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Jun. 24th, 2026 06:21 pmThe fun of reading with my partner.
Friday Five
Jun. 6th, 2026 02:27 pmI'm a day behind since I wasn't on here yesterday, but this week's ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png)
thefridayfive is about books!
1. Do you enjoy reading?
I do! As an only child for most of my life, it was easy entertainment. I love being able to explore and experience things outside of my normal life.
2. What is the first book you remember reading?
I don't remember. I don't honestly remember when/how I started reading. It's just something I've always done. I remember reading a ton of the Babysitter's Little Sister books and looking at the published date, I would've been six when they came out, so that may have been the first books I read on my own.
3. Who is your favourite author?
4. What is your favourite book?
I'm just going to lump these together because I no longer have an answer for either of them. The author that was previously my favorite (and wrote my favorite book) has proven to be an awful human and I no longer want anything to do with his works. I have boxed up all my books and movies and put them away until I can decide what to do with them. The book lover in me can't stand to destroy a book, but I can't knowingly give such awful things to someone else. (Not only was the author terrible, but some of his terrible deeds made their way into his work)
5. What is the last book you read and the first you'll read next?
The last book I read was The Invisible Library by Genevieve Cogman and I am currently reading the next book in the series, The Masked City. After that, I am not sure.
thefridayfive is about books! 1. Do you enjoy reading?
I do! As an only child for most of my life, it was easy entertainment. I love being able to explore and experience things outside of my normal life.
2. What is the first book you remember reading?
I don't remember. I don't honestly remember when/how I started reading. It's just something I've always done. I remember reading a ton of the Babysitter's Little Sister books and looking at the published date, I would've been six when they came out, so that may have been the first books I read on my own.
3. Who is your favourite author?
4. What is your favourite book?
I'm just going to lump these together because I no longer have an answer for either of them. The author that was previously my favorite (and wrote my favorite book) has proven to be an awful human and I no longer want anything to do with his works. I have boxed up all my books and movies and put them away until I can decide what to do with them. The book lover in me can't stand to destroy a book, but I can't knowingly give such awful things to someone else. (Not only was the author terrible, but some of his terrible deeds made their way into his work)
5. What is the last book you read and the first you'll read next?
The last book I read was The Invisible Library by Genevieve Cogman and I am currently reading the next book in the series, The Masked City. After that, I am not sure.
FINALLY finished Its Not a Cult. I was struggling a lot. Part if it was getting used to the writing of the book, but I figured out most of it was my glasses. Progressives are just awkward to read in and my vision has finally gotten bad enough that I can't read without glasses. I ordered some readers and can actually enjoy reading again!
Elijah had picked out another book for us to read together a couple months ago, so we read that.
( The Invisible Library by Genevieve Cogman ) It was a quick read, but we both enjoyed the story. I liked the world building and the character interactions. We didn't realize it when we bought it, but it's part of an eight book series. We just picked up the second book, so we'll probably start that soon.
Elijah had picked out another book for us to read together a couple months ago, so we read that.
( The Invisible Library by Genevieve Cogman ) It was a quick read, but we both enjoyed the story. I liked the world building and the character interactions. We didn't realize it when we bought it, but it's part of an eight book series. We just picked up the second book, so we'll probably start that soon.
Technically I started this mid-late December, but I'm going to use it for 2026.
Elijah bought me ( Its Not a Cult by Joey Batey ) for my birthday. A *signed copy* all the way from the UK because it isn't available here in the US. As in, the US isn't publishing it at all. I was busy trying to convince myself I didn't need it (it's only available in hardcover at the moment, so pricey, PLUS the shipping, PLUS coming from overseas) and he got it for me. <3 I am enjoying it so far, though it took a bit to get into, the writing style isn't one I'm used to and the characters take a bit to get used to. But it's progressed into the wtf of the story so it's flowing better for me now.
Elijah bought me ( Its Not a Cult by Joey Batey ) for my birthday. A *signed copy* all the way from the UK because it isn't available here in the US. As in, the US isn't publishing it at all. I was busy trying to convince myself I didn't need it (it's only available in hardcover at the moment, so pricey, PLUS the shipping, PLUS coming from overseas) and he got it for me. <3 I am enjoying it so far, though it took a bit to get into, the writing style isn't one I'm used to and the characters take a bit to get used to. But it's progressed into the wtf of the story so it's flowing better for me now.
books 11 & 12
Dec. 31st, 2025 07:46 pmI think 2025 has the fewest books read in a very long time. I struggled with what to read a LOT. And just with wanting to read in general.
