I’ve had a pretty good reading month! Going to the beach for two weeks definitely helped and gave me the uninterrupted time to just sit and read.
I liked everything I read this month, minus one book which I unfortunately DNF’d. Out of everything I read, I’m not upset about there only being one book that I just couldn’t get into.
If you saw my Edging on Burnout post – then you read about how I was getting tired of reading things because I agreed to read them. For most of August, I mood read. I just read things that I wanted to read, and sort of fell back in love with reading. It became fun again. Reading books just because I felt the urge, not because I agreed to read them in exchange for an honest review.
I read and listened to 21 books last month, so let’s dive into this post!
Wicked (A Wicked Trilogy #1) – Jennifer L. Armentrout
Paperback Finished: August 1, 2020
“[…] I definitely forgot how intense and forward Ren is and omfg yes, give me more. All of Jen’s male characters tend to be uber attractive, a bit stoic and sometimes unwilling to bend the rules. Not Ren Owens. Oh my god. Seth might be the only other character in her NA/YA stuff that just disregards everything and oozes sex, but jfc Ren Fucking Owens. I forgot about this man.
Once again, Jen has me wishing that I could be a heroine inside her books, because real life is wholly unfair.
I also forgot how much I enjoy Ivy. I don’t think there is a female character of Jen’s that I’ve not liked, and they all tend to be badass and more of the mindset, kick ass first, ask questions later. Also, like most of Jen’s female characters, she has a trauma that shapes her actions and I love how it is explored, and how Ren is brought into her life, and her past.
Their chemistry is fire. I honestly don’t expect any less from Jen, but oof, I just simply forgot how good this book is. I mean, New Orleans, Fae, drama, smut, and Ren Fucking Owens.”
The Empire of Gold (The Daevabad Trilogy #3) – S.A. Chakraborty
Audiobook Finished: August 4, 2020
“[…] I’m going to be honest, while narratively the ending of the book is so good, I still ended up feeling a tad underwhelmed. One, it feels like there still enough left open for more books, a novella, something. Which is all well and good, but it left me even more desperate for more than I already was. Two, emotionally I was just a tad disappointed in how some of the character relationships played out.
I understand the choices that were made, and why they were made, but with semi-heavy emphasis on character relationships – especially the ones between Nahri, Ali and Dara – I was kind of hoping for a little more. With Nahri having romatic feeling for Dara, being married to Muntadhir, and clearly having feelings for Ali, I just expected more. I know the books aren’t about *romance* but to feature it semi-heavily in all the books, I was just a tad bummed at how the relationships are handled. But that’s just me, and I’m getting ahead of myself.”
A Thousand Salt Kisses (Salt Kisses #1) – Josie Demuth
eARC Finished: August 4, 2020
“[…] Y’all I don’t know. On one hand, I did kind of enjoy this book. The concept is good, it’s enjoyable. It’s exactly something I love to read. On the other, I just didn’t necessarily like the execution. I’m tempted to read the rest of the series – books 2 & 3 just to see how it all ends. I’m curious. If this book is/was a debut, I wonder if the next ones are better, if I’ll have the same complaints. I don’t think this is the worst book I’ve ever read; despite the issues I did have with it. Personally, I think some questionable choices were made, and there were some cringe-y scenes that I think could have been phrased differently. For all the moments that Starfish Island came to life, I wish there had been a little more world building, a little more showing than telling.”
A Court of Thorns and Roses (A Court of Thorns and Roses #1) – Sarah J. Maas
Audiobook Finished: August 8, 2020
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / GR
This was a reread – a complete mood read. I had no intentions of rereading ACOTAR this year, but I just felt this urge to do so, so I did. I downloaded the audiobook and omfg I loved it. Not surprising, because it’s ACOTAR, but listening to the book instead of physically reading it was a whole new experience.
I highly recommend giving the audiobooks a go, I really don’t think you’ll be disappointed. I have a Books 1-3 wrap up/review going live shortly, so keep an eye out for that.
