Books Read: 8
Pages Read: 2699
Average Rating: 3.9/5
Siege and Storm – Leigh Bardugo 3/5
Ruin and Rising – Leigh Bardugo 4/5
I started out the month by completing The Grisha Trilogy. I enjoyed the character growth, and seeing Alina learn more about her magic. I loved the introduction of Nikolai, and what he added to the story. I wasn’t super engaged as I read the trilogy, and don’t think I’ll ever re-read the books, but it was a decent YA fantasy series.
Six of Crows – Leigh Bardugo 4/5
Having made my way through the trilogy, I moved on Bardugo’s Six of Crows duology, set in the same world. As with the trilogy, I struggled to get into the book, though it was well-written and the story was unique. It follows Kaz Brekker and his gang who attempt a heist for a large reward. I loved having multiple perspectives and the way each of the character’s backstories were woven into the narrative, providing understanding of why they are the way they are. The characters are all flawed, and I loved seeing how they interacted and grew through the events of the book.
Crooked Kingdom – Leigh Bardugo 5/5
I loved this book. It made me aware that a book doesn’t have to be a quick read to receive 5 stars. The story takes off where Six of Crows left off. There is further growth in each of the characters and their relationships, and each of them learn to use their strengths to help their cause. I love that the plot keeps taking twists when you don’t expect. It involves revenge, ingenuity, and a little romance. Wonderful.
Barefoot – Sharon Garlough Brown 4/5
Onto something a little different: Christian fiction. This series is really beautiful, as Brown weaves in spiritual truths to the lives of four women. It paints a lovely picture of Christian friendship, realistically showing how we can grow through different life circumstances. Life is messy, but God is with us in the midst of it. This was both an uplifting and a heartbreaking read.
In the Quiet – Eliza Henry Jones 4/5
Cate has passed away, and yet this book is told from her perspective as she watches her family cope with her sudden death. The book is broken up into short sections (usually a page or so long), as Cate sees different situations and also recalls memories. At first this made the story seem stilted, but I quickly adjusted to the writing style. I appreciate that this book was set in rural Australia, and realistically shows how different people experience grief, and how families are affected by death.
All we Shall Know – Donal Ryan 3/5
I wanted to like this more than I did. It is told in the form of Melody’s weekly diary entries during her pregnancy. The child is not her husband’s. We follow her as she copes with different relationships, particularly with young Mary. Teaching Mary to read gives Melody a sense of purpose. It was okay, but I think maybe the premise made it hard for me to enjoy Ryan’s writing.
Ms Marvel: No Normal – G Willow Wilson, Adrian Alphona 4/5
My first graphic novel! I’d been wanting something different, and this delivered. I loved having a quick, comic-style read which had an interesting story-line and beautiful illustrations. Kamala is a Muslim teenager living in America who takes on an identity as Ms Marvel. We see her trying to comprehend her new abilities, and juggle this with relationships with her family and friends. I really enjoyed the experience! Only thing is that being such a quick read I don’t know that the story will stay with me for long.
I loved having more variety in my reading this month. Onto November!
Advertisements Share this:
