This year is truly flying by and I desperately need it to slow down, haha. July was a fairly busy month. I took a variety of aerial silks classes, which has been a lot of fun (and not a little painful 🤣) and I'm loving learning so many new things. I also got to visit with my two nieces when they came to visit (and my sister and brother-in-law, but let's be honest, the nieces were the stars) which was wonderful. I'm honestly not usually much of a kid person, but wow can I not get enough of those two! I'm really glad I've had some positives to lighten the harder times I've been having lately, and I've very grateful for all the books and bloggers that bring joy to my life as well.
And speaking of books... I did pretty well in July! I didn't get to all the ones I meant to, but if I'm managing even one book then I'm happy. I also did not get out nearly as many reviews as I meant to this month, which I don't feel great about, but I'm already working on some for August releases and have high hopes that August will be better. Some highlights from this past month's reading are Gods of the Wyrdwood, Black Tide, and Into the Great Emptiness, all of which are different genres and were all fantastic books.
So, how was your July? What books did you read? Let me know in the comments and feel free to link your own wrap-ups (or any posts, really!), and I hope you all have a wonderful August!
Gods of the Wyrdwood by R.J. Barker
Source: Publisher | Format: Physical ARC
Thoughts: R.J. Barker never ceases to amaze me with the worlds he creates. This was such a unique and imaginative world and I really enjoyed getting to know Cahan and follow him on his journeys. Looking forward to seeing where this series goes.
Black Tide by K.C. Jones
Source: NetGalley | Format: eARC
Thoughts: I was hooked on this in ways I haven't been hooked on a book in ages. I absolutely loved it, excerpt for one thing that made me more upset than I've felt in a book in ages AND because I'm frustrated about the ending. I liked the ending, but I'm also frustrated.
Into the Great Emptiness: Peril and Survival on the Greenland Ice Cap by David Roberts
Source: Library | Format: Audiobook
Thoughts: I'm shocked I hadn't heard more about Gino Watkins before this book! I really enjoyed reading about his life and explorations, as well as all the other people we learn about. It is such a tragedy that such a promising explorer died so young.
Camp Damascus by Chuck Tingle
Source: Publisher | Format: Physical ARC
Thoughts: This was a pretty fun horror that kept me entertained and one I'd recommend for a great summer read.
Every Rising Sun by Jamila Ahmed
Source: NetGalley | Format: Audiobook
Thoughts: This is a beautiful retelling of One Thousand and One Nights, focusing on Shaherazade. If you love stories and beautiful writing, you should check this one out as I think it's been severely overlooked. I listened to the audiobook version of this one and the narrator is incredible.
My Name is Iris by Brando Skyhorse
Source: Publisher | Format: Physical ARC
Thoughts: This was a highly anticipated read for me, but unfortunately it fell pretty flat.
The Island by Natasha Preston
Source: NetGalley | Format: eARC
Thoughts: This was quite the thriller! I love a locked room mystery, so having this take place on a secluded island that also has an amusement park was super fun. I do wish a bit more had been done with setting, but I still had a great time. That ending was brutal, though, and I'm guessing that's why this book has such low overall ratings.
I Keep My Exoskeletons to Myself by Marisa Crane
Source: Library | Format: Audiobook
Thoughts: I have a review up for this one now! I liked it, but found it did ramble a bit in some areas. I really enjoyed the premise, though!
The Sinister Secrets of Singe by Sean Ferrell
Source: Publisher | Format: Physical ARC
Thoughts: This was a super fun middle grade that played with some really interesting ideas and was full of adventure.
A Touch of Darkness by Scarlett St. Claire
Source: Library | Format: Audiobook
Thoughts: This was such a fun concept and world to me. Of course, it's not perfect and it felt like a very standard plot, but I really enjoyed exploring these characters and the world. It felt like the author really had fun and used a lot of imagination.
Lords of Pain by Angel Lawson
Source: Library | Format: Audiobook
Thoughts: I checked this out after seeing it recommended many times for fans of the darker side, and I didn't particularly care for it, but it was an interesting concept nonetheless.
DNF/To-Be-Finished:
The Fascination by Essie Fox
I absolutely plan to finish this book, I just wasn't feeling it at the moment and wanted to save it for a fall read when I will hopefully be more in the mood for it. But I did read the first couple chapters and think I'm going to really enjoy it, so I look forward to revisiting this one.
Posts:
(other than reviews)
Can't-Wait Wednesday:
I'm glad you had such a great visit with your nieces! My nieces and nephews bring so much joy to my life, and it's so fun seeing them interact with Henry now.
ReplyDeleteI'm curious to read your review of Black Tide. I loved it except for the ending too, I'm sure it was for a similar reason!
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