Fall Reading Wrap-Up: From Magic Systems to Mythical Retellings
As the leaves turned crisp and the days grew shorter, my fall reading list was filled with a mix of genres, from gripping Japanese novellas to powerful retellings of Greek mythology. Here’s a roundup of what I read and loved—or didn’t love as much.
Current Favorite Duology: One Dark Window and Two Twisted Crowns by Rachel Gillig
Both Books Rated: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
These books were at the top of my fall list. One Dark Window and Two Twisted Crowns feature one of the most intriguing magic systems I’ve ever read. In this world, magic is wielded through enchanted cards known as the Providence Cards, each holding unique and dangerous powers. However, using these cards comes with a cost—users risk being cursed, losing their humanity, or even becoming monstrous if they’re not careful.
What I loved most about this system is how it’s woven into the character development. Every card has its own personality, strengths, and drawbacks, forcing characters to make high-stakes decisions. The interplay between the cards and the characters’ emotions and motives added so much depth to the story, keeping me on the edge of my seat.
I couldn’t put these books down and highly recommend them to fantasy lovers seeking something unique and gripping.
A Short, Twisty Read: Devils in Daylight by Jun’ichiro Tanizaki
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
If you’re in a reading slump, this is the book to pick up. Devils in Daylight is short, gripping, and packs a punch. The twist caught me entirely off guard, and I’m now eager to dive into more of Tanizaki’s works. It’s perfect for when you want a quick, satisfying story.
A Stunning Retelling: Ariadne by Jennifer Saint
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Jennifer Saint’s Ariadne is easily one of the best Greek myth retellings I’ve ever read. For context, I adore Greek mythology as a genre—it’s one of my go-to literary loves so I miiiiiight be a little biased. What sets this book apart is how it shifts the focus to the two sisters, Ariadne and Phaedra, placing their voices and perspectives at the forefront of a story traditionally dominated by men.
The story explores how these sisters navigate the situations they are forced or tricked into by the men in their lives—Theseus, Minos, and others. Ariadne, known for her role in helping Theseus defeat the Minotaur, finds herself grappling with betrayal and the weight of her choices, while Phaedra’s path takes her into darker, more tangled territory. The book beautifully contrasts how these two women face their fates and emerge from their trials in strikingly different ways.
The ending is not for the faint of heart—it’s gruesome and heartbreaking. I won’t lie, I cried as I read it. If you’re a fan of Greek mythology or just love a beautifully written, emotionally resonant story, Ariadne is a must-read.
A Shocking Finale: Metal Slinger by S.A. Thorner
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Metal Slinger completely threw me for a loop, and I’m still trying to recover. This book is set in a gritty, high-stakes world where ancient magic and futuristic technology collide. The protagonist is a skilled fighter who uncovers a secret that could change everything—though it also puts them in unimaginable danger.
The story is packed with romance, political intrigue, and jaw-dropping twists. The pacing is relentless, pulling you deeper into its complex world with every chapter. And then there’s the ending. I don’t even know how to explain what happened (well, because I can’t since that would give it away anyway). The last few pages left me absolutely reeling—so much so that I need the next book to come out tomorrow because I genuinely don’t know what to do with myself.
Series Spotlight: Red Queen and Glass Sword by Victoria Aveyard
Both Books Rated: ⭐⭐⭐
Victoria Aveyard’s Red Queen series introduces a dystopian world divided by blood—Reds, the powerless working class, and Silvers, the elite rulers with extraordinary abilities. The first book follows Mare Barrow, a Red girl who discovers she has a power unlike any other, thrusting her into the dangerous world of the Silver Court. While the premise was intriguing, the plot felt a bit predictable, and the tone skewed a little too young adult for my taste. It reminded me of other dystopian novels, like The Hunger Games, without feeling particularly fresh.
The sequel, Glass Sword, continues Mare’s journey as she seeks others like her—Reds with Silver abilities—while grappling with the weight of leadership and the consequences of her choices. Although the themes were compelling, the pacing felt uneven, and I wasn’t left with an urgent need to pick up the third book. Overall, the series had its moments but didn’t fully capture my attention, though it might appeal more to those new to the young adult dystopian fantasy genre.
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