October’s Most Anticipated of 2019

Welcome, welcome!

Today I’m going to be talking a bit about the 13 books that I’m most excited for this October.

Hello friends! Sorry for the late start. Excuses aside, I was just…not having it, blogging wise. Didn’t want to do it. But hopefully I’m back!

Here are the titles that have my interest this month.

Enjoy!

Please note that all synopsis’ and book covers were found on GoodReads.

October 1

• Dagger & Scythe: The Ichorian Epics Book 2, by Emilie Knight | Fantasy, Dark Fantasy, Mythology

Dagger and Scythe spent good decade’s together, stalking human prey at night, and taking out the targets the god Maniodes deems worthy. With one hundred years under her belt, Scythe is comfortable in her ways, and takes incredible enjoyment of her skills. Dagger may be new to the undead order, but he’s relishing in the work. The two of them together set beautiful bonfires, with the occasional corpse inside that fire.

When they enjoy each other’s time a little too much, and an entire village burns down because of it, Maniodes becomes sick of their rogue behavior. Regular punishments haven’t worked on either of them, so he tries something new: marrying them to each other. To keep each other in line or they’ll both end up properly dead.

Both have grown tired of the god’s odd punishments and lazy control, taking over his throne and the land of the dead should fix things.

Her scythe is perfectly curved for slicing.

His dagger, made of folded steel, is ready to strike.

But are they strong enough to take on gods?

Release Date: October 1

I’m so glad that the author Emilie Knight reached out to me asking if I’d review Dagger & Scythe for her, since I read the first Ichorian Epics book 1, Era of Undying.

I absolutely loved, enjoyed, and then had my heart ripped out from reading Era of Undying. I hope the same happens within Dagger & Scythe.

(If interested, here’s my review of Era of Undying)

• Shadow Frost (Shadow Frost, #1), by Coco Ma | YA, Fantasy

IN THE KINGDOM OF AXARIA, a darkness rises.

Some call it a monster, laying waste to the villagers and their homes.
Some say it is an invulnerable demon summoned from the deepest abysses of the Immortal Realm.
Many soldiers from the royal guard are sent out to hunt it down.

Not one has ever returned.

When Asterin Faelenhart, Princess of Axaria and heir to the throne, discovers that she may hold the key to defeating the mysterious demon terrorizing her kingdom, she vows not to rest until the beast is slain. With the help of her friends and the powers she wields — though has yet to fully understand — Asterin sets out to complete a single task. The task that countless, trained soldiers have failed.

To kill it.

But as they hunt for the demon, they unearth a plot to assassinate the Princess herself instead. Asterin and her companions begin to wonder how much of their lives have been lies, especially when they realize that the center of the web of deceit might very well be themselves. With no one else to turn to, they are forced to decide just how much they are willing to sacrifice to protect the only world they have ever known.

That is, of course… if the demon doesn’t get to them first.

From young author Coco Ma comes a dazzling new tale of adventure, power, and betrayal, weaving together a stunning world of magic with a killer cast in an explosive, unforgettable debut.

Release Date: October 1

Shadow Frost has been on my mind for a while. To me, there’s so much intrigue, and so much story that I have to find out. And the only way to do that, is to read the book.

What has me interested in the story is quite the obviously the fantasy element. I’m a fantasy buff. I know this, and if you didn’t know this, now you do and let’s move on. is just…everything that this book has to offer. I kind of…adore books with demons in them.

Demon-situations in books can go so many ways that there’s always that element of surprise when they’re talked about and/or mentioned in books.

I don’t know when I’ll be getting around to reading Shadow Frost simply because I’m going to be recommending Shadow Frost as a purchase to my local library as soon and I’m done writing this post.

• The Memory Thief, by Lauren Mansy | YA, Fantasy

In the city of Craewick, memories reign. The power-obsessed ruler of the city, Madame, has cultivated a society in which memories are currency, citizens are divided by ability, and Gifted individuals can take memories from others through touch as they please.