From Fire and Shadows (A Tale of Six Sorcerers #1) – J.F. Baptista
eARC Finished: August 10, 2020
“[…] Then there were the chapters with Kai, the other POV in this book. They were just confusing. Again, this deals with not understanding the world, it’s mechanics, the politics. Any other fantasy, and I would’ve pegged him as the love interest, or the antagonist, or antagonist love interest (enemies to lovers??) but Theodora is SIX YEARS OLD, and Kai is at least 19 (I think?) and the magical beings in this book can live for hundreds of years…
Basically, I wanted things explained and not hid behind relatively pretty words and descriptions.
Tying all my issues together, I just ended up bored with legit no desire to keep reading. It took me like, three hours to read 10% of this book, because I just wasn’t invested. I wish I had been. It sounded like something I would really like.”
A Court of Mist and Fury (A Court of Thorns and Roses #2) – Sarah J. Maas
Audiobook Finished: August 10, 2020
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / GR
This book is still so damn good. 100% recommend listening to it via audio. I forgot how long this book is, and how long it takes for the Spring Court and Tamlin to become too much for Feyre and she leaves. My intense dislike for Tamlin came back in full swing with this book, and I’m totally team Rhys. I also found myself falling more in love with the Court of Dreams. Listening to this book instead of reading it was an experience and everyone should do it.
The Journey Home – Becky Bird
eARC Finished: August 12, 2020
“[…] As for the murder mystery element to this book, I didn’t see the ending coming. I wasn’t sure who was behind the mystery, but I didn’t peg it to be that person. I felt like it was a little rushed and convenient, but otherwise, really enjoyable and surprising. Like I said, I never would have pegged it to be that person. As for the other reveal…eh. It adds another element, and I don’t really mind it, but it did kind of feel like it was added for shock value over anything else.
All in all, I really enjoyed this, and I’m excited to see what Becky writes next! I’m ready to sit down and read her next book in one sitting and fall in love with it like I’ve done all her other books so far. I definitely recommend checking this book out, and her various other books. You can check out my reviews for Slumber and Flawed if you’re interested!”
Ignite the Sun – Hanna Howard
eARC Finished: August 15, 2020
“[…] Overall, though, I really enjoyed this book. It reminded me of both The Bone Charmer and Shielded – two books I thoroughly loved this year. This book had a similar atmosphere to The Bone Charmer and I really loved that. As for Shielded, I’m not entirely sure why it reminds of me of it, but it did, and I’m not complaining.
I really liked the characters, the world, pretty much everything about it. Even though I wished it had been longer, more drawn out, the pace a little slower, the story Hanna crafted is wholly enjoyable and keeps you turning the page. If I had been able, I probably would have knocked this book out in one sitting. I was legit so invested.
I love Linden. Like, he’s probably my favorite character in this book. He’s just kind of goofy, dorky, and unapologetically himself and I love him.”
Be with Me (Wait for You #2) – Jennifer L. Armentrout
Paperback Finished: August 17, 2020
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / GR
This was a reread, but this really isn’t my favorite book in this series. It always just feels a little lack luster whenever I read it. I don’t get as invested. It’s still a good read, and JLA works her magic like always, but it’s never been my favorite in this series. But if you’re gonna read the series, you should definitely read them in order.
Catalyst (Pandemonium #2) – Willow Anderson
eARC Finished: August 18, 2020
“[…] I honestly think this book is better than Pandemonium and I loved that book. This was just wholly so good, and I couldn’t put it down once I picked it up. I’m really hoping there’s a third book, because I’m not quite ready to say goodbye to these characters yet. I have a feeling that things are going to continue to get worse before they get better and I want to see that. Willow outdid herself with this book and I think anyone who read Pandemonium will not be disappointed with this second installment.
This series has easily become a favorite and I will be telling all my friends to read it – and hopefully this review and my review for Pandemonium have convinced you to pick this series up. If you’re a fan of romance, hidden identities, mystery, seductive carnivals, life or death trials, stolen and not so unrequited love, and a power that transcends the people who wield it, then you really should check out this series. You’ll enjoy it!”
Stay with Me (Wait for You #3) – Jennifer L. Armentrout
Paperback Finished: August 18, 2020
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / GR
This. Book.
