What Toi Read in January

We aim to please here at Lit Carnivale. You have the option to read the reviews below or scroll down to watch the review video. In January 2021, Toi read 2 nonfiction books, 0 middle-grade books, 0 picture books, 0 Anthologies, 3 fiction books (1 audiobook). Check it out.

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Temples of Ghosts

Rating: 5.0

I’ve enjoyed this series from the start, but this is clearly my favorite so far. In this installment Kate and Jackson are a solid team, even if they don’t have the greatest confidence in themselves, and it fuels the story. Plus, they get to travel to Egypt and explore a pantheon of gods not usually heard of in western culture. The introduction of likeable, and even downright lovable, side characters made this story feel like home- in the sense that only at home and with the closest family and friends can you defeat anything that comes against you.

I love how both our main characters grow in this installment. This isn’t just another case of Kate using her abilities to save the day while Jackson acts as her anchor. I also love how, unlike many stories of this kind, as our characters gain in strength, they also face additional vulnerabilities.

Without spoiling too much, I think it’s important for interested readers to know that this one may make you cry, but it’s in no way a sappy story.

As always, I appreciate the diversity of the characters in this book and the respect in which each culture is represented. I can’t say enough good stuff about this book without spoiling it, so this is where I stop. Can’t wait for the next one.

Highly recommended to fans of horror, complex paranormal situations, diverse characters, strong female leads, and smart dark fiction.

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Preparing to Write Settings That Feel Like Characters

Rating: 4.5

This was an IWSG Book Club read.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book because it didn’t waste my time. The Setting Character Sketch introduced is a simple and practical approach to writing better settings. I agreed with every insight shared within these pages to some degree and know I will return to this book as a reference guide quite often. My only complaint is that I wanted more of it. It was a very short read and lacked the one thing I always look for in a “how-to” or “self-help” book- that personal touch. I wish the author had given more specific examples of how they work out some of their advice, such as showing how a simple setting they created was improved by applying the points mentioned in the books. Still, I want to be clear, the book is very effective even without these additional explicit examples, it’s just something I always want to see. If you don’t need to see that, this could easily be a 5-star read for any writer genuinely wanting to write better settings.

Highly recommended to writers at any level.

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Standoff

Rating: 4.0

I actually listened to the audiobook and quite enjoyed it. The narrator did a great job of embodying the various characters and moving the story forward without being a distraction.

This is the second book I’ve listened to from this author and think I will continue to consume her work in audio format. I think I’ve picked up on the author’s voice and patterns of storytelling. Some things you will see coming if you are familiar with her work, but you can tell she’s a talented author because she always finds ways to either shock you or catch you off guard. If nothing else, she will get some kind of an emotional rise out of her readers.

This was a short listen with a fast-paced plot and the usual steamy scene to remind readers that they can handle action of various kinds.

Recommended to fans of this author or mature crime dramas.

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The Anti-Inflammation Cookbook

Rating: 4.0

I enjoyed reading this book and not just because I love to cook. I liked reading about the author’s story and why she wrote the book as well as gaining a fresh stock of new recipes. I liked learning about the role inflammation plays in our health and learning about food that addresses the issue of inflammation.

The book was an easy read with helpful images and lots of practical tips and alternatives.

The only thing I felt the book lacked, since the author seemed to take a “look at me I’m relatable” approach to sharing her story, which was effective and true, was the failure to acknowledge that many people, even in first-world nations just don’t have regular access to the resources required to cook as this book suggests on a day-to-day basis. The author does a great job of pointing out budgeting issues and seems to understand that this is a financial commitment, but again fails to hit home the fact that there is a large population that her book won’t be able to help and not because they can’t get access to her book.

Still, I currently have the means and regular access to most of the resources needed to try out at least some of these recipes on a regular basis. I simply need to make it a priority.

Highly recommended to anyone wanting to learn some anti-inflammation recipes.

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Frozen Crimes

Rating: 5.0

I don’t know if it’s possible to be heartbroken and in love at the same time, but I think that’s what I’m feeling for this series, especially this installment. I feel like I have a love-hate relationship with this story. I hate that horrible things keep happening to these characters and kind of wish the author would stop writing it and putting them through all this stuff, but then I wouldn’t be able to read about them. I love the way these characters face their hardships and come out on top, even if they are scarred for life afterward.

While this installment isn’t my favorite of the series, it might be in second place. I want to say so much but am afraid I’ll go on a rant and spoil it for others. I will say that while Beth has always been a strong-lead female character, she has evolved throughout this series to show the kind of strength female characters rarely get to exhibit in these kinds of stories, and she’s not the only woman kicking butt and taking names. Plus, the good men in these books just don’t exist in real life… I mean they do, but they are really hard to find.

Nough said before I start spewing all the details and twists of the plot. If you haven’t read the other books in this series, please read those first. If you start with this one (‘cause it’s totally good enough on its own), you’ll be mad at yourself for not reading the others first.

Highly recommended to series fans and adult readers of crime thrillers and romantic suspense.

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So, did you read any good books in January? What did you think of the ones Toi read? Until next time, Toi hopes you love books as much as #carnieluvsboox.

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