Welcome to the October check-in for the 2025 Motif Reading Challenge. We’re excited to host it again this year here at Chapter Adventure.
October Motif
“The Dark Side”
Read a book with a ‘dark’ story OR read a book with a mostly black cover. “Dark” is up for interpretation. This could be dark academia, horror, difficult subject matters, creepy settings, books that take place at night, etc.
HOW IT WORKS:
:: Each month read one book that fits the motif (theme) for the month.
:: Follow @chapter_adventure on Instagram and Threads if you’re there. And/or join our Goodreads Challenge Group (Chapter Adventure Reading Challenges). The challenge is also available to track on Storygraph! Post about your read for that month on our monthly check-in post here or at any of the platforms previously mentioned with the hashtag #motifreadingchallenge.
:: Most importantly – Have Fun!
A FEW BOOK RECS
Challenge Complete: October Motif “The Dark Side”
Read a book with a ‘dark’ story OR read a book with a mostly black cover. “Dark” is up for interpretation. This could be dark academia, horror, difficult subject matters, creepy settings, books that take place at night, etc.
Curfew by Phil Rickman
Rickman has a way of slowly building up the tension, the pieces of the puzzle dropping into place as the horror ratchets up. So it goes in the town of Crybbe, where people have learned to keep their head down and not make waves.
Unfortunately, the millionaire, Max Goff, has set his sights on the town. He wishes to remove anything he thinks is interfering with the power he believes Crybbe holds. And unluckily for many, he may get his wish. Just not in the way he thinks.
On the other side is the writer, Joe Powys, someone who has felt the effects of unleashed power and lived to regret it. He doesn’t know for sure what may happen, but he’s willing to bet that it won’t be good. And the reporter, Fay Morrison, whose father may or may not be succumbing to dementia. Or is it the town that is affecting him?
A book of horror, in its truest sense. One of Rickman’s best.
I read The Curse of Braeburn Castle by Karen Baugh Menuhin for this one. The cover is primarily black. https://myreadersblock.blogspot.com/2025/10/the-curse-of-braeburn-castle.html