Seventeen-year-old Etta Lark is desperate to live outside of the corrupt culture, but grapples with the guilt of an accident that has left her mother bedridden in the city’s asylum. When Madame threatens to put her mother up for auction, a Craewick practice in which a “criminal’s” memories are sold to the highest bidder before being killed, Etta will do whatever it takes to save her. Even if it means rejoining the Shadows, the rebel group she swore off in the wake of the accident years earlier.

To prove her allegiance to the Shadows and rescue her mother, Etta must steal a memorized map of the Maze, a formidable prison created by the bloodthirsty ruler of a neighboring Realm. So she sets out on a journey in which she faces startling attacks, unexpected romance, and, above all, her own past in order to set things right in her world.

Release Date: October 1

THAT COVER THOUGH.

Ok, so, I kind of know what to expect with reading The Memory Thief. The synopsis explains the story very well, truth be told. Yet I believe that there will be an aspect to the story that wasn’t mentioned within the premise of The Memory Thief.

I honestly can’t wait to dive into The Memory Thief whenever I get my hands on a copy. Even though we’re given a lot within the synopsis of TMT, I can feel that this book has the potential to be so much more than it leads the reader to think there is.

• Cupid’s Match (Cupid’s Match, #1), by Lauren Palphreyman | YA, Fantasy, Romance, Paranormal / Mythology

He’s mythologically hot, a little bit wicked, and almost 100% immortal. And he’ll hit you right in the heart . . .

“Miss Black, we have a big problem.”

Lila Black doesn’t believe in matchmaking, let alone soul mates. So then why is she constantly being hassled by the Cupids Matchmaking Service? But this gilded, cherub-bedecked dating agency isn’t exactly what it seems . . . and it’s about to turn Lila’s entire world upside down.

It turns out that Cupids Matchmaking is the real deal. As in, it’s run by actual cupids—who don’t look at all like they do in the paintings—and they have a serious problem with Lila’s “match.” Because this guy shouldn’t be in the system. He shouldn’t have a match. And while he’s irresistibly hot, he’s also incredibly dangerous. Because Lila’s true love match is Cupid. The original bad boy of love. And he wants her.

Now Lila’s once-normal teenaged world has exploded into a mythological nightmare overrun by crime-lord sirens, wrathful cupid hit men, magic arrows that cause no end of trouble, and a mischievous, not-so-angelic love god she can’t seem to stop herself from falling for . . .

Adored by 50 million readers on Wattpad, Lauren Palphreyman’s smash-hit book is now in print for the first time.

Release Date: October 1

I have been so excited for Cupid’s Match for a long time. I was bummed that I didn’t get to read Cupid’s Match as an ARC.. Nevertheless, I’m going to read Cupid’s Match however I can. If I find a copy through the library that would be amazing.

I genuinely don’t know what to expect with Cupid’s Match. I’ve read the synopsis a few times, and I have got to keep lowering my expectations of this book! Like seriously, Adele! Get your shit together!

I expect that there will be a lot of angst in this book, and I am here for it. Gimme a copy!

• Cursed, by Thomas Wheeler, Frank Miller (Illustrator) | YA, Fantasy, Retelling

Soon to be a Netflix original series!

The Lady of the Lake is the true hero in this cinematic twist on the tale of King Arthur created by Thomas Wheeler and legendary artist, producer, and director Frank Miller (300, Batman: The Dark Night Returns, Sin City). Featuring 8 full color and 30 black-and-white pieces of original artwork by Frank Miller.

Whosoever wields the Sword of Power shall be the one true King.

But what if the Sword has chosen a Queen?

Nimue grew up an outcast. Her connection to dark magic made her something to be feared in her Druid village, and that made her desperate to leave…

That is, until her entire village is slaughtered by Red Paladins, and Nimue’s fate is forever altered. Charged by her dying mother to reunite an ancient sword with a legendary sorcerer, Nimue is now her people’s only hope. Her mission leaves little room for revenge, but the growing power within her can think of little else.

Nimue teams up with a charming mercenary named Arthur and refugee Fey Folk from across England. She wields a sword meant for the one true king, battling paladins and the armies of a corrupt king. She struggles to unite her people, avenge her family, and discover the truth about her destiny.

