Sarai Henderson's Blog, page 3

Fantasy Friday: With Reverence: By Rebecca Ross

 

Title: Wild Reverence

By: Rebecca Ross

Genre: Fantasy

Pages: 554

Release Date: September 2nd, 2025

Rating: ★★★★★

 

Summary from Goodreads:Born ​in the firelit domain of the under realm, Matilda is the youngest goddess of her clan, blessed with humble messenger magic. But in a land where gods often kill each other to steal power and alliances break as quickly as they are forged, Matilda must come of age sooner than most. She may be known to carry words and letters through the realms, but she holds a secret she must hide from even her dearest of allies to ensure her survival. And to complicate matters . . . there is a mortal boy who dreams of her, despite the fact they have never met in the waking world.
Ten years ago, Vincent of Beckett wrote to Matilda on the darkest night of his life―begging the goddess he befriended in dreams to help him. When his request went unanswered, Vincent moved on, becoming the hardened, irreverent lord of the river who has long forgotten Matilda. That is, until she comes tumbling into his bedroom window with a letter for him.
As Fate would have it, Matilda and Vincent were destined to find each other beyond dreams. There may be a chance for Matilda to rewrite the blood-soaked ways of the gods, but at immense sacrifice. She will have to face something she fears even more than losing her magic: to be vulnerable, and to allow herself to finally be loved.

 

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Review:Wild Reverence by Rebecca Ross was an absolute joy to read. Ross has done it again, weaving a wonderful, heartfelt story that completely swept me away. What made it even more surprising was the ending. I hadn’t realized it was a prequel to Divine Rivals, and that reveal made the book all the more powerful. A beautifully written, unforgettable read.

Received an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review. 

Thriller Thursday: With a Vengeance by Riley Sager

Title: With a Vengeance

By: Riley Sager

Genre: Thriller

Pages: 383

Release Date: June 10th, 2025

Rating: ★★★★★

 

Summary from Goodreads:One train. No stops. A deadly game of survival and revenge.
In 1942, six people destroyed Anna Matheson’s family. Twelve years later, she’s ready for retribution.
Under false pretenses, Anna has lured those responsible for her family’s downfall onto a luxury train from Philadelphia to Chicago, an overnight journey of fourteen hours. Her goal? Confront the people who’ve wronged her, get them to confess their crimes, and deliver them into the hands of authorities waiting at the end of the line. Justice will at last be served.
But Anna’s plan is quickly derailed by the murder of one of the passengers. As the train barrels through the night, it becomes clear that someone else on board is enacting their own form of revenge—and that they won’t stop until everyone else is dead.
With time running out before the train reaches its destination, Anna is forced to hunt the killer in their midst while protecting the people she hates the most. In order to destroy her enemies, she must first save them—even though it means putting her own life at risk.

 

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Review:With a Vengeance by Riley Sager was such a delightful surprise! This one carried a strong Agatha Christie vibe, full of clever twists and classic mystery charm, and I absolutely loved it. It’s not the kind of story I usually expect from Sager, but the shift in style worked perfectly. A refreshing and suspenseful read that kept me hooked from start to finish.

ARC Review: Thief of Night by Holly Black

 

Title: Thief of Night

By: Holly Black

Genre: Fantasy

Pages: 288

Release Date: September 23rd, 2025 

Rating: ★★★★☆

 

Summary from Goodreads:There'd always been something wrong with Charlie Hall. Crooked from the day she was born. Never met a bad decision she wasn't willing to double down on. She may be good enough to steal a shadow from a tower, but will she be good enough to steal back a heart?

 

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Review:Thief of Night is a strong follow up from Holly Black that expands Charlie’s story in all the right ways. I loved getting to dive deeper into her character and watch her world grow richer and more dangerous with every twist. Black’s signature mix of sharp writing, shadowy magic, and morally tangled choices shines here, and while it didn’t quite hit the same high for me as her best works, it’s still a captivating read that kept me hooked from start to finish.

