The days are getting shorter, the nights colder, and the leaves are all shades of yellow, orange, and brown. It’s the perfect reading time for me, which is probably why I managed to read a book per week this month. This might be standard for some, but I often find that one book every two weeks works better for me, so I’m quite happy with this pace. I seem to have misplaced my TBR list, though, and went a bit off-script. I won’t complain too much, especially since I found a new favorite this month.

The books I read were The Enchanted Greenhouse by Sarah Beth Durst, Hemlock & Silver by T. Kingfisher, When Among Crows by Veronica Roth, and The Will of the Many by James Islington.

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The Enchanted Greenhouse – Sarah Beth Durst

The Enchanted Greenhouse is a cozy fantasy novel by Sarah Beth Durst. While it’s technically a sequel to The Spellshop, I’d say it can easily be read as a standalone, as everything you need to know from the first book is explained here.

However, I found The Spellshop more interesting than The Enchanted Greenhouse. I liked the relationship between the main characters and the characters themselves, for the most part, and I loved the descriptions of the greenhouses. That said, the overall plot didn’t catch my interest, and it lacked the charm the previous book in the series had to make up for it. The themes didn’t resonate with me as much as I would’ve liked either. I did find the connection with the previous book at the end very, very cute, though.

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Hemlock & Silver – T. Kingfisher

Hemlock & Silver by T. Kingfisher is a fantasy retelling of Snow White. I have to say, this book was more of a letdown than I was expecting from Kingfisher. It’s worth a read, but it isn’t a must-read. I wrote a full review for it, so you can check that out for more of my thoughts.

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When Among Crows – Veronica Roth

At this point, I had read two books from my October TBR and wasn’t necessarily planning to read more. But then I found some extra time, and a novella that caught my eye basically fell into my lap—When Among Crows by Veronica Roth.

This novella was so good. I’d almost forgotten how much I enjoy urban fantasy until this story reminded me. I think it’s that sprinkle of the fantastical in an ordinary world that hooks me every time. Like the author, I also love The Witcher III and Polish folklore, so the themes were perfect for me.

I also enjoyed the pacing. I wasn’t sure what to expect from such a short story, but this novella packs in as much plot as some full-length standalones. It’s succinct but very rich. Overall, I can’t wait to get my hands on the sequel as this novella is easily one of my favorite recent reads.

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The Will of the Many – James Islington

I really wanted to start on the sequel to When Among Crows, but I couldn’t find it anywhere near me, so I decided to revisit my TBR. Around the same time, I kept hearing about James Islington’s upcoming release, so the decision was made.

The Will of the Many is the first book in what’s anticipated to be a trilogy, with the second installment expected in November 2025. I’d heard about it enough times to be curious but after reading it, I’m not really sure if I’ll reach for the sequel. I had a feeling this book might not be for me, and unfortunately, I was right.

While the Ancient Roman-inspired setting is a solid foundation, it doesn’t hold my interest as much as other historical periods. The author did a good job of using it for rich worldbuilding and an interesting magical system, but as the story went on, it started to feel less developed than I’d hoped. For example, we spend a lot of the time away from being able to use the magic system and the “real” world, isolated at the Academy.

My biggest issue, though, was the main character. He reads much older than he is and feels overly competent despite having almost no training. The author tried to justify this through his backstory, but it didn’t quite work for me. I also don’t understand why this wasn’t categorized as a young adult novel. It feels like YA, and I think I would’ve enjoyed it more had I approached it with that expectation. As it stands, I was anticipating more political intrigue and real consequences than we actually got.

That said, the ending was intriguing enough that I might pick up the sequel just to see where it goes.

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All in all, it was a very good reading month for me. I can only hope November is just as kind—and that the books I pick up are as interesting.

Hemlock & Silver is a standalone novel by T. Kingfisher, published in 2025 and marketed as a dark retelling of Snow White.

I don’t usually gravitate toward fairytale retellings, and I’ve also been reading a lot of standalones lately. I’m mentioning this because it might have influenced how I felt about the book. To be honest, I didn’t particularly like Hemlock & Silver—but I didn’t dislike it either. It landed somewhere in that strange middle ground of “good, but not quite memorable.”

