Welcome to the MOSL Book Challenge


Thursday, March 31, 2022

March Reads Tim Emmel

1920: The Year that Made the Decade Roar by Eric Burns (400 pages)

Interesting look at the year of 1920 and how the people and events contained within would go on to shape the coming course of America. A fast paced jaunt around the country, everything from Charles Ponzi to The Wall Street bombing, shows how history can be made and the future impacted in just 365 days.

Fur, Fortune, and Empire: The Epic History of the Fur Trade in America by Eric Jay Dolin (464 pages)

A look at the history of America and the hunting, trapping, and selling of furs. From the epic highs of huge profits to the staggering lows of nearly wiping several species off the face of the earth, this book does a good job of showing what impact man can have on nature.

It's Better to Be Feared: The New England Patriots Dynasty and the Pursuit of Greatness by Seth Wickersham (528 pages)

A fascinating look at the 20 year career of Tom Brady, Bill Belicheck, and Robert Kraft and the changes the made not only to the New England Patriots but to the NFL itself. An in depth look at one of the greatest dynasties in sports.

Off the Edge: Flat Earthers, Conspiracy Culture, and Why People Will Believe Anything by Kelly Weill (256 pages) 

A scary look into the history of “Flat Earth,” believers. This book shows how from a small group of believers in England became today’s YouTube “experts.” An interesting tale of how a conspiracy theory can never really die.

Blood in the Garden: The Flagrant History of the 1990s New York Knicks by Chris Herring (368 pages)

A hard hitting, no punches pulled look at the 90’s New York Knicks. This book is great for anyone who grew up watching basketball and hating those Knick teams for their “rugged” (or boring) play

Message Not Found by Dante Medema

I liked watching the development of the app and how it evolved with more information.
When you see yourself in both people in the friendship....oof. 
The high school shrines and the hatred of them...
It's the Bob Ross references for me.
Can we just...protect Bailey, Mason, and Spencer....
We're just getting hit with all of the feels
Also do I keep thinking of Folklore and Evermore because this book also references quarantine...yes.. "incandescent"
400 Pages

This Is How You Lose the Time War by Amal El-Mohtar, Max Gladstone

The names they have for each other as the story progresses, and how the letters become bolder. 
There's time travel, and rivals to lovers. Excellent
224 Pages

Tales from the Hinterland by Melissa Albert

So it's like....a Grimm's Fairy Tales
I wish I had read this closer to when I read the series because then I would like...really catch the references.
240 Pages

Girl, Serpent, Thorn by Melissa Bashardoust

So it's a Sleeping Beauty retelling, and stuff, but like...
It was ok. 
336 Pages

Tower of Dawn

 Tower of Dawn

By Sarah J. Maas

Pages: 668

"Chaol Westfall has always defined himself by his unwavering loyalty, his strength, and his position as the Captain of the Guard. But all of that has changed since the glass castle shattered, since his men were slaughtered, since the King of Adarlan spared him from a killing blow, but left his body broken.His only shot at recovery lies with the legendary healers of the Torre Cesme in Antica-the stronghold of the southern continent's mighty empire. And with war looming over Dorian and Aelin back home, their survival might lie with Chaol and Nesryn convincing its rulers to ally with them.But what they discover in Antica will change them both-and be more vital to saving Erilea than they could have imagined."

I honestly was slightly dreading reading this book since it takes a break from the main plot and the last book left off on such a cliffhanger but I was really surprised at how much I enjoyed it. There were still major revelations that will affect the main storyline and I fell for the new character that is introduced and links back to our current party. Even better is I now to get to read the final novel in this series!

Wednesday, March 30, 2022

War of Two Queens by Jennifer L Armentrout

The Kieran appreciation grows.
The fricking drakens. Like. Love it. 
Also the Delano love. Excellent. 
Also the dual perspectives is just. What I always want. 
I really want to get on my soap box about psychological issues and how like...you don't realize that a relationship is problematic until you see something different than what you received. 
Isabeth just brings me....all of the rage....
I just wanna talk about Cas.
*mentions wisteria-- Alexa play Taylor Swift's "The Lakes"
Cas:

 just iconic.

