Back From Hiatus // October Wrap Up

~ Brianna

Hi you guys! I’m all excited for a few reasons today: it’s Halloween, it’s monthly wrap up day AND I am back from hiatus!

About 3 weeks ago, I announced that I had to take an unexpected hiatus from blogging. I was so bummed about it, but ultimately knew it was for the best. Basically what happened was life got unexpectedly stressful and it was putting a strain on my mental health. As a result, I decided to take a step back from here while I sorted some things out. These last few weeks were certainly rough and emotionally draining, but I conquered the difficult stuff and things are thankfully going much smoother. 🙂

But oh my goodness you guys have no idea how much I missed blogging and getting to talk with you all! I know it was only a few weeks, but it felt like a lifetime. I thought about it everyday and it hurt my heart to be away from this part of the internet I cherish so much. I logged on here a few times to read some of your posts and leave comments when I could, but it still was upsetting that I couldn’t do that as much. I’m just so very glad to be back and active again!

But anyway, let’s talk books (YAY)!

Thankfully, I was still able to get a decent amount of reading done this month. I did decide to pick up some shorter reads for a bit since it was easier on me to get through less lengthy material. However, I was finally able to start a new a series last week that I think some of you will be very thrilled about. 🙂 Hehe you’ll see.

On to the wrap up!

Strange the Dreamer by Laini Taylor

My Rating: ★★★★★

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My month started off strong with THIS utter masterpiece. In preparation for the sequel, I decided it was about time I pick up Strange the Dreamer and wow am I glad I finally did. This book is just… the epitome of magic. It filled me with this overwhelming sense of peace that had me wishing to live in this story forever. Also, I still cannot stop thinking about the pure soul that is Lazlo Strange. I. ADORE. HIM.

Muse of Nightmares by Laini Taylor

My Rating: ★★★★★

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My next read was, of course, Muse of Nightmares and this one hit me to my very core. I’m honestly still in shock that something this magnificent exists in the world? Laini Taylor’s storytelling and world building abilities are on some level I am incapable of comprehending. This was too beautiful. All in all, my love for this duology (and Lazlo) is huge and I’m glad I finally listened to the hype!

The Steel Prince (Issue #1) by V.E. Schwab

My Rating: ★★★☆☆

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Guys, I really do try not to mention Shades of Magic in every post, but alas, here we are again. At least it’s different content besides the books this time! The Steel Prince is a new graphic novel following King Maxim back in his younger days as a prince. This first issue was decent enough, but it was very short and truthfully, I never really cared for Maxim? The artwork is gorgeous though and being back in this world was such a treat. I’m hyped for the next issues and I hope we get to see more Red London :’)

Solitaire by Alice Oseman

My Rating: ★★☆☆☆

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Giving an Alice Oseman book only 2 stars is something I never thought I’d do, but I had to here because I was more than disappointed in this book. I started Solitaire back in September and it literally took me an entire month to finish because I kept putting it down and struggling to pick it back up. In the end, this low rating is due to how much I disliked the plot and because of some very poor handling of mental health issues (ugh). I’ll be sharing more thoughts on all this in my review that is in the works!

This Winter by Alice Oseman

My Rating: ★★★★☆

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Okay but plot twist: I absolutely loved this accompanying Solitaire novella! The thing is, the Spring siblings and their dynamic was one of the only parts of the novel I actually liked. This novella gave us more insight on each of them (Charlie, that precious angel, is always my fave) and it also remedied a few issues I had with Solitaire. Reading this ended up being a great decision because it reminded me of all the reasons why I still adore Alice Oseman and her writing. Also I don’t know why I read a novella called This Winter in October but… it’s fine lol.

City of Ghosts by Victoria Schwab

My Rating: ★★★★☆

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A continuation of short reads lead me to picking up City of Ghosts by the queen herself! I had a whole lot of fun reading this one. It was such a cute and spooky middle grade, and it only further proved that Schwab can write excellent books across all genres (I will never stop hyping her honestly). Also, I’m glad I saved this book for this month because reading it on a bunch of cold and gray days in the middle of October? The atmosphere was spot on and actually the most perfect thing ever.

Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo

My Rating: ★★★☆☆

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Alright, folks, this is when I decided to embark on a journey that I’ve been anticipating for years. After all this time of being surrounded by the hype, it has finally happened: I started the Grishaverse books! This truly feels like a historic moment in my reading life. And even though Shadow and Bone ended up being a vaguely disappointing start, I honestly thought it was enjoyable enough! I was still excited to continue the series (even if that’s mostly because of this desperation I have to get to Six of Crows and to finally meet Kaz Brekker).

Siege and Storm by Leigh Bardugo

My Rating: ★★★★☆

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Okay I literally just finished Siege and Storm so I’m adding it real quick! Luckily, I found this to be a better read than Shadow and Bone for several reasons, but mostly because of the introduction of a new fave: Nikolai Lantsov. I was told so many times that I was going to love him but I truly underestimated just how much I would. Also, Alina? That character development! And the last line! AHH this was good. Now to read Ruin and Rising and then, well, you know what’s next 🙂

Alright, that concludes the wrap up! Even though I wasn’t planning on some of these reads, I actually liked how much variety there ended up being. I started and ended the month with a series, and in the middle I read a graphic novel, a novella, a book I still needed to finish, and a middle grade. It was pretty nice to change things up.

My favorite book of this month was definitely Muse of Nightmares and my least favorite has to (sadly) go to Solitaire!

One more thing, I wanted to say a quick thank you to you all for being supportive when I had to take that hiatus! I was feeling guilty and nervous about taking this short break, but your sweet comments and messages gave me reassurance that there was no reason to be. Seriously, the blogging community never fails to amaze me. The break was needed, but I am so very, very happy to be back here.❤️

I hope you all had the best October and that you ended up reading some books that you loved! I’ll be back sometime in the next few days with my November TBR which I’m super hyped about… and not just because of Six of Crows, but that’s certainly part of it lol. Happy reading you guys, and Happy Halloween! 🎃👻

Published by Brianna

Hi! I'm Brianna. I'm 20, and I like to read and talk about books. Especially if those books are YA fiction.

50 thoughts on “Back From Hiatus // October Wrap Up”

  2. Yay, I’m so glad you’re back! And I’m happy things are going smoother, and you’re doing better 🙂 🙂

    Okay I’m literally still just a mess of flailing and screaming about Muse still!! SO GOOD. How does Laini Taylor DO IT?! Also I’m so excited for you to read Six of Crows! It’s sooooo good!

    Also I still REALLY need to get around to City of Ghosts and The Steel Prince! I can’t believe I haven’t read them yet!

    I’m glad you had a (mostly) good reading month. (But I’m so sad about Solitaire 😭)

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      1. I HAVEN’T I’M THE WORST I KNOW. (Although we just had this conversation about CoG like yesterday…)

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    2. Ah thank you!! I’m so happy too 🙂

      Seriously when I was writing this post all I kept thinking about is how good Muse was… LIKE I DONT UNDERSTAND. We must petition for Laini Taylor to write a series about Thyon now.

      Six of Crows is about to ruin my life and I cannot WAIT.

      Ooh you should read COG soon – I think you’re gonna love that one a lot. and The Steel Prince yes!! Just be careful because it might cause you to only want to reread Shades of Magic again hahaha (I mean that’s us constantly anyway but STILL)

      Ughh Solitaire! I’m still upset, but I think you should still read it because at least there’s Nick & Charlie❤️

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      1. YES A SERIES ABOUT THYON WOULD BE LITERALLY AMAZING. I want that soooooo bad! (And of course there would be lots of Sarai and Lazlo cameos too!) I’m just so obsessed with this amazing series! I’m returning Muse to my friends today, and I’m sad because I’d rather keep it and reread it twelve million times. (It’s probably a good thing I have to return it…)

        And ahhhhh I need CoG so bad! I’m just waiting to be able to interlibrary loan it, since my library doesn’t have it, so it could be a while… 😦
        I’m SURE The Steel Prince will make me desperate to reread ADSOM… Maybe I’ll finally cave lol.

