So, I finished 7 books in May and am still working my way through a few I started.
Books Read in May
A Court of Frost and Starlight by Sarah J Maas: 3 stars
Stalking Jack the Ripper by Keri Maniscalco: 4 stars
The Crowns of Croswald by D. E. Night: 4 stars
King’s Cage by Victoria Aveyard (audiobook/reread): 4 stars
Rock-A-Bye Baby by L.R.W. Lee (ARC): 3.5 stars
Simon vs The Homo Sapiens Agenda by Beck Albertalli (audiobook): 3 stars
Kill the Farm Boy by Delilah S. Dawnson and KEvin Hearne (ARC): 2.5 stars
May Mini Reviews
A Court of Frost and Starlight by Sarah J Maas: I struggled with rating this one. I knew going into the book it was a bridge book and I thought it was a great bridge book. However, some of it just didn’t work for me. I did like seeing more glimpses of the Illyrian camps and the Inner circle and can’t wait to see what else the series has instore.
Stalking Jack the Ripper by Keri Maniscalco: I really enjoyed this book. I did figure out who “The Ripper” was extremely early, but Maniscalco had me hoping the other clues and misdirection were right (never have I wanted to be so wrong). I did get a bit lost in some of her descriptions, though I’m not sure if that’s on her or me since I studied abroad in London and kept trying to gain my bearings (and yes, I know somethings have changed). It is a great novel and I can’t wait to read more of the series.
The Crowns of Croswald by D. E. Night: Full Disclosure: I recieved a copy of this book from Stories Untold Press for an honest review (the full review can be found on my goodreads). This was such a fun story. I absolutely hate comparing things to Harry Potter (because it is done too often and for super tiny similarities), but this book held that same magic and I felt so nostalgic while reading it. That being said, this book is so unique and I absolutely loved the magic system. I want the next book NOW!
King’s Cage by Victoria Aveyard (audiobook/reread): I really enjoy the Red Queen Series, and this reread reminded me of that. Yes it feels like it drags at times, and yes I do prefer some characters more than others. I actually liked Evangeline a lot more this time around and Erin Spencer is probably my favorite narrator of the series. When I originally read the book I didn’t know there was a fourth book so I just didn’t know what to do with the ending. Now though I’m absolutely terrified to read War Storm since “anyone can betray anyone” and I assume that means Aveyard too.
Rock-A-Bye Baby by L.R.W. Lee: Full Disclosure: I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review. This is actually a prequel to Lullaby; however, you should read it afterwords. I really enjoy the premise of the books and the world building, there are just somethings that I don’t like about it (stylistically). If you’re unfamiliar with The Sand Maiden Series, I’m planning on doing a full series review.
Simon vs The Homo Sapiens Agenda by Beck Albertalli: Oh goodness. I have heard nothing but good things about this book and I think that was the problem. I really didn’t know much about the book other than it was adorable, so the first scene of the book and the language just threw me for a loop. I don’t seem to enjoy contemporaries and I never liked high school drama so the odds were already stacked against it. I also figured out who “Blue” was way earlier than I think I should have so I kept getting frustrated with Simon. I really wanted to love this book, but for me it fell flat due to the predictability of the narrative.
Kill the Farm Boy by Delilah S. Dawnson and Kevin Hearne (ARC):One of my bookstagram buddies sent me a copy when she finished reading it. I still haven’t decided how to rate this book, but I’m leaning towards 2.5 stars. I have very mixed feelings about it. I will post my thoughts closer to it’s release date.
Summary
Book I enjoyed the most: This is a tie between Stalking Jack the Ripper and The Crowns of Croswald.
Book I enjoyed the least: Kill the Farm Boy. I had such high hopes for this novel.
Still Reading
I mentioned I was still reading some books I started in May, those are Nevernight, The Dire King, and Prey. So I thought I’d include my current thoughts.
Nevernight by Jay Kristoff: I absolutely love this, and don’t want to go into too many details because I will be posting a full review at a later date.
The Dire King by William Ritter: I quite like the Jackaby series, but I started liking it less and less as the series progressed. The best way to put it was thinking you got on a small roller coaster, but after the ride has started realized you’re on a really big one. I do really like the characters; I’m just not sure how this series is going to tie up nicely, let alone this book.
Prey by Michael Crichton: Do NOT pick this as your first book by Crichton. I’m listening to the audiobook and I think the big problem is the narrator, but I haven’t found any of the characters likable (except maybe Ricky) and at times they are just too stupid to live and often really annoying. I’m only finishing it at this point because it’s a “buddy listen” with my dad.
How many books did you read in May? What were your most loved and most disappointing reads?