Last month was a pretty solid reading month.
Everything I read ranged from DNF to really loved, and I think that’s a pretty good representation of reading as a whole.
I’m super thrilled when I like everything I read, but sometimes I start wondering if I’m not judging correctly or rating fairly. Then I read books that I absolutely cannot stand, or are just blah, and I realized that I’ve curated my reading habits and books to be things that I know I’ll like.
I’m always open to reading and trying new books, but I’ve gotten to the point where I know what I like, and what appeals to me. With so many books constantly piling up my TBR, I don’t have time to read books that I know aren’t going to interest me, or that don’t appeal within the first 50-100 pages.
I liked Feb’s reads, so let’s take a look at what I read last month.
Havenfall (Havenfall #1) – Sara Holland
eARC Finished: February 5, 2020
“[…] Let me back up – overall, sure, I enjoyed this book. It had elements that I like in a story, and I did stay interested enough to keep turning the pages.
But with that being said, I never felt a connection with it. I didn’t connect with the characters…at all. Not once did I feel anything for the characters. I also had trouble picturing them…well everyone except Taya. I could picture her easily. You would think that as the reader, I should be able to picture the MC – Maddie, but nope. All I remember about her physical appearance is that she has short hair. It extends further than just the characters. I struggled to picture Havenfall. Ultimately, I just pictured like a Victorian Mansion, but I have no idea if that’s right.”
House of Blood and Earth (Crescent City #1) – Sarah J. Maas
eARC Excerpt Finished: February 6, 2020
“[…] I will say that I found it a little slow and a little confusing in the beginning, but I feel like that’s forgivable since this is a whole new story, whole new set of characters, whole new world that she’s introducing us too. By chapter 4 I was hooked anyways, so I don’t really have an issue with it.
I’m so excited to meet the love interest – I’m pretty much a sucker for how SJM writes relationships and I tend to devour her books. I’m also pretty sure I’m going to really like Bryce. It feels too early to make any definitive declarations, but I think she’s going to be really fun to read.”
Greythorne (Bloodleaf #2) – Crystal Smith
US Coverless ARC Finished: February 9, 2020
“[…] I’m just going to sit here, slowly and quietly dying inside until I can read book 3, because omfg this book was A++, so good. Knowing that there’s like over a year wait might kill me, so Crystal if you need or want someone to read it early, I volunteer! But seriously, not knowing what happens next, is going to be the end of me…unless the TV show just happens to come out before then – wishful thinking, I’m aware – I might be okay. I’ll also add that I did a bit of Live Tweeting while I read the book, and if you’re interested, you can check out the thread here – make sure you click through to the actual thread – still spoiler free!”
Undone (Unknown #3) – Wendy Higgins
US Paperback Finished: February 12, 2020
“[…] When I got to the end of the book, I just wanted to continue reading, but that’s hard to do when you read the last page.
Overall, I liked how the book and the series ended. I don’t think I really have any complaints, except that I wish there was another book, but I’m pretty sure I already said that. I could definitely read a whole book about what happens after the final battle.”
Mageborn (The Hollow King #1) – Jessica Thorne
eARC Finished: February 17, 2020
“[…] I hope that in this jumble, mess of a review, I’ve managed to convince you to read this book. It’s out today, I’ve already ordered my copy, because I need a physical version in my life, so you can check it out whenever. I recommend this week, so you can bump it to the top of your reading list, so I can have someone to talk to about it. I’m going crazy, bottling up all my thoughts about this book. So, seriously, if you’ve read it (and if you made it this far in this very long review, sorry) please message me, dm me on twitter, and I will gladly chat.
Like I said, if you’re a fan of SJM, Air Awakens and Serpent & Dove you’re going to love this book. Out today, February 18, 2020, check out Mageborn! Everyone should be reading this book, so get to it!”
Clock Dance – Anne Tyler
Library Hardcover: February 21, 2020
⭐️⭐️⭐️ / GR
This was my Book Club’s pick and I didn’t want to read it. I wasn’t a fan, and this would never be a book I’d pick up off the shelf. It was a pretty easy and quick read, but the ending legitimately sucked. It made the book not worth the minimal effort it required to read it. I didn’t like any of the characters, and every man in this book is trash. I don’t recommend and this is all I’m giving in terms of a review.
Wicked As You Wish (A Hundred Names for Magic #1) – Rin Chupeco
US ARC Finished: February 20, 2020 (DNF at page 28)
“[…] But it was more than just being unable to picture the world, but take every fantasy story, every mythology, lore, and history fact you know, and throw them all in a book and you’d have this. Then add a whole heaping of modern-day world problems and concerns and politics.
It was just kind of a mess, and I felt so loss amongst everything going on in the beginning of this book.
Now, maybe I’m in the minority here, but I absolutely hate it, and it’s almost always an automatic turn off, when a book includes thinly veiled, media hyped political rants that do nothing but bash the US. I read fantasy books to escape.
Chain of Gold (The Last Hours #1) – Cassandra Clare
US ARC Finished: February 24, 2020
“[…] I have no idea what to expect, or how this trilogy is going to turn out, but I have a feeling it’s not going to disappoint. I have my predictions, my hopes for who is going to be endgame, but really, I have no idea what could happen plot wise. I know the books are going to be chocked full of action moments, sweet moments, gushy moments and probably heart breaking moments, but everything else, I have no idea, and I’m ready and quite terrified to find out. I love these characters now, and don’t want any more harm to come to them.”
Lanterns in the Sky (The Starlight Chronicles #1) – P.S. Malcolm
eARC Finished: February 25, 2020 (DNF at 50%)
“[…] Ultimately, to my disappointment, this book just didn’t do it for me. Overall, it was just kind of a mess and I don’t want to recommend this to anyone. It’s just not worth it.”
Fated (The Will of Yggdrasil #1) – Sara C. Roethle
eARC Finished: February 27, 2020
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 / Review TK / GR
I read this because Elise Kova posted about it in her Facebook group, and I really enjoyed it. I have a full review coming, so this will be brief. This series is fully addicting, even though the writing isn’t the best and it’s a bit formulaic. It’s very much a paranormal NA, and if you’ve read anything in that genre, then you’ll know exactly what I’m talking about. That doesn’t stop me from legit inhaling each book in this series. I’m already on book 3.
Fallen (The Will of Yggdrasil #2) – Sara C. Roethle
eBook Finished: February 28, 2020
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / Review TK / GR
I inhaled this in like 3 hours? And then promptly bought book 3. I have a full review coming, so this will be brief, but I’m fully engrossed in this series, and I can’t wait to see what happens next. A lot happens in this book and the characters are on one hell of a journey. You should all check out this series.
I’m excited to see what I get read this month! So many books are coming out and I have a few ARCs I have to read for review!
What was your favorite read from February, or what are you looking forward to read this month? I’m super ready to read House of Blood and Earth!
Writing The Universe 