Even with some traveling I was able to have a pretty good reading month in July! I read a total of 10 books: 3 fantasies, 1 romance, 1 science fiction, 2 mysteries, 1 picture book, 1 literary fiction, and 1 classic. Check out the books below and see what some of my favorites of the year so far are!
Title: The City of Brass
Author: S. A. Chakraborty
Page Count: 544
Rating: A
Format Read: Kindle
Genre: Fantasy
Keywords: Egypt, Jin, Magic
Kid Appropriate: Teen and older
Synopsis from Goodreads:
Nahri has never believed in magic. Certainly, she has power; on the streets of 18th century Cairo, she’s a con woman of unsurpassed talent. But she knows better than anyone that the trade she uses to get by—palm readings, zars, healings—are all tricks, sleights of hand, learned skills; a means to the delightful end of swindling Ottoman nobles.
But when Nahri accidentally summons an equally sly, darkly mysterious djinn warrior to her side during one of her cons, she’s forced to accept that the magical world she thought only existed in childhood stories is real. For the warrior tells her a new tale: across hot, windswept sands teeming with creatures of fire, and rivers where the mythical marid sleep; past ruins of once-magnificent human metropolises, and mountains where the circling hawks are not what they seem, lies Daevabad, the legendary city of brass, a city to which Nahri is irrevocably bound.
In that city, behind gilded brass walls laced with enchantments, behind the six gates of the six djinn tribes, old resentments are simmering. And when Nahri decides to enter this world, she learns that true power is fierce and brutal. That magic cannot shield her from the dangerous web of court politics. That even the cleverest of schemes can have deadly consequences.
After all, there is a reason they say be careful what you wish for...
My Review:
I was lucky enough to get this for $1.99 during a Kindle Daily Deal this summer. My emotions in the beginning were always a bit mixed with this read. I never disliked it but I was constantly left craving more from the story, feeling as if everything was just barely scratching the surface. In the end this read blossomed with a roar of flames, promising an amazing sequel in store for this talented debut.
Character development was well done in this book, especially for the characters I considered secondary. I detested the idealistic Prince Ali for the first 60% of the story as his idealism and judgmental attitude alienated everyone around him. But as he grew closer to Nahri and saw the true potential ahead I loved the man and warrior he was growing into despite his continued naivete. I have high hopes for his continued growth and hopefully foiled assassinations in the future two books.
Nahri and Dara. Ugh I desperately wanted an affair worthy of being written in the stars for these two! I love them and the epilogue left me some hope for them but their path forward seemed underdeveloped and needlessly difficult throughout this book. There just was not enough of them together after the first part of this book.
Beautiful world and rich lore. I hope to see it expanded moving forward. Overall, a good debut, lovable characters, and an intense epilogue promising a rich future.
Title: Age of Myth
Author: Michael J. Sullivan
Page Count: 432
Rating: B
Format Read: Audible
Genre: Fantasy
Keywords: Gods, War, Magic
Kid Appropriate: Teen and older
Synopsis from Goodreads:
Age of Myth inaugurates another six-book series set in Elan.
Since time immemorial, humans have worshipped the gods they call Fhrey, truly a race apart: invincible in battle, masters of magic, and seemingly immortal. But when a god falls to a human blade, the balance of power between humans and those they thought were gods changes forever.
Now only a few stand between humankind and annihilation: Raithe, reluctant to embrace his destiny as the God Killer; Suri, a young seer burdened by signs of impending doom; and Persephone, who must overcome personal tragedy to lead her people. The Age of Myth is over. The time of rebellion has begun.
My Review:
This was one I picked up during an Audible sale. I did not have high hopes when I began this one as I have never read a Michael J. Sullivan book before. Frankly, I expected to dislike this book. I was wrong.
The introduction begins with Sullivan covering his writing style, writing all books in a series before the first is published. I was instantly intrigued by this and may attempt to utilize such a tactic in the future for my own writing (against his advice).
The setting was a bit generic in terms of fantasy novels based on European myths, but I did really enjoy the characters. The twist of Suri's true parentage nearly broke my heart but I was overjoyed when the author did not keep her ignorant of the realities revealed in the cave. I can't wait to see if there is even more the story didn't delve into there. Her relationship with Mina the wolf had me hooked. All I could picture was going on an epic adventure with my own dog!
Malcolm and the Fhrey were sufficiently humorous to keep the story moving along but I really just wanted to see the romance between Persephone and Raithe take off. It felt so genuine and I like the nontraditional dynamic of an older widowed woman with a great deal of power in government being adore by a younger man who doesn't feel threatened by her.
Overall, slightly above average start to a series with a lot of potential.
Title: The Anomaly
Author: Michael Rutger
Page Count: 352
Rating: A
Format Read: BOTM Hardcover
Genre: Science Fiction Thriller
Keywords: YouTube, Aliens, Horror
Kid Appropriate: No
Synopsis from Goodreads:
If Indiana Jones lived in the X-Files era, he might bear at least a passing resemblance to Nolan Moore -- a rogue archaeologist hosting a documentary series derisively dismissed by the "real" experts, but beloved of conspiracy theorists.
Nolan sets out to retrace the steps of an explorer from 1909 who claimed to have discovered a mysterious cavern high up in the ancient rock of the Grand Canyon. And, for once, he may have actually found what he seeks. Then the trip takes a nasty turn, and the cave begins turning against them in mysterious ways.
Nolan's story becomes one of survival against seemingly impossible odds. The only way out is to answer a series of intriguing questions: What is this strange cave? How has it remained hidden for so long? And what secret does it conceal that made its last visitors attempt to seal it forever?
My Review:
This was my June pick for Book of the Month and I was so excited because YouTube + conspiracy theories + archaeology + my home state sounds perfect! But when I picked up the book the prologue was really weird so I kept putting off actually reading it. I shouldn't have because it was so much fun I ended up finishing it in 24 hours once I actually started!
Nolan (our mc) was both lovable and generic. By this I mean he had fewer crazy traits than most and could easily morph into someone you know. For me I kept picturing an older Shane Dawson. With this flexible identity it was easy to get into the story following him.
Ken was a stereotype, but in the fun way. Rutger could have made him sleazy but I'm glad he didn't. Pierre was basically a puppy. Molly shifted too much quickly in my opinion to ever feel truly connected to her. For the length of the novel her rapid shifts felt disjointed. And finally I liked our villains (no spoilers!). They were just weird enough that it worked well with the science fiction world created here.
The setting of the cave was by far my favorite aspect. It was expansive enough to be creepy and get the heart rate up but small enough you aren't confused the entire time.
This definitely is not a read after prestigious awards in literature but it's genuinely fun with its heavy doses of adventure and sarcasm mixed with a dash of science fiction to keep you wondering.
Title: Well Schooled in Murder
Author: Elizabeth George
Page Count: 432
Rating: A
Format Read: Hardcover
Genre: Mystery
Keywords: Boarding school, fertility, family
Kid Appropriate: No
Synopsis from Goodreads:
When thirteen-year-old Matthew Whately goes missing from Bredgar Chambers, a prestigious public school in the heart of West Sussex, aristocratic Inspector Thomas Lynley receives a call for help from the lad's housemaster, who also happens to be an old school chum. Thus, the inspector, his partner, Detective Sergeant Barbara Havers, and forensic scientist Simon Allcourt-St. James find themselves once again outside their jurisdiction and deeply involved in the search for a child--and then, tragically, for a child killer. Questioning prefects, teachers, and pupils closest to the dead boy, Lynley and Havers sense that something extraordinarily evil is going on behind Bredgar Chambers's cloistered walls. But as they begin to unlock the secrets of this closed society, the investigation into Matthew's death leads them perilously close to their own emotional wounds--and blinds them to the signs of another murder in the making....
My Review:
I loved this book! This one returns to the slightly twistier and uncertain origins of
A Great Deliverance.
Lynley was a bit dry in this one as he pined for Lady Helen and continuously doubted himself over his friend John's potential guilt in the murder of 13 year old Matthew. Which brings me to wonder how some of the child pornography issues brought up this book were not considered illegal but rather just embarrassing and disturbing? How was the individual in possession of the images not arrested? I cannot tell if I missed part of the plot or if the law in England was somehow different in 1990. Either way that part of the book equally was creepy and concerning.
Rather than Barbara, it was Deborah driving me absolutely insane with her pigheadedness in this book! Though Barabara's behavior in certain areas did leave me uncomfortable. You both feel sorry for her and feel angry with her. Either way the complexity of these two women was equally frustrating and refreshing.
As far as the murder it was well done. I suspected the killer for most of the book but George did a good job placing just enough doubt throughout to keep it from being a slam dunk guess.
This was a successful mystery. I enjoyed the line from Barbara about the student Daphne, about her being unseen by hearing everything. Extremely relatable having been the shy girl in high school. Loved this exploration of the true darkness humanity is capable of.
Title: Beowulf
Author: Unknown
Page Count: 93
Rating: C
Format Read: Kindle
Genre: Classic/Epic poetry
Keywords: Legend, monsters, warriors
Kid Appropriate: Teen and older
Synopsis from Goodreads:
The great drinking hall, Heorot, provides merriment for warriors and wenches alike. But it provokes only avenging rage from swamp creature Grendel. Now, in sixth-century Denmark’s darkest hour, a light of hope comes in the warrior Beowulf of the Geats. With his quest to defeat Grendel and his vengeful demon mother, Beowulf embarks on a journey from the murky lagoon to the throne of the Geats.
Beowulf, the Old English epic poem published anonymously centuries ago, remains one of the most influential pieces of English literature, inspiring generations of writers from J. R. R. Tolkien to George R. R. Martin.
AmazonClassics brings you timeless works from the masters of storytelling. Ideal for anyone who wants to read a great work for the first time or rediscover an old favorite, these new editions open the door to literature’s most unforgettable characters and beloved worlds.
My Review:
Honestly, I had a hard time getting into this one. I was not in the right mindset to get into the writing style and ended up reading summaries online after each section. If you enjoy epic poetry and fantasy it is worth the read. Just make sure you have the time to focus. It is free on Kindle.
Title: The Kiss Quotient
Author: Helen Hoang
Page Count: 324
Rating: A+
Format Read: BOTM Hardcover
Genre: Romance
Keywords: Pretty Woman, Autism, Smut
Kid Appropriate: NO!
Synopsis from Goodreads:
A heartwarming and refreshing debut novel that proves one thing: there's not enough data in the world to predict what will make your heart tick.
Stella Lane thinks math is the only thing that unites the universe. She comes up with algorithms to predict customer purchases--a job that has given her more money than she knows what to do with, and way less experience in the dating department than the average thirty-year-old.
It doesn't help that Stella has Asperger's and French kissing reminds her of a shark getting its teeth cleaned by pilot fish. Her conclusion: she needs lots of practice--with a professional. Which is why she hires escort Michael Phan. The Vietnamese and Swedish stunner can't afford to turn down Stella's offer, and agrees to help her check off all the boxes on her lesson plan--from foreplay to more-than-missionary position...
Before long, Stella not only learns to appreciate his kisses, but to crave all the other things he's making her feel. Soon, their no-nonsense partnership starts making a strange kind of sense. And the pattern that emerges will convince Stella that love is the best kind of logic...
My Review:
You need to read this book. Now. Go get it.
Oh my goodness after not really being in the mood to read cute relationship books for the past couple of months and just missing the hopeless romantic spark, Michael and Stella broke my heart into tiny pieces, had me sobbing, and oh my goodness if a relationship is not as wonderful as their mutual care and understanding I don't want it!
Stella Lane was so incredibly relatable for me with my own extreme social anxiety and certain other traits. I was crying every 50 pages as I connected with her struggles. I have never felt so similar to a character on so many levels before this book. I wish I could make everyone I meet read this book.
Michael may be a prostitute on the surface but lordy is he a perfect specimen of a man otherwise. He's the perfect mix of traits for a romance hero: sweet, caring, loves his family, responsible, talented, macho, and tattoos.
This gender swapped, smut filled
Pretty Woman redo is easily one of my all time favorite books now.
Title: The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo
Author: Taylor Jenkins Reid
Page Count: 388
Rating: B
Format Read: BOTM Hardcover
Genre: Literary Fiction
Keywords: Tell all, Love, Bisexuality
Kid Appropriate: No
Synopsis from Goodreads:
Evelyn Hugo is finally ready to tell the truth about her glamorous and scandalous life. But when she chooses unknown magazine reporter Monique Grant for the job, no one in the journalism community is more astounded than Monique herself. Why her? Why now?
Monique is not exactly on top of the world. Her husband, David, has left her, and her career has stagnated. Regardless of why Evelyn has chosen her to write her biography, Monique is determined to use this opportunity to jumpstart her career.
Summoned to Evelyn’s Upper East Side apartment, Monique listens as Evelyn unfurls her story: from making her way to Los Angeles in the 1950s to her decision to leave show business in the late 80s, and, of course, the seven husbands along the way. As Evelyn’s life unfolds through the decades—revealing a ruthless ambition, an unexpected friendship, and a great forbidden love—Monique begins to feel a very a real connection to the actress. But as Evelyn’s story catches up with the present, it becomes clear that her life intersects with Monique’s own in tragic and irreversible ways.
My Review:
I got this as an extra for Book of the Month after hearing countless rave reviews from some of my favorite BookTubers. They described a groundbreaking, beautiful, roller coaster of a read. That is not what I found...yes I am in the minority with my opinion on this book.
The husbands and wife were lackluster and much of the time boring. Celia was incredibly annoying and I never felt blown away by their connection or her frequent bouts of jealousy and temper.
I did sob during the 25 pages where three of our main characters died. It felt too close together, as if the story was rushing to wrap up and jammed all the death together.
Monique's father was a surprising twist but Evelyn's fate was not.
Overall, I expected too much from an otherwise perfectly fine novel. Highly readable and easy to consume quickly but definitely not among my favorites for the year.
Title: What if Everybody Said That?
