The World of Jane Austen Jigsaw Puzzle 1000 Pieces Laurence King Publishing
In book-adjacent news… I just completed this wonderful puzzle, and had such a good time with it that I had to share!
The fact that I loved it isn’t exactly a surprise — last year, I did a Shakespeare-themed puzzle from the same company, and it was fabulous too.
In the Jane Austen puzzle, the colors are vibrant, the pictures are detailed, and as you drill in, you see that the design includes characters from Jane Austen’s novels, as well as the houses, estates, and towns of her stories, and even certain specifics moments (such as Willoughby carrying Marianne after she twists her ankle (Sense and Sensibility) and Louisa jumping from the Cobb in Lyme Regis (Persuasion).
The puzzle quality is terrific too. I hate a shoddy puzzle — flimsy or badly cut pieces, or pieces that don’t snap into place or could fit in multiple places. Fortunately, this one is well-made, with sturdy pieces, no fraying, and a clean, crisp click when placed just right. For a puzzle fanatic, it’s just so, so satisfying to hear that click!
Note: As usual, my photography skills are sorely lacking. Trust me, the puzzle is much brighter and prettier in person!
The puzzle comes with a fold-out poster with a clear view of the total picture, and on the back, a guide to all the characters and details hidden in the puzzle. I definitely would have missed some without it!
Zooming in for a closer look at some of the details:
I have my eye on two more puzzles from this company: The World of Charles Dickens and The World of Dracula. I’ll hold off and order them when I need something to boost my mood for the day. Any of these puzzles would make great gifts for book lovers… or a nice way to treat yourself — you know you deserve it!
Welcome to Shelf Control — an original feature created and hosted by Bookshelf Fantasies.
Shelf Control is a weekly celebration of the unread books on our shelves. Pick a book you own but haven’t read, write a post about it (suggestions: include what it’s about, why you want to read it, and when you got it), and link up! For more info on what Shelf Control is all about, check out my introductory post, here.
Want to join in? Shelf Control posts go up every Wednesday. See the guidelines at the bottom of the post, and jump on board!
A dozen women join a secret 1850s Arctic expedition—and a sensational murder trial unfolds when some of them don’t come back.
Eccentric Lady Jane Franklin makes an outlandish offer to adventurer Virginia Reeve: take a dozen women, trek into the Arctic, and find her husband’s lost expedition. Four parties have failed to find him, and Lady Franklin wants a radical new approach: put the women in charge.
A year later, Virginia stands trial for murder. Survivors of the expedition willing to publicly support her sit in the front row. There are only five. What happened out there on the ice?
Set against the unforgiving backgdrop of one of the world’s most inhospitable locations, USA Today bestsellng author Greer Macallister uses the true story of Lady Jane Franklin’s tireless attempts to find her husband’s lost expedition as a jumping-off point to spin a tale of bravely, intrigue, perseverance and hope.
How and when I got it:
I bought the Kindle edition shortly after the book’s release in 2020.
Why I want to read it:
Everything about the summary makes me feel like this book is calling my name! The time period, the focus on women’s lives, the Arctic expedition — it all sounds amazing. I love that the story is about women leading an expedition when this would definitely not have been expected or accepted. Between the expedition itself and the murder trial, this sounds like such an interesting and exciting read.
Greer Macallister is an author whose books I’ve been wanting to explore, ever since reading Woman 99 a few years ago. She clearly is a writer who’s skilled at exploring women’s inner lives and bringing historical settings to life.
What do you think? Would you read this book?
Please share your thoughts!
Stay tuned!
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Want to participate in Shelf Control? Here’s how:
Write a blog post about a book that you own that you haven’t read yet.
Add your link in the comments or link back from your own post, so I can add you to the participant list.
Top Ten Tuesday is a meme hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl, featuring a different top 10 theme each week. This week’s topic is Love Freebie, which means we all put our own spin on the topic of LOVE.
Just like I did for the February Love Freebie TTT posts in 2020 and 2021, I’m going to keep it simple and highlight my ten favorite love stories that I read in the past year:
1. Heartstopper graphic novels by Alice Oseman: I just want to give the main characters all the hugs! These books are sweet and funny and also heart-breaking at times.
2. The Matzah Ballby Jean Meltzer: Reading a romance novel with a Jewish holiday as its central plot point was so much fun.
3. Incense and Sensibility by Sonali Dev: I’m loving this author’s series of Austen adaptations! (Next one will be an Emma retelling, and I can’t wait!)
