Hey there, everyone! I hope everyone had a great April! I finally met my goal of 11 books! Woohoo! I’m very proud of myself for being able to make more time to read this month. And, as far as reading went, it was a pretty good month

Anyway, how did everyone else do this past month? Meet any personal goals?

Infinity Alchemist

This was a delightful surprise. I loved the way the world-building went as well as the magic system brought to life here. What I also really enjoyed was the relationship between the three characters and the LGBTQ representation here. We have a bisexual character, a nonbinary character, as well as a transgender character, all forming emotional attachments to one another. It was brilliantly done, and the polyamorous relationship works because of those strong dynamics and even stronger development.

The Boyfriend Wish

This was a fun read. If you’re looking for something quick and lighthearted to read, this is definitely the book for you. It’s a romcom following two longstanding neighbors, frenemies, who have a longstanding prank war as old as their friendship. It really makes the reader think about love and what we’re looking for versus what has been right under our noses the whole time. There were times when the main MC was a little annoying, but overall a quick light read.

What Monstrous Gods

This was another very interesting read. I liked the play on religion here and the way the author talked about paganism as well as Christianity. Being pagan myself, the magic system here, the gods, the way the society was built around them, and what it means to be a saint was so well done. It is a thoughtful read, but those religious topics do play a heavy part in the storytelling. So, reader, be warned: if you’re not ready to talk about religion, maybe skip this one. I did love the romance that developed, however, and I loved how the author did not discount or discredit other religious beliefs, showing how they all matter to those who practice.

I Feed Her to the Beast and the Beast Is Me

Now, this was such a good book. First I have to say, I love the new cover for the paperback release, much more compelling than the original over. I still think the title is wordy, but that’s just me. Overall this book discusses race and the pressures to be perfect, especially in the world of ballet. Our character goes through so much, realizing what it means to be perfect and the cost of it, as well as discovering those toxic relationships. She grows throughout the story, leading to a satisfying conclusion but a gripping one as well. I am excited for the sequel, however.

The Someday Daughter

This was another unexpected delight. I have to thank the publisher one more time for giving me this novel. It focuses more on the turbulent relationship between mother and daughter and how the lack of communication can strain a relationship. It was a moving story and focused on the character’s development; how she sees her flaws and anxiety as not being able to live up to this image, her mom has created in her book. Very relatable.

The God of Endings

This was such an excellent novel. First of all, if you love Interview with a Vampire or The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue I guarantee you will love this book. This book is as if those two books have a wonderful blood-sucking baby. The main character is complex, having a complex life and living in the 1980s. She is a relatable character, going through life with her heart mostly guarded, trying not to get hurt. But she has forgotten to live. Until she meets young Leo at her preschool. Ugh, the story was so emotional, and the flashback chapters gave her so much character, exploring and explaining her current mindset. Such an amazing novel.

The Reappearance of Rachel Price

Now this was a wild ride. I have yet to read The Good Girls Guide to Murder (yes, I own it), so this is my first introduction to Holly Jackson’s work. First of all, she kept me guessing. I had my suspicions, but until the end, when everything came together, I was left in the dark. I didn’t know who to believe or trust. So I was hooked. Now I’m even more excited to read Good Girls Guide to Murder!

Edgewood

I get why Crimson Moth is on the bestseller list, especially if it was written anything like this. I will say the opening was a little slow, but the way the plot and story were unveiled, the way it developed, and the way the romance developed was so well done. I was invested in the characters and in the way the story developed. And that ending, well, that was emotional. But in a good way.

Your Blood, My Bones

This is another book I was pleasantly surprised by. First of all, I hated Kelly Andrews’s first book. Hate it, so if this hadn’t been the BN YA Book Club pick I probably would have stayed far away from it. However, I’m so glad I read it. It’s almost like this novel was written by a different person. The characters were well-developed, relatable, and memorable, and the story overall felt cohesive. Ugh, and that ending here, broke my heart a little bit. Worth the read, highly recommend.

The Silence of the Girls

This was such a moving and emotional story. I absolutely loved the way the story focuses on the women of Troy, how the way war changes them, and Achilles. This story is about the characters, it is about more than just a battle for Troy, a battle for Helen. I loved seeing the human element in the story, and it was gripping and quick-moving and drew me in.

Hearts Still Beating

This book reminded me so much of The Walking Dead. The world has basically come to an end after the infection known as the Ticks. It is a parasite that basically creates zombies. Another great month with a great zombie novel. I love how zombie books are making a comeback here. Focusing on Mara, a Tick that made someone human again, and Rory, the girl she loved before the end of the world, we see what it means to be a human and what it means to become a monster and lose hope. There is a lot going on in the novel, and it does have a slow start to it, but the connection between the characters is the driving point of the story. You become emotionally involved, which is a good thing and makes it worth reading.

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