Welcome to Litsy!

I've had this book on my shelves for a couple of years, and it took checking out the audiobook to get me to read it finally. It's creative, but I kind of think it's trying to do too many things. The resolution is drawn out and unrealistic, as well, which detracts from the story for me.

Trying to read my book @curiouserandcurioser but Soul keeps attacking my finger 😅 apparently he's more important. @TheWolfbehindTheEyes #catsoflitsy #kittensoflitsy #readingbuddy

Starting another adventure with my dear @curiouserandcurioser this will be our.....4th buddy read I believe. Always a pleasure to read with you.

I purchased this ebook years ago, based solely on the setting of the Biltmore Mansion. I wasn‘t sure what I expected, but MG gothic horror was not on my radar. The writing and story-lines were okay, but definitely not my taste. #50in50

Scared me just as much as the middle grade chapters did. And even more fitting, in both instances, my own children scared the living daylights out of me as I read in the dark long after I thought they were asleep. This is extremely well done and follows the longer versions well. Assuming the other three will get GN adaptations as well.

@DinoMom The #SpeculativeSpringSwap passed Camille's stringent inspection, and I am quite pleased with it, too! I love the challenge you have going with your son to reduce waste, and not just because it got me a cool zipper pouch!

I love everything (that bookmark!), and I immediately put the pin and charm on my backpack. I haven't read either of the books, and I look forward to digging in!

Thank you so much for a lovely swap!
@Avanders #sss

1/52: Serafina and the Black Cloak

This was my first book on my 2022 reading list!

It was a very odd book, but it was quirky and I liked the aesthetic it had. I also had no idea the setting of the story was an actual place. Will be adding the second and third books to my to read list. :)

#fantasy #youngadult #fiction

I did my first book trailer for my grad class today. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClfJNkbS1PDT2sMcELEInew

Spent the morning listening to this book while doing chores around the 🏡! This is a reread, but I never continued with the series. Changing that this week!

Serafina is a unique and fantastic little heroine. Having visited the Biltmore, the setting in the book, and hiked in the Blue Ridge Mountains frequently, I especially love that aspect! Maya read this when she was 8 and didn‘t love it, I‘m encouraging a reread for her too!

#screamathon

My October TBR for #screamathon #bookspinbingo and #scarathlon #teamhendrix! Also #littensdressedinblood and #spookoweenreadathon

A mix of graphic novels, audiobooks, and books I own. Iliad thrown in because it is slow going and there is no way I am going to finish it before the end of this month!

I will be doing weekly updates for most of October's challenges. For #screamathon, as host, I'll be posting more often!

Absolutely could not put it down! Very good

I liked it! My 9 year old made me promise to read it after she finished it. It‘s a bit dark for a 9 year old, or so I thought, but she liked it too! Quick read with lots of adventure.

Holy smokes Batman! I raided.

I accidentally opened the Princess Bride pencils early but I didn‘t use them yet. And that pin cushion!!! Plus the library scarf I can‘t wait to wear.

Books. OMG. Can not wait for Searfina. I had a copy but my nephew “borrowed” it for school and I never saw it again. So Yeahh. Yes I have trail of lightning and the rest of the girl waits with gun series. Just not that one. Now to find time to read them⬇️

Well, there is something strange about Serafina and you will not find out what until nearly the end. She is normally hidden in the basement by her father until she sees a young higher class girl get attacked. She comes out of hiding to help find the girl from the man in the black cloak and ends up finding friends, as well as who she is. There is mystery, fantasy, and a little suspense throughout.

This wasn't for me. There were too many things that rubbed me the wrong way--from the language style to some of the tropes used. The writing is not empirically bad & the story definitely has some good adventurous points, but it simply wasn't my style. There are some redeeming qualities that make me think there are others who will find great enjoyment with it, but I personally wouldn't recommend it for the middle grade readers I guy books for.

I liked this WAYYYYYY more than I expected. It's a little weird and dark but the characters were so great (especially Serafina). I'm so glad I have books 2 and 3 already. It tugged on my heartstrings a lot.

This actually disappointed me a bit. I had heard such glowing reviews from multiple people. It wasn‘t bad, it just didn‘t wow me. I found myself bored.

Definitely a pick for mid grade novel. Pros: the setting as a strong "character" in the story, the premise of the story, the cover art, the self discovery of Serafina.
Cons: Serafina's character sometimes speculated on topics that seemed like a big stretch for her.

Overall, I enjoyed learning a little more about The Biltmore House, which is an hour's drive away.

