November 2025 - Novel Notions

Book Review: The Restitching of Camille DuLaine (The Rivenlea Sphere, #2) by Lindsay A. Franklin

November 25, 2025 Celeste Comments 0 Comment

The Restitching of Camille DuLaine by Lindsay A. Franklin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I received an advance digital copy of this novel from the publisher, Enclave. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.

The Unraveling of Emlyn DuLaine was one of my favorite reads of 2024, so to say that my expectations for its sequel, The Restitching of Camille DuLaine, were high would be an understatement. I can happily report that every one of those expectations and hopes were met. The Restitching of Camille DuLaine is a brilliant sequel, building on the beautiful foundation laid for it by its predecessor. If you’re a lover of story, specifically the stories that have shaped and continue to shape our culture and our world, the charming portal fantasy that is the Rivenlea Sphere duology was crafted with you in mind. This is a love letter to so many of the books that I loved as a child, and to those I have come to love as an adult, while still being its own wonderful, unique story. …

Book Review: Fawkes by Nadine Brandes

November 10, 2025 Celeste Comments 0 Comment

Fawkes by Nadine Brandes
My rating: 4.5 of 5 stars

Remember, remember!
The fifth of November,
The Gunpowder treason and plot;
I know of no reason
Why the Gunpowder treason
Should ever be forgot!

I’ve always been fascinated by Guy Fawkes and the Gunpowder Plot. This is due in large part to my deep and abiding affection for the film adaptation of V for Vendetta, which has been my favorite movie for well over a decade, which helped popularize the famous poem quoted above. And yet, I’ve never read any fiction inspired by the actual historical events. I’m happy to have now rectified this oversight in my reading life. Fawkes is a fantastic, fantastical reimagining of one of the most famed failed plots in history. …

Book Review: Glass Across the Sea (Realms of Allumeria, #1) by Sara Ella

November 3, 2025 Celeste Comments 2 comments

Glass Across the Sea by Sara Ella
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

“Light always finds a way to break free.”

Cinderella has never been one of my favorite fairytales. But after reading Glass Across the Sea, my opinion has radically shifted. This YA fantasy reimagining of “Cinderella”—with nods to The Count of Monte Cristo mixed in—did a beautiful job of paying homage to the original tale while still being very much its own wonderful, compelling story. Ella did a brilliant job of portraying Noelle, her Cinderella, as selfless, kind, and strong in ways that retroactively improved my opinion of the literary figure who served as her inspiration. This is a truly lovely novel, one that stands strong on its own while still leaving me hungry for whatever comes next in the series. …