As the year draws to a close, it’s time to prepare for the new year and new adventures. Even though the major spring cleaning may begin later, there are things you can start tidying up now that bring enjoyment and make room for more in the coming year.
To kick off the new year on a fresh note, I’ve sorted through some of my books to make space. Whether they’re unread, dusty tomes where it doesn’t seem likely I’ll revisit them, books I started but couldn’t reignite the magic, or ones I’m uncertain about reading and would rather buy new books instead
The Once and Future Witches by Alix E. Harrow is a bewitching tale set in late 1800s New Salem, a city fraught with oppression and inequality, especially for women. The story follows the Eastwood sisters—James Juniper, Agnes Amaranth, and Beatrice Belladonna—who are unexpectedly reunited and drawn into the resurgence of magic long believed lost. As they navigate their fractured sisterhood and rediscover the power of witchcraft, they join the suffragist movement to fight for women’s rights. The novel weaves together elements of feminism, folklore, and the resilience of sisterhood, creating a captivating narrative that explores the connections between magic, history, and the quest for justice in a world dominated by patriarchy.
When I read the word ‘witches’, it’s an instant buy for me. There’s nothing quite like strong women possessing unique magical powers, always carrying a touch of madness. That’s precisely why I bought ‘The Once and Future Witches’. Even though I lean more towards woodland witches, I thought a revolutionary tale led by witches could be intriguing. Initially, I was quite enthusiastic about the book. The writing style was engaging, the characters felt very genuine, and the overall plot was interesting. The whole story reminded me a lot of ‘Little Women’ except with witches. However, for some inexplicable reason, this book failed to ignite a spark within me, and after 200 pages, I never picked it up again. It’s a pity, really. I enjoyed it a lot, but now it needs to find a new home.
Among Thieves by M.J. Kuhn is an adult fantasy novel about a gang planning to pull off an impossible heist. In just over a year, Ryia Cautella has carved a fearsome reputation as Carrowwick’s swiftest, deadliest blade, coupled with a razor-sharp wit. But Ryia isn’t her true identity. For six elusive years, a perilous secret has driven her to evade capture, darting from place to place, evading the relentless pursuit of the Guildmaster—the ruler of Thamorr’s five kingdoms. His reach spans far; his hunters never relent. Yet, even the mightiest can falter. Ryia’s journey now leads toward the heart of the Guildmaster’s fortress, a path she can’t tread alone, against her every instinct. Compelled to unite with an array of rogues, smugglers, and thieves, she must plot her moves with precision. Success means absolute freedom, but Ryia’s newfound allies harbor their own agendas, almost as self-serving as hers, threatening to upend her plans.
After witches, there’s another word that compels me to buy a book immediately… Thieves! Ever since reading “The Lies of Locke Lamora,” I’ve fallen in love with these cunning characters. They’re portrayed as clever, brutal, and often carry an abundance of charm. Who couldn’t adore such characters? Yet, despite these qualities, “Among Thieves” couldn’t convince me to continue reading. I bought the book in Thailand and remember vividly how pleasantly surprised I was by its initial appeal during long bus journeys. However, my vacation intervened, leaving me no time to immerse myself further into its fantastic world, and after the holiday, it slipped from my memory. I believe this book could have been a five-star read, but almost a year later, I haven’t touched it once more, and that’s unlikely to change.
“The Bone Orchard, a captivating debut novel, weaves together sci-fantasy, horror, and mystery in a gripping tale about trauma, societal pressures on women, and the plight of sex workers. Centered around Charm, a witch and last of her necromantic lineage, trapped within Orchard House, the narrative unveils dark secrets amid court politics and intricate twists. Charm tends bone trees, nurturing her ‘children,’ while operating a facade as a madam catering to the elite. Summoned by the dying Emperor to unearth his murderer among his treacherous sons, Charm faces a crucial choice—upholding the Emperor’s legacy or seeking her long-denied freedom, torn between justice and personal vendetta, haunted by past and present ghosts.”