Would I still recommend it? Actually, yes. It’s a quick, entertaining read with an easy writing style that makes it perfect for a weekend or seasonal pick-up. Even though it didn’t fully click with me, I enjoyed the time I spent reading it.

Characters

We follow Anja, a healer who specializes in poisons. I appreciated her pragmatic, almost old-fashioned approach to science and her curiosity about the natural world. She’s practical and unflappable, sure, but I found her lacking depth. There’s also a vague sense that I have seen this character a few times now, both in Kingfisher’s works and other books.

Unfortunately, the supporting cast didn’t help matters. Princess Snow barely registers as a real person; she’s more of a plot device than a character. The guards, including one who becomes Anja’s love interest, felt equally flat. Their dialogue and interactions were fine, but they never left an impression. When the romance appeared, it felt sudden and unnecessary rather than meaningful.

Plot and Pacing

As a retelling, Hemlock & Silver plays fast and loose with its source material. Normally, I’d appreciate that. However, the story often felt too detached from the original fairytale, like it was following a roadmap it didn’t care much about. The pacing felt off too, because there was a sense of urgency in the storytelling that didn’t quite manifest in the characters, if that makes sense.

There were also a few moments where the internal logic didn’t hold up. For example, when characters dramatically warn that eating two apples could be fatal, but later someone eats five and survives quite easily, all things considered. Those inconsistencies pulled me out of the story and made the stakes feel less real.

Writing and Atmosphere

Kingfisher’s writing remains as sharp and darkly witty as ever. She has a way of blending horror and humor that feels unique to her. The mirror world sections were particularly compelling.

That said, the worldbuilding outside those moments felt a little thin. It gave me just enough to understand what was happening, but not enough to get fully immersed. I kept wishing the book would slow down and linger on its atmosphere, because when it does, it shines.

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Final Thoughts

In the end, Hemlock & Silver was a good October read. It was short, spooky, and clever in places. I didn’t love it, but I didn’t regret reading it either. It’s the kind of book that scratches an itch for reading without demanding too much emotional investment.

If you’re new to T. Kingfisher, though, this wouldn’t be the one I’d start with. She has stronger, more cohesive works that better showcase her storytelling and worldbuilding strengths. Still, for a moody autumn evening, Hemlock & Silver is a decent choice.

Happy Autumn, everyone!

It’s officially the start of the best time of the year: crisp air, falling leaves, rainy afternoons, and all the baked goods. For me, autumn is also mood-reading season. When the sweaters come out and blankets pile up on the couch, I crave books that feel like that: warm, comforting, maybe a little mysterious.

This fall, I’m planning to dive into a mix of new releases and some books from last year that I didn’t  get around to and that just feel like perfect autumn reads. My pace will probably be one to two books per month, which means I’ve prepared five books for my autumn reading list, enough to carry me from September through November. Each one captures a different side of the season: some are cozy and whimsical, others a little dark and magical, perfect for curling up with a hot drink and letting the world drift away.

These are not recommendations per se, given that I haven’t read these books yet, but I hope this list gives you a few ideas of your own, or that you’ll share your opinions on them if you already had the chance to read them. I’ll also post reviews for some of these books as I go through them, so keep an eye out if you’d like to see what I thought of them. If you’d like to read something and want my recommendations, you can find my ideas here. 

Without further ado, let’s get to it.

The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna

A cozy fantasy novel first published in 2022, it’s described as “a warm and uplifting novel about an isolated witch whose opportunity to embrace a quirky new family—and a new love—changes the course of her life.”

Why I’ll be reading it: I’ve heard so many great things about this book, and I expect I’ll love it for its cozy and slightly witchy vibes. I’m also curious about the next installment, so I’m starting with the first book to continue the story.

The Art of Vanishing by Morgan Pager

The Art of Vanishing is Morgan Pager’s debut novel, released in July 2025. It is described as “a stunningly original love story between a museum employee and the man in a masterpiece hanging on the walls—a breathtaking debut about time, art, and the enduring power of love”.

Why I’ll be reading it: This book came out in the same year as the videogame Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 and it seems to have some similarities to it, which is a fun coincidence. While I seem to be the only person in the world who didn’t quite enjoy Expedition 33, I will be reading this book because I do like the premise and I am very curious about the blend of historical fiction and fantasy.

