September Wrap-Up and Most Anticipated Releases of October!

Hello everybody, and welcome back to another edition of the CW Torch, today I will be talking about all the books I read in the month of September, and my most anticipated October releases. After recapping on my September reading month, I realized that I only completed a total of two books, while DNF’ing another. That’s probably the least amount of books I read in a month, since getting back to reading, so you can say it wasn’t a great reading month for me. However, I have been working two jobs, so finding time to read, write, and keeping up with my blog, has been difficult. So, I’m happy to have just read one book at this point. Since, I only read two books last month, I thought I would combine my wrap-up, with my most-anticipated releases of October, in order to formulate a complete blog post. So, without further ado, let’s get into the books! September Wrap-Up To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before by Jenny Han Dates Read: 08/25/2018-09/14/2018 Genre: Young Adult Contemporary Format: Kindle Final Rating: 3.75/5 Stars 

Synopsis: To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before is the story of Lara Jean, who has never openly admitted her crushes, but instead wrote each boy a letter about how she felt, sealed it, and hid it in a box under her bed. But one day Lara Jean discovers that somehow her secret box of letters has been mailed, causing all her crushes from her past to confront her about the letters: her first kiss, the boy from summer camp, even her sister’s ex-boyfriend, Josh. As she learns to deal with her past loves face to face, Lara Jean discovers that something good may come out of these letters after all. Final Thoughts: I had a love-hate relationship with Lara Jean and To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before. In all honesty, it’s not the typical book I like to read, being a young-adult contemporary romance, you should all know by now that I don't like this genre. However, To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before, seemed to grow on me, and surprise me in many ways. While, I wasn’t impressed with the writing style, and was annoyed when a sixteen year old girl, calling her parents mommy and daddy, like a two year old. There were aspects of this novel, that I really did enjoy, and found quite entertaining. I found myself relating to Lara Jean in many ways, especially in how she felt about opening up to her crushes. Like Lara Jean, I’ve had many crushes in my life, usually keeping my feelings to myself. Lara Jean was afraid of opening up to her crushes, because she was afraid of losing them, like she lost her mother. In some ways, I could relate to her reasonings, feeling extremely connected to Lara Jean. It’s been a while, since I’ve felt connected to a character in a book, like I do with Lara Jean, which is why this book really surprised me in the way it did. This book has all the elements of a contemporary novel that I usually don't like to read; a love-triangle, high school drama, and yet another broken-family. I don’t usually like these books, because they are all very predictable, and lack uniqueness. But, this book was different from all the others, because of how I connected with the main character. A part from feeling a connection to Lara Jean, I fell head-over-heals in love with Peter Kavinsky. Peter Kavinsky is one of Lara Jean’s crushes, who receives one of the letters she wrote to her crushes. His girlfriend just broke up with him for an older boy, and when he receives the letter, he comes up with a plan to make his ex, extremely jealous. By fake-dating Lara Jean, which she agrees to go along with this plan, to make it seem like she is not in love with her neighbor Josh. Josh is one of the other boys who received a letter, who just so happened to be her sister’s ex. While, Peter seems like your typical jock-jerk stereotype, he actually turned into a caring fake-boyfriend. I loved how Peter and Lara connected with each other, even when this entire situation was supposed to be fake. I also loved how he tried to make an effort to make a connection with her family, you could really see how much he cared for Lara Jean. I would highly recommend this book to a lot of young readers, which is surprising coming from someone who doesn't typically read these types of books. However, while I did love the intention behind this story, there were still a lot of things that bothered me throughout this book. I felt the writing was a bit too juvenile for my tastes, and the family-drama in this book, didn’t provide enough conflict for me. For those reasons, I rated the book a 3.75 instead of a 4 star rating. Despite those minor dislikes, I would highly recommend watching the Netflix original movie, after reading the book, because the movie made me love the book even more. I am considering completing the trilogy, because the more I think and discuss my feelings on this book. It makes me realize how much I loved this book, it really snuck up on me, and I’m looking forward to finishing this series. But, probably after the Fall season, because I feel like this would be the perfect series to read during the Winter. City of Ghosts by Victoria Schwab Dates Read: 09/03/2018-09/06/2018 Genre: Middle-Grade, Paranormal Fantasy Format: Hardcover Final Rating: 4/5 Stars 

