Aunt B. There were just so many wonderful characters who came and went through the books. And even better was that there were novellas which focused upon some of those secondary characters and there are spin off series too. This was really a series which kept on giving with all those people I wanted to claim as a favourite.
Each book had an interesting plot
Look, that doesn't always happen with a series. I honestly expected to say that it lost me a little in the middle or it had a weak ending but that's not the case. In actual fact, the worst book of the series is probably the first one. It's not as well written as the later ones and because there was so much introduction to the world and the various characters it was a slower, and it was shorter. But this seemed like a series which grew and got better as it went along. You could tell Ilona and Gordon were finding their feet as the series progressed, they had an idea and it took a while to really get going and that's fine. After the first book the writing was stronger and I loved that I was always kept guessing what kind of direction things were going to take. There were some twists along the way I really wasn't expecting.
The grumbles
Look, I am not stupid enough to claim that the series is always perfect, there were flaws. As I said, the first book wasn't great and I did have things that, looking back, I wish hadn't been there or had been written better. But I loved the series anyway.
Magic system
Look, in a world where tech and magic comes and goes in waves there has to be some sensible magic system in place, and there was to some extent. And the various different cultures and folklore meant different types of magic. I loved that magic was a flexible thing which was changed and influenced by people and their beliefs. The problem was that as I think about it now magic seemed completely fluid and I still can't grasp if there was a specific magic system in place. It seemed that it could conveniently change each book to help fix each issue that came along and that did get a little frustrating. There were limits on the magic, and it was explained why Kate's abilities with her magic grew through her use of them but it would have been nice to have a more solid magic system and for there to be more limits on what it could and couldn't do.
I never worried they wouldn't make it
I'm not saying no significant characters died through the whole series, that really would have been ridiculous. But I never once worried about Kate and Curran not surviving. Even when I think I was meant to worry about them (they both really liked to throw themselves into life threatening situations with no regard for their own safety) I just felt certain it would be ok. I suppose part of that came from the fact that they always made it through in previous books. They were badly injured, and even looked like they wouldn't make it from time to time, but by the final book I didn't have that worry any more. I mean, it was the last book. Anything could have happened but I didn't feel that tension as things progressed when I was meant to be worried.
There wasn't enough of an epilogue
This is a silly complaint, especially as I know there's a Julie spin off series and Hugh's spin off series, but I wanted a longer final epilogue in Magic Triumphs. I'd spent all of this time with Kate and I wanted to see more of what was next for her. I know she will appear elsewhere, as will the various other characters, but it would have been nice to see more of them settled into their new normal after the final battle. I suppose my issue was I didn't want the series to end, and when it did I wanted more of a neat little bow on things before new drama and dangers emerged in the spin off series.
Have you read this series? What have you enjoyed about it and disliked from what you’ve read? It’s firmly on my favourites but no book can be perfect.
I can’t believe it’s October next week! I have so many different things coming up over the next few weeks and months and beyond so it’s scary that time is slipping on by so fast. I should be used to it. The pandemic certainly showed time doesn’t only fly when you’re having fun. I could descend into a whole thing about how time is relative but I don’t really understand it so how am I meant to explain it? I had actually intended to post a little more this week and get my posts drafted for next week but best laid plans and all that. Oh well, I posted and I was pleased with that, we’ll see what comes next when it comes to blogging. I’ve got plenty of other things on so falling behind on stuff was inevitable.
Music
I mentioned last week I was seeing Genesis and they were great. Way better than expected. So, in honour of that, I thought I include my favourite song from them and my favourite song which they performed. They did a little acoustic set in the middle of their performance and this was one of the songs they performed and it really blew me away. There were doubts about Phil Collins’ ability to perform with his health struggles and although he had to spend the performance sitting down he can still put on a good show. His voice has changed with age but he knew how to perform the songs so we all knew them and could enjoy them. I obviously only recognised half of them but I could tell everyone around me knew them all and enjoyed them.
