Sarai Henderson's Blog, page 9

Sunday Confessions #318

 

It’s that time again. Sunday Book Confessions, where I spill the bookish tea on what I’ve been reading, loving, and occasionally side eyeing this week. Some reads have swept me off my feet, others have made me question my life choices, and a few have left me wondering if I need a literary palate cleanser. From swoon worthy plots to head scratching twists, this week’s reading stack was anything but boring.

Sunday Confessions #317~Weekly Menu #620 And The Book Of The Week~ARC Review: Hemlock & Silver by T. Kingfisher~Book Review: Interior Chinatown by Charles Yu~What Are you Reading: The Lathe of Heaven by Ursala K. Le Guin~Fantasy Friday: Predator's Gold by Philip Reeves

Weekly Menu #621 And The Book Of The Week~
ARC Review: The Dragon Wakes with Thunder by K.X. Song~Book Review: Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir~Re-read Thursday: We Were Liars by E. Lockhart~Fiction Friday: On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous by Ocean Vuong~ Sunday Confessions #319

Well, this is awkward... I finished my TBR this week.




★★★★☆

The Truce at Bakura picks up right after the events of Return of the Jedi, and Kathy Tyers does a great job maintaining the momentum. The pacing is tight, the stakes feel real, and the character development, especially for Leia and Luke, adds emotional depth. One of my favorite touches was Anakin’s occasional appearances as a Force spirit, which added an unexpected layer of complexity and tension. While not a perfect entry, it’s a compelling and satisfying bridge between the films and the expanded universe.

257/100 2025 Reading Challenge~109/217 in my Star Wars Legends challenge~18/20 2024 Goodreads Fantasy Nominees Reading Challenge

And that wraps up another week of literary highs, lows, and everything in between. Whether you’re nodding along with my raves or shaking your head at my rants, I hope you found a new book to add to your TBR, or one to happily avoid. Until next Sunday, may your plot twists be satisfying, your characters unforgettable, and your reading time uninterrupted.

Fantasy Friday: Predator's Gold by Philip Reeves

 

Title: Predator's Gold

By: Philip Reeve

Genre: Dystopian

Pages: 352

Release Date: September 19th, 2003

Rating: ★★★★☆

 

Summary from Goodreads:After their airship is attacked by the Green Storm, Tom and Hester find themselves in the icy city of Anchorage and now have to fight their way out of the plaque-infested city filled with thieves and savages before the Huntsman of Arkangel makes his next appearance in this dramatic sequel to Mortal Engines. 

 

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Review:Predator's Gold by Philip Reeve was a thrilling return to a world I hadn’t visited in a while, but everything quickly came back as I dived into this wild ride. The world building is fantastic, rich with detail, and the characters are deep, unique, and powerful. The story kept me hooked with its fun and exciting pace, even when things got a little crazy. Especially with those “zombies” that weren’t really zombies. The plot twist was great and added an extra layer of surprise. Loved every minute of it!

What Are you Reading: The Lathe of Heaven by Ursala K. Le Guin

 

The Lathe of Heaven by Ursula K. Le Guin is one of those books that pulls you in just by watching someone else get lost in its pages. I picked it up after a “Whatcha Reading?” moment, and I’m so glad I did. The premise is both mind bending and beautifully executed. A journey through dreams that reshape reality in ways both profound and unsettling. I was completely captivated, constantly wondering if the world would ever return to what it once was. A stunning, thought provoking read that lingers long after the final page.

