It’s the last week of January! Or at least, next week is. It kind of feels like January has gone on for forever. Though, it always feels like that this time of year because winter. Winter always makes the months seem longer. However, next month is my birthday, so I also have that to look forward to! I actually did a ton of reading for the Week of 1/16; I finished 9 books! Reading at the desk at work always brings up my numbers so much.
I have two books left on my TBR for January, and I think I can do it! I’m partway through one, and the other is an ARC to review. I have faith I can finish both of them by the end of the month!
Bite Size Reviews: Week of 1/16
Fence Vol. 2 by C.S. Pacat (1/16)
Nick Cox is determined to prove himself to the world of fencing by making it on the team at Kings Row. However, it quickly becomes apparent that he hasn’t had the right training. But he doesn’t care; he’s still going to prove them by beating Seiji, the highest ranked fencer. I love this comic series! The characters are so fun and I enjoy the tension the fencing matches creating. They really make for fun reads! (4 stars)
Fence Vol. 3 by C.S. Pacat (1/16)
We pick up Nick’s story as they come to the end of tryouts for the team. Everything is riding on the last few matches for Nick, and as long as he does well, he can stay on the team and stay at the school. I can really see why these are so popular around Instagram because they really suck you in. Plus, there’s a novel out now and I can’t wait to try that, too! (4 stars)
The Talk by Wade Hudson (1/17)
This is a collection of short essays, poems, and stories from diverse, award winning children’s authors. All about the conversations they have to have with their children about difficulties they’ll face in life, because of their religion, race, sexuality, or gender. Each story is powerful in its own way, and even though it’s a short read, it makes an impact. This would be a great starting point for any tough conversation to have with kids (5 stars).
The Dark Matter of Mona Starr by Laura Lee Gulledge (1/17)
Sometimes, it’s difficult for Mona Starr to make connections with people. When her closest (and only) friend moves to Hawaii, she doesn’t know how to cope with her matter (her depression) without him. This graphic novel is her journey working through that. I’ll admit, right off the bat, I didn’t love the illustration style. There are also some problematic elements of the story itself. I wanted better discussion of the mental health included throughout. I was honestly expecting a bit more from this book (3 stars)
The Inheritance Games by Jennifer Lynn Barnes (1/19)
When Avery Grambs is suddenly left a fortune by billionaire Tobias Hawthorne, she doesn’t know what to do with it. The only terms of her getting the fortune is to live in the mansion for a year. But that proves difficult when his grandsons come around. Because if there is one thing the Hawthornes are known for, it’s their games. This is certainly a fast-paced mystery that will keep you on your toes. There isn’t a lot of character development, so I’m hoping that’s being saved for book 2. A fun, quick read if you’re looking for a new mystery! (3.5 stars)
The Project by Courtney Summers (1/19)
I already wrote a full review for this, so just a few quick thoughts here! Courtney Summers is the queen of dark, emotional mysteries, and that’s definitely on display here. She sucks you in at the beginning and keeps you guessing until the end. What’s true about the Project and what isn’t? Definitely pick this up in February to find out! (4.5 stars)
Who I Was With Her by Nita Tyndell (1/20)
Corinne is bisexual, but she isn’t ready for anyone to know that. So when her girlfriend Maggie suddenly dies in a car accident, she doesn’t know how to grieve. She doesn’t have anyone to talk to about her. Maybe she doesn’t even have a future without her. This is definitely an emotional book, given the subject matter. Tyndell touches on a lot of points that I think high schoolers feel, especially when it comes to coming out. She captures Corinne’s story so beautifully, and even though it’s emotional, it’s definitely a great read (4 stars).
Graceling by Kristin Cashore (1/21)
Katsa is a Graceling, which is someone with a special power. Her power is the ability to kill people–she’s been able to kill men with her bare hands since she was 8. All she knows is being the king’s thug, until she meets Prince Po. With him, she learns there is something more sinister going on in their kingdom. And it’s up to them to stop it. I haven’t read this book since I was in high school, and I was happy that it still really connected with me. There’s a new book that just came out in this series last week, and I’m trying to get back into this world. Luckily, Cashore makes it an easy one to jump back into, with great characters and great world building. It’s still one of my favorites! (5 stars)
Fable by Adrienne Young (1/22)
Fable is the daughter of the most powerful trader in the Narrows. He’s also the one who left her on an island after her mother drowned. And now, Fable is planning on fighting her way back to get what’s rightfully hers. The beginning of this book starts out so promising, but it loses something halfway through it. I guess there are some things that just come too easily to Fable and her new crewmates. But there is definitely a cliffhanger, so I’m for sure invested enough to see what happens next (3.5 stars).