August Wrap Up

I haven’t done a month summary before, but August has been a wonderfully busy book month, so it seemed like a good month to try it with. I’ve reviewed most of the books I’ve read across the month right here. I don’t include the books I’ve read for reviews elsewhere in my countdown normally, but I’ll be counting them on this post.

Mexican Gothic – Silvia Moreno-Garcia
My first read of August was the brilliant Mexican Gothic. A superb, atmospheric read, it was an incredible Gothic world to get lost in. I really enjoyed this book, and have recommended it to endless people since. Literally, every time anyone – in person or online – has asked for a book recommendation recently, this has been my go to. A real must read for 2020.

Rivers of London – Ben Aaronovitch
Next, Rivers of London. This magical realism managed to capture my imagination; the perfect blend between the fantastical worlds I’ve been losing myself in lately while also keeping its roots firmly placed in modern London. It was humorous, energetic and enjoyable. I’ve since bought the rest of the series, and will happily devour them over the coming months.

A Court of Mist and Fury – Sarah J. Maas
I was always going to come back to this book, as it really has become of of my comfort reads. When one of the August Readathon challenges was enemies to lovers as a trope, I knew that a reread was in order. A Court of Mist and Fury is just a brilliant book, both alone and as part of the series, and in my opinion is the best of the series.

A Court of Wings and Ruin – Sarah J. Maas
AND naturally, once I’d finished ACOMAF, I moved onto A Court of Wings and Ruin. I’m sure I mentally ticked off one of the reading challenge boxes as justification, but it was a natural thing to do. The first part of the book is probably my favourite, because it picks up right where the last book leaves off, and that’s basically all I want in my life. And Rhysand.

Ignite the Sun – Hanna Howard
I read this as part of a blog tour, but found myself really enjoying it. The story of how a girl grows up without the sun, scared of the Darkness she is supposed to love is a powerful one, with loveable characters and powerful moments, that blended together to make a wonderfully readable young adult novel.

The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones – Cassandra Clare
I jumped into the first Shadow Hunters book without hesitation, and read it very quickly. In the space of one book it introduced a wide range of characters that could easily cover the series I know is ahead of me. I bought The Mortal Instruments collection in one purchase, ready to dive into, and will be enjoying them for the time to come.

These Witches Don’t Burn – Isabel Sterling
Another book trending the line between magical realism and the every day, These Witches Don’t Burn was a wonderfully absorbing read. It was a well balanced book, keeping the level between engaging and relaxing, and I bought the second book before I had even finished the first one.

A Curse So Dark and Lonely – Brigid Kemmerer
Retellings have become a whole popular genre in recent years rather than just the odd book, and this book is a beautiful one among them. Based on Beauty and the Beast, it tells the story of an 18 year old prince, trying to break the curse set on him by an evil witch. Harper, 16, gets drawn into his world by sheer chance, and the story moves and full pace from there. It’s a lovely book.

The Inheritance Games – Jennifer Lynn Barnes
Avery has just been focused on working on getting through high school when her life changes at a will reading she was requested to attend… for a billionaire she never met. She’s been left his entire fortune, but she has no idea why, and is determined to find out. I absolutely couldn’t put this down. You can find my blog piece kicking off the blog tour here.

This Coven Won’t Break – Isabel Sterling
The sequel to These Witches Don’t Burn, I automatically needed this book in my life, and was so pleased when it arrived before the end of the month. With just two days left in August I squeezed it in to read, mostly because I was excited to read it, and also because I am hugely impatient. This book didn’t disappoint, and I can’t wait to review it.

Alongside this I read several books for review of NetGalley, most notably The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue, which I can’t review until its release month of October but was such a stunning book. I can’t wait to share my thoughts.

As you can see, I very much veered away from my planned reading of the month, but at the same time, I read some really wonderful books. It’s always a bit funny when reading plans go out of the window, and I highly admire people who are capable of writing themselves a list and sticking to it entirely. I try and try but I just am not one of them. We’ll see how I get on this month!! Either way, August was a wonderful book-related month, and je ne regrette rein.