4. Go Tell the Bees That I Am Gone by Diana Gabaldon: You didn’t think I’d write a list of favorite love stories and not include Outlander, did you? There’s SO much going on in this book — battles and danger and journeys and more — but Jamie and Claire’s love story is still the heart and soul of the series.
5. Winter’s Orbit by Everina Maxwell: A terrific science fiction adventure with a compelling romance at its center.
6. All the Feelsby Olivia Dade: Another fun, steamy romance set in the same fanfic-centric world as Spoiler Alert.
7. People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry: I loved this friends-to-lovers-to-not-friends-to-lovers tale! It’s quirky and funny and sincere, and just so much fun.
8. The Stand-Inby Lily Chu: I had a great time listening to this audiobook, about an ordinary woman introduced to the glamorous world of movie stars, and finding love along the way.
9. Donut Fall in Love by Jackie Lau: Another falling-in-love-with-a-celebrity romance, but with baked goods!! I mean, how could I possibly resist?
10. The Sweetest Remedy by Jane Igharo: A lovely story about family and connection and yes, finding true love.
What were the best love stories you read during the past year?
If you wrote a TTT post this week, please share your link and let me know your topic!
And PS – Happy (early) Valentine’s Day!
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And PPS — Since this post is going up on February 8th…
Happy Anniversary to us! 24 years ago today, my husband and I said “I do” in a cute little wedding chapel in Reno, Nevada!
My Monday tradition, including a look back and a look ahead — what I read last week, what new books came my way, and what books are keeping me busy right now. Plus a smattering of other stuff too.
Life.
It’s been a busy workweek, with not much else to distract me — but we’ve had another week of beautiful weather, so at least I got in my share of beach walks and outdoor reading sessions!
What did I read during the last week?
The Phantom Twin by Lisa Brown: Terrific YA graphic novel.
Babylon’s Ashes by James S. A. Corey: Book #6 in the Expanse series — loved it! My review is here.
Strange Dogs by James S. A. Corey: A novella in the world of the Expanse — takes place around the same time as the events of Babylon’s Ashes.
A Season for Second Chances by Jenny Bayliss: Sweet, light romance. My review is here.
Cherish Farrah by Bethany C. Morrow: This dark story did not work for me, despite an interesting twist toward the end. It was just exhausting to spend time inside the main character’s mind.
This Is How You Lose the Time War by Amal el-Mohtar and Max Gladstone: This book has been on my TBR since it came out. I finally read it, all in one day, and while I enjoyed the experience, I think many elements went over my head. An interesting concept, but it didn’t form a cohesive whole — at least, not for me.
Pop culture & TV:
I’ve been watching bits and pieces of all sorts of things! I finished season three of BBC’s Ghosts — I hope there will be more! I’ve gotten pretty attached to the characters. Since I liked it so much, I thought I’d give the American version a try too. I’ve only seen two episodes so far… meh. The plot is pretty much identical, but a different gang of ghosts. I’ll see if I warm up to them if/when I watch more.
I also started The Gilded Age and Raised by Wolves. So far, so good!
Puzzle of the Week:
This one practically broke me. Remind me not to do puzzles with MILLIONS of leaves ever again.
Fresh Catch:
One new book this week:
What will I be reading during the coming week?
Currently in my hands:
One Night on the Island by Josie Silver: I’m making a concerted effort to stay on top of my ARC reading schedule! This book releases next week, so I’m right on track. Just getting started, but it seems like it’ll be a fun read.
Now playing via audiobook:
The Blue Castle by L. M. Montgomery: This has been on my to-read (or to-listen) list for years! I just started it over the weekend.
Ongoing reads:
My slow but steady, spread-out-over-time reading:
Still going strong, reading one chapter per day (although I missed a couple of days this week). This is such a gorgeous edition! I think I’ll finish up sometime this coming week.
Title: A Season for Second Chances Author: Jenny Bayliss Narrator: Ell Potter Publisher: G. P. Putnam’s Sons Publication date: October 19, 2021 Print length: 448 pages Audio length: 12 hours, 11 minute Genre: Contemporary romance Source: Library Rating:
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rating: 3.5 out of 5.
A charmingly quirky seaside town offers a recently separated restauranteur a fresh start and possibly a new lease on love in A Season for Second Chances, by the author of The Twelve Dates of Christmas.
