Overall mood: eager. We’re back on the reading train this month! I’ll warn you know, this is a lot summary as I’ve managed to read 18 books (I know!) this month. I am adding a few more books to my regular list of reads each month for the next two months, and if you are familiar with this blog you may be able to guess why. The books I’ve read in August have been eye-opening, incredibly addicting, and a whole lot of fun to get through. I’m surprised the reading bug is still whispering in my ear, asking what the next novel on the pile is, because again, 18 books is a lot in one month. I would like to clarify for any concerned family members that I am still attending my uni classes and doing the required work for my PhD. In fact, I’m sitting in a pretty comfortable position and have the time to read more, so I will take whatever time I can get before my workload increases.

Books read:

The Lies of Locke Lamora by Scott Lynch, 4.5/5

One of my favourite fantasy books to date, The Lies of Locke Lamora has been such a thrilling and educational read. The depths of detail and world-building solidify the setting and the characters are so vivid and driven and crafty, I really can’t see this as anything less than a fantastic read and I highly encourage fantasy readers out there to add this to their TBR lists.

Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo, 4.5/5

My enjoyment of this book still remains to this day. I love the characters so dearly, and the action is entertaining and detailed so brilliantly. I hold this duology above the rest of the grishaverse books and encourage any YA readers out there who haven’t picked Six of Crows up yet to give it a go. You will not be disappointed.

The Duke and I by Julia Quinn, 3.5/5

I can understand how some readers love Bridgerton and this book, but I am not one of those readers. I found the world-building to be underwhelming and the story progression to fall short in terms of key relationship development. Interesting themes and the characters are quite well established, but the plot didn’t seem to be all there if you know what I mean. I will tentatively give the next Bridgerton book a gander, but I’m not sure if it will get the series in my good graces.

The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet by Becky Chambers, 4/5

What’s not to love with a cosy sci-fi set on a rickety ship, teeming with lively characters and incredible life lessons? The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet is full of space and science jargon, so if that’s not quite your forte then I’d approach this book with a bit of caution but still approach it nevertheless. This book is perfect for those getting into the sci-fi genre and even though it is centred in a futuristic, sci-fi setting, it feels very down-to-earth and cosy.

Yona of the Dawn Vol. 41, 4/5

Beautiful art, funny chapters, and I still love the characters endlessly. Reading this volume on its own instead of binging several at once does make it feel a little less grounded, but it is still an entertaining addition to the story and I will eagerly await the next volume.

Always the First to Die by R.J. Jacobs, 4/5

The setting wasn’t the most gripping for my tastes, but that’s only because I know nothing of the landscape or environmental impact of such an event. Always the First to Die is fun, thrilling and intriguing and perfect for fans of mystery, thriller and suspense novels. It may not be the best thriller you’ve come across, but R.J. Jacobs has a great writing style and the plotting is cleverly laid out for the reader to follow, resulting in some great revelations and tension-filled moments.

The Last Secret Agent by Pippa Latour and Jude Dobson, 4/5

An incredible tale of the strength and purpose of one young woman, The Last Secret Agent is a gem of a book. I loved reading about Pippa – her story is so engaging and interesting, and I have so much respect for her. This is up there with my numerous other novels of incredible young women fighting in the war for freedom, peace, and humanity.

Crooked Kingdom by Leigh Bardugo, 4.5/5

You can never go wrong with the Six of Crows Duology, and Crooked Kingdom has proven that to be true by giving me a phenomenal reread to break up some new library reads. I love the characters, I love the action and conflicts, I love the description and detail, and most importantly, I love the direction things go in. Leigh Bardugo is not afraid to make decisions some authors shy away from, and when it comes to beloved fantasy characters in the final book there are some things I expect to happen. Crooked Kingdom gives us just that, and I love it deeply for doing so.

