We’re well into Q4 so it only makes sense I am just now getting to my Q3 reading recap. 😅 The last few months have been a whirlwind; the transition from summer to fall and holding onto as much of the outdoor activities and sociability as possible. I read a lot of great books this quarter, though, so let’s get into it.
Book of Night by Holly Black
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This was Black’s debut adult novel and it was an enjoyable read. It took me some time to get familiar with the workings of the magical society she created and who could do what. There were moments where it did feel more YA than adult fantasy in regard to how the characters approached various situations. I wasn’t ready for the twist at the end though, and will likely read the next installment just so I can find out what happens next.
Grey by E. L. James
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I read the Fifty Shades books many years ago and of course, had to start the series from Grey’s perspective. I enjoy novels like this that tell the tale from the other MC’s POV (a reason I loved Midnight Sun by Stephenie Meyer so much). The story is a bit problematic, but so were the original novels. If you need some smut in your life, add this to your list.
The Ten Thousand Doors of January by Alix E. Harrow
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This was such a magical tale and I loved every minute of it. It reminded me a bit of Inkheart by Cornelia Funke, which I read when I was a kid. I was always fascinated with the notion of writing something down and it comes to life. This tale was no different. A mixture of fantasy, adventure, and romance, this was definitely a favorite of mine this year.
House of Earth and Blood by Sarah J. Maas
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I tried to find this book for months and wasn’t able to and when I finally did, I had already started reading ACOTAR. I read this after I finished the ACOTAR series and I will admit, it took me about 300 pages to get into this story. But once I did, it was game over. Not only are there faeries, but there are angels, werewolves, chimeras, mere-people, and so much more. I think I can safely say Maas is now one of my favorite authors.
The Maidens by Alex Michaelides
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
WHEW I was not at all expecting that ending. Not only does this story include a bit of dark academia, but there are also elements of Greek myth as well in this psychological thriller. I couldn’t put this down and have The Silent Patient by Michaelides on my to-be-read.
House of Sky and Breath by Sarah J. Maas
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Once again, I am obsessed with Maas and her ability to hook me with her stories. While it took me some time to get through the first Crescent City novel, I flew through this one. I love the motley crew and their ability to tackle the chaos that always seems to ensue in their lives. And the ENDING. I can’t wait for that crossover.
The Lightening Thief by Rick Riordan
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I read this series when I was in middle school many, many years ago and decided to re-read them as an adult. It didn’t disappoint. I will forever love this series and recommend it to anyone that enjoys mythology. Also, the tv series drops next year!
I Who Have Never Known Men by Jacqueline Harpman
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
It’s been a few months since I read this book and I can still recall it in vivid detail. The story follows a woman who has been locked in a cage with about 40 other women for the entirety of her life. While the others recall stories of their life from Before, the main character has never known anything outside of the cage. Until one day, an alarm sounds and their guards retreat, leaving the keys to their prison, and thus, the groups ability to leave their underground confinements and return above. What transpires is a tale of survival and exploration during the end-of-time.
Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This was the second novel I read by Reid and I love the way she incorporates her characters from other novels into this one (and apparently does that in many others). I resonated with Nina, the main character on so many levels and was certainly not prepared to feel this one as deeply as I did.
Not a Happy Family by Shari Lapena
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This story follows the trajectory of a wealthy family after the parents were tragically murdered in their home after a holiday gathering. Who did it, and why? I’ve read a few novels by Lapena and this one is probably at the top of my list after The Couple Next Door. If you enjoy dysfunctional families and psychological thrillers, this one is for you.
The Sea of Monsters by Rick Riordan
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Again, this was a re-read. I didn’t *love* this as much as the first one as there wasn’t nearly as much action, but enjoyed it nonetheless.
Small Angels by Lauren Owen
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I received this in a giveaway and am so happy to have a copy of this book. I love a good ghost story and I couldn’t put this one down. I enjoyed the intermingling of the past and the present, and thoroughly enjoyed this one.
Broken Summer by J. M. Lee
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I was hooked from the moment I started reading this story; it begins with a woman who writes a story about a man that is eerily similar to her husband. This novel spanned years of life and revolved around a murder that occurred during the character’s childhood, focusing more on the “whodunnit” aspect rather than the why. A novel about love, loss, and revenge, anyone that likes suspense and murder mystery will enjoy this one.
The Final Girl Support Group by Grady Hendrix
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
My second read from Hendrix and he didn’t let me down. This was an absolute rollercoaster and I loved every second of it. And the twist at the end 😱 The narrator was sometimes a little irritating due to her paranoia, but that greatly lent to the story. She was a murder survivor after all. Highly recommend to those that like thrillers and murder mysteries.
The Titan’s Curse by Rick Riordan
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Andddd we’re back in action. Not only does Thalia get more of a story in this installment, but we also welcome the children of Hades and the Hunters of Artemis.
The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V. E. Schwab
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A LOT of people liked this book and recommended it to be and I am so glad I read it. There were moments that frustrated me, but I loved it all the same. I always enjoy a story of immortality and curses, and this one hit the mark. Add in the love story and the ending *chef’s kiss*
The Battle of the Labyrinth by Rick Riordan
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The Labyrinth has always held a certain appeal to me in Greek myth and I loved the way in which Riordan brought the tale to life in this series. Also, Rachel Elizabeth Dare is a badass and we love her.
Every Summer After by Carley Fortune
⭐️⭐️⭐️
This was a cute summer romance novel and I can understand the hype behind it. Despite this genre not being my go-to, it was the perfect choice to wrap up the end of summer. I only knocked a few stars off because I guessed the ending pretty early on.
Save the Cat! Writes A Novel
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I started this at the end of Q2 and it took me nearly to the end of Q3 to finish this novel, but it was an invaluable read and I now keep it on the shelf near my desk so I can easily access it when writing. This is a great resource for writers, even if you are a pantser like myself.
The Last Olympian by Rick Riordan
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
First off, we STAN for Percy and Annabeth. This was a fantastic final installment of the Percy Jackson novels. There was adventure, battle, love, loss, and birthday cake.
Under Lock & Skeleton Key by Gigi Pandian
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This was a wonderful mystery filled with many of my favorite things: secret rooms, magic, and food. Most of the chapters were short and it allowed me to power through this story pretty quickly. Recommend to those that like murder mysteries and/or Nancy Drew.
The Flock by J. Todd Scott
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
If you like creepy cult reads, this one is for you. I knew that this wasn’t a true story, but the way in which Scott incorporated real-life weather events that we have experienced (massive wildfires, etc.) gave this an additional edge. I sometimes had a hard time following along with who was who due to the character’s having multiple names, but it didn’t take away from the story too much.
The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Light-hearted romance novels are not usually the genres I go for but I absolutely loved this one and the fake dating trope. Also, love to support women in STEM. I know next to nothing about science but that didn’t take away from reading this in the slightest.
Dark Matter by Blake Crouch
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This was the second book I’ve read by Crouch and it didn’t disappoint. There were points in the story where I had to remind myself I wasn’t the one experiencing the journey and was simply an observer. A fantastic read about the multiverse and the “what-if’s” of life.
All the Lies They Did Not Tell: The True Story of Satanic Panic in an Italian Community by Pablo Trincia
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
An excellent novel of investigative journalism. I couldn’t put this down and thought about it constantly when I wasn’t reading. I felt a variety of emotions throughout – anger, sadness, disbelief…a perfect read for those that enjoy true crime.
I’m hoping to join another read-a-thon in Q4 (though I certainly don’t need to; I’m well over my reading goal for the year at 74/60). If you have any suggestions, send me a message or leave a comment!
Devan Zimmerman 
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