Anyone who reads this synopsis and doesn’t think they must read this crazy book might be missing something. This book sounds too unique, leading us into a wild world with dark themes. I believe this book will linger in one’s thoughts long after finishing it. I tried to read this book several times because I really wanted to love it. German is my native language, and although I consider myself proficient in English, this book was too challenging to read. I had to reread almost every sentence multiple times to truly understand everything, which took away my enjoyment. I think in a world where I wouldn’t consume around 80 books a year, I could take my time with this book, but not when I know hundreds of other books are waiting for me.
“The Hand of the Sun King,” the inaugural installment in J.T. Greathouse’s Pact and Pattern trilogy, centers on Wen Alder, also known as Foolish Cur. He grapples with a dual heritage: one from his father’s lineage linked to the emperor’s right hand and another from his mother, who rejects the Empire’s ideals. Amidst these conflicting legacies, Alder discovers a hidden magical path promising liberation from the constraints of his heritage. Desiring this newfound freedom, he aims to pursue it by undertaking the Imperial Examinations—the gateway to becoming the Emperor’s right hand and harnessing the Empire’s magic. This coming-of-age fantasy encompasses magical academia, notably involving calligraphy, set within an Asian-inspired world. Greathouse adeptly executes these tropes in his debut work, skillfully weaving themes of friendship, mentorship, autonomy, and the resolute choice to carve one’s own destiny. Alder’s journey is marked by companionship, learning, and the unwavering determination to shape his own fate, resonating throughout the narrative.
I have read The Hand of the Sun King, and you can read my review here. Even though the first book didn’t seem outright bad, rather mediocre, it quickly faded from my memory, leaving no lasting impact. I had higher expectations for this story. It’s compared to The Name of the Wind, but in my opinion, it bears no resemblance whatsoever. The narrative unfolds far too rapidly. The story, depicting a part of Alder’s life, just rushes through. When I read a sort of biography within the fantasy genre, I expect to linger on pivotal moments, to try and empathize with the main character’s emotions. However, by swiftly narrating everything, the profound life-changing moments lose their shine. Hence, I’ve already given away the first book, and the same fate awaits the second installment.
Lancelot by Giles Kristian reimagines the legendary figure of Lancelot, delving into the origins and complexities of one of Camelot’s most revered knights. The story follows Lancelot du Lac, born of a troubled lineage and raised in isolation, marked by tragedy and secrets. As he navigates a world steeped in treacherous politics and brutal warfare, Lancelot struggles with conflicting loyalties, torn between his duty to King Arthur and his love for Guinevere, Arthur’s queen. Kristian crafts a narrative that explores the intricacies of honor, love, and the burdens of destiny. Through Lancelot’s journey, the novel reveals the forging of alliances, the forging of the Round Table, and the looming shadows of betrayal and personal sacrifice. Amidst quests for truth and justice, the story paints a vivid and raw portrait of a man grappling with his own flaws while striving for greatness in an era brimming with chivalry, magic, and the ever-present threat of treachery. “Lancelot” is a gripping tale that brings depth and humanity to one of the most enduring characters in Arthurian legend.
This book is so hyped on BookTube by a few of my favorite YouTubers like Petrik Leo and Elliot Brooks, so I wanted to give this book a chance too. I have to admit that I’m not very familiar with the Arthurian legend and only have a very basic understanding, which is why I felt from the beginning that I lacked the magic of this legend. However, I heard that this book is told very slowly and lacks a lot of action—things I usually love in fantasy stories. But this turned out to be my downfall. Unfortunately, the book bored me to death. The writing style was beautiful! Yet, that couldn’t persuade me to finish the book. Later, I even tried the audiobook. However, that couldn’t ignite my passion for this book either.
There were also books that had to suffer in my unhaul, serving only as dust collectors and not even managing to be read. Even though I’m giving away potential favorite books that I didn’t even give a chance, I think to myself that if I ever feel the urge to read them again, I can buy them anew. In doing so, I would even support the author twice 😀 Sometimes, you just have to find ways to make everything sound better.
Have you ever given away books without ever having read a single page?
The Reading Stray 
A Great idea! I Hope you will make a series out of it 🙂 We all know our weaknesses 😉
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Hehe yes ! I can promise there will be more unhauls 😀
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