September Reads! Damn Me, I Read Only One Book
- emilesodyteauthor
- Oct 2
- 4 min read
September! The month that brings the crispness of fall, the aroma of pumpkin spice, and for many of us, the ideal excuse to curl up with a great book. Yet, as I look back on my reading experience this past month, I can't help but feel a bit disappointed. I read just one book.
Just one!
Now, before you think I am being overly critical, let me clarify.
That single book was amazing. Still, I had higher expectations for my September reading list, and I fell quite short.
So, let me share my thoughts on the only book I enjoyed this month: The Crimson Forest by Louise Damgaard, an indie Danish author making her way into the writers community.
As an aspiring author myself, I feel a unique connection with indie writers. There’s something powerful about reading a book written by someone facing similar challenges and successes.
When I came across The Crimson Forest, I felt an urge to support another indie author, and I'm glad I did.
The book expertly connects fantasy and romance, and that's what I really like. I was eager to read how Louise's writing would affect me.
Spoiler alert: it succeeded!
So here is my review of this amazing book that I was reading the whole September. I read it slowly not because it was boring. Nope! I am a busy author and mom and illustrator and marketer on the side. Reading one book is better than reading no books.
My rating:✨✨✨✨✨ 5.0
Goodreads rating: ✨✨✨✨✨ 4.6
The Crimson Forest
What the hell? How dare she finish this book like that?
But...
Thank you for writing it even if I felt outraged. I am so happy that I gave it a chance, and believe me, it didn’t disappoint me. I was furious, I was angry, and I wanted to throw punches at the plot twist. Damn, I didn’t expect the events to turn out like that. It reminded me a bit of a Tamlin and Rhysand situation from ACOTAR, but not really.
I won’t go into detail about the book, you can read the blurb yourself, but the events take a completely different direction.
Unexpectedly.
I loved the small bits mentioned in the beginning that were revealed at the end and started to make more sense.
It was an emotional rollercoaster - slow burn, tension, and yes, spice too.
I think the beginning started rather slowly, but it’s Romantasy, it takes some time to get to know your characters, and it’s the first book in the series, so please don’t give up, give it a chance to the end. Good stuff comes if you continue.
Trust me!
I thought the scenes in captivity were a bit dragging, but it all made sense in the end. It was the buildup of tension that needed to be written.
I never give five stars to any book that doesn’t evoke an emotion, whether it’s a chuckle from hot scenes, anger from plot twists, or saying “what the hell” out loud. But Crimson Forest gave me all three emotions.
Louise is an indie author, and as her first book, it is really well written. I really enjoyed the dialogues and the funny quirks that the characters had.
I have to say, you really don’t know until the end with whom Vanna, our MFC, actually going to be.
There’s Asher, then suddenly there’s some sort of tension with the mountain realm king, then with the stranger she had to kill in captivity. And then Asher again, and in the end when events change, you’re like, “What the actual fuck? Are you serious?” In a good way.
I highly recommend Crimson Forest to any Romantasy reader. I really enjoyed this read.
So go grab it!
The Ups and Downs of a Single Read
Let’s ask the big question: why did I only read one book in September?
Life often throws, well, "life" at us. With work commitments, family responsibilities, those tempting Netflix series like "WEDNESDAY", and promoting my dark romantasy "Moonlit Awakening", my reading time became scarce.
Despite only reading one book, that experience was really rich. It highlighted a crucial point: sometimes, it's not about how many books you read but what you feel reading it.
Supporting Small Authors
As I mentioned, I feel strongly about supporting small authors. In an industry overflowing with major publishing houses, we need to uplift those who bravely take the writing and publishing journey in their own hands.
When you choose a book by an indie author, you’re not just buying a product, you’re investing in someone’s dream. You're helping them pursue their passion and amplify their voice in the literary world.
So, if you’re looking for your next read, give The Crimson Forest a shot. It might just introduced you to your new favorite author!
Well she's definitely became one of mine, not only a fellow author but also an inspiration.
Wrapping Up the Month
Reflecting on my September reading, I am grateful that I took with The Crimson Forest. It might have been just one book, but it was an adventure I enjoyed. I hope we don't need to wait long for when the second book in the series come out.
In the grand scheme of books read, remember that every story holds its worth. It’s okay to enjoy one book at a time rather than racing through a list.
I look forward to what October has in store for my reading adventures.
Who knows? Perhaps I’ll uncover another indie gem that will keep me on edge.
Until then, I’ll dream of the enchanting crimson forests and the magic they hold.
My current read is One Dark Window by Rachel Gillig.
What's yours?
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