Watching
I’ve still not finished Run On, I meant to continue watching Monday as I had the day off of work but instead, I was getting my to-do list done. I’m planning on trying to watch some today but again have to do things on the to-do list. Why do I always have a to-do list? Midnight Mass was released Friday so I binge-watched that Saturday ignoring the to-do list, which means I am technically writing this post Sunday morning but sometimes I like to be last minute and chaotic. Midnight Mass was good, I couldn’t stop watching as I tried to figure out how it was going to resolve itself but I don’t know how to feel about it now. My problem with binge-watching is the fact I don’t have time to process all of the events in the show. I’m waiting for one of my friends to finish so we can discuss as we had theories when we first started but she had to go out and I refused to move from the sofa so I’m just left with all of these thoughts! It was a good show, I am glad I watched but I need digest time to decide if it was really good or just a decent watch.
Life
I always wish I had really exciting things to catch you up on here but I honestly don’t. I don’t think you want to hear how I managed to get everything ticked off on my to-do list Monday or that work was boring but has been really pushing me hard with people taking time off so we can get everything done. I don’t want to be boring and talk about work. The only work thing I will mention is that a team lead is once more leaving and I wasn’t even told I found out in a newsletter we get! I don’t think I was blogging during the time of both the team leads in my department leaving but that was back in March. One was finally replaced in July but I guess they don’t like it as they’re off again. Honestly, the company is not having a great job at keeping people in supervisory positions. I’ve been without a supervisor since March, I just have a manager who is managing like 20 people now. We’ll see what happens there.
Tuesday was obviously Genesis day, after work we went off to Birmingham and faced the crowds of the Utilita arena. It was strange to be in a place with so many people, I’ve been to shops and bars but nothing that big. There was a mix of people some with face masks and others without. And then the woman who sat next to me had a face mask on and spent the whole concert with her fingers in her ears. She was bouncing her legs along with the music so she seemed to be enjoying it. I just wish I had some earplugs I could have offered her. It was a really fun night out with my mom but I regretted it a little the next day as I was so tired but what can you do? I’m not trying to convince people to come to more concerts with me. We’re eyeing up Elton John for 2023 and possibly The Weeknd next year but why is it always so expensive for tickets?
That was really the highlight of my week. The only other interesting thing I did was go to a friends house for some drinks and a catch up where we ended up talking to 1am. I love those nights as they are so chilled and I got to hang out with her little dog too. We were busy making plans for next month and next year. Hopefully, all of the things we were planning will happen but we’ll see. It’s just really nice to catch up with folks, to be honest.
Reading
I didn’t read as much as I planned this week. I finished the Kate Daniels series and I fully blame Magic Triumphs for me not being in the mood to read anything after. I decided not to read Julie’s book yet, since it’s a new series I figure I can wait a little while to start it. I turned to my trusty random number generator to help me start clearing a few more Kindle books since I am lost on what to read next. Lucy in the Sky I expected to DNF, the writing at the start was rough to say the least but I got sucked in somehow and ended up finishing it one evening. I did skim sections but I enjoyed it. Never going to be a favourite but I’m so glad it popped up. Sadly, the next book chosen was a Colleen Hoover one and I have a love/hate relationship with her books. I finally decided to DNF as I just couldn’t face what was going to be an angsty read. Then came Once Upon A Dream, I am so close to DNF-ing it but it’s a novella collection of 3 fairytale retellings, how can I DNF novellas? I actually read a whole heap of Drarry fanfiction instead while I avoid reading my latest book pick. Hopefully, I won’t be in a month long blackhole of fanfiction but with me I honestly never know.
New To Me
I’m trying to be good but I did buy a couple of books I’d been eyeing up in the monthly Kindle deals before the month is over. I probably shouldn’t have done as two are part of a series and I said I wouldn’t invest in series without starting them anymore but I’m a rebel obviously. I’d originally planned to try reading the first book in both these series but I am very bad at following through with such plans. I won’t cry if I don’t like them, they were all 99p so it’s not terrible.
What have you been doing this week? Any favourite reads? And please tell me you’ve watched Midnight Mass so I have someone to discuss it with!
I love nothing more than a good book series. It's so nice to be able to fully immerse yourself into a world or invest in the lives of a group of characters. When it comes to fantasy reads I want a series because I often get frustrated at standalone books as you just don't get to explore the world and characters as much as I might like. I want the world to be totally fleshed out, to know the characters backstory and the connection with the other characters in the world. I want everything a series can give. And even contemporary reads, I am sad to leave a really good cast of characters, I want to see all of their stories and see their lives develop as time passes. I get excited when I see characters from previous books making a cameo and you see them happy and settled.
So if I like series so much, why am I so bad at finishing them?
