I read The Mussorgski Riddle some time ago, and I enjoyed its unique style and story, so I was looking forward to The Stravinsky Intrigue although I had to admit that the details from the first book had become a bit fuzzy and I'm not really acquainted with the ballets from Stravinsky that play a major role in this book.

At times I was a little bit disappointed with The Stravinsky Intrigue. While the story resembled The Mussorgski Riddle, there were some things that annoyed me (that I don't recall from the first book). There are many coincidences, and Mira jumps into danger at almost any possibility. The rest of the time she's defending her psychic-ship in a condescending manner which I disliked. Also, the story seemed rather finished at the ending, but since I know there's a third novel coming, probably everything will be resolved (taking any suspense there was about the main characters).

What I did like, as in the first novel, was all the music. It is a nice introduction to the music, and I would certainly recommend to listen to it while reading. I enjoyed that a lot. The story is also moving forward rather quickly, and there's a mystery to be solved (before it's too late).

Not as good as the first one, but I'm still curious as to how it's going to end.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!

Okay, I normally don't do this kind of posts but Curiosity Quills Press is one of my favourite publishers and I really enjoy reviewing their books. That's why I thought I might know some people who would also enjoy it.

They are now hosting an event to gain more reviewers in their mailing lists, and as a reward for just signing up you'll get three books of choice from their ebook catalogue. If you would PM me and allow me to tell them I sent you there, I also get three books (which be nice as I really like their books).

I did a quick check of my reading stats this year and so far this year I've read 29 of their books. That's almost 14% of what I've read this year!

I think they publish around 10 books a month, in all kinds of different genres. I've been on their reviewers list for a while now and I generally receive two emails a month (which I'm usually even looking forward to): one announcing new books that can be requested for review, and one invitation to join on one or more blog tours. What I really like is that you don't have to enter anything and it's just fine not to participate if you're busy or don't think you'll like the books.

Some of the books eventually make it up to Netgalley, but I noticed many do not.

Every time I mailed with the staff they have been really friendly, and even writing a negative review for a blog tour (I once wrote a two star review on a book that just wasn't for me and the response I got was just 'too bad, these things happen, hope you enjoy your next book better') is not a problem (which is something I find really important and which is why I'm really hesitant to enter other blog tours).

You can find more information on this event here.

On GoodReads Darin Kennedy, author of The Mussorgsky Riddle suggested to listen to Pictures at an Exhibition whilst reading the book and I can only second that. It plays an immense role in the story and also it's a beautiful piece of music.

Mira, a psychic, is called to Anthony. Anthony has been suffering from autism his whole life but has now been even more secluded, not talking to anyone any more and he seems to be lost in his own mind. Mira gets send in to see if she can helped. She then appears as Scheherazade, the famous story teller, in the labyrinth that Anthony has created for himself. He's accompanied by the pieces of Pictures at an Exhibition, the music piece by Mussorgsky. As she travels between the different frames she tries to unravel what's keeping Anthony there. And what has this local missing girl to do with it?

It was definitely a unique read. I don't think I've read anything like it before. At the first level it is kind of a mystery, but the use of the music and all the fantasies that arose from it were truly different from the usual book. It was a very interesting read. I don't want to say too much to prevent spoilers, but I would recommend it.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!

Moonlight Reader started the TBR Thursday, and I think it's a good way to a) show what new books I've got and b) confront myself with my inability to lower my TBR. In fact, since I started recording it, it has risen significantly. I get the feeling I'm doing something wrong here...

I hope everyone's having a wonderful Christmas! I'm listening to the Top 2000 songs on Radio 2, a Christmas tradition that will accompany me all the way to the start of the new year.

I've been really busy these last few weeks, but luckily have been able to read some books anyway so I'm proud to announce that I've passed the 200 mark! I never expected to read this much books, but the last month it has been something of a goal of me. (To imagine I started the reading challenge this year on 65 books! I've tripled it!)

Some new books this week as well (it's one of my goals for the next year, lowering my TBR significantly, so I should probably just enjoy myself this last week :) ).

TBR pile currently stands at 262. (+4)

(Netgalley ARCs at 96 (+6))