Received an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review. 

Book Review: The Long Walk by Stephen King

 

Title: The Long Walk

By: Stephen King 

Genre: Horror

Pages: 319

Release Date: December 1st, 1978 

Rating: ★★★★★

 

Summary from Goodreads:Against the wishes of his mother, sixteen-year-old Ray Garraty is about to compete in the annual grueling match of stamina and wits known as the Long Walk. One hundred boys must keep a steady pace of four miles per hour without ever stopping...with the winner being awarded “The Prize”—anything he wants for the rest of his life. But, as part of this national tournament that sweeps through a dystopian America year after year, there are some harsh rules that Garraty and ninety-nine others must adhere to in order to beat out the rest. There is no finish line—the winner is the last man standing. Contestants cannot receive any outside aid whatsoever. Slow down under the speed limit and you’re given a warning. Three warnings and you’re out of the game—permanently...

 

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Review:The Long Walk is proof that only Stephen King could take something as simple as people walking and turn it into a gripping, haunting, and unforgettable story. The premise is deceptively straightforward, but the tension builds with every step, pulling you deeper into the psychological and emotional unraveling of the characters. King’s mastery lies in how he makes you care, fear, and question alongside the walkers, transforming a basic act into a battle of endurance, humanity, and survival. It’s chilling, brilliant, and one of his finest works.

Weekly Menu #626 And The Book Of The Week

 

This week we’re diving into the fresh, vibrant flavors of Greece. A cuisine that feels like it was made for family tables. From grilled souvlaki to flaky spanakopita and a colorful mezze spread, Greek food brings together simple ingredients in bold, nourishing ways. With plenty of protein, vegetables, and familiar comfort foods, it’s a menu that works just as well for picky eaters as it does for adventurous food lovers.
My current read is Servant of Earth by Sarah Howley, a fantasy steeped in elemental magic and ancient power. The story pulls me into a world where the earth itself holds secrets, and the characters must decide whether to serve, resist, or reshape that power. It’s atmospheric, thoughtful, and layered with mythology, the kind of book that makes me linger over each chapter, curious to see how the story will unfold.

WEEKLY MENU

Monday

Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki & Pita

Kids - Chicken Skewers with Pita & Yogurt Dip

 

Tuesday

Spanakopita

Kids - Cheese Sandwich & Potato Wedges

 

Wednesday

Lentil Soup

Kids - Lentils, Chips and Cheese

 

Thursday

Keftedes with Orzo

Kids - Chicken Tenders and Orzo

 

Friday

Grilled Fish with Ladolemono with Salad

Kids - Fish Sticks with Veggies

 

Saturday

Mezze Night

Kids - Pick-and-Choose Mezze Plate

 

Sunday

Leftovers Night

Sunday Confessions #323

 

Sunday has rolled around again, and that means it’s time for another round of book confessions. The place where I share the truths, quirks, and slip ups from my reading week. Sometimes it’s a new obsession I can’t stop gushing about, other times it’s a DNF I didn’t see coming, or maybe just the little surprises that shaped my reading mood. Consider this my weekly moment of honesty in the bookish world, where no confession is too small (or too dramatic) to share.

Sunday Confessions #322~Weekly Menu #625 And The Book Of The Week~ARC Review: This is how a Villian is Made by Amanda Headlee~ARC Review: Lin-Manuel Miranda: The Education of an Artist by Daniel Pollack-Pilzner~ARC Review: Play Nice by Rachel Harrison~ARC Review: To Clutch a Razor by Veronica Roth

Weekly Menu #626 And The Book Of The Week~Book Review: The Long Walk by Stephen King~ARC Review: Thief of Night by Holly Black~Thriller Thursday: With a Vengeance by Riley Sager~Fantasy Friday: With Reverence: By Rebecca Ross~Sunday Confessions #324




★★★★☆

This was a tough but beautiful read for me. The story follows the main character as she grapples with her cancer prognosis, and given that I just lost my dad to cancer, it hit incredibly close to home. At times it was hard to get through, but Kinsella’s writing brought such warmth, honesty, and perspective that I found myself deeply moved. While it wasn’t always easy, I appreciated the way the book balanced vulnerability with hope, making it a powerful and memorable read.