Book Review: Interior Chinatown by Charles Yu

 

Title: Interior Chinatown

By: Charles Yu

Genre: Fiction 

Pages: 228

Release Date: January 28th, 2020

Rating: ★★★★☆

 

Summary from Goodreads:A deeply personal novel about race, pop culture, immigration, assimilation, and escaping the roles we are forced to play.
Willis Wu doesn’t perceive himself as the protagonist in his own life: he’s merely Generic Asian Man. Sometimes he gets to be Background Oriental Making a Weird Face or even Disgraced Son, but always he is relegated to a prop. Yet every day, he leaves his tiny room in a Chinatown SRO and enters the Golden Palace restaurant, where Black and White, a procedural cop show, is in perpetual production. He’s a bit player here, too, but he dreams of being Kung Fu Guy—the most respected role that anyone who looks like him can attain. Or is it?
After stumbling into the spotlight, Willis finds himself launched into a wider world than he’s ever known, discovering not only the secret history of Chinatown, but the buried legacy of his own family. Infinitely inventive and deeply personal, exploring the themes of pop culture, assimilation, and immigration—Interior Chinatown is Charles Yu’s most moving, daring, and masterful novel yet.

 

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Review:Interior Chinatown by Charles Yu is a thought provoking and creatively told story that truly stands out. The author’s unique narrative style, structured like a screenplay, adds depth and meaning to the themes of identity, race, and representation. I found myself drawn in by the originality and emotional resonance. It’s smart, sharp, and surprisingly moving. A powerful and memorable read.

ARC Review: Hemlock & Silver by T. Kingfisher

 

Title: Hemlock & Silver

By: T. Kingfisher

Genre: Fantasy

Pages: 368

Release Date: August 19th, 2025

Rating: ★★★★☆

 

Summary from Goodreads:From New York Times bestselling and Hugo Award-winning author T. Kingfisher comes Hemlock & Silver, a dark reimagining of “Snow White” steeped in poison, intrigue, and treason of the most magical kind.
Healer Anja regularly drinks poison.
Not to die, but to save— seeking cures for those everyone else has given up on.
But a summons from the King interrupts her quiet, herb-obsessed life. His daughter, Snow, is dying, and he hopes Anja’s unorthodox methods can save her.
Aided by a taciturn guard, a narcissistic cat, and a passion for the scientific method, Anja rushes to treat Snow, but nothing seems to work. That is, until she finds a secret world, hidden inside a magic mirror. This dark realm may hold the key to what is making Snow sick.
Or it might be the thing that kills them all.

 

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Review:Hemlock & Silver by T. Kingfisher is a beautifully dark and captivating retelling of Snow White. The opening felt familiar, like a half remembered fairy tale, which only added to the haunting atmosphere. I loved the direction the author took with this story, twisting the classic elements into something fresh, eerie, and utterly engaging. Kingfisher’s storytelling is rich and immersive, and the darker tone gave this retelling real depth. A must read for fans of gothic fantasy and fairy tale reimaginings.

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

Weekly Menu #620 And The Book Of The Week

 

This week’s culinary journey takes us to the rugged beauty of Namibia, where vast deserts meet a rich tapestry of flavors shaped by indigenous traditions and European influence. From the smoky savor of grilled game meats to comforting maize porridges and fresh coastal seafood, Namibian cuisine is all about hearty, flavorful fare that reflects both the land and the people. I’ve put together a high protein menu inspired by these vibrant dishes, perfect for fueling both adventure and everyday life.
Alongside the cooking, I’m diving into The House Saphir by Marissa Meyer, a story that sparkles with intrigue, layered secrets, and characters who pull you into their world like an irresistible current. Meyer’s signature blend of lush worldbuilding and page turning drama is already weaving a spell, and I can’t wait to see where this twist filled journey leads.
WEEKLY MENU

Monday

Kapana-Style Beef with Tomato-Onion Salsa

Kids - Chips and Cheese

 

Tuesday

Game Meat Stew with Lentils

Kids - Alphabet Noodles with Bacon

 

Wednesday

Lemon Herb Chicken

Kids - Chicken and Quinoa

 

Thursday

Peri-Peri Chicken & Rice

Kids - Cheese Sticks and Rice

 

Friday

Oryx (or Beef) Stir-Fry with Cabbage & Carrots

Kids - Stir Fry with Ramen

 

Saturday

Chicken Sosaties with Bean Salad

Kids - Snack Plate Dinner

 

Sunday

Leftovers Night

It’s time for another round of Sunday Confessions, where ...