I think I'm my third or fourth reread of the Kate Daniels series and this is finally the time I am finishing it. And I still haven't finished the Psy-Changeling series despite reading the first books so many times, I started reading them again last year in lockdown and still haven't finished! I have so many half-finished series on my shelves where I claim to have loved the first book yet never continued on, even when I've bought the next book in the series.
Reasons I give for not finishing:
I need a break and want to read something different
With any long-running series, like the Kate Daniels series or the Psy-Changeling, series, the reason I usually give for stopping partway through is that I need a break. I get so many books in and love the characters, but I get fatigued almost and need a break to read something else. I think, sometimes, I’m doing it almost as a pre-emptive strike to avoid a reading slump. It’s sensible to a certain extent because my reading slumps can be terrible, but I should really just power through and finish the damn series because I usually don’t go back until over a year later and I’ve forgotten what’s happened so I decide to reread and it becomes a vicious cycle of me never finishing the series. It's the same way I never finish video games, you would think I would learn!
I want to wait for the whole series to be out
This is one that really applies to trilogies but if I find that I love the first book in a series and I'm waiting for the rest of the books to be released (which will normally have a gap of at least a year between each release) then I buy the next books but say I won't read the second one until the final book it out. Inevitably, I buy the books and either can't remember what happened in the first or have seen poor reviews for one of the books in the series and become less motivated to finish. Or I just get lazy and the hype has worn off so I don't feel as motivated to continue on.
I can't remember what happened
This is the big one and I’ve touched upon it with my first reason: I have a terrible book memory. That's not because the books are bad (but sometimes, the plots and characters can blur together with other books if they are similar) but it's simply that I have a terrible memory. I can forget character names while reading a book, and as soon as I get to the end and start writing a review I can guarantee I'm having to open the book back up to refresh my memory on names. The plot stays with me longer, but I cannot understand how people can remember quotes and detailed points from a book because I am honestly incapable. The only book series I can remember really well is the Harry Potter series and I reread those books religiously from the age of 8 so if I didn’t remember them well I’d be concerned. So when I can't remember the first book I know I need to reread the whole series to finish it and sometimes I just don't have time for that! Or I find excuses not to because I worry I’ll become fatigued rereading the series or some such ridiculousness.
They add more books to the series
This is a pet peeve of mine when it comes to publishing. The mid-series cover change is one thing, and I can mostly handle it, but when a series that was originally agreed to be a trilogy and marketed as such then gets extended, probably because the author always intended a longer book series and has developed way more plot points and needs more books, then I find myself put off from reading. I keep buying them, but I lose my motivation. A 2 book series feels like a commitment so 4/5/6 just feels too much. I love a good series as much as the next person, but give me a warning beforehand so I know to expect it! I mean, I should probably be celebrating as it means more time with the characters and a well-developed plot and world but, for me, I find myself demotivated and that’s just a strangeness I have.
Another week over with. September is just flying by and I'm not totally certain I'm ok with that. I swear, 2021 has disappeared in the blink of an eye. I know I'm constantly looking forward to next year in the hopes things look better (why is it the future always seems like it will be better? I'm pretty sure I was optimistic about 2020 at the start of last year and look how that turned out) but that doesn't mean I want to fly through the year. Oh well, at least it's another week which brought me good books and some fun adventures.
Listening
I was going to feature a Genesis playlist I've been listening to on Spotify since I've somehow agreed to go see them on Tuesday with my mom but then Taylor Swift did her usual of dropping a surprise song and that has been on repeat all weekend because I'm living my main character life right now, ok?
But yes, I am going to see Genesis on Tuesday after work and, I won't lie, I only know a handful of songs. It should be interesting (keep your fingers crossed I don't get told off again). It should be fun if nothing else and my mom has had the tickets ordered since before covid but sadly her friend who was meant to go was just feeling too wary about the situation right now and dropped out. I couldn't let my mom miss out, she's excited I think but we'll probably be going masked up.
Watching
I can't believe I forgot to include my tv updates for you last week! I spend a lot of time with the tv on right now, I can't handle silence when I'm working so tend to put it on low so it's almost like the hum of conversation. I'd say I need to go back to the office but turns out it's just as quiet there. Anyway, the main show I've been watching is Run On. I'm loving it, there's just something so sweet and charming about it. I am being very slow about watching, though. Sadly, I can't watch and do other things as I need to be focused on reading those subtitles, which means it's great at getting me to focus but I also tend to make time to do other things instead, like reading and blogging. I've been watching Silent Witness and New Amsterdam as well, and really need to make time to watch Vigil.