Elijah and I finished the Mistborn trilogy. ( Hero of Ages by Brandon Sanderson ) Overall I really liked this book and the trilogy as a whole. There were some bits at the end that didn't fully make sense, but there are more books, so maybe it's explained later? Although Elijah said there is a massive time jump, so who knows.
I impulse bought ( Until the World Falls Down by Jordan Lynde ) I couldn't help myself, I saw Labyrinth + Beauty and the Beast and it just fell into my cart. I did actually really enjoy the story. It had a new and creative take on both stories and wove them together wonderfully. There were absolutely some awkward writing bits, but overall I really liked this book. There is also a sequel in the works that I may try to find.
Elijah and I finished the Mistborn trilogy. ( Hero of Ages by Brandon Sanderson ) Overall I really liked this book and the trilogy as a whole. There were some bits at the end that didn't fully make sense, but there are more books, so maybe it's explained later? Although Elijah said there is a massive time jump, so who knows.
I impulse bought ( Until the World Falls Down by Jordan Lynde ) I couldn't help myself, I saw Labyrinth + Beauty and the Beast and it just fell into my cart. I did actually really enjoy the story. It had a new and creative take on both stories and wove them together wonderfully. There were absolutely some awkward writing bits, but overall I really liked this book. There is also a sequel in the works that I may try to find.
Books 9 & 10
Oct. 18th, 2025 08:28 pmI finally got my hands on a copy of ( Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins ) I enjoyed this infinitely more than the last one (and still managed to hate Snow even more). It was heartbreaking and was the story Haymitch deserved. I also enjoyed the epilogue that wrapped everything together.
I am almost finished with ( The Well of Ascension by Brandon Sanderson ) Just as many twists as the first book in the series. I've been reading this with Elijah and it has been fun to read and discuss with him as we go.
I am almost finished with ( The Well of Ascension by Brandon Sanderson ) Just as many twists as the first book in the series. I've been reading this with Elijah and it has been fun to read and discuss with him as we go.
I read ( Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes by Suzanne Collins ) a few weeks ago because I want to read the new one. I had avoided reading this one because I have a very strong dislike for Snow and this is his back story. However I was told there are events in this book that are referenced in the new one, so I had to read it. The story was well written and overall was a good book in the series. But I hate Snow even more.
I have a hold on the new one from the library.
I have a hold on the new one from the library.
While staying at my mom's I read two books.
( The Edge of Normal by Carla Norton ) I was not fully prepared for the content of this book (my fault for not reading the description beforehand), but I thought it was well done in the sense that the horrors of what happened to the girls was fully felt without going into minute detail and glorifying abuse against women.
( Chasing Shadows by Karen Harper ) This one felt a little unfocused at times. I'm not sure the story was successfully completed? I'm not really sure what happened at the end. The very end of the book sets up for book 2, which I will not be reading due to the content.
( The Edge of Normal by Carla Norton ) I was not fully prepared for the content of this book (my fault for not reading the description beforehand), but I thought it was well done in the sense that the horrors of what happened to the girls was fully felt without going into minute detail and glorifying abuse against women.
( Chasing Shadows by Karen Harper ) This one felt a little unfocused at times. I'm not sure the story was successfully completed? I'm not really sure what happened at the end. The very end of the book sets up for book 2, which I will not be reading due to the content.
Mistborn by Brandon Sanderson
Mar. 4th, 2025 08:21 pmI finished the book over the weekend. It was an enjoyable read and had some twists that I didn't see coming. Definitely one of the better reads I've had in a while. Now I just have to wait to get the second book from the library. It was only available in ebook and had a wait of 20 weeks when I requested the hold. I'm now down to 12 weeks and am 6th in line.
I completely fell off the wagon on this one. I thought I was updating, but I haven't posted anything in months. So here is the end of 2024 and what I have been reading. I really need to make myself a schedule or something. ::sigh::
The last books I read in 2024:
Gambit Classic, Vol 1 (after seeing Gambit in Deadpool & Wolverine, I decided I needed more. Was not disappointed, will be reading more)
A Witch's Guide to Fake Dating a Demon by Sarah Hawley (this was a fun fake dating trope)
Merlin by Zoey Indiana (this was a book 2 in a series that I started a few years ago, the series has been abandoned by the author, there were supposed to be 3 or 4 books)
And what I've been reading in 2025:
Mercy of the Vampire King by Rhiannon Futch (this was a good read, strong female character)
Not your Average Beauty by Michelle Helliwell (I loved this take on the classic beauty and the beast story)
Of Cinder and Bone by Kyoko M (they created a dragon! what more do you need to know?)