Synopsis: Cassidy Blake’s parents are The Inspectres, a (somewhat inept) ghost-hunting team. But Cass herself can really see ghosts. In fact, her best friend, Jacob, just happens to be one. When the Inspectres head to ultra-haunted Edinburgh, Scotland, for their new TV show, Cass—and Jacob— come along. In Scotland, Cass is surrounded by ghosts, not all of them friendly. Then she meets Lara, a girl who can also see the dead. But Lara tells Cassidy that as an in-betweener, their job is to send ghosts permanently beyond the Veil. Cass isn’t sure about her new mission, but she does know the sinister Red Raven haunting the city doesn’t belong in her world. Cassidy's powers will draw her into an epic fight that stretches through the worlds of the living and the dead, in order to save herself. Final Thoughts: I don’t often read too many Middle Grade novels, but I’m trying to change that, since there are so many books within that genre that I do really want to read. When I found out that my favorite author was writing one, I knew I had to jump on that book right away. It’s hard for me not to like anything Victoria Schwab puts out, she is after all my favorite author, and I still can’t believe I got to meet her in person. However, I do have to say that, City of Ghost, is my least favorite of hers. I don’t know if it’s because I haven’t read too many Middle Grades, at least not since I was a kid. But, I felt like there was something missing with this story, which usually doesn’t happen with Victoria Schwab books. I did really enjoy the over-arcing plot-line, because it reminded me a lot like the show Supernatural. I liked this idea of the in-between, and the Supernatural elements of this novel. But, I felt like the world was under-developed, which again, is something I’m not used to when reading anything by Victoria Schwab. She usually creates incredibly vast worlds, but I felt like this book focused more on Cassidy’s friendships, and the actual city the book was set in. Rather, than focusing on the Supernatural elements of it, which is the part of the book I was really excited about. I really wanted to learn more about the in-between, and Cassidy’s connection to it, since it was such an integral part of her life. However, I felt a disconnect from that entire part of the book, because I also thought the book focused more on the mystery of the Red Raven. I don’t know what it was, but I felt a huge disconnect with this book, which really surprised me. I thought all the elements were really interesting, and extremely entertaining. But, I didn't connect with our main character, Cassidy, and maybe it was because it’s a book geared towards a much younger audience. However, I did appreciate Victoria’s knowledge on the city of Edinburgh, as it really provided a beautiful and dark atmosphere to the book. It was almost as if I’ve visited the haunted city myself, when I’ve never even been there before. I also, thoroughly enjoyed the nods to the Harry Potter series, as you can clearly tell how much that series means to Victoria Schwab. I am interested in seeing where this series goes, because it did end on an interesting cliffhanger. I just wish it were a bit longer, and was more developed in the world. But, I ended up giving this book a four-star rating, because I did enjoy my time reading it, and it gave me so many nostalgic feelings of childhood. The Book I DNF’d:  The White Queen by Philippa Gregory

*I won’t go into the details of this book, since it is a book I didn't finish, and I feel like I’ve talked about this book many times before. If you do want to know more of what this book is about, I will provide a link of a previous blog, where I go over the synopsis of it. 

Books I Want to Read this Summer Most Anticipated Releases of October: What If It’s Us by Becky Albertalli, and Adam Silvera Release Date: October 9th, 2018 

Synopsis: Arthur is only in New York for the summer, but if Broadway has taught him anything, it’s that the universe can deliver a showstopping romance when you least expect it. Ben thinks the universe needs to mind its business. If the universe had his back, he wouldn’t be on his way to the post office carrying a box of his ex-boyfriend’s things. But when Arthur and Ben meet-cute at the post office, what exactly does the universe have in store for them? Maybe nothing. After all, they get separated. Maybe everything. After all, they get reunited. But what if they can’t quite nail a first date… or a second first date… or a third? What if Arthur tries too hard to make it work… and Ben doesn’t try hard enough? What if life really isn’t like a broadway play? But what if it is? Why I Want to Read: I fell in love with Becky Albertalli’s, Simon vs. the Homosapiens Agenda, and have been really wanting to read Adam Silvera’s heartbreaking books. I feel like from what I’ve heard about Adam Silvera, and what I know of Becky Albertalli, this will be the cutest, and most heart-warming book of the year. The Lady’s Guide to Petticoats and Piracy (Montague Siblings #2) by Mackenzie Lee Release Date: October 2nd, 2018  

