Hello friends! Somehow, April is almost over already. Next weekend is May! I just have two books left on my TBR list for this month, so I think I can finish them. I also have a lot of books to review in the next two months, so stay tuned for that! I’ve started sharing my reviews on Instagram as well, so if you follow me there, you’ll get my views twice. Anyway, for the week of 4/17, I read 8 books! Overall, a pretty great reading week for me.
Bite Size Reviews: Week of 4/17
Five Dark Fates by Kendare Blake (4/17)
Definitely an epic conclusion to this series! We pick up pretty much where the last book left off, with Arsinoe trying to figure out what the old queens want and Mirabella gone. This one is a bit more fast paced than the previous books, though I’m still not sure that we needed four books. I can see why this book series got so much hype, though! Definitely fascinated characters (3 stars).
Mary: The Adventures of Mary Shelley’s Great-Great-Great-Great-Great Granddaughter by Brea Grant (4/18)
Mary has grown up in a family of writers, but she doesn’t think that’s what she wants to do. When she suddenly brings a frog back to life in school, she realizes that she might have a different path than everyone else. I loved the concept of this, even if the panels themselves got a bit wordy at times. There was some great art here, too! (3 stars).
Lightfall: The Girl and the Galdurian by Tim Probert (4/18)
Bea lives with the wise Pig Wizard, content in their life. When he suddenly disappears, Bea meets Cad, who offers to help her find him. This middle grade graphic novel has absolutely breathtaking artwork. Seriously, it’s gorgeous. The characters and the story help to support this art, fully engrossing you in this epic adventure (4.5 stars).
Ruin and Rising by Leigh Bardugo (4/18)
The conclusion to the Shadow and Bone trilogy, and probably my favorite of the trilogy! There are some plot twists in here that make the book all the more exciting. While I still prefer Six of Crows to this one, I liked the way Bardugo wrapped this up. A lot of action, a lot of magic, and some great romance (4 stars).
In Deeper Waters by FT Lukens (4/20)
I already wrote a review for this, so just a few notes here. While some of the world building could have been a bit stronger in this book, I absolutely loved the characters and the romance. That’s what this book has going for it. It’s a magical sea adventure featuring a prince who finally has the courage to be himself. What more could you ask for in a YA fantasy? (3.5 stars).
Between Perfect and Real by Ray Stoeve (4/22)
Another one that I wrote a review for this week! This is a quick read, but also an important one. Stoeve really hones in on the process of a transgender teen coming out and a lot of the complications that come with it. But the best aspects of this book are the ways it explores all the different ways of being transgender. An important book for sure! (4.5 stars)
Haikyu Volumes 7 & 8 by Haruichi Furudate (4/22)
We got back to the Karasuno volleyball team this week, and I was so happy! I’ve had a few volumes on my self for a while, but I had to finish up some review books first. What I particularly loved about these volumes was the exploration of losing and what that can mean for them as a team. Even if you make a mistake, you have a chance to fix it the next time (5 stars).