        Yeah I’m so sad about Solitaire, but I’m still going to read it because Nick and Charlie are amazing. Or… I’ll read it IF IT EVER SHOWS UP!!! (It was supposed to get here over a month ago… I think it might be lost for good…)

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      2. I was scrolling through this comment thread really quickly and saw the words “ADSOM” and “cave” and was like yeah that’s where I’ve been living 🙂

        And lmao see my comment on the main post (I’m incompetent)

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      1. Oh no worries WordPress is such a mess sometimes. like I literally always think I’m replying to people and then it just posts as a comment LOL

        THANK YOU! surviving Muse was my biggest accomplishment this month besides trying not to reread ADSOM

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      2. DONT EVEN TALK ABOUT ADSOM I’m writing a series review but it’s so hard because if I open the books to find quotes, I’ll fall into the abyss and die, which would actually be welcome at this point in my life

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  4. Welcome back! We all need a break sometimes and you were smart to take the time you needed – glad you’re feeling a bit better! Can you believe I’ve never read any Laini Taylor or Victoria Schwab? They’re both top of my list cause I’ve heard so many amazing things! X

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    1. Thank you so much! This is so kind and reassuring to hear; I appreciate it more than you know💗 Ahh you should definitely read Schwab or Taylor as soon as you can! They’re books have basically been all I’ve been thinking about haha. I hope you end up liking them both & happy reading!

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    1. CHLOE! Awh I missed you too and I’m so happy to be back so I don’t miss out on seeing your cute cats lol! And thank you for those kind words, I’m glad I did as well! 💗

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  6. WELCOME BACK!!! I’m so happy you’re back!! Oh my gosh, Strange is such a gorgeous, dreamy book! I haven’t read Muse yet but I’m so glad to hear it’s as good as the first. And YES NIKOLAI! He’s honestly the best part of the Grisha series XD and I can’t wait for you to meet Kaz!!

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    1. THANK YOU KAYA! I’m happy to be back too💞 Agh you’ve gotta read Muse as soon as you can; it’s somehow even better and more beautiful than Strange if that’s even possible? I love it.
      The Grishaverse is taking over my life lol I can’t get over Nikolai! He’s truly been the best part so far. And I’m seriously so hyped to meet Kaz and the rest of the that group in SoC!!

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    1. Thank you for this sweet comment Samantha! Things are going better and I have plans to be more active again 🙂 hope you had a good October and happy Halloween! 🎃

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  9. Welcome back! Glad the break went well. You read a lot of books this month that are on my tbr pile so it was great to read your thoughts.

    Very interested in particular to see your thoughts on Solitaire, it’s the only book by the author I’ve read and really disliked it (which made me feel like a weirdo at the time). But it’s interesting to see you enjoyed some of her other books because I’d kind of written her off as not for me!

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    1. Thanks Becky! Ooh I do hope you enjoy these books that are on your tbr. 🙂

      Ah no, you’re not the only one who wasn’t a fan of Solitaire! That one was Alice Oseman’s debut and I think she improved immensely with her next novels. I’d highly recommend Radio Silence – it’s excellent and actually one of my very favorites! I hope her other books work out for you if you decide to give her another chance 🙂 happy reading! 💞

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  11. AAHHH OMG BRIANNA WHEN I SAW THIS POST I LITERALLY SCREAMED (internally) AND SMILED SO WIDELY AND IMMEDIATELY CLICKED ON IT!! I’m so glad you’re back in the blogosphere, hehe 💗 I’ve missed you and your posts so much!! (And ahh omg I still need to reply to your GR message, I’m literally the worst (sorry!!) 😅 I’ve been so busy lately, life’s honestly been so stressful) but I’ll definitely reply to you soon 💕

    I’m so glad that everything is going more smoothly for you now, and I hope it stays that way 💞 And I’m happy that you read a lot of incredible books this month (like Strange the Dreamer – I really need to read it!!). I’m sorry you didn’t enjoy Solitaire though, but I can’t wait to read your review ☺️ Also omg if Six of Crows is in your November TBR, we should totally buddy read it!! I really need to read it as well (considering how many people absolutely love it) 😍

    Ahhh I know I said this already but I’m honestly SO happy that you’re back!! Welcome back 💓😊

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    1. DEZZY OMG STOP YOU’RE TOO KIND😭 This comment seriously made my entire day, thank you :’) And oh my goodness no worries at all about the GR message. I know you have a lot going on rn so please take care of yourself first!! No rush!

