Well… I did it again.

I set a 20-book reading goal, looked at that goal with complete confidence at the beginning of the month, and then proceeded to read 15 books instead. Technically, that’s one more book than I read in April, but honestly? I’m not upset about it.

May was packed with some fantastic fantasy novels, cozy mysteries, graphic novels, and a few unexpected surprises that completely won me over. Some books left me desperate for sequels, some left me wanting a little more, and a few became standout reads of the month. Overall, it was another great month of reading, even if my 20-book goal continues to exist purely as a form of self-inflicted torture.

So let’s get into everything I read this month 📖✨

Kingdom of Waves

Melissa de la Cruz’s storytelling remains incredibly addictive. I flew through this novel thanks to its engaging characters, accessible writing style, and thoughtful exploration of colonialism and cultural erasure. The cliffhanger ending was absolutely brutal, and while I enjoyed the romance, I wish there had been more development leading up to the kiss. Even so, I was thoroughly invested from beginning to end.

Tristan and the Majesteria

Unfortunately, this cozy fantasy didn’t quite work for me. While the mice were adorable and the premise had potential, the story felt far too long for a cozy fantasy. The romance lacked impact, the adventure felt surprisingly limited, and the promised queer elements never felt fully realized. It wasn’t bad, but it never quite found the charm I was hoping for.

To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before: The Graphic Novel

This was a delightful surprise. As someone who genuinely loves the Netflix adaptation, I enjoyed finally experiencing the story in another format. The artwork was charming and captured the heart of the original story beautifully, making for a quick and enjoyable read.

The Chowder House Murder

Now this is how you do a cozy mystery. The novel perfectly balances slice-of-life storytelling with an engaging murder mystery. Maggie, Jill, and Audrey make a fantastic trio, and the mystery itself kept the story moving while still allowing plenty of room for character development. This was an absolute joy to read, and I’ll definitely be looking for more in the series.

Champion of Fate & Warrior of Legend

I loved how different this duology felt compared to Kendare Blake’s other work. The characterization, romance, and plot development all came together beautifully. That ending, however, left me wanting more. The story concludes in a way that feels both satisfying and heartbreakingly open-ended, and I would happily pick up a third book if one ever appeared.

All We Hunger For

Imagine The Great British Bake Off colliding with the French Revolution and then adding fantasy. That’s All We Hunger For. The dual perspectives worked wonderfully, the character development was strong, and the baking magic brought something genuinely fresh to the genre. Watching food and cooking become tools of rebellion made this one of the most unique fantasy novels I’ve read recently.

Twelve

This novel surprised me in the best possible way. What initially felt predictable quickly transformed into something much more interesting. I especially loved the combination of astrology and witchcraft, where magical abilities are tied to zodiac signs. The ending leaves the door open for a sequel, but it also works perfectly well as a standalone.

The Stars Are Dying

I enjoyed this book, even if I didn’t completely fall in love with it. The lore is fascinating, the competition setting is compelling, and the unique vampire mythology stood out immediately. While Astrea felt somewhat flat for much of the novel, her lack of memories provides context for that characterization. As more of her past resurfaces, I can already see her becoming a stronger protagonist, which leaves me excited for the rest of the series.

The Executioner Prince

This ended up being a much stronger read than I anticipated. Dark romantasy can be hit-or-miss for me, but this one held my attention throughout. Harrow and Thorne’s relationship was fascinating, often giving me Louis and Lestat vibes. My only real criticism is that I wanted more structure and clarity within the mythology and magic system.

Dragonborn

My kids loved this one, and honestly, so did I. The story tackles grief, fear, and courage in a way that’s accessible for younger readers while still being genuinely entertaining. The pacing is excellent, the plot twists are effective, and the misdirection keeps readers engaged. I wasn’t particularly fond of Alex’s mother, but the story itself more than made up for it.

Verity Guild

This novel completely hooked me. The Roman-inspired atmosphere, the isolated conclave trapped by a snowstorm, and the sudden string of deaths created serious And Then There Were None energy. The mystery, pacing, and worldbuilding all worked together to create an incredibly addictive read. I’m very curious to see where the sequel goes next.

Voidwalker

One of my favorite reads of the month. Fionamara’s journey through guilt, trauma, and self-discovery was compelling from start to finish. The pacing never let up, and the relationship between Fi and Antal developed naturally through banter, friendship, and eventual romance. Their growth as individuals made every emotional beat land even harder.

The Strength of a Few

This book is ambitious in every sense of the word. The multiple realms, complex political dynamics, and interconnected storylines create an incredibly rich experience, though one that occasionally requires extra attention. I found the immersive reading experience especially helpful here because there is simply so much happening. The Red Rising vibes remain strong, and I’m completely invested in where the series goes next.

Cardcaptor Sakura Collector’s Edition Vol. 8

At this point, I feel like a broken record whenever I talk about Cardcaptor Sakura. The artwork remains gorgeous, the storytelling is endlessly charming, and the characters continue to be delightful. It’s sweet, nostalgic, and consistently wonderful.

While I didn’t hit my 20-book goal, reading 15 books is still a pretty great month. Between standout fantasy reads like Voidwalker, Verity Guild, and All We Hunger For, alongside cozy favorites like The Chowder House Murder, May delivered plenty of memorable stories. Now the real question is whether I’ll finally learn my lesson and stop setting a 20-book goal every month.

Spoiler alert: I probably won’t.

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