Author: Ellen Javernick and Colleen Madden
Page Count: 24
Rating: C
Format Read: Kindle
Genre: Children's Picture Book
Keywords: Manners, Kindness, Empathy
Kid Appropriate: Yep
Synopsis from Goodreads:
If you tell someone that they can’t play with you, there’s no harm done, right? But what if everybody said that? What if everybody forgot to be kind…and made fun of other kids’ artwork at school, or told a fib, or refused to share with a person in need? The world wouldn’t be a very nice place to live. But what if everybody thought before they spoke, so the world would be a kinder place?
With clear prose and lighthearted artwork, this companion book to the bestseller What If Everybody Did That? explores the power of words and shows kids that the things we say matter.
My Review:
Good for young children that may need help beginning to understand the power of their actions/words and introducing the concept of empathy.
Title: A Suitable Vengeance
Author: Elizabeth George
Page Count: 449
Rating: B
Format Read: Hardcover
Genre: Mystery
Keywords: Love, Family, History
Kid Appropriate: No
Synopsis from Goodreads:
'Award-winning author Elizabeth George gives us an early glimpse into the lives of Detective Inspector Thomas Lynley, forensic scientist Simon Allcourt-St. James, and Lady Helen Clyde in a superlative mystery that is also a fascinating inquiry into the crimes of the heart. Lynley, the eighth earl of Asherton, has brought to Howenstow, his family home, the young woman he has asked to be his bride. But the savage murder of a local journalist is the catalyst for a lethal series of events that shatters the calm of a picturesque Cornwall village and embroils Lynley and St. James in a case far outside their jurisdiction—and a little too close to home. When a second death follows closely on the heels of the first, Lynley finds he can't help taking the investigation personally—because the evidence points to a killer within his own family.
My Review:
As a prequel novel this clearly is not quite as strong as the other novels in this series but it was still highly enjoyable and so important in understanding the Deborah, Simon, and Tommy triangle only previously hinted at as well as how Helen fits into their lives.
The mystery was absolutely twisty and largely unpredictable with the castration, cocaine, prostitutes, cross dressing, drug studies, and triple murder.
You don't need to read this book to understand the rest of the series but it is helpful in understanding the backstory of our main cast of characters.
Title: Spinning Silver
Author: Naomi Novik
Page Count: 466
Rating: A
Format Read: BOTM Hardcover
Genre: Fantasy
Keywords: Rumpelstiltskin, Money, Family
Kid Appropriate: Teen and older
Synopsis from Goodreads:
Miryem is the daughter and granddaughter of moneylenders... but her father isn't a very good one. Free to lend and reluctant to collect, he has loaned out most of his wife's dowry and left the family on the edge of poverty--until Miryem steps in. Hardening her heart against her fellow villagers' pleas, she sets out to collect what is owed--and finds herself more than up to the task. When her grandfather loans her a pouch of silver pennies, she brings it back full of gold.
But having the reputation of being able to change silver to gold can be more trouble than it's worth--especially when her fate becomes tangled with the cold creatures that haunt the wood, and whose king has learned of her reputation and wants to exploit it for reasons Miryem cannot understand.
My Review:
I was completely unsure of if I was going to like this book or not. Rumpelstiltskin is one of my favorite fairytales so I was excited about that aspect of it but I have tried to finish Naomi Novik's previous novel
Uprooted and just found it hard to get into. Luckily, I actually really loved this book!
We follow three main characters (Miryem, Wanda, and Irina). They are each strong female leads that have to save the world and are not always in agreement on what the best route is. The rapid switching between their POVs without telling you who you are reading from is confusing at times. I remember the first time we are introduced to Irina I was extremely confused who on earth I was reading about as it was fairly far into the book and we had only been introduced to Miryem and Wanda, neither of whom were as wealthy or girly as Irina. Despite this confusion I enjoyed how strong and different the three of them were and how they each had a unique perspective and way of dealing with the evils of this story.
The tsar and his demon were giving me serious flashbacks to a creepier evil version of
Howl's Moving Castle with Calicifer and Howl.
The Stayrk were one of my favorite aspects of this novel. I wish we had seen more of their world and learned more about their culture than what we saw from Miryem's limited perspective while she was there.
The romances were very meh. If they had been developed a bit more they may have felt more natural. Despite this I still really loved this book and found it to be an enjoyable read.
The pacing of the story is definitely slow. So if you prefer fast paced novels with a lot of action then this might not be the read for you. But if you are looking for a lush, atmospheric fantasy retelling then I would highly recommend giving this one a try!
I am still sick! While this means I have a miserable cough and sniffles there is a silver 
I ended up being able to finish both books from my last Friday Reads post (which you can check out here) as well as one more of the four that I have been desperately trying to finish in the past three months. A spoiler for my upcoming August wrap-up, my opinions on Robin Hobb's Assassin's Apprentice definitely do not conform to the majority of reviews on Goodreads. That leaves me with still needing to complete Winter and The Queens of Innis Lear from the four books that I had mentioned last week.