The Ornithologist’s Field Guide to Love by India Holton, 4/5

A cute, wholesome adventure including magical birds, competitive ornithologists, and a budding romance (or two). I thoroughly enjoyed this lighthearted read and encourage you to pick it up when you’re in the mood for a little burst of summer in a book. If you’re a fan of India’s Dangerous Damsels trilogy, I implore you to continue reading her work as this romantic rivals-to-lovers will not disappoint.

The Bone Houses by Emily Lloyd Jones, 4/5

A stunning teen fantasy for those who love folklore, dark fantasy, and a little bit of horror or gothic detail. This read always leaves me thinking about life and death (as they are key themes, don’t worry I’m not going through an existential crisis) and the beautiful ways death can, and should be, respected and taught. A novel for all young reader and a fantastic addition to an October TBR pile.

Somewhere in the Dark by R.J. Jacobs, 4.5/5

Somewhere in the Dark may be short, but its got some kick to it. Highly engrossing and with all the right hooks to keep my glued to the pages, I struggled to put it down. I loved the narrator, the build up to the main conflict, and the unfolding chaos that ensued. To think this has so few reads when it can easily contend with authors such as Maria Kubica, Riley Sager, and Alice Feeney.

The Witch of Willow Hall by Hester Fox, 4.5/5

I’m beginning to think I have some witchy heritage because I cannot help but enjoy reads like this. The Witch of Willow Hall is as ghastly and haunting as it is romantic and rife wth conflict. Fans of Rachel Griffin’s Wild is the Witch and The Nature of Witches, as well as Erin A. Craig’s House of Salt and Sorrows should definitely add this to their TBR lists.

Slewfoot by Brom, 4/5

A gripping horror read that will have you mesmerised, quaking in fear, and thinking twice about walking near the woods. Ancient powers and religious themes duke it out with the visually aid of Brom’s own artwork throughout the book. A stellar read for fans of horror and a must-read for those artistically inclined.

Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins, 4.5/5

An exceptional ending to an unforgettable series. If you haven’t read The Hunger Games trilogy, you must. It is not only a modern classic, but a pinnacle of YA literature and a series that transcends age demographics. It is a story that impacts everyone because the possibility is so vivid and plausible. If you ever needed a refresher of the books, now is the time for it, and if you haven’t read them since childhood you will not be disappointed. In fact, you will be doing yourself a big favour.

A Grave Matter by Anna Lee Huber, 3.5/5

A reread to enjoy the romantic plot between these characters, though I was hoping the main plot was stronger than I remembered. Unfortunately, the romance wins out and that’s saying something when it comes to me and historical fiction murder mystery reads. Fortunately, this concludes my rereads of the Lady Darby mystery series for now and I can sit back and enjoy some new books for a while.

A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness, 5/5

Even as a reread, it still stands as a favourite of mine and worthy of 5 stars. The rich academia covers a range of subjects, giving equal importance and relevance to each field as the story progresses. The characters are compelling, with complexities and layers I cannot wait to unpack. The settings are beautifully evocative and link to the characters and the species that call them home. If you haven’t read A Discovery of Witches, you are depriving yourself of a magnificent book. Not only that, but days’ worth of imaginative exploration into the world of vampires, witches, daemons, science, history, and alchemy.

The Deep Sky by Yume Kitasei, 4/5

The Deep Sky is a sci-fi thriller mystery set on a spaceship, yet there are very grounded themes and discussions posed in the prose, not to mention the political, environmental, and social discourse within the novel. A lot is going on with this one, but it is entertaining, thought-provoking, and well-executed, given the monumental task it has set for itself. Sci-fi space travel, especially the first human expeditions into space, never seems to hit the mark with me. Still, the science jargon and technological descriptions seemed believable and were engaging for the most part. If you’re a sci-fi fan, I recommend this.

The Bookshop Detectives: Dead Girl Gone by Gareth and Louise Ward, 4/5

A fun kiwi mystery with some very memorable characters, a missing persons cold case that’s heating up once more, and a lovely bookshop at the heart of the story. So many references to authors and even a mention of one of my MCW friends which made me laugh. An easy afternoon read that will keep you engaged, laughing, and eager for the next instalment.