It’s time for another round of Sunday Confessions, where I spill the bookish truths I’ve been holding in all week. Whether it’s a DNF I didn’t see coming, a hyped read that left me underwhelmed, or a genre I secretly binged when I was supposed to be sticking to my TBR, this is the space for honesty. Grab a cozy drink and settle in… I’ve got some confessions to make.

Sunday Confessions #316~Weekly Menu #619 And The Book Of The Week~ARC Review: The Ever King by L.J. Andrews~July 2025 Wrap Up~Book Review: The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins~Fantasy Friday: The Never List by Jade Presley~Saturday Sips: Three Star Review Dump

Weekly Menu #620 And The Book Of The Week~ARC Review: Hemlock & Silver by T. Kingfisher~Book Review: Interior Chinatown by Charles Yu~What Are you Reading: The Lathe of Heaven by Ursala K. Le Guin~Fantasy Friday: Predator's Gold by Philip Reeves~Sunday Confessions #318

249/100 2025 Reading Challenge~108/217 in my Star Wars Legends challenge~18/20 2024 Goodreads Fantasy Nominees Reading Challenge

That’s it for this week’s confessions. No guilt, just honesty and a whole lot of love for the messy, unpredictable joy of being a reader. Whether you’re flying through five-star reads or slogging through a slump, you’re not alone. Come back next Sunday for more truth bombs, bookish ramblings, and maybe a few surprises. Until then, happy reading and happy confessing. 
 

Saturday Sips: Three Star Review Dump

 

Welcome back to another Saturday Sip, where I pour out some quick thoughts on the books that landed right in the middle for me this month. These 3 star reads weren’t bad, but they didn’t quite sweep me off my feet either. Think of them as decent cups of coffee, satisfying in the moment, but not the ones I’ll be dreaming about later. Let’s sip through the stories that left me feeling just okay.

Star Wars: Slave ShipK.W. Jeter

Star Wars: Slave Ship by K.W. Jeter just didn’t hold my attention the way I hoped it would. The premise had potential, but the pacing felt slow, and by the halfway point, I found myself losing interest. There were moments of intrigue, but overall, it lacked the momentum and excitement I expect from a Star Wars novel. Not a bad read, just not one that left a lasting impression.

Lord John and the Private MatterDiana Gabaldon

If I had picked up Lord John and the Private Matter before falling headfirst into the Outlander series, I’m not sure I would’ve stuck around long enough to meet Jamie and Claire. This spinoff lacked the depth, atmosphere, and emotional pull I’ve come to expect from Gabaldon. Lord John, a character I’ve previously admired, came off flat and uninspired here. The rich world building I’ve loved was missing, and the tension, both romantic and narrative, just wasn’t there. It felt like a shadow of what the Outlander universe can offer. Unfortunately, this was a big letdown, and I won’t be continuing with the Lord John series.
Winter GardenKristin Hannah
I was excited to stumble upon a tattered copy of Winter Garden in a little free library, especially as a fan of Kristin Hannah, but sadly, this one didn’t quite land for me. The character drama was intense and well-crafted, and the world-building was immersive, but the pacing dragged so much that I kept thinking, "Just get to it already." The slow unraveling of the plot made it hard to emotionally invest in the big, heart wrenching reveal at the end. Instead of being moved, I mostly felt relieved to be done. Solid writing, but the sluggish pacing killed the momentum. A middle of the road read for me.
The Rest Is MemoryLily Tuck

I went into The Rest Is Memory thinking it might be based on true events, and when I realized it was purely fiction, I was honestly surprised. Mainly because of how plain and distant the writing felt. The story had potential, but the prose was so understated it never truly pulled me in. It read more like a sketch of a story than something fully fleshed out, leaving me emotionally detached from the characters and their experiences. A quiet read, but not one that lingered after the final page.

