Overall mood: varied – my reading for April has been a bit all over the place. I have read many genres, been really happy with some books while others let me down, but overall the reading has been positive. I have been able to finish a few series, start others, and get recent releases ticked off my tbr list. I may have had to slog through a few reads to keep the energy up and avoid a slump, but I am looking forward to a more relaxed pace in May.

Books read:

Yona of the Dawn Vol. 43 by Mizuho Kusanangi, 5/5

I love this manga series, and this volume ripped me to shreds. I swear, there is a chapter or two missing. I need to know what happens next. I can’t be left to wallow in this puddle after that ending. I love these characters so much and I genuinely think I might cry reading volume 44. This may not seem like a good reference for picking up the series, but I promise you it is such a fun and incredible ride that you will be happy crying too (but not before you are sad crying several volumes over).

The Last Wish by Andrzej Sapkowski, 4.5/5

A stellar beginning for the Witcher series and a fantastic example of good adult fantasy. The tone and setting are exquisite, the characters are complex and their interactions are varied and entertaining, and the possibilities are exciting, making me want to dive inot the rest of the books in earnest. I cannot wait to see what the rest of the stories have in store, considering this isone of the best short stories collections I have read.

Chain of Iron by Cassandra Clare, 4.5/5

My favourite of the trilogy, Chain of Iron delivers so much Cassandra Clare goodness. The setting has been used to its best potential, the characters are being pushed to their limits, and the plot is full of tense moments, heartfelt interactions, and gut-wrenching conflicts. I really do love this book and the trilogy, and I would recommend any YA fantasy readers who haven’t read this in the Shadowhunter Chronicles to pick it up.

Spark of the Everflame by Penn Cole, 4.5/5

I recieved Spark of the Everflame as a book swap gift and I devoured it in one sitting. The slow-burn romance is bubbling, the fantasy elements are glimmering, and the tensions are skyrocketing. I know I am going to enjoy the rest of the series, and it is a god thing too considering I already bought the next two to read.

Sword of Destiny by Andrzej Sapkowski, 4.5/5

A short stories collection that is rich, full of character detail and thematic imagery, and delivers such timely blows you cannot help but be engrossed in the tales. I highly recommend Sword of Destiny alongside The Last Wish to any and all fantasy readers – YA fantasy, dark fantasy, adult fantasy – because they are some of the best fantasy short stories I have come across.

The Examiner by Janice Hallett, 4.5/5

An engaging read that had me immersed for hours, The Examiner is told in such a unique and entertaining way that allows for so many of the characters personalities and secrets to come to the surface. I audibly gasped during this read, the detail was that good that I couldn’t stop myself, and then proceeded to fall down the rabbithole that is this book. It is such a good read, and I highly recommend it.

The Vegetarian by Han Kang, 4/5

A haunting read that is undeniably beautiufl in its construction, The Vegetarian is vivid and emotive, with such a sharp delivery and use of images to pull te reader in. These three short stories will leave you unsettled in the best way, and you will always be on the look out for another Han Kang novel. It is that chilling and that engrossing.

Out of the Woods by Hannah Bonam-Young, 4.5/5

I loved this read from beginning to end, and I know that I will be rereading it in the near future. Out of the Woods is a great romance novel in part because it addresses a very real aspect of relationships, especially marriage – the bad and the ugly. I loved this for the characters in their relationships and as individuals, and I know that there will be readers who pick this up and find healing in the pages.

The Wedding Forecast by Nina Kenwood, 4/5

A funny, sweet, longing tale of romance down under. It is just what I was looking for in an auusie romance, with so many familiarities and enjoyable inclusions alongside an international journey to unite two stars. If you want an easy-going romance to get you through the week, this is for you. If you want something with a little bit of everything, The Wedding Forecast is that book.

Things We Left Behind by Lucy Score, 4.5/5

A solid conclusion to the series, with long-awaited tensions coming to a boil and histories that cannot be forgetton, Things We Left Behind does a lot to bring the present and past together in a seriously fizzling adult romance. This small town ain’t big enough for Sloane and Lucian, and this book proves it in the best way. I think I am sold on this series, and by the end fo the year I wouldn’t be surprised to find it on my shelves.

Blood of Elves by Andrezej Sapkowski, 3.5/5

A disappointment coming from the hype and energy of the Witcher short stories, Blood of Elves does a slow job at introducing the world of the novels, and moreover doesn’t deliver in action seen in previous Witcher releases. I don’t want to hate the book because there does need to be a difference between the world pre-novel and the novels themselves, but Blood of Elves could have done a lot more in a far more engaging way. You should still read it if you intend to get through the Witcher series, but be warned.

The Geographer’s Map to Romance by India Holton, 4/5

Just what I was expecting from India Holton, this sweet and silly historical fantasy romance will leave you giggling. If you are a fan of her Dangerous Damsels trilogy, you need to get your hands on Love’s Academic because it is sure to delight. If you are looking for a light academia read full of magic, love, and angst, look no further.

Funny Story by Emily Henry, 4.5/5

I love this novel. It is the perfect balance of sweet and serious, funny and gut-wrenching, and Emily Henry just knows how to really get a good story on paper. I think it is my favourite of her books so far, with Beach Read in second place. If you are a romance reader or looking into staring your romance book journey, Emily Henry is a must and Funny Story needs to be on your TBR list.

Time of Contempt by Andrzej Sapkowski, 4/5

This is a pick-up from Blood of Elves in terms of actions, engagement, and purpose in the prose, but I was still suffering from the whiplash between the short stories and the beginnings of the novel series to enjoy it as much as I could have. With darker themes and heavy adult fantasy content, Time of Contempt feels more like a work from Andrzej Sapkowski, so I am hesitantly looking forward to the rest of the series, but I will need some time to seperate my expectations from the reality of the difference between his short stories and novels.

Blood Over Bright Haven by M.L. Wang, 4.5/5

I can see why so many people love this book, and I agree. Blood Over Bright Haven is an absolute gem of a dark academia and I am so thankful for my past self for picking it up when I wakled into a bookstore months ago. It is intense, engaging, encompassed by magic, and fraught with unspeakable truth. Highly recommend to all.

Out on a Limb by Hannah Bonam-Young, 4/5

It is adorable, delightful, and a little spicy, so it is perfect for the soft romance readers out there. I read this after Out of the Woods which is meant to be read second, but I had a glorious time either way. The characters are interesting and authentic, the prose is fun with serious moments, and the overall vibe is great.

We Do Not Part by Han Kang, 4/5

I love Han Kang’s musical language use and vivid imagery, and We Do Not Part included so much of that. It follows the same split past and present narrative style found in her past work, but this is the one I would highly recommend (next to Human Acts). I was immersed in the novel, and given its heavy snow storm setting that is not an easy feat for me.