Stats

Total books read: 10

Physical books: 6

2025 releases: 4

Dungeon Crawler Carl series: 4

River of Bones & Other Stories by Rebecca Roanhorse (5 stars) – I read this short story collection, plus a novella that was a continuation of the author’s Sixth World series, in a weekend, and loved it. Trail of Lightning has become one of my favorite books, and I’ve been hoping that Rebecca Roanhorse would release a third book for several years now. While it’s disappointing not to get that, I thought the novella wrapped up the series nicely while also not completely eliminating the possibility of seeing the characters again. And the wide variety of science fiction and horror stories were relevant, excellently written, and meaningful. I’m so glad to have had this highly anticipated collection live up to and blow past my expectations.

Deep End by Ali Hazelwood (4.5 stars) – It took me longer than I expected, and several false starts, to actually finish this contemporary college sports-set romance from my favorite romance author, and I really loved it. Ali Hazelwood’s books are always very intensely emotional, and the two main characters had excellent chemistry. I’ll continue to gobble up everything she writes.

Dungeon Crawler Carl by Matt Dinniman (4.5 stars) – I’m going to just do one review for the first 4 books in the series, since they’re very much one continuous, action-packed, hilarious ride. I started this book after being convinced by my brother, and now both of us are completely obsessed. These books are so much fun, and then they have these unexpected sharp moments of emotion that hit even harder because of the fast-paced plot. I’ve been recommending the series like crazy, and even started tracking down these mystery box keychains featuring the characters. It’s been a long time since I’ve gotten so completely hooked on a series, and the audio narration is absolutely the best I have ever heard. I’m so glad that there are so many Dungeon Crawler Carl books out, because it’s the type of thing you never want to end.

Every Step She Takes by Alison Cochrun (4 stars) – I knew I would enjoy this Sapphic European walking tour contemporary romance, and I was right. There’s a tour group of lovable friends; opposites-attract chemistry; and both main characters finding themselves at crucial times in their lives. This is probably my favorite book from Alison Cochrun so far.

Carl’s Doomsday Scenario by Matt Dinniman (4 stars)

The Gate of the Feral Gods by Matt Dinniman (4 stars)

Dinner for Vampires by Bethany Joy Lenz (4 stars) – I picked this memoir up on a bit of a whim when I saw it was available on my library’s app, and found it to be very well-written, attention-grabbing, and a really interesting depiction of falling into a cult.

The Summer War by Naomi Novik (4 stars) – This short fantasy novel has fairy tale vibes, tricky sibling dynamics, ongoing conflicts with the fae, and a very determined protagonist; I quite enjoyed it.

The Dungeon Anarchist’s Cookbook by Matt Dinniman (4 stars)

The Grimoire Grammar School Parent-Teacher Association by Caitlin Rozakis (3 stars) – I didn’t love this contemporary fantasy novel nearly as much as the author’s previous novel Dreadful; the dynamics between the fish-out-of-water “normal” couple with a werewolf child versus the supernatural community they join to give their daughter a good education weren’t as humorous or interesting as I wanted them to be.