Annie Sharpe’s spark for life has fizzled out. Her kids are grown up, her restaurant is doing just fine on its own, and her twenty-six-year marriage has come to an unceremonious end. Untethered for the first time in her adult life, she finds a winter guardian position in a historic seaside home and decides to leave her city life behind for a brand-new beginning.
When she arrives in Willow Bay, Annie is enamored by the charming house, the invigorating sea breeze, and the town’s rich seasonal traditions. Not to mention, her neighbors receive her with open arms–that is, all except the surly nephew of the homeowner, whose grand plans for the property are at odds with her residency. As Christmas approaches, tensions and tides rise in Willow Bay, and Annie’s future seems less and less certain. But with a little can-do spirit and holiday magic, the most difficult time of her life will become…a season for second chances.
A Season for Second Chances is a sweet, good-natured book about finding a new purpose and a new love when least expected.
When Annie walks in on her husband having sex (a) in the restaurant they co-own (b) with a younger woman who (c) is a member of the wait staff, Annie has had enough. Max is a serial cheater who’s managed to convince Annie to stay time and time again, but now she’s finally done. After taking a few weeks to hibernate, she finds an ad for someone to live in and care for a seaside home over the winter, and throwing aside any doubts, Annie jumps in.
The house is utterly charming, in an equally charming small town. The home’s owner is an elderly woman whose nephew is trying to convince her to sell the property to a developer, throwing historical preservationists into a tizzy. Annie finds the house and town just what she needs, and soon decides she needs a project — reopening (with the owner’s blessing) the bistro and coffee kiosk on the property that have been shuttered for years.
Annie’s immediate tiff with the nephew naturally develops into an enemies-to-lovers situation (very sweetly). As she settles into small town life, she makes friends and finds a new direction for her life, but then must find a way to make it permanent. There are ups and downs in Annie’s love life as well as in her pursuit of her new home and business in Willow Bay, but as you’d imagine, there’s a happy ending — and despite a near tragedy close to the end, it’s never in doubt that Annie’s life will turn out to be wonderful.
This is an enjoyable book — it has all the elements you’d expect in this sorts of story: quirky characters, new friendships, sexual tension, a dashingly good-looking man with a gruff exterior but a heart of gold. I can’t say the plot holds many surprises, but it’s pleasant and upbeat, which we can all use once in a while.
The audiobook is quite lovely, with terrific narration that captures the various character’s expressions, opinions, and personalities. The story itself goes on a bit longer than it perhaps needs to, and I did occasionally get impatient with scenes about house repairs and setting up the cafe, but overall, it kept me good company on long walks and my commute!
I liked that the main characters are adults in their 40s with grown children, who bring a certain level of earned skepticism to romance and wooing. The ex-husband is a jerk, even when he’s (pathetically) trying to get Annie back, and it was lots of fun seeing Annie put him in his place. The near-tragic accident towards the end of the story seems a bit unnecessary, but it fits the standard romance beats in terms of throwing a big wrench into events before getting to the happy ending.
Overall, this was a good choice for a week when I needed some light, happy entertainment!
Title: Nemesis Games Series: The Expanse, #6 Author: James S. A. Corey Publisher: Orbit Publication date: October 24, 2017 Length: 576 pages Genre: Science fiction Source: Purchased Rating:
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rating: 5 out of 5.
The sixth novel in James S. A. Corey’s New York Times bestselling Expanse series–now a major television series from Syfy!
A revolution brewing for generations has begun in fire. It will end in blood.
The Free Navy – a violent group of Belters in black-market military ships – has crippled the Earth and begun a campaign of piracy and violence among the outer planets. The colony ships heading for the thousand new worlds on the far side of the alien ring gates are easy prey, and no single navy remains strong enough to protect them.
James Holden and his crew know the strengths and weaknesses of this new force better than anyone. Outnumbered and outgunned, the embattled remnants of the old political powers call on the Rocinante for a desperate mission to reach Medina Station at the heart of the gate network.
But the new alliances are as flawed as the old, and the struggle for power has only just begun. As the chaos grows, an alien mystery deepens. Pirate fleets, mutiny, and betrayal may be the least of the Rocinante‘s problems. And in the uncanny spaces past the ring gates, the choices of a few damaged and desperate people may determine the fate of more than just humanity.
I’ve spent the past week in the midst of galactic war, and it may take me a while to recover!
I had to psych myself up to read Babylon’s Ashes, the 6th book in the Expanse series. The series is huge in scope, and the books themselves are pretty huge too — large, chunky books dense with ships and space and rail guns and trajectories and science fiction terminology… and I have to say, I’ve enjoyed the hell out of each and every one.
