Jayna - TheChaotic_TBR 🎧📚
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powjay.bsky.social
Jayna - TheChaotic_TBR 🎧📚
@powjay.bsky.social
130 followers 120 following 490 posts
Avid reader: 🧙🏻‍♂️ Fantasy | 🚀 Sci-fi | ☺️ Cozy | 😨 Thriller

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powjay.bsky.social
So my latest batch of current reads - 06/125

1. Nona the Ninth by Tamsyn Muir
2. Audition for the Fox by Martin Cahill
3. Metal Slinger by Rachel Schneider

Excited for them all!

Any opinions on these treasures? 💭💭

🪐📚💙 #FantasyFaction
My (@thechaotic_tbr) graphic for my current/upcoming reads. 1. Nona the Ninth by Tamsyn Muir 2. Audition for the Fox by Martin Cahill (with a sneaky fox tail poking out from behind the cover) 3. Metal Slinger by Rachel Schneider
November 6, 2025 at 8:44 AM
powjay.bsky.social
Ahh so I'm finally back to The Locked Tomb by Tamsyn Muir with Nona the Ninth.... It's still absolute confusion and my brain aches - BUT so happy to be back. I cannot wait to see how it all unravels.
Cover of Nona the Ninth by Tamsyn Muir A grinning woman holding a respirator mask in her left hand, wearing a trench coat that is off her shoulders. Background shows a number of skeletons and a white mixed breed dog with 6x legs. Text reads 'You will love Nona, and Nona loves you.' - Alix E. Harrow
November 6, 2025 at 2:08 AM
powjay.bsky.social
Wrap-Up

My October was a month of surprises. There were books I was a little disappointed with and a couple that I enjoyed way more than expected.

My top read for the month was The Accidental Medium by Tracy Whitwell and the narration was brilliant by the author herself!

#FantasyFaction 🪐📚💙
My (@thechaotic_tbr) graphic for my October Wrap-Up Unworthy by Agustina Bazterrica 3.5 ⭐ Promise of Blood by Brian McClennan 4.0 ⭐ Dragonflight by Anne McCaffrey 3.5 ⭐ What Moves the Dead by T Kingfisher 4.25 ⭐ The Raven Scholar by Antonia Hodgson 3.5⭐ In The Dream House by Carmen Maria Machado 3.5⭐ The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid 4.5⭐ A Harvest of Hearts by Andrea Eames 3⭐ All Systems Red by Martha Wells (re-read) 5⭐ Green Teeth by Molly O'Neill 3.5⭐ The Accidental Medium by Tracy Whitwell 4.5 ⭐
November 1, 2025 at 10:47 PM
powjay.bsky.social
So this was a short sneaky one I read yesterday after finishing 2x of my other reads...

Thoroughly enjoyable and completely unexpected for a horror. I love T Kingfisher.'s work. Her characters are just so delightful.

Is cosy horror a thing?

#FantasyFaction 🪐📚💙
Cover of What Moves The Dead by T Kingfisher Image shows a deformed hare with a bunch of mushrooms growing out of its body.
October 8, 2025 at 12:08 PM
powjay.bsky.social
Currently Reading - 06/10/25

I've been AWOL lately - been focussing on my bookstagram. Anywhozzleby...

1. Promise of Blood - am enjoying quite a bit and 75% complete 2. Dragonflight - 30% through and hoping FMC has a decent arc.
3. Harvest of Hearts - too early to tell

#FantasyFaction 🪐📚💙
My (@TheChaotic_TBR) graphic for my current reads Left - Promise of Blood by Brian McClellan Middle - Dragonflight by Anne McCaffrey Right - A Harvest of Hearts by Andrea Eames Promise of Blood and Dragonflight are part of by TBR buster side quest (books that have been on my TBR for a long time, in this case both over 10 years). A Harvest of Hearts is a book-club read. Graphic has a pastel floral background as its base to match the vibe of Harvest of Hearts cover. On the left side there is black and red smoke to cover the floral vibes and fit more with the Promise of Blood. In the middle just behind the Currently Reading text and above the Dragonflight cover is a red moon similar to that pictured on the Dragonflight cover.
October 6, 2025 at 10:07 AM
powjay.bsky.social
So per a previous post I DNF'd Legacy of Brightwash, BUT I did enjoy the other 2x.

