Happy July 1st Stackers! To begin this month, Here is what I read in the month of June. I read 7 books from an array of different genres. I will also insert some small thoughts I had on what I read, and link their synopsis to see if they are of any interest to you!
1. Of Jade and Dragons by Amber Chen
Genre: YA Fantasy
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Release Date: June 18th, 2024
This was an eARC given by Viking Books for Young Readers at Penguin Random House
Ok. Let me just address the fact that Mulan is the SUPERIOR Disney heroine, princess, whichever you would like to call her. So when I read the synopsis for this book, I thought “ok cool! Mulan but make it STEM // Engineering. Let’s read it!” But Oh my, GOODNESS. I underestimated this so much and it overdelivered in the best way possible???
Overall, a great debut book and take on the tale of Mulan. I am eager to know what direction this series will take next!
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/199087657-of-jade-and-dragons?ref=nav_sb_ss_1_19
2. Dream Walker by Brittany Gossin
Genre: YA Fantasy
Rating: 3.75 out of 5 stars
Release Date: July 2nd, 2024
This was an eARC given by Brittany Gossin
DreamWalker is a fast paced fantasy debut with a good mix of elements that encompass YA fantasy. Stories involving the Astral Realm, Nightmares, and Dreams run very few and far between within YA, and it felt like this book was a breathe of fresh air! I will say by page 29, I got hooked solely because of the pacing and dramatic character introductions (always love me some of that in the beginning of any book). Themes of magic, romance, mystery, found family, and of course, betrayal were done nicely and were progressive throughout the plot.
This was one of the first idnependently published books I have read too so which was exciting!
3. The Mountain Is You by Brianna Wiest
Genre: Self-Help and Growth
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
This one has truly changed my life and perspective on how I view myself and how I wish to keep living moving forward. It has virtually helped stop my overthinking, and provides so many wonderful tools on how you can learn, grow, and master your inner self. Brianna is wise beyond her years and provides so much value in living with what you have right now, instead of what you don't. A philiosophical masterpiece!
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/53642699-the-mountain-is-you?ref=nav_sb_ss_1_19
4. My Life with The Walter Boys by Ali Novak
Genre: YA Contemporary Fiction
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
The first time I ever heard of this was seeing the trailer for the Netflix series while browsing what to watch next. I watched it about halfway through out of curiosity, stopped, and then I decided to pick up the book.
It was a super easy read and if you're in need of something sweet and short to read during the summer, or rather any time of the year you're craving some innocent high school love, this is definitely for you!
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13580846-my-life-with-the-walter-boys?ref=nav_sb_ss_1_20
5. Every Last Word by Tamara Ireland Stone
Genre: YA Contemporary Fiction
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
I finally got around to reading this book after having it on my TBR stack for so long (I think since it's release year in 2015). Funny enough, I got a copy of this at a free book fair this year too.
This dives deep into OCD and what's it's like to experience when you're a teenager. Fair warning, this read is quite heavy for the genre but it is understandable why in every aspect. The writing, style, overall plot, and characters were all done really well!
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23341894-every-last-word?ref=nav_sb_ss_1_15
6. We Were Liars by E. Lockheart
Genre: YA Contemporary Fiction
Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
This was the best YA book of 2014 and I am still trying to understand how.
There was slow and confusing writing for the beginning of this one. Yet as the plot unfolded, you find it to be more like pieces of a puzzle you're putting together. The characters are vague in development, and seem to be bored and depressed with their lives with not much excitement happening. I will be honest, I have like 70ish pages left and still awaiting the wow factor by the end.
And FINALLY,
7. A Song To Drown Rivers by Ann Liang
Genre: Adult Historical Fiction
Rating: 5 out 5 stars
Release Date: October 1st, 2024
I was given this e-ARC by NetGalley and DelRey Books (Penguin Random House) to read in exchange for an honest review.
This was a tragically beautiful and captivating tale depicting a Chinese Beauty who is trained to seduce and manipulate her way into bringing a Kingdom to its destruction.
Need I say anymore about it?
The writing was hypnotically beautiful and haunting, and the plot, subplots, and characters are all superb in this. I am a firm believer that this is going to come out as one of the best books of 2024, and I would highly recommend it to everyone!
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/203578730-a-song-to-drown-rivers?ref=nav_sb_ss_1_22
Awesome list. How do you pick the books you read?
I usually pick my reads based on what I have had on my TBR list, physical books I have on hand, e-reads, and Advance Reader Copies based on their release dates and when to write reviews!
Usually about 5-8 books a week ☺️
i meant to say a month 😂🤣
Fast voracious reader
I read this book "The Mountain Is You by Brianna Wiest". Amazing book
It is so good!!!
Do you think it was tailored for women? Do men have a different reaction or review?
definitely suits everyone i think!
Thanks for the share! I just ordered the Mountain is You. Honestly in my life I need to stop overthinking and just start DOING! :)
I really hope you enjoy it! I read this on my kindle and highlighted every other page because of how wise her words are!
I like your enthusiastic reviews. Bring on the energy!