The Enchanted Greenhouse by Sarah Beth Durst

Published in 2025, this cozy fantasy is the sequel to The Spellshop and follows the story of the creator of Kaz, the talking spider plant from the first book. It’s described as “funny, kind, and forgiving—a story about giving second chances—to others and to yourself.”

Why I’ll be reading it: I may bump this one up in my schedule because I want to experience the vibes of The Spellshop. The author also did a great job of teasing the character in the previous book, so I’m excited to learn more.

A Witch’s Guide to Magical Innkeeping by Sangu Mandanna

Set in the same universe as The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches, this 2025 cozy fantasy is described as “a whimsical and heartwarming novel about a witch who has a second chance to get her magical powers—and her life—back on track.”

Why I’ll be reading it: The witches, the autumn vibes, and the cozy feel of the story.

Hemlock & Silver by T. Kingfisher

Published in August 2025, this is described as “a dark reimagining of ‘Snow White’ steeped in poison, intrigue, and treason of the most magical kind.”

Why I’ll be reading it: It’s T. Kingfisher. I’m hoping for her signature prose and compelling characters, and the premise sounds absolutely intriguing.

Okay, I lied. There is one more book I hope I’ll get around to:

Katabasis by R.F.Kuang

Another August 2025 release, Katabasis follows “two graduate students who must set aside their rivalry and journey to Hell to save their professor’s soul, perhaps at the cost of their own.”

Why I’ll be reading it: I had planned to read it during the summer, but some mixed impressions from other readers made me postpone it. I generally try to avoid hearing other people’s opinions before reading a book, but it’s been hard to do with such a highly anticipated release like this. I hope to tackle it in November, but I won’t be pushing for it.

That’s all I have for this autumn! It’s a slightly short list, but I prefer setting achievable reading goals, and I can always add more if I finish these quicker than expected.

I hope this list gives you some inspiration for your own autumn reading. If you decide to pick up any of these books, or if you’ve already read them, drop a comment! I’d love to hear your thoughts and recommendations.

It’s September, which means that no matter what the actual temperature is, it’s officially autumn. I’d say I’m being pretty restrained here, since I’ve already seen autumn collections and seasonal prep popping up as early as August, which even I think is a bit premature. But it’s here now, and autumn means reading! Not that other seasons mean not reading, but it somehow feels even better when the weather turns a bit colder. Still, as you cozy up with a hot chocolate, a great tea, or even a late-night coffee (I do it, don’t judge me), you’ll need a good book to go with it.

When I think of autumn, I think of both cozy vibes and darker ones. Early in the season, it feels right to start with some comforting, cozy fantasy. But as the nights grow longer and Halloween approaches, I start craving the horror and the mystery a bit more. 

That’s the mix I’ve put together for you today: a list of five books, some recent and some much older, that should carry you through until late November if you read them all. Or maybe you just want one great pick. Or maybe you’re a fast reader who can finish them all in a month and come back looking for more. Whatever works for you! I’ve ordered these in the order I would pick them up in, but feel free to mix and match as much as you like. It’s your reading list, after all.

I also have a post with my own seasonal reading list—five books I plan to read through September, October, and part of November. Feel free to join me if you’re looking to pick up some more recently published titles. For this post, though, I’m focusing only on books I’ve already read and can confidently recommend.

Let’s get into it!

The Spellshop by Sarah Beth Durst

The author has said she wanted to write a book that felt like drinking hot chocolate, and I think she succeeded. The story follows a librarian fleeing the war-torn capital and returning to her home island, where she starts over. There’s also a dreamy love interest and a cast of funny, lovable side characters. Honestly, if this were a movie, I’d have it playing on repeat.

This is also a perfect transition book for the season. It’s set on a sunny island with descriptions of beaches and warmth, but it also features spells, talking plants, and homemade jam. The stakes are low even for cozy fantasy, but I didn’t mind at all. It makes for a very fast and comforting read.

Read this if you love: cozy fantasy, cottagecore vibes, talking plants, and a touch of romance.