Life
Honestly, this week has been quiet. I began the week injuring my toe doing housework (it's a lesson to me to do less of that). The last time I hurt my toe it was after I'd been drinking so it's good to know I'm just accident-prone. My foot now has a lovely purple bruise on it and I'm glad summer has passed so I don't have to make excuses not to wear sandals again. Apart from that, my week was mainly focused on work which is boring for everyone to hear about. I did book myself a long weekend from work, though, so my weekend could be more fun and focused on things I actually wanted to do.
I feel like I made my weekend the weekend to get shit done. I don't know why, but when I book time off of work I always try and fit all of my chores and to-do list into a single day. Friday saw me weeding my garden, tidying the house, washing stuff and generally sorting things. But also had me off shopping. I went to the nearest shopping centre which I haven't been to since masks were compulsory I think. I did feel a bit strange being in the minority shopping with a face mask on but I figure we’re recommended to wear them so it seems sensible. it can be frustrating not everyone agrees. I still had a fun time, at least, even if I spent more than I intended. It just sucks that was a shopping trip less for nice clothes and more to cover more things from my to-do list like buy shampoo and lots of essentials I’ve been putting off buying. I did buy some makeup and a new book, though. I treated myself a little, even if my bank account protested when I checked it at the end of the day.
The only other event of my weekend was a party I went to for my friend's engagement. It had previously been planned as her 30th birthday party but that got postponed and she then got engaged so when she changed the date made more sense to celebrate that instead. It was a good night, although it did feel weird to be mixing with so many people again. Isn’t it strange to be hoping for a return to normal yet when normal events happen they feel so foreign? It was a good night and I got to catch up with friends who I’ve not had a chance to see in so long. Now I just want to spend my Sunday reading and playing The Sims, I feel like I deserve a lazy day.
Reading
I'm almost finished with my reading of the Kate Daniels series! I've one book left but I decided to read Hugh's spin-off book since it was released before Magic Triumphs. I’d been so determined not to like Iron & Magic and I’m a little annoyed I am now a fan of Hugh and just want nice things for him. Where is the next book in that series i ask you? I’m preparing myself to read Magic Triumphs now and I don’t think I’m ready. What am I going to do when I finish the series? I can already predict the reading slump that will follow. Pray for me!
I did listen to one audiobook this week as well. It was a slow Thursday at work and I needed something to keep me focused and I won’t lie, it was a little disappointing but it did serve the purpose I’d wanted. It kept me entertained for an hour or so while I did boring stuff at work.
New To Me
Only a couple of purchases this week (go me). I wanted to read Derek's novella so had to buy that. I'm glad I did, it was good and makes me excited to read Julie's book after I finish Magic Triumphs. I also went shopping on Friday and saw The Ex Talk in my local Waterstones, this is exciting since it's a US edition and they don't tend to order in too many copies of books from the US unless it's a special order. I'd actually gone in intending to buy The Jasmine Throne by Tasha Suri but thought I'd check out the fiction section (no, most UK bookshops will not have a romance section. It's an issue) as well the sci-fi and fantasy and there it was! I immediately knew I needed it in my life and The Jasmine Throne will wait until and another shopping trip.
What have you been doing this week? Any good books or recommendations for me? And what do you do to avoid a reading slump after reading a really good series?
It’s so strange to think we’re into September and I’ve not spoken to you about my favourite books throughout the year. I mean, considering I haven't been blogging it isn't that strange, but I still find it weird that I could make a reference to a book and you will have no clue that I loved it because there has been no opportunity for me to declare my love for it. I had initially expected to do a whole series of catch up reviews to help you learn what I've been enjoying reading through 2021 but I cannot be bothered to write a detailed review for each of them. Hear me out, yes I've enjoyed each and every book here, but I wasn't writing the same notes and comments to myself after finishing reading while I wasn't blogging. Even when I thought it would be a few weeks break from blogging, it's like I subconsciously knew that I wouldn't be around for a while. It does help that at the start of the year when the blogging hiatus began I hardly read a thing and when I started to read again, I didn't want to worry about reviews, I just wanted to enjoy reading.