Shield of Sparrows was a Book-Club read and the first romance (though as a subplot) that I've enjoyed in a while.

That's not my name was a slow-burn. The characters were a bit younger than I prefer currently (17yr)
My (@TheChaotic_TBR) graphic for book review of That's Not My Name by Megan Lally - 3.5 stars. Has picture of the book cover with a dark foggy forest as a background. Dual POV | Slow Burn Mystery | Teen Characters 'A slower paced read, high focus on the characters. I managed to guess some but not all of the ending. Didn't keep me on the edge of my seat, momentum picked up at about 80%' My (@TheChaotic_TBR) graphic for my review of Shield of Sparrows by Devney Perry - 4.25 stars. Political Intrigue | Slow Burn Romance | Monster Threat | Found Family Trope 'Perfect plot/romance ratio. The romance felt authentic. Loveable side characters, intriguing plotline, cool monsters & graphic combat scenes.'
September 22, 2025 at 5:33 AM
powjay.bsky.social
Currently Reading - 22/09/25

1. The Magicians by Lev Grossman - TBR Buster
2. Yumi the Nightmare Painter by Brandon Sanderson - Alphabet Challenge
3. Her Majesty's Royal Coven by Juno Dawson - Book-Club

A Fantasy heavy set of current reads - and I am here for it!

#FantasyFaction 🪐📚💙
My (@TheChaotic_TBR) graphic for my current reads: The Magicians by Lev Grossman - TBR Buster Yumi and the Nightmare Painter by Brandon Sanderson - Alphabet Challenge Her Majesty's Royal Coven by Juno Dawson - Book-Club
September 22, 2025 at 5:10 AM
powjay.bsky.social
In branching out of my comfort genre - Fantasy I've made another new discovery. Dystopian is not for me. I'm also not sure if I'm smart enough for some of these thought-provoking reads. They get so much hype and I just don't seem to have my mind blown.

Am I alone in this?

#FantasyFaction 📚💙
My (TheChaotic_TBR) graphic for review of I Who Have Never Known Men by Jacqueline Harpman - 3.5 stars. Dystopian - Bleak Character Focussed Immersive Writing 'I can confirm that dystopian is not a preferred genre of mine. I have tried a few this year and struggled with each of them. The writing was immersive but bleak and honestly, it felt like nothing much happened. Maybe smart literature is not for me, I feel like I might have 'missed' the message of this book.'
September 21, 2025 at 12:59 AM
powjay.bsky.social
Currently Reading - 10/09/2025

1. Shield of Sparrows by Devney Perry

2. Legacy of the Brightwash by Krystle Matar

3. That's Not My Name by Megan Lally

Already enjoying #1, needing to crack on with my Alpha Challenge with #2, more Thriller fun with #3

#FantasyFaction 🪐📚💙
My (@TheChaotic_TBR) graphic of my 3x current reads: 1. Shield of Sparrows by Devney Perry - Book-club 2. Legacy of the Brightwash by Krystle Matar - Alphabet Challenge 3. That's Not My Name by Megan Lally - Buddy Read
September 10, 2025 at 12:14 PM
powjay.bsky.social
Well I think I've just become one of them... It's all a blur really. As a (hopefully only temporarily) ex-gamer, this was such a fun read. The storyline is quite clever and far deeper than what you'd expect with some great character work. I had some out loud chuckles too.

