Book Riot's 2023 Read Harder Challenge - January Update: The Silence of Bones & The Squirrel on the Train

Happy Wednesday everyone!  I hope everyone's been doing well.  How is January already nearly over?  Anyway, I've now competed the first two tasks of Book Riot's 2023 Read Harder Challenge.  The tasks I completed this month required me to read a historical fiction book set in an Eastern country and a challenge from any of the previous years’ challenges to repeat (2021's prompt to read a book featuring a beloved pet where that pet doesn't die) and I selected The Silence of Bones by June Hur and The Squirrel on the Train (Oberon's Meaty Mysteries #2) by Kevin Hearne respectively.  Read on to see my mini reviews and keep your eyes out soon for my tbr for next month:

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The Silence of Bones by June Hur was one of my most anticipated reads after reading and loving The Red Palace.  Luckily, I absolutely loved this one as well! The world-building is outstanding and the inclusion of real life historical figures is pretty cool.  The atmosphere and core mystery are both exactly what I was hoping for as well.  Plus, the author's note at the end is definitely worth sticking around for.  I can't wait to read more from this author in the future.

My review is also on Goodreads.

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The Squirrel on the Train (Oberon's Meaty Mysteries #2) by Kevin Hearne is a lot of fun. It's not necessary but it's great to see old favorite characters. One of my favorite moments is when Atticus reads Wake of Vultures by Lila Bowen to Oberon, Orlaith, and Starbuck via his mental link. By the way, if you haven't read that book I highly recommend it!  It was just great to be back in this world if only for a little bit.

My review is also on Goodreads.

Next Up For February: 

Read a romance with bisexual representation.

My choice: Cool for the Summer by Dahlia Adler - I've enjoyed Adler's short stories and now it's time I read a full length novel.

Read an independently published book by a BIPOC author.

My choice: Pimp My Airship by Maurice Broaddus - This steampunk novel sounds very entertaining, doesn't it!

Are you taking part in this challenge?  Have you read any of these books?  As always, thanks for visiting my blog and perhaps even commenting down below!