So there's a Kieran, Poppy, and Cas... cough....I'm just gonna say it's nsfw...I mean there are other parts of the book that is nsfw, but anyway.
Unrelated, and totes safe for work:

Now I'm just going to sit and wait for the next book in either series... it's fine. 
654 Pages

Empire of Storms

 Empire of Storms

By Sarah J. Maas

Pages: 704

"The long path to the throne has only just begun for Aelin Galathynius as war looms on the horizon. Loyalties have been broken and bought, friends have been lost and gained, and those who possess magic find themselves at odds with those who don't. With her heart sworn to the warrior-prince by her side, and her fealty pledged to the people she is determined to save, Aelin will delve into the depths of her power to protect those she loves. But as monsters emerge from the horrors of the past, and dark forces become poised to claim her world, the only chance for salvation will lie in a desperate quest that may mark the end of everything Aelin holds dear."

I had to stop and sit for a while after I finished this book just to process the ending. It is hard to write a review on this one without spoiling so many things that happened as our characters converge at last only to them to rip my heart out as they separate again. I cannot wait to see how the story picks up, but apparently the author decided to take a break from this story line to follow Chaol and so I have to wait an entire book to get any sort of closure!!!


Monday, March 28, 2022

The Charm Offensive by Alison Cochrun

It's fluffy and it has all the fanfic vibes.
Also. We love great representation of mental illness. Especially the physical symptoms of depression and anxiety/panic attacks, and how it just generally make life difficult. The talking about the stigma around mental illness, in the workplace and in social settings.  
People caring about other people's mental health and just being supportive of it is my favorite. I'm just gonna go cry and think about my friends. 
Also the ace and demi rep is just. My favorite. 
I wish we would have had more of Charlie's backstory, because I love angst, but also like. I love him because he's awkward and adorable and trying his best. 
368 Pages

Friday, March 25, 2022

This Poison Heart by Kalynn Bayron

It's the Greek retelling(ish) with magic and witches for me. 
And the inheriting a relatives house in upstate New York and having a witchy garden, and growing poisons.
Do the glasses make me think of Mirabel....yes
384 Pages

Stuck With You by Ali Hazelwood

These books with the characters who never date who find their true love have got to stop raising my expectations. I'm going to die alone. 
We stan consent in this household. A+
I think Ali Hazelwood's writing is a bit formulaic at this point (or she at least likes certain tropes) but like. I enjoyed the book because I didn't go in expecting to like...die from it. 
Erik is cool.
I would appreciate a little more size diversity..aka can the girls please not be small...
86 Pages

The Atlas Six by Olivie Blake

SCREECHES because Steve West is one of the readers.
The library of Alexandria with a cult.
It's got The Deadly Education and Umbrella Academy vibes and like...chef's kiss
Max. Did my brain go to Fullmetal Alchemist for a hot sec....yes. 
That is steamy and I am blushing. 
This. Is. Why. We. Don't. Drink. Entire. Bottles. Of. Absinth. 
Callum did you just quote Mr. Darcy.
Ok but all this talking about dreams is making me think of Bunny the dog. 
My academic/philosophical brain is happy.
416 Pages

Bright Ruined Things by Samantha Cohoe

It's a Tempest retelling, with some 1920s vibe. Honestly I didn't get a screaming 1920s vibe, and more of the "old fashioned" atmosphere that you get when you read books like The Scorpio Races (It might also be because it's a story of a girl on an island)
I love the cover.
Ivo is cool. We stan. 
The ending...Literally the last line...that's just....
352 Pages

Gold Spun by Brandie June

Heads up there is some blood descriptions in here/stuff that's similar to blood donation, so like....if that gives upset tummy. 
The Rumpelstiltskin vibes
Also all these rose motifs make me wanna say BATB. Now I need the sequel so I can know what's going on.
368 Pages