It’s difficult at this point to separate the experience of reading the books from that of watching the (outstanding) TV series. The overarching storyline of Babylon’s Ashes matches up with the events of the 6th and final season. For the TV version, it does feel like the storyline comes to a reasonable stopping place — although there are clearly plenty more adventures that could be told, since there are three more books in the series. I finally dove into Babylon’s Ashes after finishing the 6th season, and meshing the two different approaches created a terrific reading experience.
In Babylon’s Ashes, all hell has broken loose. The solar system’s political balance has been violently upset by a ferocious attack on Earth (see Nemesis Games, book #5) that’s wiped out huge swathes of the population and left the planet with an unsustainable future. This is just part of the plan for Marco Inaros, leader of the Free Navy, the Belter military arm whose goal is to establish Belter dominance and defeat Earth and Mars once and for all.
And while the Free Navy, as the symbol of an historically oppressed people’s rise to freedom, has some claim to a righteous cause, it soon becomes clear that its main function is to further advance Marco’s enormous narcissism and personal vendettas. As he denies food, air, and water supplies to his own people — who are desperately in need — for the sake of political power plays, his supporters begin to question his methods, and the Free Navy develops fractures just when it’s starting to seem surer of victory.
Meanwhile, people like the crew of the Rocinante — our heroes!! — are out fighting the good fight, not just for Earth or Mars or the Belt, but for the sake of humanity having a shot at a future.
This book is just as detailed as the earlier ones, and it takes a great deal of concentration to follow the huge cast of characters, the planets, the political factions, and the mechanics of it all. That said, it’s worth it! I loved every moment, despite having to rely on various fandom wikis to figure out who some of the more obscure characters were and just where they might have shown up previously.
The action is thrilling and scary. I have to admit that it was helpful for me to have watched the TV series, because I’m not sure how well I could have envisioned the space battles and types of ships and weapons and stations without it. That said, it’s all described in marvelous detail, and my inner sci-fi geek enjoyed the hell out of it.
Another element that’s different (but great) about the books is how they take into account the laws of physics and the vastness of space. In the TV series, when a space battle happens, it’s all super fast and immediate — but as the book makes clear, just because one ship is burning fast to ambush another, they still have to travel to get there, so it may take weeks before a planned assault happens. Somehow, that sense of time and distance being factored into the action makes it feel more realistic (but I understand that it wouldn’t work very well on TV to have to interrupt the action to allow for lengthy travel times).
This is not a series to just jump into in the middle, in case that’s not obvious, so if you’re interested, start at the beginning with Leviathan Wakes. I mean, it MIGHT be possible to pick up the story at this point after watching it on TV, but I still think it would be confusing, and why would you want to miss out on the satisfaction of reading the whole thing?
For those who’ve been watching the TV series, the reading experience will be different from here on out, because after Babylon’s Ashes, there will be no TV seasons to mirror the books in the series. We’re in uncharted territory, people! And while the TV version makes changes to characters, places, and events, it’s been close enough to give a good representation of each book’s major plotlines and action sequences. As I move forward to #7, I’m faced with the reality that from now on, there will be no screen action to accompany my reading… so I’ll have to envision all the dramatic torpedoes and rail guns and space maneuvering in my head. I hope I’m up to the challenge!
Now that I’ve finished Babylon’s Ashes, the only thing holding me back from continuing straight on to the next book is how BIG the books all are, and the fact that I do have other books to read! That said, I’m not going to let too much time go by either — I’m hoping to finish the remaining books in the series by the end of this year (but don’t hold me to it!)
Next up for me in the Expanse series:
Strange Dogs: A novella that takes place sometime around or after the events of Babylon’s Ashes
Welcome to Shelf Control — an original feature created and hosted by Bookshelf Fantasies.
Shelf Control is a weekly celebration of the unread books on our shelves. Pick a book you own but haven’t read, write a post about it (suggestions: include what it’s about, why you want to read it, and when you got it), and link up! For more info on what Shelf Control is all about, check out my introductory post, here.
Want to join in? Shelf Control posts go up every Wednesday. See the guidelines at the bottom of the post, and jump on board!
Gideon has a sword, some dirty magazines, and no more time for undead bullshit.
Brought up by unfriendly, ossifying nuns, ancient retainers, and countless skeletons, Gideon is ready to abandon a life of servitude and an afterlife as a reanimated corpse. She packs up her sword, her shoes, and her dirty magazines, and prepares to launch her daring escape. But her childhood nemesis won’t set her free without a service.
