May Reading Wrap Up | 2021
After a nasty reading slump in April, I managed to read seven books in the month of May! I finished two series, read two audiobooks, and loved the May pick for my book club! I had a great reading month! Let’s get into it!
War Storm (Red Queen #4)
My Thoughts: This was one of the books I was stuck on during my reading slump in April. This isn’t me saying that it was bad, because my slump had nothing to do with this book. However, I am so glad I finally was able to finish this series (I still need to read Broken Throne – but technically the series is over)! I really enjoyed this series, and I’m now hyped for the tv show that was currently announced. I do think that some of the book could have done better with pacing, and I feel like I need more closure when it came to Maven’s character arc. The ending felt a bit thrown together or rushed. I did like how the main romance had a unique conclusion at the end. I wanted some more vengeance in a certain conflict between characters. I felt like the author made such a huge deal out of something a side character did, but it was never dealt with, not really. I’m hoping my read through of BROKEN THRONE will help wrap up some of these loose ends for me. I recommend this if you like high fantasies with a divided society, and rebellions.
This series was recommended by my friend Ruth!
I read the owned physical hardback copies of these books!
Blue Lily, Lily Blue & The Raven King (The Raven Cycle #3 & #4)
My Thoughts: I finally finished THE RAVEN CYCLE series by Maggie Stiefvater! This was another series recommended by my friend Ruth! I wasn’t expected to love these books, and be so invested in these characters. It was super bittersweet to say goodbye to them! I know there is a spinoff series with Ronan being the focus, and I’m for sure going to read those down the road. If you like urban fantasies with a lot of weird magic, and a strong focus on our small troop of characters, then this series is for you! There is bisexual and gay representation in THE RAVEN KING that I was surprised, but happy, to see! This series is four books long!
I read the physical paperback copy of BLUE LILY, LILY BLUE, and then an audiobook copy of THE RAVEN KING off of Libby! The narrator was great, and I could tell he was really enjoying his time reading the book!
You Must Not Miss
My Thoughts: I read this out of impulse, and I’m so glad I did! I’ve read SUMMER OF SALT by Katrina Leno, and absolutely loved it! It is currently sitting on my Favorites shelves! I also love a good horror stand alone. I read this book in 21 hours, I could not put it down! This story covers the struggles of having divorced parents, an alcoholic parent, strained relationship with a sibling, and the fallout of an ex-best friend. So much is going wrong in Magpie’s life, and she’s just trying her best to stay afloat. I loved this main character so much. Her thoughts and reactions to everything that was going on were so justified, and honestly I think she handled the situations better than I ever could. I highly recommend this if you want a character driven, stand alone horror read!
I read the digital copy of this book off of the Libby app!
Crier’s War (Crier’s War #1)
My Thoughts: This was the May pick for my very laid back online book club! I enjoyed this book way more than I thought I would! It’s not perfect, but I definitely enjoyed myself! This book is more plot driven than the other books I read in May. There is a blossoming romance happening between our two narrators for the book. The main romance is between two girls, which I always love. The plot is one of high stakes, and there were plot twists I was no expecting, which is always fun! I enjoyed it so much that I already started the second and finale book in the duology! I’ll let you know what I think with the next wrap up.
I read the owned physical copy of this book!
Kiki’s Delivery Service
My Thoughts: Who knew Kiki’s Delivery Service from Studio Ghibli was based off a book! I didn’t until last year (I think!). This was a charming story, and a lot of what happens in this book did indeed make it to the movie! There are parts I’m glad didn’t make it though. We still have Osono, Tombo, Kiki’s parents, and Jiji in this story! The world is set up a bit different in the book than in the movie. In the book, magic dies with each generation, and Kiki doesn’t accept money for the hard work she does. Kiki, instead, asks for favors or people offer some kind of gift or service. I very much enjoyed reading this! I highly recommend this to anyone who loved the movie as much as I did!
I read a digital copy of this book off of the Libby app!
Talking As Fast As I Can
My Thoughts: This was my first autobiography in YEARS! I’m so glad I checked out the audiobook for this! Lauren Graham herself narrated this book, and it was an absolute delight! I love Lauren from her role as Lorelai Gilmore from Gilmore Girls! I got to learn a lot about this actress, and some of the behind the scene moments behind Gilmore Girls and the reboot Gilmore Girls: A Year in a Life (Netflix). It felt as though I was sitting down catching up with an old friend. Lauren’s quirky, free spirited, hilarious personality translate so easily in this book! I already have her other book saved so I can hear her tell me stories again! I highly recommend the AUDIOBOOK version of this story if you love Lauren Graham, or Gilmore Girls. You will not be disappointed!
Well, there you go! I had a fantastic reading month! I’m so happy with everything I read, and I already can’t wait to talk to you about what I’m reading in June! Thank you so much for stopping by, and I’ll see you (hopefully) for my June Reading Wrap Up!