Good Girl by Anna Fitzpatrick (this was ok, it was an introspective story which isn't usually my thing. I thought it was humor going in and parts *are* funny, but its about a 25 year old trying to get her shit together)
I started Midas Legacy by Andy McDermott a while back, but it took I turn I didn't like/wasn't in the mood for at the time and I'm not a big fan of the FMC, so I've put it down. Not sure if I'll go back to it or not. The story was interesting, scientists/adventurers found the city of Atlantis in the ocean.
I am currently reading Mistborn by Brandon Sanderson and enjoying it.
The last books I read in 2024:
Gambit Classic, Vol 1 (after seeing Gambit in Deadpool & Wolverine, I decided I needed more. Was not disappointed, will be reading more)
A Witch's Guide to Fake Dating a Demon by Sarah Hawley (this was a fun fake dating trope)
Merlin by Zoey Indiana (this was a book 2 in a series that I started a few years ago, the series has been abandoned by the author, there were supposed to be 3 or 4 books)
And what I've been reading in 2025:
Mercy of the Vampire King by Rhiannon Futch (this was a good read, strong female character)
Not your Average Beauty by Michelle Helliwell (I loved this take on the classic beauty and the beast story)
Of Cinder and Bone by Kyoko M (they created a dragon! what more do you need to know?)
Good Girl by Anna Fitzpatrick (this was ok, it was an introspective story which isn't usually my thing. I thought it was humor going in and parts *are* funny, but its about a 25 year old trying to get her shit together)
I started Midas Legacy by Andy McDermott a while back, but it took I turn I didn't like/wasn't in the mood for at the time and I'm not a big fan of the FMC, so I've put it down. Not sure if I'll go back to it or not. The story was interesting, scientists/adventurers found the city of Atlantis in the ocean.
I am currently reading Mistborn by Brandon Sanderson and enjoying it.
(no subject)
Feb. 15th, 2025 04:03 pmListening to music and heard a song that NEEDED an icon. Or maybe I just needed an icon of it. Either way, I made one!
It comes from the song Wicked Women by The Hound + The Fox. They are an amazing folk duo that everyone should listen to. Here is the song referenced, for a taste.
Wicked Women by The Hound + The Fox have a link since dreamwidth won't let me embed the video.
It comes from the song Wicked Women by The Hound + The Fox. They are an amazing folk duo that everyone should listen to. Here is the song referenced, for a taste.
Wicked Women by The Hound + The Fox have a link since dreamwidth won't let me embed the video.
I've been struggling to feel inspired/creative for quite a while. Nothing has really been grabbing my attention. But today I felt like playing around with some icons I had tried to make before from song lyrics. I'm pretty happy with how they turned out.
They're both inspired by song lyrics from The Amazing Devil.
"If you ask me for my fire, just watch me, just watch me, just watch me burn" ~Secret Worlds
"Cos she is so much more than all her scars" ~Inkpot Gods
Concrit always welcome!
They're both inspired by song lyrics from The Amazing Devil.
"If you ask me for my fire, just watch me, just watch me, just watch me burn" ~Secret Worlds
"Cos she is so much more than all her scars" ~Inkpot Gods
Concrit always welcome!
Books 12-14
Sep. 22nd, 2024 08:04 pm( American Queen by Sierra Simone ) This book had so many problems for me. The promise of Camelot, but no magic, just names pulled from the lore. The MMC is awful and his obsession with the FMC is 100% grooming. I *did* like the other male MC and the romance between him and the FMC was good. Overall, I did not like this book.
( Dead at First Sight by Christie Marquess ) I enjoyed this one, though it was a bit confusing on some parts. It was an easy read with good characters.
( Haunted River by JT Bishop ) I enjoyed this story. There were a few twists that I didn't fully see coming and the camaraderie between the main characters was good.
( Dead at First Sight by Christie Marquess ) I enjoyed this one, though it was a bit confusing on some parts. It was an easy read with good characters.
( Haunted River by JT Bishop ) I enjoyed this story. There were a few twists that I didn't fully see coming and the camaraderie between the main characters was good.
Books 8 - 11
Aug. 12th, 2024 09:59 pmAs per usual, I haven't been properly updating my books, so here's what I've read recently. I haven't been reading as much lately. Struggling to find anything good and struggling to find the desire to read.
( Two Little Girls in Blue by Mary Higgins Clark ) This was your typical MHC story. There were a few twists I didn't see coming and overall it was an okay read. I'm starting to not enjoy books that have children being hurt. Not that I every really *enjoyed* them, but I'm at a point where I would rather not read them at all.