Harrowhark Nonagesimus, Reverend Daughter of the Ninth House and bone witch extraordinaire, has been summoned into action. The Emperor has invited the heirs to each of his loyal Houses to a deadly trial of wits and skill. If Harrowhark succeeds she will become an immortal, all-powerful servant of the Resurrection, but no necromancer can ascend without their cavalier. Without Gideon’s sword, Harrow will fail, and the Ninth House will die.
Of course, some things are better left dead.
How and when I got it:
I bought a paperback at some point in the last two years (and picked up book #2, Harrow the Ninth, too).
Why I want to read it:
I remember seeing tons of reviews for this book when it came out, most using the tagline lesbian necromancers in space — and yes, that definitely grabbed my attention! I have reader friends who became obsessed with this book (and its sequel), although I’ve definitely seen my share of negative reviews as well.
This does seem like something I’d love, and I’m excited to read it. I think the only reason I haven’t so far is that when I first planned to get started, I got a little intimidated by what seemed like a lot of world-building to absorb up front, and I just wasn’t in the right state of mind to focus at that moment. But now I’m ready!
The third book, Nona the Ninth, comes out later this year, so this seems like a good time to finally dive in.
What do you think? Have you read this book, and if so, do you recommend it? Or if you haven’t read it, does this sound like something you’d want to read?
Top Ten Tuesday is a meme hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl, featuring a different top 10 theme each week. This week’s topic is Books with Names/Character Names In the Titles. I did something similar for a freebie TTT topic several years ago (here), and although it’s tempting, I’m not going to repeat any for today’s list!
Josh & Hazel’s Guide to Not Dating by Christina Lauren (review)
Gwendy’s Button Box by Richard Chizmar and Stephen King (review)
Cousin Kate by Georgette Heyer
How the Penguins Saved Veronica by Hazel Prior (review)
Princess Floralinda and the Forty-Flight Tower by Tamsyn Muir (review)
Dava Shastri’s Last Day by Kirthana Ramisetti (review)
My Monday tradition, including a look back and a look ahead — what I read last week, what new books came my way, and what books are keeping me busy right now. Plus a smattering of other stuff too.
Life.
How is it the last day of January already? Time is just whooshing by.
For the first time in a long time, I actually went out not one, but TWO nights this past week! First, we had a family dinner at a really nice restaurant, and then we went out again to see the touring production of The Band’s Visit. (I’d seen the show already on Broadway, but it was nice to go again and enjoy it with family members who hadn’t seen it before).
I finally made it to the library donation center this week… it felt good to make some space on my shelves once again! Here’s what I donated:
What did I read during the last week?
So many good books this week!
Shit Cassandra Saw by Gwen E. Kirby: A weird and wonderful short story collection. My thoughts are here.
Last Night at the Telegraph Club by Malinda Lo: 5 stars for this beautiful story of two girls in love in 1950s San Francisco! My review is here.
Heartstopper, volume 4 by Alice Oseman: This graphic novel series continues to be excellent. Can’t wait for #5!
We Sold Our Souls by Grady Hendrix: For whatever strange reason, I just loved listening to the audiobook of this horror novel… and I’m not even a metal fan. My review is here.
Pop culture & TV:
My son and I watched The Last Duel this past week — really well done and fascinating, despite the dark subject matter.
On a lighter note, I finished season two of Ghosts (BBC). It’s adorable! Onward to season 3…
Puzzle of the Week:
Another fun one:
Fresh Catch:
No new books this week!
What will I be reading during the coming week?
Currently in my hands:
Babylon’s Ashes(The Expanse, #6) by James S. A. Corey: I had to really give myself a pep talk before starting this 500+ page book, but now that I’m into it, I’ve really happy to be reading it.
Now playing via audiobook:
A Season for Second Chances by Jenny Bayliss: I borrowed from the library on a whim, thinking a light romance would make a nice change after my most recent listen (metal horror). I’m not very far, but I like the tone so far.
Ongoing reads:
My slow but steady, spread-out-over-time reading:
I’m enjoying my chapter-per-day journey through this gorgeous edition of Harry Potter! Rereading HP is never a bad idea, and the artwork of the edition is amazing!
Title: We Sold Our Souls Author: Grady Hendrix Narrator: Carol Monda Publisher: Quirk Books Publication date: September 18, 2018 Print length: 336 pages Audio length: 9 hours, 1 minute Genre: Horror Source: Purchased Rating:
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rating: 5 out of 5.