      Thank youuu! Things are getting better thankfully💞ahh yes – despite this hectic month I was glad I ended up reading some good books lol. Strange the Dreamer is THE loveliest thing ever and you should definitely read it when you can. You’ll love that one! Haha ughhh Solitaire; I wish that would’ve gone differently😭 But YES SOC! YES WE SHOULD BUDDY READ! I’m not sure exactly when I’m starting (prob in the next week or so) but we can discuss details on GR!

      I’m so happy to be back Dezzy! Thank you for being there for me and being such a big support – your kindness means everything! Hope you’ve been doing okay and I’ll talk to you soon💗

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      1. Awww ily!! 💞 Thank you so much 😭

        Ohh that’s so great to hear!! And I’m really excited to read Strange the Dreamer now 😍 And omg yes that sounds great!! I’ll definitely respond to your GR message by tonight and we can talk about buddy reading SOC then 😊

        Aww of course, you’re very welcome! I’ll always be here to support you Brianna 💗 hope you’ll have a wonderful November!

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  12. I’m so glad you’re Brianna!

    I know there’s already a bunch of comments on here, and I don’t want to stress you out…but I just love your blog so much!!

    Honestly I’m glad that you got to take a break for a while. It’s good to take some time to catch up once in a while 🙂

    Anyway, I’m happy you’re back, and I hope you have a lovely November! ❤

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    2. Awh Sarah! Thank you so much for these very sweet words💕 And oh no worries at all – I absolutely love reading these comments! It was certainly a nice little break and I’m glad I got to take one too😊

      And lol, no problem about the typo! I make them far too often😂
      Thanks again Sarah! You’re such a kindhearted person and I appreciate your support so very much💖 hope you have a wonderful November as well!

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    1. IT REALLY IS THOUGH! I still can’t stop thinking about Weep and Lazlo and Sarai and the gorgeous writing and AGH. I hope you love the rest!
      And awh thank you Kat, I appreciate it 🙂

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  16. Yay!! I’m glad you took the time to take care of yourself, but I’m so glad you’re back!! 🎉🎊

    I’m reading Shadow and Bone right now, and it just feels a little slow to start. But I’ve already read Six of Crows and LOVED it, so I have no don’t I’ll end up enjoying the trilogy as a whole.

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    1. Awh thanks Ryann!! The break ended up being just what I needed but I’m so glad to be back as well. And thank you again for sharing that post about book bloggers taking hiatuses; it really helped to alleviate a lot of the stress I had about taking one myself! ❤

      Ooh yay that makes me happy to hear that you're enjoying the Grisha trilogy! Shadow and Bone was certainly a slower start, but the series only keeps getting better 🙂 And ahh I'm SO hyped for SoC!
      Hope you have a wonderful November & happy reading, Ryann!

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  17. Welcome back love! I’m so glad you took time to take care of yourself, because that is what is most important ❤ I'm actually insanely jealous that you've read/are reading Strange the Dreamer and the Grishaverse, and I kind of feel like I want to do the same! Have a lovely time reading this month 🙂

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    1. Erin! Thank you so much💞 I’m glad I took this time off too; it was well worth it! Ooh YES you should definitely read Strange the Dreamer and the Grishaverse as soon as you can. I’d highly, highly recommend either one. And ahh thank you, I hope you have a lovely month of reading as well!

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  18. Yay for being back from hiatus! Though it’s so happy that you were able to read quite a bit! I wish I could have read Muse of Nightmares this month but my library doesn’t have it yet 😭
    Enjoy Ruin and Rising!!!

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    1. Yesss I’m so glad to be back! And oh my goodness Muse was so gorgeous, Liz! I hope you get to read it soon because I think you’re going to love it💜
      And thank you – just finished Ruin and Rising yesterday & now I’m on to SOC!!

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