Synopsis: Felicity Montague is through with pretending she prefers society parties to books about bone setting— or that she’s not smarter than most people she knows, or that she cares about anything more than her dream of becoming a doctor. A year after an accidentally whirlwind tour of Europe, which she spent evading highwayman tour of Europe with her brother Monty, Felicity has returned to England with two goals in mind—avoid the marriage proposal of Callum Doyle, a lovestruck suitor from Edinburg; and enroll in medical school. However, her intellect and passion will never be enough in the eyes of the administrators, who see men as the sole guardians of science. But then a small window of hope opens. Doctor Alexander Platt, an eccentric physician that Felicity idolizes is looking for research assistants, and Felicity is sure that someone as forward thinking as her hero would be willing to take her on. However, Platt is in Germany, preparing to wed Felicity’s estranged childhood friend Johanna. Not only is Felicity reluctant to opening old wounds, she also has no money to make the trip. Luckily, a mysterious young woman is willing to pay Felicity’s way, so long as she’s allowed to travel with Felicity disguised as her maid. In spite of her suspicions, Felicity agrees, but once the girl’s true motives are revealed, Felicity becomes part of a perilous quest that will lead her from the German countryside to the promenades of Zurich to secrets lurking beneath the Atlantic. Why I Want to Read: I absolutely fell in love with The Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue, and ever since listening to that audiobook, I’ve been extremely anticipating and awaiting for the second novel of this series. Felicity was a character, who I didn’t particularly enjoy in the beginning of The Gentlemen’s Guide, but quickly grew to love towards the end of the novel. I’m extremely excited in her growth as a character, in this second novel of the Montague Siblings. Bridge of Clay by Markus Zusak Release Date: October 9th, 2018  

Synopsis: The breathtaking story of five brothers who bring each other up in a world run by their own rules. As the Dunbar boys love and fight and learn to reckon with the adult world, they discover the moving secret behind their father’s disappearance. At the center of the Dunbar family is Clay, a boy who will build a bridge—for his family, for his past, for greatness, for his sins, for a miracle. The question is, how far is Clay willing to go? And how much can he overcome? Why I Want to Read: I’ve never read anything from Marcus Zusak before, however I hope to read The Book Thief before I read Bridge of Clay. This book, sounds like the type of book I absolutely love, a book about family, hardships, overcoming obstacles, and heartbreak. I’ve heard nothing but incredible things about Marcus Zusak, and can’t wait to get more into his writing. Dry by Neal Shusterman, and Jarrod Shusterman Release Date: October 2nd, 2018 

Synopsis: The drought—or the Tap-Out, as everyone calls it— has been going on for a while now. Everyone’s lives have become an endless list of don’ts; don’t water the lawn, don’t fill up your pool, don’t take long showers. Until the taps run dry. Suddenly, Alyssa’s quite suburban street spirals into a warzone of desperation; neighbours and families turned against each other on the hunt for water. And when her parents don’t return and her life—and the life of her brother is threatened. Alyssa has to make impossible choices if she’s going to survive. Why I Want to Read: Neal Shusterman has become one of my favorite author’s of all-time, within the last year, and I’m extremely excited to see what he can do teamed up with his son. Dry sounds like an extremely brutal, yet another realistic Dystopian version of what our world can become. The Dystopian genre is one of my absolute favorites, and Neal Shusterman does an incredible job at making you rethink on how we should be treating the world, and others. So, I can’t wait to read this book, because I know it’ll make people think about our very real-life water-crisis. Grim Lovelies by Megan Shephard Release Date: October 2nd, 2018

Synopsis: Seventeen-year-old Anouk envies the human world, where people known as Pretties lavish themselves in fast cars, high fashion, and have the freedom to fall in love. But Anouk can never have those things, because she is not really human. Enchanted from animal to human girl and forbidden to venture beyond her familiar Parisian prison, Anouk is a Beastie: destined for a life surrounded by the dust bunnies and cinders serving Mada Vittora, the evil witch who spelled her into existence. That is, until one day she finds her mistress murdered in a pool of blood—and Anouk is accused of the crime. Now, the world she always dreamed of is rife with danger. Pursued through Paris by the underground magical society known as the Haute, Anouk and her fellow Beasties only have three days to find the real killer before the spell keeping them human fades away. If they fail, they will lose the only lives they’ve ever known… but if they succeed, they could be more powerful than anyone ever bargained for. Why I Want to Read: This debut novel, sounds like a mix between Gossip Girl, The Uglies, and a reimagining of Beauty and the Beast. Which sounds like an interesting mix, but something I know I will enjoy. This story seems like a very dark, paranormal fantasy, mixed with a bit of mystery, which are things I also tend to love in books. I think this book is being released at the perfect time, and will be the perfect Halloween read! While it might not have been the best September reading month for me, there are quite a few books coming out in October that I’m very much looking forward to. Which will hopefully provide for a much better October reading month, with so many anticipated reads coming out. I hope you all enjoyed this post, and had a much better reading month than I did! TTFN and Happy Reading, Chynna Williams @TheCWTorch Social Media Platforms: Twitter- @chynnaw16 Instagram- @bigleaguephoto