300/100 2025 Reading Challenge~114/217 in my Star Wars Legends challenge~19/20 2024 Goodreads Fantasy Nominees Reading Challenge

And that wraps up this week’s confessions. Some books lifted me up, some tested my patience, and a few left me thinking long after I closed the cover. That’s the beauty of reading. It’s never predictable, and it always gives me something worth confessing. Until next Sunday, may your TBR be kind and your current reads keep you turning the pages.

ARC Review: To Clutch a Razor by Veronica Roth

 

Title: To Clutch a Razor

By: Veronica Roth

Genre: Fantasy

Pages: 240

Release Date: September 16th, 2025 

Rating: ★★★★☆

 

Summary from Goodreads:A funeral. A heist. A desperate mission.
When Dymitr is called back to the old country for the empty night, a funeral rite intended to keep evil at bay, it's the perfect opportunity for him to get his hands on his family's most guarded relic—a book of curses that could satisfy the debt he owes legendary witch Baba Jaga. But first he'll have to survive a night with his dangerous, monster-hunting kin.
As the sun sets, the line between enemies and allies becomes razor-thin, and Dymitr’s new loyalties are pushed to their breaking point.
Family gatherings can be brutal. Dymitr’s might just be fatal.

 

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Review:To Clutch a Razor by Veronica Roth is a sharp, thought provoking story that balances moral tension with fast-paced plotting. Roth builds a world where every choice carries weight, and the protagonist’s struggles with survival, power, and humanity kept me hooked. The narrative is both intimate and unsettling, with questions of justice and personal sacrifice woven throughout. At times, the pacing felt a little uneven, and I wished for deeper exploration of some secondary characters, but overall, it was an engrossing read that lingers after the final page. A solid 4 stars for its intensity, atmosphere, and the way Roth makes you wrestle with what you’d do in the same situation.

Received an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review. 

ARC Review: Play Nice by Rachel Harrison

 

Title: Play Nice

By: Rachel Harrison

Genre: Horror

Pages: 336

Release Date: September 9th, 2025

Rating: ★★★★☆

 

Summary from Goodreads:A woman must confront the demons of her past when she attempts to fix up her childhood home in this devilishly clever take on the haunted house.
Clio Louise Barnes leads a picture-perfect life as a stylist and influencer, but beneath the glossy veneer she harbors a not-so glamorous secret: she grew up in a haunted house. Well, not haunted. Possessed. After Clio’s parent’s messy divorce, her mother, Alex, moved Clio and her sisters into a house occupied by a demon. Or so Alex claimed. That’s not what Clio’s sisters remember or what the courts determined when they stripped Alex of custody after she went off the deep end. But Alex was insistent; she even wrote a book about her experience in the house.
After Alex’s sudden death, the supposedly possessed house passes to Clio and her sisters. Where her sisters see childhood trauma, Clio sees an opportunity for house flipping content. Only, as the home makeover process begins, Clio discovers there might be some truth to her mother’s claims. As memories resurface and Clio finally reads her mother’s book, the presence in the house becomes more real, and more sinister, revealing ugly truths that threaten to shake Clio’s beautiful life to its very foundation.

 

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Review:Play Nice by Rachel Harrison is a creepy, unsettling read that hooked me from the start. Harrison balances horror with sharp writing and a wicked sense of atmosphere, creating a story that kept me on edge in the best way. While a few moments felt a little drawn out, I loved how the eerie tension lingered long after I put the book down. Disturbing, clever, and thoroughly entertaining. Definitely a solid 4 stars.

Received an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review. 

