Happy weekend, friends! It’s time for my Bite Size Reviews for the Week of 9/24. Besides working, I don’t have too much planned. So, I’m hoping to get some reading done this weekend! Granted, the weekend is generally when I get most of my reading done. Especially Saturday, when I’m done with work. Hoping the same will happen this weekend.
I’ll be officially starting books this weekend for the Supernatural-athon, which I posted about yesterday. I’m really excited for all the books I picked, and I think it will make it a great reading month! I thought I hadn’t done much reading this week, but I actually finished 9 books! I’ll attribute that to having last weekend off. Here’s what I finished this week!
Bite Size Reviews: Week of 9/24
The Times I Knew I Was Gay by Eleanor Crewes (9/24)
I actually posted a full review of this graphic novel last week, but I’ll include a bit about it here! This is a graphic memoir about Crewes’ journey coming out. What I liked about it was the art and the way Crewes talks about coming out. It’s a process, not a one time thing, and I think this is something that will really strike home with a lot of readers. Overall, it was really well done and I’m glad I got a chance to review it! (4 stars).
Raybearer by Jordan Ifueko (9/24)
Growing up in isolation, Tarisai is desperate for the warmth and love of a family. Raised by The Lady, Tarisai is sent to the capitol to compete for a position on the emperor’s council. However, if she makes it, she’s to assassinate the new prince. When Tarisai gets there, she decides she doesn’t want to be someone’s pawn. But can she forge her own path? This is such a unique fantasy novel, and I was engrossed right from the beginning. The world building was immaculate, and even though it covers a lot of time, I came to really care for the characters by the end. If you’re looking for a new fantasy, definitely pick this one up! (5 stars).
The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab (9/27)
This is another book I already posted a review for, but I’m going to take every moment to gush about this book! It might be one of the most beautifully written books I’ve read this year. There were so many lines that just strike home, and the emotions throughout the book really brought you on a journey. Plus, Schwab just filled this entire book with a sense of longing. It’s a masterpiece that everyone should pick up when it comes out next week (5 stars).
Skyhunter by Marie Lu (9/27)
Oh, another review book. Man, I wrote more reviews this week than I realized. And there are more to come! I’m almost caught up on my Net Galley books, though. This is a new series from Marie Lu that promises to be another hit. A lot of the themes and messages in this book strike home to current issues in society. Plus, I was impressed with the way that Lu incorporated sign language into the book. Proof that it can be done (4 stars).
The Voting Booth by Brandy Colbert (9/28)
Marva has been ready for the day she can vote for her whole life. Duke is ready to get the election over with. When Marva witness Duke having problems voting on election day, she decides to help him get things straightened out. As they spend more time together, they realize there might just be a connection there. As election season is upon us, the voter suppression issues brought up in this book are really important. There’s also great chemistry between Marva and Duke throughout; I was rooting for them right from the beginning (4 stars).
Agnes at the End of the World by Kelly McWilliams (9/29)
Agnes grew up in Red Creek, which to her, was peaceful. What she didn’t realize is that Red Creek is a cult. Her only contact with the outside is with a nurse to get insulin for her brother. When a virus breaks out across the world, Agnes realizes that her life may have been built on a lie. A viral pandemic hits a little too close to home in this book. But, that’s not the reason that I felt a bit lukewarm about it. There’s a supernatural element that just didn’t really work for me. Also be warned, it’s a pretty heavily religious book, even though it doesn’t seem like it from the summary (3 stars).
The Lost Book of the White by Cassandra Clare (9/29)
Magnus Bane and Alec Lightwood have life pretty good. At least, until two warlocks break into their apartment and steal the Book of the White, and stab Magnus with some strange magic. Now, they have to get the book back before it’s too late. While I love Magnus and Alec (they’re my favorite), there were too many other characters in this book. Jace and Clary got their own series! Let’s focus on Magnus and Alec more, please. I want all the Magnus and Alec moments! The audiobook narrator also did a weird accent for Jem that pulled me out of the story. There are a lot of narrators for the Shadowhunter books, and he’s definitely not my favorite (4 stars).
Early Departures by Justin A. Reynolds (10/1)
After a freak accident, Jamal’s (ex) best friend Q is brought back to life with new reanimation technology. What Q doesn’t know that he’s eventually going to die again. Jamal, however, uses this as a chance to make amends to Q, to reignite their relationship. But will he have enough time before Q dies again? This reminded me of a Adam Silvera book. Mostly real, with one thing that isn’t. This book looks at death and life and what living really means. Also how to deal with grief. There were also pieces of this book that almost read like poetry. While the timeline is a bit difficult to figure out at the beginning, once you’re in, it’s difficult to put down (4 stars).
I’ll Be the One by Lyla Lee (10/2)
Skye Shin is ready to prove the world wrong. As a fat girl, she’s been told all her life she shouldn’t dance or call attention to herself. But she’s ready to show them she has what it takes by auditioning for a television competition based on K-Pop. What she doesn’t expect is to fall for one of the competition. This is such a great, upbeat book that is just what I needed right now! Full of body positivity, great representation, and a cute love story. What’s not to like? I’m not really a fan of K-Pop, but you don’t really need to be to enjoy this book. It’s a fun storyline that isn’t done much in YA, which definitely makes it stand out (4 stars).