#FantasyFaction 🪐📚💙
My (@TheChaotic_TBR) graphic for recently completed read of Dungeon Crawler Carl by Matt Dinniman. 4.25⭐ rating. My text reads: NEW ACHIEVEMENT: You have now joined the Dungeon Crawler Carl cult! REWARD: Hyper-awareness of the state of your toes.
September 9, 2025 at 6:53 AM
powjay.bsky.social
Wrap-Up 🌯☝🏻

August was another good month for me. My favourites were Hall of Smoke by HM Long and The Element of Fire by Martha Wells. Special mention to Queen of Hearts by Colleen Oakes which was an interesting Alice in Wonderland reimagining.

What were your favs for August?

#FantasyFaction 🪐📚💙
My graphic for August wrap-up title page @TheChaotic_TBR My 4+ star reads for August: Phule's Company by Robert Asprin - 4.0⭐ Paladin's Grace by T Kingfisher - 4.0⭐ Queen of Hearts by Colleen Oakes - 4.0⭐ Never Lie by Freida McFadden - 4.0⭐ The Element of Fire by Martha Wells - 4.25⭐ Aftertaste by Daria Lavelle - 4.0⭐ Hall of Smoke by HM Long - 4.5⭐ Pan's Labyrinth by Guillermo del Toro and Cornelia Funke - 4.0⭐ Graphic with my August 3+⭐ reads All Cats Are Gray by Andre Norton - 3⭐ Endeavour by Ralph Kern - 3.25⭐ The Company of Death by Elisa Hansen - 3.25⭐ The Winter Crone by Natasha Basche - 3.0⭐ Warping Minds and Other Misdemeanors by Annette Marie and Rob Jacobson - 3.5⭐ When the Moon Hits Your Eye by John Scalzi - 3.75⭐
September 1, 2025 at 11:29 PM
powjay.bsky.social
Current Reads - 29/08/2025 📚🎧

1. Tigana by Guy Gavriel Kay

2. Dungeon Crawler Carl by Matt Dinniman

Both new to me authors. My first LitRPG in DCC. Nervous about the hype surrounding both 🤞🏻

#FantasyFaction 🪐📚💙
My graphic from TheChaotic_TBR Currently reading: Tigana by Guy Gavriel Kay Dungeon Crawler Carl by Matt Dinniman
August 29, 2025 at 3:35 AM
powjay.bsky.social
These were recent reads, which I burned through.

Scalzi's ended up a delightful group of short stories following people who's world is likely ending due to the moon turning into cheese.

Pan's Labyrinth was dark but beautifully done. Marked YA but heavy themes...

#FantasyFaction 🪐📚💙 🎧📚
My Graphic from TheChaotic_TBR Recent reads of Pan's Labyrith by Guillermo del Toro - 4 stars When the Moon Hits Your Eye by John Scalzi - 3.75 stars
August 29, 2025 at 2:27 AM
powjay.bsky.social
Righto - I have soft DNF'd The Dream Hotel by Laila Lalami at 55%.

1. Bored at this point, feels like not progressing
2.Love Grimdark Fantasy but struggle with Dystopian
3. A concurrent read was awesome which didn't help my not loving TDH.

Anybody loved it? I have FOMO.

#FantasyFaction 🪐📚💙 🎧📚
August 26, 2025 at 4:21 AM
powjay.bsky.social
Current Reads - 24/08/25

1. The Dream Hotel by Laila Lalami - back to this now Spotify hours renewed for the month (I refuse to pay top up)

2. Hall of Smoke by H.M Long

Tried Vampire Hunter D - audiobook version was not for me. Finished Warping Minds and Other Misdemeanors 👍🏻

🪐📚💙 🎧📚
Currently Reading graphic with covers of The Dream Hotel by Laila Lalami and Hall of Smoke by H.M Long
August 24, 2025 at 7:21 AM
powjay.bsky.social
I was browsing online for an entirely different book when I came across #2 in this series and LOVED the cover so then of course I had to find #1.

Anyway, not too bad so far. Lots of old and new gods heedlessly using their devotees in their machinations and power struggles.