Thursday, March 24, 2022

A Crown of Gilded Bones by Jennifer L. Armentrout

It's a re-read and I'm feeling things...and I'm also looking for all the clues. 
Rereads= more appreciation for Kieran (and obvs for Cas as well).
574 Pages

Wednesday, March 23, 2022

The Roughest Draft by Emily Wibberley and Austin Siegemund-Broka

Y'all...the authors (of the actual book) are like...married...partners..something...so like...if that isn't goals...
Character says "gauche"
me: LAST GREAT AMERICAN DYNASTY
"Are you calling me a liar" ...I ain't calling you a truther
Well these character fears are making me feel called out...
I have so many feels. Also the way that they used time in this story to show the relationship. cool. Also. The ship. 
336 Pages

Sunday, March 20, 2022

Go Tell the Bees That I Am Gone by Diana Gabaldon

Go Tell the Bees That I Am Gone by Diana Gabaldon

Claire and Jamie Fraser have at last reunited with their daughter Brianna and her family in the year 1779. But the Carolina backcountry is not as safe as Brianna and her husband Roger had hoped. War looms in the Colonies, causing tensions to rise. Jamie knows loyalties among his tenants on Fraser's Ridge are split, and it's only a matter of time until such a split rips at the seams. 

Meanwhile, young William Ransom, Jamie's child from a long ago dalliance, is grappling with his true parentage, and his stepfather, Lord John Grey, is just as close to the war as Jamie.

Book #9 in the Outlander series. 902 pages.

Six Crimson Cranes by Elizabeth Lim

Summary: "Shiori, princess of Kiata, has a secret: Forbidden magic runs through her veins. On the morning of her betrothal ceremony she loses control, and it forestalls the wedding she never wanted-- but it also catches the attention of Raikama, her stepmother. Using a dark magic of her own, Raikama banishes the princess, turns her brothers into cranes, and warns Shiori that for with every word that escapes her lips, one of her brothers will die."

I loved this one. So much. I want to stay with this story forever. I want the next book in the series, but I'm also scared of it. 

456 pages

goodreads | MOBIUS

Friday, March 18, 2022

The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea by Axie Oh



Baby in a knapsack. The cutest.
The characters. Fantastic. 
I'm making the connections...
When my theories are right about the Sea God:

And yet, I miss the really cute connection....
Y'all. I know we know this...but I love fairytales and folklore from not Europe/Grimm/Anderson. 
And now I need to go to the dentist...because I have cavities from all the fluff. 
336 Pages



Gallant by V.E. Schwab

The characters. The world building. VE Schwab always wrecks me. Making me feel things. Don't act surprised. 
It's the non-verbal character with sign language, the diary/journal/letters, the drawings, and the family for me. 
Mentions Master of the House: 

I'm just gonna go...cry..
352 Pages

Dangerous Remedy by Kat Dunn

It's the French Revolution/The Terror, and there's saving people from losing their heads, and people losing their heads, and magic and automatons. 
My course on the French Revolution really coming in clutch for me. 
I feel like there's a Tale of Two Cities reference in there but I didn't catch it because I haven't read it yet. 
Whelp I was fooled and bamboozled. 
432 Pages

Fire Becomes Her by Rosiee Thor

It's got like...the Jazz Age, prohibition/bootleg vibes--absynthe and moonshine-y but it's magic not alcohol, and there's politics.
I loved the characters. 
There's lots of queer rep. 
368 Pages

A Thousand Steps Into Night by Traci Chee

Did I feel super seen by like...the first chapter... yes. 
I feel like the second half of the story introduced way more characters, and like....it confused me a bit---I could keep them straight, but it also like... I dunno.
And magpie spirit cutie. 
Love the monkeys.  Like honestly they reminded me of the monkey (not the apes) from Tarzan. 
384 Pages

Thursday, March 17, 2022

Crimson Reign by Amelie Wen Zhao

FDSJKALJKL
Ok but like....the multiple storylines, and like....
I'm attached to the characters.
I love Ramsom.
Alexa play the second half of Frozen.
Also....the ice powers...
Is Ramsom also like Kristoff....yes...shush. 
looks at the aunt: hey it's that lord of the rings scene.
Realizes that could be a movie reference at the end. because like...it's the same even though it's different. 
496 Pages

