Update: Goodreads Reading Challenge 2023 (1/13/23)

I finished Stacia Kane’s Unholy Ghosts, and I was right – I am definitely reading the whole series. I loved the story, the characters, her writing style… Overall, I’d rate the book 4.5 out of 5.

I also ran through the third book in Katherine Arden’s Small Spaces series, Dark Waters.

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: this is the kind of kids’ book I wish had existed when I was a kid. So many of the “scary” books I read back then fell short. They weren’t even creepy (to me). But Arden’s tales of The Smiling Man are eerie, and the entity is not easily beaten or discovered to be anything less than frightening.

Rating: 4/5

And last but not least, I have started my fourth book of the year, The Creeper by A.M. Shine. I read a recommendation of this book on Jenny In Neverland’s blog [check out the post here]. So today, I plan to drop my car off at my mechanic’s then curl up with a blanket, a cup of coffee, and this suspenseful chiller from Shine.

Goodreads Reading Challenge 2023

I have started my Goodreads Reading Challenge for 2023! I’ve already finished one book – Ask for Andrea by Noelle W. Ihli – but to be fair, I started it back in November. Lol. It counts, though, because I finished it this year.

I have since started my second book, Stacia Kane’s Unholy Ghosts. It is the first in the Downside Ghosts series. (I needed a new series to get invested in after finishing The Morganville Vampires.)

Unholy Ghosts is an urban fantasy novel that centers entirely around, you guessed it, ghosts. Here’s the synopsis, per Google Books:

“The world is not the way it was. The dead have risen, and the living are under attack. The powerful Church of Real Truth, in charge since the government fell, has sworn to reimburse citizens being harassed by the deceased. Enter Chess Putnam, a fully tattooed witch and freewheeling ghost hunter. She’s got a real talent for banishing the wicked dead. But Chess is keeping a dark secret: She owes a lot of money to a murderous drug lord named Bump, who wants immediate payback in the form of a dangerous job that involves black magic, human sacrifice, a nefarious demonic creature, and enough wicked energy to wipe out a city of souls. Toss in lust for a rival gang leader and a dangerous attraction to Bump’s ruthless enforcer, and Chess begins to wonder if the rush is really worth it. Hell, yeah.

I’m enjoying it so far, and I’m over halfway through. All of the characters that have been introduced are likable, even those without many redeeming qualities. I like Stacia’s writing style, as well.

I’ll give my rating with my next update! And please consider joining me for the challenge this year!

30 Day Song Challenge: Day 8 – A Song in a Different Language

My first thought was Rammstein, of course, but…

D’espairsRay: “Dope”

Song of the Day — Escape the Fate: “Zombie Dance”

It’s one week until Halloween! My songs of the day are definitely gonna have a theme over the next seven days 😉

Weekly Focus: Terminal Choice, Day Seven

Terminal Choice — “Bitch Like You,” from the album Übermacht (2010).

Album of the Week: Terminal Choice’s Übermacht

My introduction to Chris Pohl was through BlutEngel, but I am the type of fan who always listens to other projects from my favorite artists. Therefore, I went back and checked out Terminal Choice. I personally prefer BlutEngel; however, I can certainly see why so many people want Terminal Choice to reunite.

I chose 2010’s Übermacht as my album of the week mostly due to “Keine Macht,” but I also love “Bad Trippin'” and “Bitch Like You.”

Playlist Challenge, Day 814

The Dead Weather — “Die By The Drop”