But perhaps the one thing that can change Destiny itself is found at the edge of a blade.

Release Date: October 1st

I’m so glad that I’ve got a copy of Cursed as an ARC! I’m not talking about Cursed anymore than this because I don’t want to get my hopes up with Cursed.

But what drew me to this book was the fact that it’s getting a Netflix series?? Anyone else know about this?

October 15

• Japanese Myths & Tales: Epic Tales, by Flame Tree Studio | Mythology & Tales

From the creation myth of Izanagi and Izanami designed to explain the orgins of the island of Japan, to the hundreds of kami (gods or spirits) and monsters Japanese legends tell the story of the land, the nation, the people and the divine heritage of the emperors of Japan. Often bloody, and fantastic, the tales are a powerful, rewarding read, gathered together in the gorgeous, deluxe hardcover editions of the Flame Tree Epic Tales.
The latest title in Flame Tree’s beautiful, comprehensive series of Gothic Fantasy titles, concentrates on the ancient, epic origins of modern fantasy.

Release Date: October 15

Hey hi hello, how are ye? I have been slowly collecting these Flame Tree Studio story collections for a little under a year now. I haven’t read any of them yet, simply because the monstrosity of these books. To explain further, the books contains small print, and packaged pages. Much like a news paper.

But I am collecting them because I’m truly interested in them, and because they’re SHINY AND I LIKE SHINY THINGS.

October 18

• Blazing Academy: Semester One (Academy For All Things Scorching, #1), by Avery Song | Paranormal, Shapeshifters

When the element of fire burns within your veins, the academy for all things scorching is the best place to learn how to make that flame burn even hotter.

Alice Blaze is my name, and I’m not exactly your typical sixteen-year-old. My mom disappeared after my birth and my dad was an alcoholic maniac, so I was raised by my protective grandparents in the single house up the hill. The one people only come to visit on Halloween.

Because, yeah, apparently, our house is haunted. Naturally.

As an orphan living in a spooky house, it’s no surprise that my life has been…eventful. I’ve been inadvertently causing trouble since I was little and it always ends up with something combusting into flames. You know, lighting up the curtains, exploding vials in lab class. And don’t get me started with the accidental school fire. Need I say more?

The flames really hit the fan when I’m accused of shattering all the windows in the entire school. Of course, that doesn’t make sense because it has nothing to do with my burning nemesis. But it doesn’t matter. Expulsion is imminent and my grandparents are fed up with my constant transfers.

But then something amazing happens: a letter of invitation lands right onto our doorstep. Or should I say window?

I’m invited to Blazing Academy, the school for all things — and people — that are scorching hot. Shifters, demons, and blazing hot witches…oh, right. I almost left that part out. According to the school, that’s what I am. A blazing hot witch.

Let’s hope that’s all I am, and that this first semester goes a whole lot smoother than I’m imagining. Otherwise, my whole life might just go up in smoke.

Release Date: October 18

*sigh* I just read the premise for Blazing Academy: Semester One, and although the story does pique my interest quite a bit…….if the main character, Alice, is exactly like she seems to be in the synopsis, Blazing Academy: Semester One, is going to be a long read, if I don’t end up DNF-ing it first.

Nevertheless, I’ve liked Avery Song’s writing in the past, and I hope to enjoy this new work from her as well.

October 22

• A Ghost of a Chance (The Nightwatch, #1), by Debbie Cassidy | Fantasy, Urban Fantasy

They say the dead don’t speak. That’s a lie. They speak to Kat Justice, but most of the time, she chooses not to hear them.

I’m a Nightwatch agent, a nightblood charged with enforcing the supernatural laws. Humans can’t know the shit that goes bump in the night is real. It’s sweaty, tough work, with crappy pay, but I love it.

Things would be perfect if not for my secret.

Pureblood Nightbloods can’t see or hear the dead. The fact that I can exposes my mixed breeding. I’m not meant to exist, and if the council find out about my secret it’s the executioners block for me.

Keeping a lid on my ghost whisperer ability is a must.