Algorithms of Oppression

 Algorithms of Oppression: How Search Engines Reinforce Racism

By Safiya Umoja Noble

Pages: 256

"In Algorithms of Oppression, Safiya Umoja Noble challenges the idea that search engines like Google offer an equal playing field for all forms of ideas, identities, and activities. Data discrimination is a real social problem; Noble argues that the combination of private interests in promoting certain sites, along with the monopoly status of a relatively small number of Internet search engines, leads to a biased set of search algorithms that privilege whiteness and discriminate against people of color, specifically women of color."

I started reading this as a part of a class assignment and got pulled in to finish the rest of it. The conversation that Safiya has started with this book really makes me rethink how I use the internet and the repercussions it has on minorities. My one critique is that she often repeats the same examples and re-explains her concept that she outlined in the first chapter throughout the whole book.

Wednesday, March 16, 2022

Weather Girl by Rachel Lynn Solomon

FINALLY. SOMEONE ELSE WHO LOVES RAIN TOO.
Ok but the mental health representation. Because like...let's talk about mental health and the we have to present a certain side of ourselves. 
aaand the body diversity.
The Parent Trap. I see you. I love you. 
The musical refrences. I see you. 
When the main character dresses like the quirky side character that we all know and love and wish to be:

We stan Russ. Is it because he's attentive... yes. 
352 Pages



Tuesday, March 15, 2022

Sweet and Bitter Magic by Adrienne Tooley

I just kept getting like...Isabella and Mirabel from Encanto vibes with the sisters. 
I was here mostly for the Wren development. 
384 Pages

Monday, March 14, 2022

A Kingdom of Flesh and Fire by Jennifer L. Armentrout

The more I re-read this series, the more I appreciate Kieran.
Also when you know things gon happen....doesn't make anything hurt less. 
We love the angst and the yearning in this household. 
Me seeing the connections. Seeing the clues. Do I feel like a genius....sort of. 
Also do I want to be called a "murderous creature" ....yes. 
572 Pages

Queen of Shadows

Queen of Shadows

By Sarah J. Maas

Pages: 656 

"Everyone Celaena Sardothien loves has been taken from her. But she's at last returned to the empire-for vengeance, to rescue her once-glorious kingdom, and to confront the shadows of her past...
She has embraced her identity as Aelin Galathynius, Queen of Terrasen. But before she can reclaim her throne, she must fight.
She will fight for her cousin, a warrior prepared to die just to see her again. She will fight for her friend, a young man trapped in an unspeakable prison. And she will fight for her people, enslaved to a brutal king and awaiting their lost queen's triumphant return."

This latest installment really blew me away. The character growth and relationships are amazing as Celaena reconnects with people from her past, friends turned enemies and back again, and Celaena herself has matured and become so empowering, she really is growing into her role as a future queen and I cannot wait to see the rest of the journey!

Friday, March 11, 2022

Cinderella is Dead by Kalynn Bayron

A retelling of Cinderella, except it's 200(?) years after Cinderella's ball and ish is not going well. 
It felt a little bit preachy, but also like.... We stan Luke
416 Pages

Under One Roof by Ali Hazelwood

The trope. The forced proximity trope. Iconic.
Do I love roommate shenanigans. Yes. 
Also. Like... The ace/demi rep, which is what I am always here for 
Also the fact that this a novella series where the characters kind of know each other..which is like...my favorite thing. 
99 Pages

Crave by Tracy Wolff

When a girl has auburn hair, brown eyes, and freckles. I'm not beautiful" I just want to shake them and yell at them.
Grace when she sees Jaxon and Lia outside talking, and they notice her snooping:

Flint (and Grace) at the snowball fight:


Flint's hat, except make it a dragon instead of a lion. 
How I imagine Jaxon randomly disappears:


Jaxon to Grace:

592 Pages











Malice by Heather Walter

So many Elphaba vibes.
ok ok ok 
496 Pages