Hello, book lovers! Welcome to Valley Shelf Talk. My name is Avery Ramsey, a senior here at Valley, and I will be your source for everything bookish on The Viking.
A little about my book taste: I have always been an avid reader without fail. I usually tend to gravitate toward romance, fantasy and retellings, but you can occasionally catch me reading a historical fiction, sci-fi, or classic. Honestly, I grab for all and anything in between those genres. I enjoy all age ranges too, such as adult and young adult, along with some middle-grade. I don’t discriminate, and that is why you will find books here from across all genres and mash-ups.
I thought, since this is the start of the blog, I would set you guys up with some recommendations. Specifically some suggestions for September. As the weather gets cooler and we slowly slide into autumn, I tend to crave something that correlates with the season. So here you will find five fall-ish recs. There’s some pumpkin spice, vampires, and dead bodies mixed in here, so hopefully something to strike everyone’s fancy.
Let’s get into it.
“Dracula” – Bram Stoker
The classic vampire story, Jonathan Harker, who is helping Count Dracula with a purchase of a house, finds out that his client might not be exactly who he seems.
Starting off strong here with “Dracula” by Bram Stoker. A classic, I know, so not for everybody, but it’s an interesting way to branch into the genre. It also provides a great jumpstart into the Halloween feeling for those who celebrate early.
I also thought to include this for the people who like to go back to the roots. “Dracula” has served as the basis for many vampire narratives, having been drawn from characteristics that are now used in contemporary fiction. What’s not to love about a vampire? Scary or not?
“The Pumpkin Spice Cafe” – Laurie Gilmore
In the small town Dream Harbor, Jeanie’s aunt gives her a cafe. Except when she arrives a local farmer wants nothing to do with her — except he might, just a little bit.
Shifting to cozy and safe, we have a sweet small town mystery. “The Pumpkin Spice Cafe” by Laurie Gilmore already has it in the name. What is cozier than a cafe? Bonus — throw in some romance and you’ve got a pretty good snack. If you are a small town romance enthusiast or like pumpkin spice, then this just might be your fall pick. I wouldn’t blame you if you feel the urge to go find a coffee shop when reading this.
“FantasticLand” – Mike Bockoven
When teenagers are stranded at an amusement park with no electronics, clans form and a bloody rivalry breaks out.
Next we got something to feed the people who like it creepy. Personally, I think there are two sides to autumn — the hair-raising and the comfortable. I usually lean toward the homey aspects of it, but sometimes I think I can brave the scariness of it (I most likely end up terrified).
“FantasticLand” by Mike Bockoven is for the physiological horror fans. If a creepy theme park setting is your idea of fun, this book capitalizes on your preference. It is presented through an investigation with direct interviews and facts, making it documentary-like and eerie in the sense that you are uncovering the story in real-time.
“Cemetery Boys” – Aiden Thomas
When seeking to prove himself, Yadriel tries to summon his murdered cousin’s ghost, but someone else shows up instead.
I can offer you ghosts and summonings with “Cemetery Boys” by Aiden Thomas. This young adult romance has been nominated for multiple awards and landed the Goodreads Choice Award, so it is a proven great read. Plus, you can’t prepare for Halloween without ghosts, the most rudimentary aspect. This is also perfect if you itch for romances with paranormal love interests.
“Immortal Dark” – Tigest Girma
Kidan suspects a vampire kidnapped her sister. To find her, Kidan must infiltrate a university where vampires and humans coexist.
This one is a new release (Sep. 3), so a new experience for everyone. “Immortal Dark” by Tigest Girma has — guess what — more vampires. Except this time they are in the most exciting setting: a university. Something about universities and supernatural beings fits together in such a compelling way. Pitch any book as a boarding school/vampire medley and you’ve got me hooked.
This book sits in the genre of young adult, mystery and romance. And, wow, that genre mash-up has so much potential for gasp-worthy plot twists.
There you have it, some autumn reads to fill your September to-be-read list. I hope you enjoyed this post as much as I enjoyed writing it. If you want more, you can find a fresh post here on The Viking on Tuesdays at 11 a.m. every week.
No matter what book you choose, have fun with all the dead bodies.
