I am so proud of what I was able to complete in July! This year has been super busy/crazy and reading has taken a bit of a backseat for me but it makes me happy that I’m still finishing a few books a month!
The Crimson Moth by Kristen Ciccarelli – ⭐️4/5 stars
Rebel Witch by Kristen Ciccarelli – ⭐️3/5 stars
Carl’s Doomsday Scenario by Matt Dinniman – ⭐️4/5 stars
The Knight and the Butcherbird by Alix E. Harrow – ⭐️3/5 stars
Hi friends, it’s Top Ten Tuesday time once again! Here are 10 books from my TBR that I would 100% bring with me if I was going to the beach for a day to read while soaking up some sun!
*SPOILERS AHEAD*
The Knight and the Butcherbird is a short, moody read that mixes fairytale vibes with a gritty dystopian setting. The world has clearly fallen apart and what’s left feels like some kind of medieval society where oral storytellers and knights still have a place. It’s a really cool concept and I was hooked from the beginning just trying to figure it all out.
The story is told by Shrike, a seventeen-year-old who acts as the town’s historian. A knight rocks up to kill a demon, but it turns out the demon is actually Shrike’s wife, May. From there, things get complicated. You start to realise there’s more going on beneath the surface and Shrike’s not just telling the story, she’s in it. The twist hits hard, but I couldn’t help feeling like I wanted more time to sit with it all.
That’s kind of the main thing for me. The ideas and themes are solid (grief, love, transformation, letting go) but there just wasn’t enough space to really dig into them. It’s one of those stories that makes you wish it was a full novel. The world building is interesting, with little hints about sickness, poverty and something deeper going wrong in society, but we don’t get much more than a glimpse.
I also found Shrike’s age a bit jarring. She reads much older than seventeen and her relationship and choices felt more believable for someone in their twenties. The knight, though, was a great character and brought a lot of tension and mystery.
The writing itself is beautiful, lyrical, sharp and easy to fall into. Harrow’s style definitely carried the story and made me want to keep reading. Even with the rushed pacing and lack of detail, it still had an impact.
⭐️3/5 stars If you’ve got an hour to spare and want something different, this one’s worth a look. Just go in knowing it might leave you wanting a bit more.
These are five of my favourite quotes from the last five books that I have read!!
Rebel Witch by Kristen Ciccarelli
“I may not know Rune Winters, but I know the Crimson Moth. And she is no caged thing.”
The Crimson Moth by Kristen Ciccarelli
“The hunted had fallen for the hunter.”
Brisingr by Christopher Paolini
“The monsters of the mind are far worse than those that actually exist.”
Dunegon Crawler Carl by Matt Dinniman
“Reward: I SAID THE GHOST OF STEVE IRWIN SMILES DOWN UPON YOU.”
Harriet Tubman Live in Concert by Bob the Drag Queen
“There’s something about being told you’re worthy from another person that feels better than when you tell yourself in a mirror.”
Carl’s Doomsday Scenario takes the wild energy of the first book and somehow makes it even more outrageous, emotional and fun. Just when I thought the series might get repetitive, this sequel shakes things up with new settings, game mechanics and world-building that feel completely fresh. The dungeon evolves into something closer to a twisted fantasy world, quests are introduced, and we learn a lot more about the galaxy beyond. Not all the side quests grabbed me, but the scale and ambition kept me hooked.
The heart of the story is still Carl and Donut and their bond is stronger than ever. Carl really steps up in this one and not just as a funny lead, but as someone with real depth and a growing sense of purpose. Donut continues to shine with her sass and unexpected growth and even Mongo the dinosaur gets some great moments. The supporting cast is richer this time too, with Mordecai becoming much more than just a tutorial NPC.
What surprised me most again was how the story manages to balance humour with some genuinely heavy themes (trauma, abuse, neglect) all handled thoughtfully without undercutting the comedy. And as with book one, the audiobook absolutely nails the tone. The narrator’s performance is hilarious and spot-on across the board.
It’s chaotic, clever and unexpectedly touching. I gave characters a solid five, emotional impact a four, and the rest sits around a three and a half. Not perfect, but still one of the most fun and unique series I’ve come across.
⭐️4/5 stars I immediately want to jump into the next one!
Amy Leigh Reads 