This one is my favorite in this series. It’s also the only JLA book that can put me into a reading slump – all her other books pull me out of them. I love this book. I love Jax and Calla – their journey. I love the cute moments in this book, and I would fucking die if I had a Jax. Hell, I’d kill to have a Jax. He’s one of my favorite fictional male characters and I highly recommend you read this book if you haven’t yet. I can’t stress enough how good it is.
Fame, Fate, and the First Kiss (Love, Life, and the List #2) – Kasie West
Paperback Finished: August 20, 2020
“[…] This was cute, but I didn’t like it as much as the first book in this series. I just never got as invested.
I felt like the emotional weights weren’t as prevalent. It almost felt like, every time Lacey came face to face with something heavy – like feeling replaced, being in in a spotlight, or being the youngest person on set – she kind of just brushed past it. Everything she struggles with, is kind of just surface, barely being touched on, and then we moved onto the next thing.
I also felt like the ending was really underwhelming. I just didn’t buy into the reasoning of the person who was trying to sabotage her. And then there were basically no repercussions…
I just wish that this book had been a little heavier, despite it being a rom com. I just didn’t understand why all the things Lacey deals with emotionally were included, when she pretty much got over them really quickly.”
Fable (Fable #1) – Adrienne Young
eARC Finished: August 21, 2020
“[…] I’m really annoyed that this book isn’t even out yet, because it means an even longer wait for Namesake and how am I supposed to cope and be okay?
Honestly, I just want to scream right now, but it’s like 1:15 AM and I don’t think the other members of my family would be okay with me doing that. So, I’m sitting here quietly, writing this post, hating the fact that I finished it at 1:15 in the morning and every person I could talk to about this book is sleeping like a normal person.
I don’t know what to say next because I’m not okay, I’m currently stuck with my thoughts and feelings and I don’t know how to word them that isn’t just a scream.
I love West. I loved him fully by the 50% mark, and I didn’t even know if he was going to be the love interest. At that point I’d hoped he be.
Ship captains y’all. A weakness. I love them.
Stoic, moody, seemingly hard ass ship captains.
I’m sunk.
And ugh, that moment under the water between him and Fable. Fuck yes.
And then his heartfelt speech.
*screams emotions*”
Forest of Firelight (The Riven Kingdoms #1) – Shari L. Tapscott
Paperback Finished: August 21, 2020
“[…] Regardless of it all, I loved this book. I’ve been mood reading because I needed to make reading fun again, and this book is just so much fun. I’m kind of hoping it takes a NA twist, like ACOTAR, but honestly, I’ll be fine if it doesn’t. It’s just a fun read that incorporates so many elements that I love in fantasy reads. There’s even almost a *one bed* scene in this book, and so many other cute moments between Rhys and Amalia. Rhys’ brother is probably my favorite character, besides Rhys. Really the whole cast of characters is great, and I cannot wait to see what happens next. The reveals that happen at the end of the book are like damn, and things are about to get some much more complicated and I need it to be August 28, now!”
Wrath of The Gods (The Titan’s Saga #2) – Leia Stone & Jaymin Eve
Paperback Finished: August 21, 2020
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 / GR
This was another mood read, and while I still really hate the inner thoughts as hashtags schtick this book has going on, it was still wholly enjoyable. I basically inhaled it, as I do with anything Greek God related. I wasn’t expecting the ending to go the way it did, and I’ve already ordered book 3, so that just needs to arrive. I wish this book had been a little longer, just because things seemed to happen or resolve kind of conveniently. But even with that being said, I’m all for shorter, quick, enjoyable mood reads – especially when they don’t take massive amounts of brain power.
Torn (A Wicked Trilogy #2) – Jennifer L. Armentrout
Paperback Finished: August 22, 2020
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 / GR
I’m still making my way through JLA’s backlist, because it’s about damn time I reread her older titles, and the Wicked Trilogy is no exception. I forgot basically everything that happened int his book, so it was pretty much like reading it for the first time. I’m still in love with Ren, Ivey is still a Bad Ass, and I’m still in love with Tink. This book starts and then it just keeps going and going and it doesn’t stop. It’s so good.