In the 1990s, heavy metal band Dürt Würk was poised for breakout success — but then lead singer Terry Hunt embarked on a solo career and rocketed to stardom as Koffin, leaving his fellow bandmates to rot in rural Pennsylvania.
Two decades later, former guitarist Kris Pulaski works as the night manager of a Best Western – she’s tired, broke, and unhappy. Everything changes when she discovers a shocking secret from her heavy metal past: Turns out that Terry’s meteoric rise to success may have come at the price of Kris’s very soul.
This revelation prompts Kris to hit the road, reunite with the rest of her bandmates, and confront the man who ruined her life. It’s a journey that will take her from the Pennsylvania rust belt to a Satanic rehab center and finally to a Las Vegas music festival that’s darker than any Mordor Tolkien could imagine. A furious power ballad about never giving up, even in the face of overwhelming odds, We Sold Our Souls is an epic journey into the heart of a conspiracy-crazed, paranoid country that seems to have lost its very soul…where only a girl with a guitar can save us all.
As the book’s back cover proclaims:
METAL NEVER RETREATS. METAL NEVER SURRENDERS. METAL NEVER DIES.
We Sold Our Souls is about horror and metal and creativity and determination. It’s a little crazy, pretty freaking dark, and has some really icky moments… and yet, I found myself just loving this audiobook.
And hey, I’m not even a metal fan! But reading this book made me wish there was a soundtrack to go with it.
In We Sold Our Souls, we meet middle-aged Kris Pulaski — broken down, hopeless, leading a dead-end life. Once upon a time, she was a rising star along with her bandmates in Dürt Würk. But that was a long time ago, and she hasn’t even picked up a guitar in six years. But when Kris spots a billboard proclaiming the return of Koffin for one last tour, everything changes. Fired up by rage, Kris sets out to reconnect with her old bandmates and reclaim a piece of her past.
For Kris and the rest of Dürt Würk, success was once within reach. They were opening for Slayer, finally moving from seedy dive bars into the world of arena rock concerts — but then their lead singer Terry Hunt betrayed them all, convincing them all to sign contracts that guaranteed his own mega stardom but left them all in the dust. The problem is, Kris can’t quite remember what happened on “contract night”, and neither can anyone else. What really went on during the hours they all lost that night?
The answer is right there in the book’s title, but how they got there and what happens next makes this book so entertaining and hypnotic.
Dürt Würk’s mythology as Terry Hunt’s failed first band includes the story of their never-released album Troglodyte, rumored to have been a masterpiece yet supposedly destroyed and buried forever. As Kris sets on a quest to stop Terry and the evil fueling his success, it’s the music and lyrics of Troglodyte that give her the strength and courage to keep going, and she’s convinced that Troglodyte holds the key to finally getting back what was stolen from her.
I loved reading about Kris’s musical journey, from teaching herself guitar in her basement as a teenager, playing until her fingers bled, through building a band and launching their career. We really get to feel the rush of finding oneself in music, feeling the emotions and rage and beauty pour out through their songs.
The book is sprinkled throughout with the lyrics to the Troglodyte tracks, and hearing them recited in the audiobook (alas, not sung or with music to go with) made the experience a total treat. It’s dark, dark, dark, but oddly fascinating.
Black Iron Mountain is cold, cold, cold The language they speak is old, old, old And their lies are made of gold
Iron rain is falling On the bodies of the slain The Blind King keeps calling Trapped inside a coffin made of pain
There are a few scenes that made me want to squirm right out of my body, being very gross and disturbing (and boy is that weird to listen to), but on the whole, the horror is more often expressed through slow builds and unseen terror than through outright gore (although there’s that too). Needless to say, maybe not a good choice if you’re squeamish.
The narrator’s voice comes across as raspy and a bit damaged, kind of how I’d imagine Kris would sound after all those years of hard living. The plot zips along, cleverly intercutting radio interviews about Koffin and Dürt Würk with scenes following Kris’s journey toward either vengeance or redemption.
I admit to being a tiny bit confused by a few things toward the end, but that’s okay. Overall, this book cast a spell on me and completely sucked me in. And look, I’ll never be a metal fan, but I am very much a fan of Kris Pulaski, guitar goddess extraordinaire!
We Sold Our Souls is a lot of fun — I’ve had a copy on my shelves for a few years now, and I’m glad I finally gave it a chance.
The paperback cover – so awesome that I want this edition too!
Bookshelf Fantasies 