Jan Sikes

October Book Reviews! @Virgilante @SJMaas @YouAreTheExpert @PattyWG

I’m happy to share some great reads from my October entertainment! The two weeks I was recuperating from foot surgery and unable to leave my house, I read a lot! I hope you enjoy.

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MY REVIEW:

Lizzie and the hat always embark on some kind of insane adventure, and this book #7 in the series is no exception. With a large dash of humor and a mission to protect our national security, she and the hat set out to eliminate the threat.
This book had more than a few surprises. The entire area is still recovering from the devastating flood in the previous book, and everyone is struggling while waiting for FEMA assistance to come through.

So when Lizzie is offered the job, she takes it. As she and the hat work together to destroy the gremlins who have invaded the computer banks, there are moments of hilarity. She even gets bitten. But the worst is the curse. No, I won’t tell you what it is because that would be a big spoiler, but it also brought more than one chuckle as the hat seeks help for a cure. I love seeing previous characters pop up in this story. Joyeux, Mad, and Dash are a part of the witch coven, and Lizzie needs their help, along with Noodles, the creature we met in a previous book.


This is a fun read, and I rejoiced when Lizzie managed to get an upgrade when her Mini Cooper finally gave up and died. Yes, her new ride is on the book cover. Quite an improvement. But it was the irony of the ending that left me in stitches. It seems Lizzie can never catch a break. If you love fantasy with ample humor, this book is for you. It’s a quick read and highly entertaining!

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MY REVIEW:

As I work my way through this gigantic series, I am amazed at all Celaena endures and still comes out somewhat whole. There are so many different storylines going on in this segment. Celaena is on a quest into the world of the Fae, searching for answers and information about the Wyrdkeys that she desperately needs to disable the King of Adarlan’s dark magic.

When she is paired with fae warrior Rowan for training, the brutal pace plus kitchen duty at Mistward leaves her in shambles. But with each piece of her that is broken, a new, stronger piece is forged. Rowan’s job is to help her unleash her own magic, which is that of fire. In the meantime, the reader is taken back to Rifthold and the unlikely allies that form, each for their own reasons. Chaol, Aedion, Prince Dorian, Sorscha, and other side characters band together to protect and help the prince. Aedion only wants a chance to serve his queen.

Then, as another side story, there are covens of witches training for war games. A wyvern is gifted to each of them, but Manon chooses the smallest yet bravest of the lot. They are to fly for King Adarlan in his army. Then, other characters at Mistward become integral to the story. I have to admit to getting somewhat confused at times, but I never stopped rooting for Celaena, who is truly Queen Aelin of Terrasen. She desperately needs to reclaim her throne. This story is heartbreaking, heart-stopping, and heart-wrenching at times. But Celaena comes out stronger after each horrific event. And she is now only nineteen. She was sixteen when I started reading the series. Can’t wait to see what happens next. At almost 600 pages, this is a big book, but when I’m reading, it doesn’t feel like it. I can’t turn the pages fast enough!

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MY REVIEW:

Phebe Whiteside arrives at Queens Court Acres to take a new position as governess for three small children. But noises in the night, family secrets, and Phebe’s insatiable curiosity send her on a quest not only to help a ghost caught between worlds move on with his love in the afterlife but to solve a mystery that has haunted this family for many years.
Edmund is tormented. But until secrets are revealed, and perpetrators are made to pay, he cannot join Mary in the afterlife to be united forever.
Phebe can see and talk to Edmund. She is brave and faces things that would frighten many others away. This quote from the book grabbed me. “I stand between two realms as a messenger for a mystery that happened long ago.”
As that messenger, she helps reveal what is hidden and bring peace to the dead. The author did a great job of keeping the murderer’s identity under wraps until the very end. I had no idea and was shocked when it was revealed. This is a short read and perfect for the spooky Halloween season.

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MY REVIEW:

What a delightful compilation of photography and entertaining haikus. This is perfect for the Halloween season and is sure to bring some laughs. The spooky yard decor is the handiwork of Lorraine Parent, and I loved the photo of Lorraine in the front of the book. She fits the part. I love that the author also dedicates this fun collection to her late father. Throughout the pages of this short book, you’ll find photographs of all manner of Halloween decorations, along with a fun haiku.
This was an easy favorite:
You just gotta know
How to live right, and live good.
Start with, find your tribe.
Yep. And when you find your tribe, you know it. If you are a fan of all things Halloween, you will love this new Booku.

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MY REVIEW:

As I continue with this series, I am impressed by the growth of the characters and the depth of the mission for freedom, for peace, and for the restoration of magic outlawed by the evil king. In this book, Aelin (Celaena) has returned to Rifthold with a single-minded goal—to retrieve the missing wyrdstone her former master, the King of Assasins, Arobynn holds. But so much happens in this book it’s hard to know where to start. There are multiple storylines, all running simultaneously.
The Blackbeak witches are facing monumental struggles of their own as the evil Valg determines to use the witches for breeding dark magic so powerful it can’t be comprehended.
A young girl with a crippled leg, Elide, becomes a target for the evil breeding and comes under the protection of the witches.
Rowan travels across the sea to join Aelin in Rifthold, but his magic is stifled as soon as he crosses the threshold. I love the times he ponders on how mere mortals can manage life without the help of magic.
Aelin rescues her cousin, Aedion, as he is led to his execution, and they are reunited. I love their relationship and laughed out loud at some of their conversations.
The King of Adarlan finally meets his match. I won’t leave any spoilers. I will say I devoured this book of 650 pages in three days. I have no idea how the author will blend all the separate storylines, but I’m anxious for the next book. If you love fantasy, unforgettable characters, a noble mission, and physical obstacles that are unimaginable and insurmountable, you will love this series. Oh, and there is a little romance added to all of that. Amazing storytelling!

That’s it from me for now. I’m continuing on with the Throne of Glass series, and I can’t tell you how much I am loving it. Just fantastic!

I only share 4 and 5-star reviews. All opinions stated are strictly my own. I hope you found something you can’t live without!

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