A Sorceress Comes to Call by T. Kingfisher

At this point, T. Kingfisher hardly needs an introduction. She’s one of the rare authors whose books I’ll pick up without hesitation, and if you haven’t had the chance to read her works yet, drop everything you’re doing and read Nettle&Bone. However, if it’s just this book that’s new to you, A Sorceress Comes to Call is a retelling of a Brothers Grimm fairy tale, so you know it leans a bit dark. It feels very much like a fairy tale for adults and is perfect to read as the leaves start to fall.

The story follows Cordelia and her mother, a witch who sets her sights on marrying a wealthy man for money and influence. But the man’s sister, Hester, sees through her almost immediately and begins working against her with Cordelia’s help. I won’t spoil too much, but I’ll just say: pick this one up. It’s a quick read, darker than cozy fantasy, but without world-ending stakes. And, as always with Kingfisher, the prose and pacing are spot-on.

Read this if you love: fairy tale retellings and dark twists

The Goblin Emperor by Katherine Addison

This is one of the most underrated standalones I’ve ever read. I actually found it thanks to Elliott Brooks’ YouTube channel, and she talks about this book very often, but other than that, it doesn’t get talked about nearly enough. Perhaps that’s because it’s nearly 10 years old at this point. If you haven’t read it, this autumn is the perfect time.

The story follows Maia, the half-goblin son of an Emperor who dies along with his other heirs under suspicious circumstances. Maia finds himself on the throne, struggling to navigate court politics despite a lifetime of seclusion and inexperience while also trying to investigate what happened to his father and brothers.

This book is political fantasy at its best, with worldbuilding that makes it feel more epic than you’d expect from a standalone. While there are companion works set in the same world, you don’t need to read them to enjoy this book, but if you love it, there’s more to explore.

Read this if you love: court intrigue, political fantasy, underrated gems, and kind-hearted protagonists.

Gallant by V.E. Schwab

Another author who hardly needs an introduction. Gallant doesn’t get mentioned as often as some of Schwab’s other works, but I really enjoyed its gothic and horror elements, which are perfect for late autumn.

We follow Olivia, an orphan who longs for a home. When she’s suddenly taken in by an uncle she never knew existed, she’s brought to his estate, Gallant. But, of course, things are not what they seem, and Olivia soon finds herself unraveling a chilling mystery.

Read this if you love: gothic settings, haunted houses, eerie atmospheres, and a touch of horror.

Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil by V.E. Schwab

The most recent publication on this list—and yes, another Schwab book (you probably saw this one coming). It’s a vampire story that’s perfect for Halloween reading, but it also delves into much heavier, more serious themes. We follow the stories of three queer women as they navigate love, hunger and new beginnings.

Read this if you love: vampire stories, gothic drama, Halloween reads, and morally complex characters.

Curl Up & Read

Whether you’re looking for a cozy escape with spells and jam, a gothic tale full of secrets, or something a little darker to carry you into Halloween, these five books make the perfect companions for autumn. If you’ve already read them, do check out my reading list so you can find more recommendations there. 

So grab a blanket, pour yourself a warm drink, and sink into one of these stories. And if you pick up any of these books, I’d love to hear what you think—drop me a comment or connect with me on Goodreads.

Queens of Elben #1 | Fantasy | Published 2025

Overall rating: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5 stars)

Six Wilds Crowns is the first book in the Queens of Elben series, written by Holly Race and first published in 2025. It’s inspired by the six wives of Henry VIII.

The premise of this book seemed tailor made for me. I love history, especially Tudor England, and I love fantasy. And while this was not a perfect read, it was still amazing and I enjoyed it a lot. 

Please note: This review contains spoilers. If you haven’t read the book and prefer to go in blind, consider returning after you’ve finished it.

Historically accurate?

If you are looking for historically accurate representations of the six queens of Henry VIII, this is not it. The six women are much more fantasy oriented, and they take power without truly wanting the power and are (mostly) easily swayed to do the right thing. Not to say that the women these characters are inspired by were not good women (lots of discussion out there on that, if you’re interested), but their lives had far less dragons in them and far more court navigation and compromises. 