ARC Review: Lin-Manuel Miranda: The Education of an Artist by Daniel Pollack-Pilzner

 

Title: Lin-Manuel Miranda: The Education of an Artist

By: Daniel Pollack-Pilzner

Genre: Non-Fiction

Pages: 400

Release Date: September 9th, 2025

Rating: ★★★★☆

 

Summary from Goodreads:An intimate and captivating exploration of Lin-Manuel Miranda’s artistic journey, revealing how the creator of the Broadway musicals Hamilton and In the Heights found his unique voice through bold collaborations and a seamless blend of cultures, redefining the world of musical theater.
How did Lin-Manuel Miranda, the sweet, sensitive son of Puerto Rican parents from an immigrant neighborhood in Manhattan, rise to become the preeminent musical storyteller of the 21st century? Lin-Manuel The Education of an Artist offers a compelling narrative that traces Miranda’s path from a friendly but isolated child to the winner of multiple Tonys and Grammys for his Broadway hits Hamilton and In the Heights, a global chart-topping sensation for his songs in Disney’s Moana and Encanto, and the recipient of a Pulitzer Prize and a MacArthur Genius Grant.
Miranda’s journey is a testament to the power of creativity, collaboration, and cultural synthesis. Despite not being a musical prodigy, Miranda’s insatiable drive to create art and learn from those around him propelled him to synthesize his Latino heritage with the pop, hip-hop, and Broadway musical styles of New York City. The unique blend allowed him to craft a new way of telling American stories.
Drawing on over 150 interviews with Miranda’s family, friends, and mentors, including insights from Miranda himself, Daniel Pollack-Pelzner delves into the formative experiences that shaped Miranda’s artistic vision. From his early musicals in high school and college to the creation of his professional masterpieces, this book reveals the sources of Miranda’s creativity—not as innate genius, but as a result of exceptional openness and collaboration. With full access to Miranda’s inner circle, this behind-the-scenes origin story is sure to captivate his legions of fans and beyond.

 

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Review:Lin-Manuel Miranda: The Education of an Artist by Daniel Pollack-Pelzner is a fascinating and thorough look at the life and creative journey of one of today’s most influential artists. I loved learning about Miranda’s background, his relentless dedication to his craft, and the sheer amount of work that went into shaping his art and career. That said, the writing could feel a bit dry at times. There’s a lot of information packed in, which sometimes slowed the reading experience. Still, it’s an insightful, inspiring portrait that will resonate with fans of Miranda and anyone curious about the process of building a creative legacy.

Received an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review. 

ARC Review: This is how a Villian is Made by Amanda Headlee

 

Title: This is How a Villain is Made

By: Amanda Headlee

Genre: Horror

Pages: 163

Release Date: September 4th, 2025 

Rating: ★★★★★

 

Summary from Goodreads:Fleeing her father's cruelty, Beatrix Beaumont arrives in Yellow Creek City with little more than a name and a will to survive. When she lands work as a caretaker in the home of a respected town leader, it seems like a stroke of luck.
But the house holds dark secrets—and Bea is no longer free.
As she's drawn deeper into a twisted world of control and illusion, Bea must confront the shadows within and around her. To escape, she'll have to decide what she's willing to endure… and who she's willing to become.

 

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Review:This Is How Villains Are Made is a haunting, beautifully written story that grabs you from the very first page and doesn’t let go. Amanda Headlee weaves a gothic, atmospheric tale full of tension, dark secrets, and razor sharp psychological depth. Beatrix Beaumont is a heroine who lingers in your mind. Her desperation, strength, and slow transformation are both heartbreaking and empowering. If anything, I found myself wishing there had been more backstory for Beatrix, because her character was so compelling that I wanted to know even more about what shaped her. What makes this novel shine is the way it blurs the line between victim and survivor, forcing readers to consider what happens when survival demands compromise and change. Lyrical yet terrifying, intimate yet sweeping, this book delivers a raw and unforgettable portrait of resilience and the birth of darkness.

Received an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review.