Overall mood: immersed. I have finally been bit by the reading bug and the symptoms have lasted weeks. I missed reading this much. While I’ve been busy with final paperwork and applications this month, I have had plenty of time to read and dive into stories again which has made all the writing so much easier. While not all the books are favourites, nor are they books I would read again soon, I have enjoyed them nevertheless as they have revitalised my love for reading and learning new things.

Books Read:

This is How We End Things by R.J. Jacobs 4.5/5

Dark Academia that everyone needs to pick up. It has the setting. It has the grey characters. It has the tension and pacing. It has the mystery and the murders and the questions – who is the killer? What do they want? Who will be next? Highly recommend for an autumnal read or as a stormy afternoon novel.

The Bookbinder of Jericho by Pip Williams 4/5

A beautiful book to accompany a stunning piece of work, The Bookbinder of Jericho touches upon so many themes and pieces of history and life in the 1910s. I love her narrative style, her attention to detail and the work she puts into her characters. If you loved The Dictionary of Lost Words you will throughly enjoy this one.

City of Heavenly Fire by Cassandra Clare 4.5/5

The final instalment in The Mortal Instruments series, City of Heavenly Fire was a fantastic read and it made me have so much respect for Cassandra Clare yet again as her writing style for YA fantasy is bested by so few. I love how this ended in such a bittersweet way and it has made me al the more excited in rereading The Infernal Devices trilogy in the coming months.

Spy X Family Vol. 10 by Tatsuya Endo 4/5

The series so far has been entertaining with the many personalities involved and the episodic nature of the graphic novel chapters. It has been a while since I read Vol. 9 so it took a bit for me to remember where I was at with the main plot progression. Unfortunately, I find reading volumes of graphic novels one at a time can make the chapters less memorable so I usually plan to read five volumes at once. As this is a series that is churning out English versions as we speak, it’s difficult for me to get engaged in the story to the extent I was invested in Yona of the Dawn. A good read nevertheless.

Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo 3.5/5

Don’t be alarmed at my rating, but Shadow and Bone is no longer the fantasy I aspire to aim for with my reads and creative work. Shadow and Bone hits the right beats for a YA fantasy and many people love Leigh Bardugo’s work, especially Six of Crows which still holds a special place in my heart. My tastes have evolved since I first read this, as I found out in my reread, and I can respectfully acknowledge that I have outgrown this trilogy. I will continue to reread the trilogy and the Six of Crows duology, but I think the trilogy will be leaving my shelves in a few months.

Siege and Storm by Leigh Bardugo, 4/5

Much better reception than the first time I read this book and better than Shadow and Bone in my eyes. The emotional depth and conflicts (external and internal) make this read more engaging and entertaining than Shadow and Bone, even if the brilliance of the world building is muted. I still can’t quite empathise with Alina which restricts my enjoyment of the book, capping it at 4 stars.

Hannah and Huia by Charlotte Lobb, 4.5/5

When I find an adult literary fiction that just hits right in the gut I cannot stop thinking about it. Hannah and Huia is a dark, heavy exploration into mental health, tragedy, death, loss and the damaging power of love. It deals with experiences you will not think possible, that you would not want to wish upon anyone, but it is also a book about recovery, family, reunion, community and the healing power of love. I must-read for all literary ficiton readers, especially those wanting to support Kiwi authors.

Ruin and Rising by Leigh Bardugo, 4/5

I think it’s safe to say that the Shadow and Bone trilogy gets better as the series progresses. The plot felt full yet allowed for moments of pause and reflection. It gave the building tension and anticipation room to grow but I felt that the ending was a little lacklustre in plot action. The emotional catharsis is there so it doesn’t feel like such a letdown but the action seems almost too simple. The character development of all the main names shows in this book and the points for King of Scars are set up nicely. I think I’ll be keeping these books for a little while longer.

Currently reading:

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

Can you believe I haven’t even read this once? It’s been on my TBR for years, I’ve loaned it from the library countless times, but I have never gotten around to picking it up and actually reading it. Hopefully, you will see this title at the top of my July reading Summary.