But while the characters and the story were not historically accurate, the stories of the six women were inspired by historical events, which does set up some expectations if you are aware of the history. For example, the book starts off with Seymour as a lady in waiting, but if you happen to know that Jane Seymour was one of the wives of Henry VIII, you might reasonably expect her to end up married to the King in this story too. I thought the author did a lovely job of balancing the expectations and delivering on them in a new way or subverting them cleverly. 

The Story

In the kingdom of Elben, a magical tradition demands that the king must marry six queens and magically bind each to one of the island’s palaces to protect the kingdom from its enemies. The King is, of course, Henry, inspired by Henry VIII. We focus mostly on Boleyn as we follow her from her wedding to her apparent death. She marries Henry out of love, but quickly gathers there is something wrong with the land and the role of the queens. She starts to rebel and gather the other queens to her cause. Her first and strongest ally is Seymour. Initially sent to Boleyn’s court as a spy and assassin, Seymour unexpectedly catches the king’s eye—and Boleyn’s. Their relationship evolves from tension to an unlikely but powerful alliance. 

The Issues

While this was a highly enjoyable read, there were some things that bothered me. The first and most obvious was the naming of the characters. All of the female characters go by their surnames and do not have names aside from them. I understand it would have been very difficult to have three Catherine’s and two Anne’s running around, just to name the most obvious problem, but I was rather bothered by this. My mind kept supplementing the first names. I wonder if it’s maybe a set-up for a later book in which the characters could take actual names for themselves? It is a minor issue to be sure, but one I couldn’t overlook for the whole book. 

The other thing was romance, which felt just a bit lacking. Or, to be more precise, I felt as if the characters were instantly in love every time. This applies to Henry and Boleyn, Henry and Seymour, Seymour and Boleyn and even the hint of Cleaves and Seymour. Of course, it bothered me most in the case of Seymour and Boleyn. It’s a big plot point, as it influences most of Seymour’s actions throughout the plot. What I did find refreshing is that it’s established the love is one-sided, but this is just a fact of life. There’s no anger because of the unrequited love, just acceptance. It certainly feels as crucial because it motivates Seymour to care for the events of the plot, but I just wish it felt less like insta-love, honestly.

My final problem with the book was that I felt like time was very muddy. By the end of the book, two years have passed and I found it difficult to really place the passage of time throughout the book. 

The Good Parts

I really enjoyed the play with history. The author took real people and events and used them as inspiration. She leaned heavily into the fact that all the queens were followed by rumours and stereotypes and played with it as a point in the story and as a way to keep the reader guessing. As stated before, major spoilers, but Seymour gets pregnant quite soon and I expected the story to deal with the fact that she would give birth to a son, but she instead decides not to have the baby, which I thought was an interesting twist. It was especially enjoyable as the real Seymour is often seen as very motherly, even though she died very soon after giving birth to her only son, and in this story, I feel like she is anything but motherly.  

I also think every modern adaptation of Anna of Cleaves decides to paint her as the most independent woman ever, and quirky whenever she can be. The real Anna of Cleaves got a peaceful divorce and profited from it so she’s often seen as the one who got away and I feel like that is always used to the max in modern adaptations. Here she is a strong woman doing her thing, and I loved that. 

I felt just a tad disappointed with how Catherine of Aragon was interpreted in this book, but that might be because she is my favourite. I do think that the real Catharine was a powerful woman with strong goals and I never got the impression something like love would ever give her pause in going after what she wanted. Then again, in this book, Aragon is also strong-willed and clever. The fact that she might love Henry is thrown out there, but she was brought up to think it was her duty to serve a man as a queen consort, and she isn’t able to break free from this throughout this book. She was looking out for her daughter and she was unwilling to exchange submission to one sovereign in favour of the other, which does speak of her practical side. She clearly tells Boleyn that she would have to be convinced that Boleyn would lead them into an era in which all six queens were equal, not one in which Henry was replaced by Boleyn. 

I like how religion was once again central in the struggle for the land itself. It was a major point of contention in Tudor England and Europe too, and to see it translated like this into a fantasy world was intriguing.

Conclusion

All in all, I will very happily tune in for the next installment. I look forward to seeing what else is in store. An absolute recommendation from my side, and I’d love to hear your thoughts on the book!