#Fantasyfaction 🪐📚💙 🎧📚
Pictured: cover of Hall of Smoke by H.M Long Background is shades of yellow and orange (the link heat and fire). A large black and dark blue owl is swooping in to catch a small silhouetted female figure holding only a hatchet and a small bird (I think). Her clothing looks a bit torn and ragged.
August 24, 2025 at 5:49 AM
powjay.bsky.social
Feeling a bit poorly, and I just can't read at the minute. Let me love vicariously through you please.

What are you reading right now, and should I add it to my tbr?

#fantasyfaction 🪐📚💙 🎧📚
Purple background a picture of the disappointed guy with his hands on hips meme, flying books in background, sick emoji and tissues and bin graphic. Text reads: my face when being crook interferes with my ability to read... Booooooo
August 22, 2025 at 4:17 AM
powjay.bsky.social
My Current Reads - 20/08/2025

1. The Dream Hotel by Lala Lalami 🎧📚
2. The Winter Crone by Natasha Basche 🎧📚

I THINK my next reads will be:

Vampire Hunter D by Hideyuki Kikuchi and Warping Minds & Other Misdemeanors by Annette Marie and Rob Jacobson.

💭💭💬💬 On these?

#FantasyFaction 🪐📚💙
My graphic for my Current Reads Aftertaste by Daria Lavelle (finished) - Paranormal/Speculative Fiction The Dream Hotel by Lala Lalami - Dystopian/Sci-fi The Winter Crone by Natasha Basche - Fantasy/Mystery
August 20, 2025 at 3:10 AM
powjay.bsky.social
Cover of The Company of Death Background a dystopian cityscape in ruins, foreground a giant white skull looking directly at the viewer. Cover of Queen of Hearts A Queen of Hearts card where the Queen is a young serious woman in profile coloured in blacks and whites only. Pictured: cover of The Element of Fire by Martha Wells. A red background with a magic sigil. Forefront is a sword point (possibly a rapier/dueling sword) down. My graphic for review of Aftertaste by Daria Lavelle Text reads: Emotional, Tense, Hopeful, Culinary, Heavy Themes: Death, Grief, Suicide 'This is a book about love, grief and sacrifice. An emotional and interesting take on the afterlife and spirits. If you like ghosts and food, this book is for you. Keep the tissues handy.'
August 20, 2025 at 3:02 AM
powjay.bsky.social
Recent reads escapades update (2/2):

5. The Company of Death by Elisa Hansen - 3.5/5⭐
6. Queen of Hearts by Colleen Oakes - 4/5⭐
7. The Element of Fire by Martha Wells - 4.25/5⭐
8. Aftertaste by Daria Lavelle - 4/5⭐

#5 not my usual schtick, I'm not into zombies but I love when Death is a character
Cover of Phule's Company by Robert Asprin My graphic for review of Never Lie by Freida McFadden Text reads: Thriller, Mystery, Dark, Fast Paced. 'Popcorn reading - not the most amazing character work but I couldn't put it down. I binged it in 1 day and didn't pick the twists' Cover of Paladin's Grace by T Kingfisher Pictured: cover of Endeavour by Ralph Kern. A planet with a yellow light coming from behind the planet edge in the background. The foreground has a space station/satellite (forgive the description I'm not familiar with all the lingo yet).
August 20, 2025 at 2:56 AM
powjay.bsky.social
My pressure reads for August 😅😅😬😬

I already finished Phule's Company which was a really fun and heartwarming read.

Any thoughts on this month's TBR? Most are 'new to me authors' except for Kingfisher and Wells.

I'll still be reading some bookclub reads as well 🤞🏻😳🫣

#Fantasyfaction 🪐📚💙
Graphic for my (@thechaotic_tbr) August Reads Text reads: Looks like my AUGUST READS are 'Quick read these before Audible ditches them from the Plus Catalogue' Phule's Company by Robert Asprin Paladin's Grace by T Kingfisher Endeavour by Ralph Kern Shadows of Ivory by Bryce O'Connor and T.L. Greylock The Company of Death by Elisa Hansen The Element of Fire by Martha Wells The Accidental Alchemist by Gigi Pandian The (Sort Of) Dark Mage by Nelson Chereta Surviving Year One of Grim Reaper Academy by Cara Wylde Slouch Witch by Helen Harper
August 2, 2025 at 2:27 AM
powjay.bsky.social
🌯 It's Another Wrap-up ☝🏻

Definitely a slower month for me but a few of these were pretty chunky.