I do still want to give you some highlights because these books deserve some love and they honestly helped brighten up my year when I needed it. I might have escaped into more TV shows than books but I have still been enjoying reading and these are the books I've loved and a few honourable mentions of books I liked but won't be placed on a favourites list.
The House in the Cerulean Sea – TJ Klune
I feel like every other blogger in the world, who hasn't enjoyed this book over the past year? It was actually Vera, from Wordy and Whimsical, who first put it on my radar. I'd seen it about and loved the cover but she was the first person to say to me it was really good and recommend it. I thought it would be like usual, someone tells me a book is good and I refuse to read it. It was actually my final Scribd audiobook before I cancelled my subscription as my phase of listening to audiobooks ended for no apparent reason.
This book begins slowly, it is far more about the character's journey than some epic plot, but that is what made it so wonderful. Every single child at the orphanage won me over and I was crying listening to this. There were actual tears while I was working and listening! It could have been embarrassing but I just thought it was utterly charming. I have even bought the Illumicrate exclusive edition that came out (even though I vowed not to) because I can see myself returning to this book over and over again.
The Widow of Rose House – Diana Biller
I bought this book in 2020 because I'd seen it on Twitter and then I saw that Nick of The Infinite Limits of Love liked it and we all know Nick just has to mention a book and I'm ready to buy it because I know her readings tastes are pretty similar to mine. I tried to read it last year during one of my many book slumps of the pandemic but ended up putting it to one side. I figured new year, new me... Or new year, new reading attitude? I don't know, but I figured it was time to give it another chance and I am so glad I did. I already knew that my abandoning it last year was very much a me issue rather than a book issue, but you do worry sometimes. I think the fact I’d purchased a physical copy from Words & Kisses added another level of pressure to love it because I owned an actual copy! Thankfully, the second time was the charm and I really did love this book. I thought Alva was an amazing main character who I cheered along the way. She deserved nothing but amazing things so when she met Sam I just knew they were going to be an amazing couple. She might not necessarily agree with that assessment but she soon began to care for Sam. I mean, who wouldn’t? The slightly creepy vibes in the house were perfect. I definitely feel like this would be the perfect spooky season read for those who don’t want anything too scary, this one won’t give you nightmares but has the perfect creepy vibes to it.
Act Your Age, Eve Brown – Talia Hibbert
It took me forever to finally read my preorder of this book. I knew I would love the book, how could I not? But I had been slow to pick it up, I think I was just scared to leave the Brown sisters and wanted to prolong my time with the family. I worried that Eve wouldn't be to my tastes, she had always been a little all over the place, but as soon as the book started I was ready to slap myself, Talia Hibbert only writes brilliant characters. Of course, I was charmed by her and I loved every moment of this book. I can't wait to reread all three books and am obviously eagerly anticipating my next Talia Hibbert read. Well done me for not having caught up on her backlist yet.
The Roommate – Rosie Danan
This was another Nick motivated purchase. I feel like Nick had read this month's before it was ever released so when I saw that there were signed preorders at Words and kisses I was ready to preorder mine. I then proceeded to not read it for months until I realised the next book in the series was already out and it was ridiculous to keep waiting. As soon as I started I didn't want to stop. A romance involving a porn star shouldn't work. It should be ridiculous, but I loved it. I was hooked and it was fun and interesting and I then regretted not reading it when it was released because why wasn't I part of the hype for this one? I got there eventually, though.
You Had Me At Hola – Alexia Daria
I feel like this book was everywhere when it was first released. I ended up treating myself to the book at some point and then promptly didn't read it. Then, one sunny day in my mom's garden I figured why not? I am pretty certain it was during a mini-heatwave in the UK, it might have even been after I got my first vaccine injection, as I did spend the whole day after that reading and enjoying myself. And this is the book I was reading (I think). It was just pure escapism, exactly the kind of book I want to read on a sunny day and lose myself in. I thought the romance between the characters and then the characters they were playing on the show was genius. I had thought it might be awkward, but it was executed really well (in my opinion).