So, when my gramps orders me to head to the arse end of nowhere, a nowhere that just happens to be the most haunted place on the bloody map, I’m a little confused.

This transfer doesn’t jive with trying to keep the ghost chat to a minimum.

But with my golem partner and gargoyle companion in tow, I’m sure I can figure out why I’ve been sent to this weird coastal town. I mean, they even have a ghost bar.

You’d think the local souls would be eager to chew my ear off, right? Wrong.

For the first time in forever, the dead aren’t talking.

Now I need to know why…

A kick ass Urban Fantasy Adventure filled with fey, demons, vampires, gargoyles and golems.

Release Date: October 22

There’s SO MUCH that I’m looking forward to reading about in A Ghost of a Chance, and let me tell you something. On October 21st, nearing midnight, I will be awake, and I will be counting down the minutes until I can finally read A Ghost of a Chance.

October 29

• Gravemaidens (Gravemaidens, #1), by Kelly Coon | YA, Fantasy

The start of a fierce fantasy duology about three maidens who are chosen for their land’s greatest honor…and one girl determined to save her sister from the grave.

In the walled city-state of Alu, Kammani wants nothing more than to become the accomplished healer her father used to be before her family was cast out of their privileged life in shame.

When Alu’s ruler falls deathly ill, Kammani’s beautiful little sister, Nanaea, is chosen as one of three sacred maidens to join him in the afterlife. It’s an honor. A tradition. And Nanaea believes it is her chance to live an even grander life than the one that was stolen from her.

But Kammani sees the selection for what it really is—a death sentence.

Desperate to save her sister, Kammani schemes her way into the palace to heal the ruler. There she discovers more danger lurking in the sand-stone corridors than she could have ever imagined and that her own life—and heart—are at stake. But Kammani will stop at nothing to dig up the palace’s buried secrets even if it means sacrificing everything…including herself.

Release Date: October 29

What immediately drew me into wanting to read Gravemaidens, was the cover. The cover artist–whomever they may be–did a superb job. The detailed simplicity of everything draws my attention, and what seems to be blue flame in this thorn-vine covered jar, is eye catching. It also holds my attention the most. —– Needless to say, I am very intrigued about the story.

I look forward to read, and learn of the danger that Kammani schemes her way into.

I don’t know what to expect with Gravemaidens….

• I’m a Gay Wizard (Gay Wizard, #1), by V.S. Santoni | YA, Fantasy, LGBT+

You try magic once and it sticks to you like glitter glue . . .

When Johnny and his best friend, Alison, pass their summer holidays dabbling in magic, they never expect it to have consequences. Sure, it’d be great if they could banish bullies or change their lives for the better, and what harm could come from lighting a few candles and chanting a few spells? When they cause an earthquake that shakes Chicago to its core, they draw the attention of the Marduk Institute, an age-old organization dedicated to fostering the talents of young wizards.

Once there, Johnny and Alison are told they can never return to their previous lives, and must quickly adapt to a new world shimmering with monsters, fraternities, and cute boys like Hunter and Blake. But when they’re pulled into an epic, supernatural fight that could cost them both their lives, Johnny and Alison find strength they never knew they had as they battle for love, acceptance, and their own happy ending—all with the help of a little magic.

Release Date: October 29

Needless to say, I’m drawn to LGBT+ novels, being queer myself. I was bummed that I didn’t get to read this one as an ARC (would’ve loved that) but I’m 1000% okay with that! Now I get to request I’m a Gay Wizard as a purchase to my local library, and I know that they’ll buy more than one copy, so others will get to read it as well! It’s a win-win, my friend.

I haven’t actually read the full synopsis for I’m a Gay Wizard, simply because I don’t want to hype up the book in my mind. I do expect good things coming from this book though. So I guess that not hyping up IaGW in my mind did nothing, lol.

• The Light at the Bottom of the World (#1), by London Shah | YA, Sci-fi, Fantasy

Hope had abandoned them to the wrath of all the waters.