Fantasy Friday: The Never List by Jade Presley

 

Title: The Never List

By: Jade Presley

Genre: Fantasy

Pages: 507

Release Date: April 1st, 2025

Rating: ★★★☆☆

 

Summary from Goodreads:They said the Choosing was a gift.They never told me I was playing a deadly game.
Four rulers. Monsters cloaked in crowns.They’re not just powerful—they’re primal.And now, they want me.
I wasn’t supposed to be part of the Choosing.I forged my way in, wearing a stranger’s face, chasing whispers of my lost sister.I planned to seduce. To manipulate. To survive.
But I didn’t plan on them.
The way they watch me like prey.The way their magic coils around mine like a promise.The way they say my name like they already own it.
Each man wants to break me in his own way. Take me in his own way. Together? They might unmake me entirely.
One girl. Four princes. No escape. No salvation.Only pleasure sharp enough to cut.

 

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Review:The Never List by Jade Presley started with a strong premise, an intriguing search for a missing sister, but quickly veered off course. What began as a suspenseful setup turned into a steamy whirlwind where the plot took a backseat to the romance. The “Never List” concept and the mystery surrounding the main character’s parents felt underdeveloped and largely ignored. Instead, the focus shifted to the MC engaging with four different love interests in a “chosen one” dynamic that felt forced. I kept waiting for the sister storyline to resurface meaningfully, but it never delivered. Disappointing overall and I won’t be continuing the series.

Book Review: The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins

 

Title: The Let Them Theory

By: Mel Robbins

Genre: Non-Fiction

Pages: 311

Release Date: December 24th, 2024

Rating: ★★★★★

 

Summary from Goodreads:What if the key to happiness, success, and love was as simple as two words?
If you've ever felt stuck, overwhelmed, or frustrated with where you are, the problem isn't you. The problem is the power you give to other people. Two simple words—Let Them—will set you free. Free from the opinions, drama, and judgments of others. Free from the exhausting cycle of trying to manage everything and everyone around you. The Let Them Theory puts the power to create a life you love back in your hands—and this book will show you exactly how to do it.
In her latest groundbreaking book, The Let Them Theory, Mel Robbins—New York Times bestselling author and one of the world's most respected experts on motivation, confidence, and mindset—teaches you how to stop wasting energy on what you can't control and start focusing on what truly YOU. Your happiness. Your goals. Your life.
Using the same no-nonsense, science-backed approach that's made The Mel Robbins Podcast a global sensation, Robbins explains why The Let Them Theory is already loved by millions and how you can apply it in eight key areas of your life to make the biggest impact. Within a few pages, you'll realize how much energy and time you've been wasting trying to control the wrong things—at work, in relationships, and in pursuing your goals—and how this is keeping you from the happiness and success you deserve.
Written as an easy-to-understand guide, Robbins shares relatable stories from her own life, highlights key takeaways, relevant research and introduces you to world-renowned experts in psychology, neuroscience, relationships, happiness, and ancient wisdom who champion The Let Them Theory every step of the way.
Learn how
Stop wasting energy on things you can't control. Stop comparing yourself to other people. Break free from fear and self-doubt. Release the grip of people's expectations. Build the best friendships of your life. Create the love you deserve. Pursue what truly matters to you with confidence. Build resilience against everyday stressors and distractions. Define your own path to success, joy, and fulfillment. . . and so much more.
The Let Them Theory will forever change the way you think about relationships, control, and personal power. Whether you want to advance your career, motivate others to change, take creative risks, find deeper connections, build better habits, start a new chapter, or simply create more happiness in your life and relationships, this book gives you the mindset and tools to unlock your full potential.
Order your copy of The Let Them Theory now and discover how much power you truly have. It all begins with two simple words.

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Review:The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins is a total game changer. I've read plenty of self help books, but this one stands out for offering the most practical, clear, and impactful advice. The “Let Them” method has genuinely shifted my mindset. My stress levels are noticeably lower, even though it can be challenging to practice. I’ve already shared the concept with my husband and coworker, and they’re on board too. It’s one of those rare reads that sticks with you and actually changes how you handle everyday situations. Highly recommended!