How to Talk to a Goddess and Other Lessons in Real Magic – Emily Croy Barker
I don't think I've ever talked enough about my love for the first book in this series, The Thinking Woman's Guide to Real Magic. I borrowed it years ago from the library and adored it, I was then horrified to learn there was no sequel out. I have been following along to the author's website and social media for updates so I was overjoyed to finally hear the second book had been released. Sadly, it was released in audio first but I usually want to read books rather than listen since I'm not listening to audiobooks much when I work. Thankfully, the ebook wasn't too far behind the audio. I actually decided to read the first books again, just to see if it aged well for me or was actually awful and I should skip the sequel. I adored it completely and bought the second book so fast after finishing.
Sequels are a daunting prospect, especially when this one was so highly anticipated. It was years in the making! It met all expectations and I read it as fast as I could. I would have happily skived off work to finish. This book even forced me to take lunch (something I often work through at home) just so I had more reading time. Even getting up at 6:30 seemed reasonable to get in as much reading time as possible. I don't want to spoil anything but this book was good. Even though I would have liked the romance to be more in focus than it was, that's just me. It was still really good. Now I just have to see if there is another long wait for another book in this series as there is so much more story to tell.
Empire of Sand – Tasha Suri
I was in the fantasy romance mood at this point and every time I googled to see which books fit that category this book appeared. I had bought it after seeing some hype about it on Twitter and then I promptly read nothing about what it was about and it was left to gather dust on my Kindle. I am so glad I finally pulled my finger out (as you can see, there's a general theme with my reading) I loved it. This book was amazing with a strong female character and such an interesting world was built here. And it was all done within one book. So many books rely upon it being part of a series to wrap up the plot and develop the world as the series goes along, but here there is a wonderful story and well-developed world and characters all finished within the book. There is another book to the series but it focuses on different characters. I 100% recommend this one to people, it completely transported me to another world.
One Night Stand with the Sexiest Man Alive – Ainslie Paton
I couldn't decide if this book was a favourite or an honourable mention. I decided I enjoyed it enough it deserved to be a favourite because it reminded me how much I love Ainslie Paton's writing and it was a surprise read for me as I had practically forgotten I owned it until I used a random number generator to pick my reads. It was fun, interesting and had me swooning (and laughing). Honestly, this book has all the things I look for in a good contemporary read, and it did all that along with being a short read so my attention span could handle it. I am definitely reading the other two books in this series (although, who knows how long it'll take me to get around to them knowing me) and I will happily recommend it to the others looking for a fun quick read too.
Honourable Mentions
Have you read any of the books which I’ve mentioned? What have been your favourite books of 2021 so far? And do you have any books which aren’t necessarily favourites but you think deserve some attention all the same?
I wasn't sure I was going to bring back my weekly post but you guys said you liked the life stuff (and I secretly love hearing about everyone else's lives when I visit your blogs) so it seemed like a no brainer to have my Sunday posts return. Will I always do them weekly? Who knows, I'm taking blogging one step at a time, I currently have no posts finished and schedule for next week so it could be I post nothing after this, or I could be inspired and finish 5 posts this afternoon. I see where the blogging winds take me.
Listening
First up, the soundtrack to my life is currently Halsey's latest album. I try and throw in other songs now and again as I do have an indie/chill playlist I like to listen to on an evening when I'm reading before bed (or, as it usually goes, when I'm playing Homescapes before bed). But I always like to have music for when I'm doing housework or out for a walk and Halsey is my current chosen soundtrack.
Life
I haven't exactly done a lot lately. My weekdays are usually filled with work followed by spending the evening at my mom's watching TV and generally getting in some socialisation since I often won't speak to anyone during work hours. It's a routine but evenings did also used to be blog time, I am attempting to develop a new routine. It’s strange how quickly I changed my routine during my blogging break but trying to change it back feels like some kind of uphill struggle. I’ll get there.
Apart from work the only other thing which has really been taking up my attention is various stuff with my solicitor. I didn't talk about it before, but you guys said to unload my life drama (not that I really view it as drama anymore) but I am moving house.