Favourite read: Harrow the Ninth by Tamsyn Muir.

I look forward to seeing everyone else's July wrap-ups

📚🎧💙 #FantasyFaction
My (@thechaotic_tbr) Storygraph July Wrap-up: Swordheart by T Kingfisher - 4⭐ Harrow the Ninth by Tamsyn Muir - 5⭐ Godblind by Anna Stephens - 3.5⭐ Prince of Fools by Mark Lawrence - 3.25⭐ The Book That Wouldn't Burn by Mark Lawrence - 4.5⭐ Don't Let Her Stay by Nicola Sanders - 4⭐ Empire of the Vampire by Jay Kristoff - 4⭐ The Witch's Heart by Genevieve Gornichec - 3.25⭐
August 1, 2025 at 10:52 PM
powjay.bsky.social
Current Reads - 31/07/2025 📚🎧

1. Phule's Company by Robert Asprin 🎧

2. Never Lie by Freida McFadden 🎧

I'm part wary, part excited for both of these. Sci-fi and comedic fiction don't always wow me and I'm wary of the hype around McFadden.

#FantasyFaction 📚💙
Graphic of my Current Reads: Cover of Phule's Company by Robert Aspirin A GI Joe type male standing to the front, with a butler in a suit and hat just behind him on one side. Behind them to either side is a large Warthog bipedal species carrying a gun and a very tall fit woman with a gun on her shoulder. My graphic text reads - new to me author - hit and miss with sci-fi - don't always gel with comedic fiction Cover of Never Lie by Freida McFadden A black and white image of a leather 2 seater lounge with a white brick wall behind. My graphic text reads - new to me author - wary of the hype - branching into this genre with some success
July 31, 2025 at 12:34 PM
powjay.bsky.social
Current and Upcoming Reads - 24/07/2025

1. Empire of the Vampire by Jay Kristoff 🎧📚

2. The Witch's Heart by Genevieve Gornichec 🎧📚

Pretty different fantasy subgenres - grimdark vs Norse mythology reimagining. Both have great online ratings so hopefully I'm in for a treat.

#FantasyFaction 🪐📚💙
Cover of Empire of the Vampire by Jay Kristoff A shield surrounded by all sorts of angry snarling animals. At the top is also 2x bloodied angels with weapons and below them is another smaller angel on the left with a chalice and on the right it's opposite is a skeleton angel holding up a human skull. Cover of The Witch's Heart by Genevieve Gornichec A woman in profile who's eyes are closed and her hair is displayed as a Norse line design. Hidden in her hair is a fox-like creature, a snake and a person with half their face hidden in shadow - all of which have red eyes. Text reads - Men die. Gods die. She lives on.
July 23, 2025 at 1:50 PM
powjay.bsky.social
Current Reads - 11/07/2025

1. Prince of Fools by Mark Lawrence

2. The Book That Wouldn't Burn by Mark Lawrence

👀👀👀

I know the library trilogy gets a lot of love, but what do we think of The Red Queen's War? I'm yet to read something from Lawrence that I don't enjoy.

#FantasyFaction 🪐📚💙 🎧📚
Cover of Prince of Fools Red background A person wearing a black fur lined coat with a hood is facing away from the viewer with arms spread. In left hand is a theatre mask and in the right hand is a sheathed sword. They appear to be facing a ?woman in red ceremonial garb on a Dias. Picture of The Book That Wouldn't Burn A huge multilevel library with lamps scattered along the stairs.
July 11, 2025 at 8:14 AM