Welcome to Litsy!

A bit late, but my favourite book from April was The Brides of High Hill by Nghi Vo, the latest fantasy novella about a nonbinary, story-collectimg monk who travels to an ancient estate for a wedding. There are shades of Bluebeard here, but not all is as it seems! I loved this horror-tinged story, but I think We Are Okay by Nina LaCour was more emotionally resonant for me, so that's the winner in that bracket. #ReadingBracket2025

I absolutely love this series of fantasy novellas following nonbinary Cleric Chih and their quest for stories. This installment was a bit spooky, and a great twist on Bluebeard. Chih actually finds themself right in the middle of the action this time when they accompany a young woman to her wedding at an old estate. I love how old fashioned these magical tales feel and how much they are about story itself. Beautifully narrated by Cindy Kay!

The first half, I was wondering what happened to the narrator. But, as expected, Vo made it seamlessly tie into the novella. Great addition to the series.

I have been loving this series. I expect this is going to be a one-sitting-read!

I read about half of THE BRIDES OF HIGH HILL while I drank tea outside. It‘s vintage Vo: subtle and layered, and you know there‘s some sort of major perspective shift to come. I can‘t wait to find out what it is.

I made a teeny, tiny library haul in the form of one highly anticipated novella, then got a Korean hot dog from the place across the street. It was delicious: half beef wiener, half mozzarella stick, coated in bits of French fry and slathered with spicy mayo.

Most excellent. Did not see it coming. This series continues to be stellar. I think anything further would be a spoiler. Just go in not knowing. 😏

😌😛😌😆

Petition to distract me with frog facts when I'm upset. 🥹🐸

These are fun little fantasy novellas. They're all about 3 hours. Worth the time commitment for sure.

#BookSpinBingo @TheAromaofBooks

Each installment of this series circles around storytelling, and here we find Cleric Chih entering a story as a participant, rather than only recording it. This initially felt like a traditional narrative—a creepy mystery at an isolated, crumbling castle/mansion. Everything feels slightly off… and then it takes a turn (a dark one). Nghi Vo continues to explore fascinating ideas of how stories play out—whether in the retelling or in the living.

I have loved ever book from the Singing Hoss Saga and this was just beautiful and gothic.

Got close, but didn't quite manage an #ispybingo this month.

Did I have plans tonight? Yes.

Did I cancel them the minute I got an eARC of the new Singing Hills novella? Also, yes.

4.5/5

Cleric Chih finds themself in the middle of a story instead of the one telling the stories. This novella had more of an element of horror than the others in the series as monsters reveal themselves and Chih begins to ask questions. It was a really good read, and I continue to love this series.

My theme for April is novellas and audiobooks, since I know once my baby arrives in the next week or two I won't have the time or focus for any other kind of reading.

#bookspin #doublebookspin #bookspinbingo @TheAromaofBooks

Did I just get this? Yes. Did I just devour it? YES. In this book we're back on the road, but instead of listening to stories, this time we are living through one. I found this change really interesting. It def made it more exciting and the TENSION. I couldn't put this down! Very horror-esque. Now idk which is my fav, this one or book2! I am curious about the young Lord tho. Will that ever be expanded? Hehe

New shelf made for this called BRUHHH

It's one of those months where I'm thinking... mm, maybe I could go for a blackout? #BookSpinBingo

Anyway, I received a copy of The Brides of High Hill to review via Netgalley, and devoured it almost right away because I love Nghi Vo's work. I missed out on one thing in the story that was probably explained or implied, so I need to go back and take a peek at that again, but it all came together really well. If a bit gruesomely...