( Cold Fire by Dean Koontz ) Again, your typical Koontz story, though this one didn't have a golden retriever. This one also felt off with several things. The romance made zero sense, the characters had no chemistry. And the reveal of what was happening felt... wrong. I'm not sure how to explain without spoilers. Maybe it's because it was written/published in the 90s. I don't know, but I didn't really like this book.
( Batman: Damned by Brian Azzarello ) This I actually enjoyed. It veers a bit from the Batman storylines I've read before, but still holds the spirit. The biggest difference here is that it's narrated by Constantine. Their interactions are actually pretty minimal, but seeing Bruce through John's eyes was interesting. They did play with Batman's origins and I was not a fan of that, but overall I enjoyed the story.
( Constantine: Distorted Illusions by Kami Garcia ) Saw this at the store and found it at the library rather than pay $17 for it. It's not terrible, but it isn't Constantine. It's more love story than magic and they completely changed John's back story. It was a fun story, but not at all part of the Constantine story.
( Two Little Girls in Blue by Mary Higgins Clark ) This was your typical MHC story. There were a few twists I didn't see coming and overall it was an okay read. I'm starting to not enjoy books that have children being hurt. Not that I every really *enjoyed* them, but I'm at a point where I would rather not read them at all.
( Cold Fire by Dean Koontz ) Again, your typical Koontz story, though this one didn't have a golden retriever. This one also felt off with several things. The romance made zero sense, the characters had no chemistry. And the reveal of what was happening felt... wrong. I'm not sure how to explain without spoilers. Maybe it's because it was written/published in the 90s. I don't know, but I didn't really like this book.
( Batman: Damned by Brian Azzarello ) This I actually enjoyed. It veers a bit from the Batman storylines I've read before, but still holds the spirit. The biggest difference here is that it's narrated by Constantine. Their interactions are actually pretty minimal, but seeing Bruce through John's eyes was interesting. They did play with Batman's origins and I was not a fan of that, but overall I enjoyed the story.
( Constantine: Distorted Illusions by Kami Garcia ) Saw this at the store and found it at the library rather than pay $17 for it. It's not terrible, but it isn't Constantine. It's more love story than magic and they completely changed John's back story. It was a fun story, but not at all part of the Constantine story.
I finally got PaintShop on my laptop! I had tried using GIMP, but it just feels so clunky and I don't like it. I still have to re-download all my fonts and brushes and things, but I have the program itself, so I made a few icons I had made before that came out a little off.
Amazing Devil lyric icons:
Tori Amos lyric icons:
Amazing Devil lyric icons:
Tori Amos lyric icons:
I felt a little lost reading this at first because it's book 2 in the series. I thought I had checked and saw it was book 1, but after finishing it, I learned it wasn't. Still a good story and interesting characters. There are several more books I might try to find at the library.
( Darkness Calls by Marjorie M. Liu )
( Darkness Calls by Marjorie M. Liu )
(no subject)
May. 1st, 2024 07:40 pm
Wrote this the other day. It reads:
Desire surrounds us
In an ocean of fire.
Exploring a fevered embrace.
Delicious dream
Broken by morning.
The ghost of your voice
Haunts me.
I just finished ( Gone by Lisa Gardener ) on Thursday. It didn't end the way I thought it would, so that was nice. It was full of twists which kept it interesting. Overall I enjoyed it. I had read another book by this author that is apparently the book before this in the series. But they're only connected in that the main group of characters is in each book, the story itself is different for each book. I read the other one several years ago and didn't remember it at all. When I looked up my review I remembered disliking one of the characters, but I didn't mind him in this book so either he was better or I liked him more. ::shrug::
It's weird to still be in single digits this far into the year. Hopefully I can get back into things now that I seem to have broken my rut.
I finished Mockingjay a few days ago. I did not remember much of that movie at all. I really enjoyed the book. Overall I liked that it stayed true to the character's age. I felt the books definitely give a better feel for Katniss and what she's going through.
I finished Mockingjay a few days ago. I did not remember much of that movie at all. I really enjoyed the book. Overall I liked that it stayed true to the character's age. I felt the books definitely give a better feel for Katniss and what she's going through.
I finally started Catching Fire yesterday.
My library never got the paperback copy in, so I cancelled my hold. I found it on Hoopla and am reading the ebook version. I don't remember much from the movie outside of the Games, but it feels more violent and I haven't even gotten to the Games yet. I'm enjoying it so far.
My library never got the paperback copy in, so I cancelled my hold. I found it on Hoopla and am reading the ebook version. I don't remember much from the movie outside of the Games, but it feels more violent and I haven't even gotten to the Games yet. I'm enjoying it so far.