A Court of Wings and Ruin (A Court of Thorns and Roses #3) – Sarah J. Maas
Audiobook Finished: August 24, 2020
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / GR
I have one thought – Cassian and Nesta had better be fucking mates, or destined to be together in the next ACOTAR book, or I will riot.
I remember the first times I read this book; I wasn’t a Nesta fan at all. I loved the enemies to lover’s thing she and Cassian had going on, it was entertaining but I really didn’t like her character. Basically, I couldn’t forgive her for her treatment of Feyre. Now, now I’m invested, and I think Sarah is going to do her story justice. She’s been through so many traumatic things, that I’m looking forward to seeing her potentially come out of the dark place she’s in.
This book is still as good as the first time I read it, and I definitely teared up at work at a certain part.
Court of Shadows (Blade and Rose #3) – Miranda Honfleur
Audiobook Finished: August 26, 2020
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 / GR
This book is infuriating. But it’s also so incredibly good. I don’t really know what to say, since it’s the third book and so much could be a spoiler. But I will say that Rielle in this book is still trying to piece her life back together, trying to mold her life into something that isn’t what she wants. Brennan is an asshole, point blank. Jon needs a freaking hug. While I spent most of this book absolutely raging at Brennan and Rielle, narratively this book is phenomenal and very character driven. It keeps you keyed in and entertained.
As the Shadow Rises (The Age of Darkness #2) – Katy Rose Pool
eARC Finished: August 29, 2020
“[…] Jude’s internal struggle is probably my favorite part of this book. He has the most personal growth, and I loved seeing him come to terms and be honest with himself. The moment he really, truly makes that decision, and seeing him come into himself – so good, so satisfying.
Like in TWCAD, Katy’s writing brings this world, these characters to life. Despite my overall feelings, there were moments that I was on the edge of my seat, wholly invested and feeling what the characters felt. The world came to life in my mind.
I know that sounds like a contradiction to “I just feel kind of ‘meh’ about it” but I it’s the truth. My thoughts and feelings about this book are so conflicted. I think it does suffer a little bit from second book syndrome, but I think, mainly, my expectations were so high, and I was looking forward to it so much, that it had no chance in hell of actually living up to them.”
Queen of the Shining Sea (Blade and Rose #4) – Miranda Honfleur
Audiobook Finished: August 29, 2020
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.75 / GR
This book is *chef’s kiss*.
It’s probably my favorite in the series so far. Rielle has figured out who she is and what she wants. She still suffers from the events in By Dark Deeds and Court of Shadows but she’s found a purpose, her confidence and she’s realizing her worth.
Jon is also the best Supportive Love Interest. He’s made some incredibly dumb, and hurtful mistakes in the past, but he has only ever wanted what Rielle wants – what’s best for her, on her terms. Then there’s the ending, and I’m so annoyed the next book isn’t out yet, because what the fuck. So good.
No Man Can Tame (The Dark-Elves of Nightbloom #1) – Miranda Honfleur
Audiobook Finished: August 31, 2020
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / GR
I picked this up the second I realized that it takes place in the Blade and Rose universe, and if I couldn’t have the next book to that series, I’d settle for the next best thing.
This book was also really good and so enjoyable. My only complaint is that I wish it were longer. Oh, wait, and I wish book 2 were already out, because I need to know what happens next. I also really liked that the books line up, event wise. This book lines up with events that happen in Court of Shadows and Queen of the Shining Sea and it picks up after events in By Dark Deeds. Definitely recommend reading this.
Let me know what you read last month!
Writing The Universe 
Fable sounds SO amazing!! I’m glad you enjoyed it ❤️✨
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Oh it’s SO good! Highly recommend!
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Your reading list is so bad for my TBR! lol I just added the Blade and Rose series to my ever-growing list of books that I want to read. I think I read Wicked years ago, but I’m not sure. Sounds like I might need to do a re-read too! 🙂
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😈 sorry, not sorry!
Ooo, I hope you enjoy Blade and Rose! It’s a beast of a series, and deals with some heavier topics, but it’s *so good*. If you read and like Throne of Glass, you’ll like it.
And I definitely recommend a reread of Wicked. I’d forgotten just how good the book/series is. JLA is a Queen.
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