Yes, I actually managed to read enough books this month to warrant a wrap up, that is a first in a while. The readathon this month has really helped, as it got me to finish Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Askaban, as well as read several books in a week. So this month has mostly been a month of Young Adult fantasy books, as that’s just the mood that I have been in lately; and thankfully, I’d say only one of them has been a disappointment and I didn’t actually finish that this month so I’ll wait till my December wrap up to go into that.I feel like a did good for even a normal reading month when I’m in full swing, and I’ve been anything but in full swing. Takes me two months to even pick another book up, but then after the first on of November I fly from book to book. Ah it is so good to be back in the game and, although not at my full pace, I am definitely getting to back to my normal self. I think its definitely helping that I’ve just started to read whatever I fancy rather than trying to stick to TBRs, as I am a right mood reader; that’s why my reviews are now just whatever books I feel I have something to say about, no matter how new or old they are. In November I managed to read a total of seven books!

The first book of my November is the first in a series that I can see being a new all time favourite series of mine; by one of my already favourite historical authors, is the new fantasy novel, Darien by Conn Iggulden. Following several different points of view, but all from such distinct, varied and developed character, it was easy to follow and get a full view of all that was going on around and outside of the city. I wrote a full review here if you want to see my full thoughts. But I gave it 4.5 stars in total, and am longing for the next book.

Thanks to Orion Publishing, my next fabulous read was A Pocketful of Crows by Joanne Harris. This book is written in an almost verse style, and is just full of absolutely stunning illustrations that are just as captivating as the story itself. Inspired by the Child Ballards, its such a touching tale, with beautiful imagery and heartfelt emotion. Again, I have a full review if you want to hear my full thoughts.

A Pocketful of Crows put me in such a short story, fairy tale mood, that I looked at my shelves for another one to pick up. Every Heart a Doorway by Seanan McGuire was the choice, and it did not let me down. This completely fulfilled my craving for a quick magical read and was just lovely. Although unique, it was nothing overly spectacular so it only got a 3 out of 5 stars from me.

I finally got around to picking up Hollow City by Ransom Riggs to continue the Peculiar Children series that I started last year which works towards one of my new year resolutions from last year- better late than never. Must admit, I love the old fashioned photographs in this more than the actual writing, but its still so magical and unpredictable that the whole package of the book is just something fabulous. This was another 4 star read for me.

Following the fantasy kick, I picked up something else that has been on my to be read list for a very long time, and I have regularly been nagged to read. That book is Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo. With a Russian influence, this really did intrigue me as I have a love of Russian history and historical culture, so I had every hope that this would show influence in the story. It did a little but I definitely feel that it could of been brought out more, hopefully that will be brought out more in the following books. I did enjoy this, but it was rather average at just 3 stars. Though as a quick entertaining read, I’ll be picking up the next in the new year hopefully.

Another new all time favourite of mine is my next book, The Diabolic by SJ Kincaid. Admittedly I went into it thinking that it was a fantasy and was proven wrong with it being a Sci-fi, but it was such a thrilling fast paced, exciting read. I felt such attachment to Nemesis and felt like I was going along with the events right beside each of the characters as if in real life. Breaking my no new books before Christmas rule, my Nan has brought me the sequel, The Empress, and I am currently reading it as I write this. I’ve got a full review for this if you want to see my full thoughts.

Finally, I, at last, managed to finish a book that I’ve been reading since I brought it the week it came out. And that book can only be Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban the illustrated edition. Hmm now what can I say about this, it was a 5 star read, but that’s no surprise. Its actually the first time I’ve read any edition of this book, so I cant compare it to a previous experience, but I’m still certain that the illustrated would be the best way, its just so beautiful! Fingers crossed to get the first two for Christmas so I can do a reread with those.

So that’s my November wrap up, and what a fabulous reading month it has been. I’ve loved almost every book I finished this month, and am hopeful that other than my first one of December, that I’ll have another good reading month.

What did you read this month?