'You've only been living in your house for like a year though' I hear you all cry (unless you don't remember, because why would you recall the ins and outs of my day to day life?) and if you do remember then you may be wondering why I am moving again. The thing is, I got this house December 2019 and fully moved in just a month before the pandemic hit fully in the UK in March 2020. I was forced to learn very quickly how to live alone and get used to spending copious time alone in a short space of time. It was not my favourite thing to do because I was spending all day every day alone. Phone calls and video chats were all well and good but talking to someone in person wins every time. I would go days without saying a word to anyone but myself, and even talking to myself lost it’s appeal when I realised my walls with my neighbour weren’t the best. I would have managed to cope with being alone better, but then I began to have issues with one of my neighbours. Nothing major, I wasn't calling the police or anything like that. But I think the small everyday things were worse, at least if we had a blazing row in the street my dislike of her would feel more justified. But, as I said, the walls aren’t the best in my house and so I found myself gradually getting frustrated at all the everyday noise. From heavy bass music during the day while I'm working, to her shouting at her kids throughout the day and them very blatantly ignoring her. I learnt their bed time and bed time routine and have since learnt that bed time is not complete for them if she doesn’t have to shout at least once for them to get to bed from the living room. That combined with me getting frustrated at all the little things I knew I didn't like about the house but thought would be a minor issue left me deciding that after 18 months my house was going back up for sale and I would move elsewhere.
I know that the past 18 months are not a reflection of how things will be forever, but I also know that there was no redeeming this house in my eyes. I never want to be here and I am constantly on edge when it comes to noise, something I never used to worry about. I now know the wonders of white noise to help me relax and sleep and know the best type of earplugs to help me block out noise. These are things you shouldn't really need to look into just so you can work and sleep and live in your own home. I have worked from every room of my house (apart from the toilet) just to have a change of scenery. And I have even befriended one of the delivery drivers who stops by because I was that desperate for some human interaction! I can honestly say I hate my house and can't wait to see the back of it. My next house isn't perfect, either. But I think the difference is it's a new start and fixes the things I've strongly disliked about this one. I know I won't be able to choose my neighbours at the next house either, I may hate them or we might be best of friends. But I have worried more about the things I can control, like a bigger living room and a bed room with a built in wardrobe space. It will need way more work to decorate (which I know I hate) but I look forward to something new. Here's hoping attempt two is better because I am not spending more of my savings moving any time soon.
Wow, I didn't expect that little rant.
The only other thing going on lately? I went to a gig last Sunday to watch a Fleetwood Mac tribute band and it was honestly so much fun to do something slightly normal again. I had a great time, although me and my friend were apparently talking too much and someone sat behind us tapped us on our shoulder to say 'we paid to listen to the band not you talk'. I didn't think we were being overly loud as we could hear the band just fine but it definitely put a slight dampener on things for us as we had already said we'd have to remain sat down as the gig was all seated and no one was up dancing along so we didn't want to block anyone's view. Everyone wants to go out and enjoy music in different ways I suppose. It definitely wasn't like any gig I'd been to before but I attributed some of that to the current situation as everyone was trying to stay within their own bubble, but who knows. I also went to a friends for some drinks and a takeaway Friday night and I always appreciate doing those normal things more now. Even if I have to keep doing regular lateral flow tests to make sure I'm testing negative before going out and being social, I'd rather that than being at home alone.
Reading
I wasn't sure how many books to feature here because you haven't seen me all year but I'm not listing 67 books for you. I don't have the patience to link all those up and you probably don't want to scroll through that. Instead I'll list all the Kate Daniels books I've read so far because that has been my reading for the past 2 weeks. I will finish the whole series soon! I forgot how much I enjoy Ilona Andrews books, and it also reminded me that I should reread way more. What's the point of claiming to love books when you're always forcing yourself to read something new? I love the comfort of returning to the familiar because it reminds you why you love a book and makes you want to tell everyone about it all over again.
New To Me
Again, I will not list every purchase I've made. I'd be embarrassed to see it and I don't need the book buying judgement. I have managed to restrain myself, a couple of freebies, including a Kindle First book (which I usually don't get, but sometimes a book grabs my attention). I also bought physical copies of the Graceling series because I actually love the new covers they have been released with to match Winterkeep. I really shouldn't buy more books when I have 3 giant boxes of them I need to move to my new house but I'm allowed to indulge myself occasionally. Also, before anyone asks (I’m looking at you Vera) no, I have not yet actually read to the last book in the main PsyChangeling series, but it dropped in price so I had to buy. I will get to the final 3 (or is it 4?) books and finish the series because I do want to read the new series from that. My brain just isn’t cooperating with that plan.
What have you guys been up to this week? Have you started to try and do some more normal things yet and if so, did it feel weird? What have you been reading recently?
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