At the end of the twenty-first century, the world has changed dramatically, but life continues one thousand feet below the ocean’s surface. In Great Britain, sea creatures swim among the ruins of Big Ben and the Tower of London, and citizens waver between fear and hope; fear of what lurks in the abyss, and hope that humanity will soon discover a way to reclaim the Earth.

Meanwhile, sixteen-year-old Leyla McQueen has her own problems to deal with. Her father’s been arrested, accused of taking advantage of victims of the Seasickness-a debilitating malaise that consumes people,often claiming their lives. But Leyla knows he’s innocent, and all she’s interested in is getting him back so that their lives can return to normal.

When she’s picked to race in the action-packed London Submersible Marathon, Leyla gets the chance to secure his freedom; the Prime Minister promises the champion whatever their heart desires. The race takes an unexpected turn, though, and presents her with an opportunity she never wanted: Leyla must venture outside of London for the first time in her life, to find and rescue her father herself.

Now, she’ll have to brave the unfathomable waters and defy a corrupt government determined to keep its secrets, all the while dealing with a secretive, hotheaded companion she never asked for in the first place. If she fails, or falls prey to her own fears, she risks capture-and her father might be lost forever.

Release Date: October 29

I quite literally don’t know what to expect with this one. It sounds like a whirl-wind of a read though.

• Beyond the Black Door, by A.M. Strickland, AdriAnne Strickland | YA, Fantasy, LGBT+

Kamai was warned never to open the black door, but she didn’t listen …

Everyone has a soul. Some are beautiful gardens, others are frightening dungeons. Soulwalkers―like Kamai and her mother―can journey into other people’s souls while they sleep.

But no matter where Kamai visits, she sees the black door. It follows her into every soul, and her mother has told her to never, ever open it.

When Kamai touches the door, it is warm and beating, like it has a pulse. When she puts her ear to it, she hears her own name whispered from the other side. And when tragedy strikes, Kamai does the unthinkable: she opens the door.

A.M. Strickland’s imaginative dark fantasy features court intrigue and romance, a main character coming to terms with her asexuality, and twists and turns as a seductive mystery unfolds that endangers not just Kamai’s own soul, but the entire kingdom …

Release Date: October 29

Beyond the Black Door is completely enchanting. Like, I have to get my hands on a copy, simply because I have to know what happens.

The cover for Beyond the Black Door is reminisce of Cruel Beauty, and I believe another book as well. I’m not sure what though, I can’t remember at this time. But I do know that the key lock reminds me of another book that I can’t quite put my finger on.

• Trinity of Bones (The Necromancer’s Song, #2) by Caitlin Seal | YA, Fantasy

The much-anticipated second title of the Necromancer’s Song trilogy. Naya Garth will do whatever it takes to bring Corten back from the shores of death.

Naya Garth, recently resurrected, is returning to Talmir–to the homeland that betrayed her. She is no longer their spy and weapon. She will testify against her former ambassador and spymaster, Valn, the man who had her murdered. Sucked into complicated politics at the Congress of Powers, Naya must forge new alliances in order to survive–as a wraith, one of the undead, she is a reviled creature. But her true mission is to uncover secret necromancy journals that might achieve the impossible: resurrect her love, Corten, for a second time.

Corten is stuck in the fringe fighting against shadows and monsters pulling him toward true death. There he learns that something is brewing in the world of the living, in the distant land of Endra–a dangerous ritual that will seal shut the doors of death and create chaos. Will Naya and Corten be able to reunite long enough to find out who seeks immortality? In a sea of diplomats, is it even possible to uncover the truth without plunging the world into war?

Release Date: October 29

I am so relieved, and happy and overall joyful that I’d been given a copy of Trinity of Bones as an ARC. I haven’t quite read it yet (I’ve been addicted to KU books). I’m going to try my damndest to read it this month though.

I don’t think that I’ve really read the premise for Trinity of Bones, because, again, I don’t want to over-hype the book for myself. I want to enjoy this second Necromancer’s Song novel as it comes.

(If interested, here’s my review of Twice Dead, [The Necromancer’s Song, #1])

Are there any October book publications that you’re looking forward to reading? 

Thank you so much for stopping by!

See you soon, and Happy Reading!
Adele