Overall mood: content – there has been a lot going on with my PhD research and working towards candidature this month, but I have been able to fit in a decent number of books to keep both mentally stimulated and relaxed. I think I have found a great balance between work and free time, and the connections between them mean that feeling of work doesn’t always feel so burdensome. I know June will be a tough month, so I have been picking u. few more books over the last few months to anticipate the lack of reading that may occur, but I will be using my free time to soak up as many stories as possible.

Book read:

Chain of Thorns by Cassandra Clare, 4/5

An emotional and intense conclusion to the series full of action, tension, drama, and beautiful character development. There is a lot that goes on, and while it is not my favourite book in the trilogy I can appreciate the way things went. If you haven’t read the shadowhunter books by now, you really should.

Orbital by Samantha Harvey, 4.5/5

A stunning novel that is equal parts touching, eye-opening, and humbling. You will find yourself stripped of the buzzin nothings that occupy your life and reassessing what it means to be human, what it measn to walk this earth, and how blind you have been to not see the simple importance of it earlier. Orbital is a must-read that you will not forget.

The Whispering Night by Susan Dennard, 4/5

A fun, action-packed end to a seriously good YA supernatural series that I will continue to recommend for years to come. There is something so atmospheric about this series, and The Whispering Night brings that to a head with high-stakes and developments that are funny, wholesome, and heartfelt.

A Drop of Corruption by Robert Jackson Bennett, 4.5/5

I am without a doubt a fan of RJB’s fantasy writing, and A Drop of Corruption solidifies that notion. There is so much detail and grit to this story world and I absolutely adore the characters, the setting, and the tensions among the people and those in power. There is nothing to miss in this world and I am eagerly awaiting the next novel.

NUKU by Qiane Matata-Sipu, 4.5/5

A beautiful collection of perspectives and stories from wāhine toa across the motu and around the globe, NUKU is the kind of read you need to get in touch with your inner strength and your inner woman. A perfect read for all wāhine young and old and a brilliant source of education, inspiration, and hardwork.

Pounamu Pounamu by Witi Ihimaera, 4/5

A collection of short stories including beloved and popular characters from Witi Ihimaera’s works, Pounamu Pounamu adds another layer to these characters and gives the reader more iconic interactions and lessons to take away from the amazing work that spans Witi’s long career. Pounamu Pounamu is not to be missed, especially by those fans who can’t put down the stories.

Navigating the Stars by Witi Ihimaera, 4/5

A perfect tome of knowledge and stories to pick up before Matariki, the Māori New Year, in June. Navigating the Stars contains many myths and tales that are intrinsic parts of Māori life and childhood. If there is one book I recommend you pick up out of all of these books I have read this month, it is Navigating the Stars.

Potiki by Patricia Grace, 4/5

A stunning family drama that touches the heart, this is a book about community and culture that needs to be shared and revisited. There are so many points to take away from Patricia Grace’s writing, and the treatment of small communties and minorities in a capitalistic world is one of them. If the prose doesn’t move you, the language and lyricism will.

First-Time Caller by B.K. Borison, 4/5

A cute romance novel to fill your afternoon, with a touch of spice First-Time Caller will leave you giddy and giggling, tossing your feet up behind you. The characters are relatable, the tension palpable, and the journey a funny, emotional mess for all involved. First-Time Caller is an easy read you do not want to miss.

Glow of the Everflame by Penn Cole, 4/5

An anticipated read this month, Glow of the Everflame brought a different side of Emarion to the page and the political intrigue amidst the slow-burn romantasy makes for an engaging and tense read. There are some questions left unanswered, especially with that ending, but Heat of the Everflame should put me out of my misery soon enough.

Return to Blood by Michael Bennett, 4.5/5

I loved Better the Blood and Return to Blood did not disappoint. The characters are just as complex and their internal conflicts as compelling as before, their interactions and external conflicts add palpable tension to the mystery and dangerous waters they wade in, and the plot will have you gripping the pages with white fists, eager to get to the bottom of it all. A definite recommendation for all.

Behind the Net by Stephanie Archer, 4/5

I got put onto this by a new friend and given I am a sports romance girlie it was only right that I hop on to the bandwagon as soon as posible. Behind the Net does a decent job at setting the stage for the series, and while this likely won’t be my favourite, I can respect the establishing work done to get the ball rolling. Considering the next two books in the series are waiting on my library stack, I think Behind the Net did its job well.

Kāwai: For Such a Time as This by Monty Soutar, 4/5

A powerful, intense, and riveting read that feels less like a historical fiction and more like a glimpse into the lush, extraordinary world of Aotearoa pre-colonisation. There is a dark fantasy feel to the novel as well as the excellent historical fiction immerson, and I can see many people becoming invested in Kāwai: For Such a Time as This. If you want a good solid Māori historical fiction read, look no further.

Kāwai: Tree of Nourishment by Monty Soutar, 4/5

Just as hard-hitting as the first, Kāwai:Tree of Nourishment expands on this incredible story world and dips into a portion of history that is pivotal to Aotearoa New Zealand as it is today. There is discernable commentary regarding colonialism and its impact on Aotearoa, and the difference between the ways of life are clear to see, adding richness and contrast to this immersive historical fiction saga.

Poorhara by Michelle Rahurahu, 4/5

A family drama with literary fiction finesse and a narrative style that is entertaining, compelling, and unforgetable, Poorhara will leave your heart aching. Poorhara is a novel that is touching and deeply relatable to many, especially younger Māori in Aotearoa New Zealand. This is a novel that brings awareness and addresses some hard topics in a way that is funny, heartfelt, and hits home.

Morbidly Yours by Ivy Fairbanks, 4/5

A sweet small-town slow burn friends-to-lovers that will have you smiling, Morbidly Yours by Ivy Fairbanks is a fantastic addition to the friends-to-lovers romance novels out there and does such a great job at fighting for more love for the trope. I really liked the character representation here and I can’t wait to see more in Heart Strings when it comes out later this year.