AutumnTBR

The Picture of Dorian Gray is a Gothic novel that tells the story of Dorian Gray, a young man who wishes to remain eternally youthful while a portrait of him ages instead. As Dorian indulges in a life of hedonism and moral corruption, the portrait reflects the degradation of his soul. The novel explores themes of vanity, the nature of beauty, and the consequences of living without conscience.
I’ve always wanted to read something by Oscar Wilde and as his only full novel, I thought I’d start here. It’s also pretty short so it shouldn’t take too long to read which will be great once school starts again. I’ve also realised that Gothic literature is not something I’ve read a lot of, but really want to and Autumn feels like the perfect time to do that.

In this YA fantasy, there are six magicians, five chances to win and one secret society. Every 10 years, the best magicians the world can offer are invited to join the elite Alexandrian Society. Members of which enjoy a lifetime of power and access to ancient secrets. Only 5 places are offered. So, after the selection made my the mysterious Atlas Blakely, the students must complete a year of the most rigorous arcane study. Libby Rhodes and Nico de Varona are sworn enemies and cosmologists who can control matter using their mind. Callum Nova manipulates desires. Reina Mori understands the flow of life itself and Parisa Kamali is a telepath. But Tristan Caine’s powers baffle even himself. They must survive the trials, and if they are able to prove themselves, they will. At least, most of them will.
This book has been on my TBR for ages and I’m so excited to finally get around to it. This is popular online and so I’ve read many glowing reviews and high ratings, so I can’t wait to judge for myself. I did also read the first few pages a while back and I liked the writing, so that makes me even more excited to read it.

Foxglove is the sequel to Belladonna and continues Signa’s story, in which she and Death face a challenge that might just tear them apart. The duke of Thorn Grove has been framed for the murder of a duke. Death’s elusive brother, Fate, seems to have taken up residence in a nearby estate, hellbent on revenge since Death took the woman he loved. He will have Signa for himself, whatever the cost. Signa and her cousin, Blythe are convinced that Fate can save the duke if they only entertain his presence. As they spend more time together, Fate becomes even more frightening than they first thought as Signa shows powers that link her to Fate’s past. Can the cousins trust anyone, what with danger and mystery around every corner? And can they trust each other as they navigate high society, unravel the murders that haunt the past and play the games of Fate? All with their destinies on the line.
This sounds really good and I’m hoping that I’ll enjoy Belladonna enough to want to read the rest of the series. And, slightly irrelevant, but I love the cover designs for this series.

Kissen saw her family murdered by a god when she was a child. Now they’re forbidden. But gods still wander the kingdom. They demand worship and sacrifice. Kissen kills them for a living – and enjoys it.
But then she meets one she cannot kill. Skedi. The god of white lies. His soul is bonded to a young noble girl and to kill him would also be to kill the girl.
Kissen reluctantly agrees to go to the ruined kingdom of Blenraden to demand the aid of the last wild gods.
But the city of gods is not one for a godkiller. You’re not welcome here, Godkiller…
I’ve not read many books like this and it sounded good. Plus, it was included in an offer. So why not? I’m intrigued to discover Kissen’s backstory and how it shaped who she is now and what will happen regarding the killing of Skedi. It’s also a fairly short read at 288 pages, so perfect for the busy time that is back to school.

“The Odyssey” is an ancient Greek epic poem attributed to Homer. It follows the hero Odysseus’s journey home from the Trojan War to Ithaca, where he encounters various challenges and adventures, including encounters with gods, monsters, and sorceresses. The epic explores themes of perseverance, loyalty, cunning, and the consequences of hubris, providing insights into ancient Greek culture and society. This comes after the Iliad and has also been something I’ve been wanting to read for ages but just haven’t gotten around to it. I want to read it for pretty much the same reasons as The Iliad.

The kiss at the debutante ball was supposed to be harmless. Just a clandestine moment with a handsome stranger. But my Romeo is not like his namesake. He is not driven by love, but revenge. And I’m leverage. A piece of his chess game. His rival is betrothed. But to me, he’s a loathsome, dark prince who I will not marry. He deserves poison. He believes I’ll accept my fate. But I’m going to rewrite it. And in my story, Juliet survives. But Romeo perishes. And some Romeos deserve to die.
The title of this book intrigued me and I can’t wait to see what happens. How her plan unfolds. Also, as a Shakespeare fan, I’ll always read something to do with Romeo and Juliet. I had also heard some good things online and the cover reminds me of the renaissance paintings of Europe (so that’s a win).