Not being very creative today for #chillingphotochallenge because I already used a book from this series. This is the first in the MG series, but the cloak is a little scary (or maybe it‘s just me). The cloak sucks people in and traps them. #black #scarathlon #teamslaughter @Clwojick

Listening to this audiobook while building my new Lego set. 😁 I may have turned 38 today, but I'll never be too old to play with toys. 💚

At the Battery Park Book Exchange and Champane bar in Ashville, NC. Here for my one year wedding anniversary. Husband not pictured because he is stilp looking at books and got short with me for 'rushing him' 🙄

Tuesday‘s listening adventure. 🎧

I took my mom's ( @curiouserandcurioser ) suggestion & started this trilogy! I've read the first four chapters & so far, I am loving it!! Has anybody else read it?

Reading Envy Podcast 145:
Things Get Dark

Bianca (@bianca) joins Jenny for a late-night chat about books, and we follow all tangents to the end. We cover cults, manga and comics, and middle-grade reads. Bianca talks about her monthly themed reads in 2018 and how that has inspired her focused reading in 2019. Jenny begs your forgiveness for a few coughing spells; allergies have hit early in the south.

https://tinyurl.com/ReadingEnvy145

Set at the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, NC (about an hour north of me), this middle-grade novel has everything! An independent female protagonist with unique abilities, a mystery, some fantastical elements, historical setting, and gorgeous rooms and clothing.

Great easy read! Very interesting book after visiting biltmore!

1. I got my new pairs of glasses in! Tried a round frame this time around, as well as square. I only ever do rectangle. Took this pic to send to my best friend when I got them in. Feeling very Potter-ish in these round ones. 😆
2. Only about 30 minutes away to my sister's house in Pearland where I will be cooking bc she ruptured her Achilles tendon.
3. Family time tomorrow!
4. Pictured!
5. 👍 My daughter's new favorite.
#humpdaypost @MinDea

Happy midnight to the East Coasters, and happy 17th hour to the rest of you! I‘ve read a couple more things: two more graphic novels and this middle grade novel. Now to pick my next read and try to stay up for a bit longer! How is everyone doing out there? 📚❤️🤘🏻 #readathon

Happy midnight to the East Coasters, and happy 17th hour to the rest of you! I‘ve read a couple more things: two more graphic novels and this middle grade novel. Now to pick my next read and try to stay up for a bit longer! How is everyone doing out there? 📚❤️🤘🏻- @Liberty #readathon

Serafina sees a man in a black cloak abducting children from the Biltmore mansion while she is wandering the halls at night.
This is a spooky story with a remarkable turn of events. I need to read the rest of the series.

#octoberputaspellonyou
Day 8: #comelittlechildren

I really enjoyed this, and am looking forward to continuing the series, but don‘t feel compelled to devour it. Which is nice, as I have zero time or drive to read at the moment.

A just-spooky-enough villain to create some good tension, coupled with a creepy forbidden-woods setting for much of the action. Serafina is a good heroine and Braeden is a good companion.
4/5⭐️ (cont in comments)

All I could think for most of today‘s reading time with this one was “the devil went down to Asheville, looking for a soul to steal.”

Trying to squeeze in some reading time here and there, and just started this. I‘m glad I didn‘t pick it to read to my 5-year-old, because it‘s kind of scary, but so far I‘m enjoying it.

I love Serafina! This is such a cute story.

For young readers who like their books on the scary side -- this is a perfect read. Serafina lives in secret in the boiler room of the Biltmore mansion. When children at the estate start vanishing, she gets pulled into an adventure to stop the dark forces at work.

Listened to this with my kids and we all loved it.

My youngest and I read this together at bedtime for the last month or so, and will start the next one tomorrow night. She loved it and now is as interested in visiting the Biltmore estate as I am. 😊

This is so true in life. Just because a person might look nice, what if they are mean? Or what if a person looks mean, but is nice. This book is really good. It is not only a book about adventure, but it teaches about friendship. This is a great book. 🙂☺️👍

This audiobook made the drive from Boston to DC fly by for me and the kids. There aren‘t many books that we all like any more! I was so glad to have found this one.

Reading the book and and thinking about it and then get distracted by my food. SOOO YUMMY!!!!

Darkness, creepy gentlemen, Biltmore estate.... What could be better?

I just LOVE books!

My reading companion. We finished Serafina and the Black Cloak on a chilly, rainy, November night. It is a fantastic book. Serafina is a delightful narrator for this fantastical mystery.

Having lunch with the delightful Serafina.

Hanging outside with the hubby. He's working and I'm tailgating.

My level of creepy. I'm a total wuss. Happy Friday!

My little and friend at their first author talk and book signing. ❤️

Visited the Biltmore Estate in Asheville this weekend!!

No surprises that my favorite room was the library. 😜 Also a good reminder that I need to read the 2nd and 3rd book in the Serafina series, which is set at the Biltmore. 📚 Maybe I will add the middle-grade mystery/paranormal series to my #screamathon #tbr.

I am floored at all of the interest in the #screamathon challenge, and so excited for it to begin!