I know I just did a monthly Wrap Up post yesterday, but you still get my mini reviews for the week! For the Week of 4/24, I read a total of 9 books. Which is so much reading! We were slow at work this week, so I did a decent amount of reading at the desk. Plus, I had to finish up books for reviews, and trying to get a little ahead for May. And maybe a little ahead for June as well!
Bite Size Reviews: Week of 4/24
Spoiler Alert by Olivia Dade (4/24)
Marcus is the star of the popular TV show, God of the Gates, but has a secret identity writing fanfiction for the show. April is a geologist, but spends her time also writing fanfiction and creating costumes. When the two go on a date to stop Twitter haters, they never expect to fall in love. I read this for the Book Riot challenge and I’m glad I did! Even though there are steamy scenes I could have done without, I loved the characters and their relationship was fantastic (4 stars).
Witches Steeped in Gold by Ciannon Smart (4/24)
Iraya and Jazmyne are on opposite sides, on the surface. Iraya is biding her time in jail while Jazmyne is the Queen’s daughter. However, they have a similar goal: take down the current queen. They both have their reasons. If they can lay down their differences. I listened to the audiobook of this, which I highly recommend! The narrators were so good. I think the audio made it a little more difficult for me to fall into the world, but I got there eventually. It’s lush, and I can’t wait to see what happens next (4 stars).
Empire of Wild by Cherie Dimaline (4/25)
It’s been a year since Joan’s husband, Victor, disappeared. When she finally sees him in a religious tent outside of a Walmart, he doesn’t recognize her. So, Joan sets out on a mission to get him back. I read this for the Read Native challenge, and I would classify it as fantasy horror, which usually isn’t my genre. But I really enjoyed Joan’s voice! I just though there were a few too many characters to follow (3.5 stars).
Meet Cute Diary by Emery Lee (4/27)
Noah is pretty sure he’s an expert on romance, since he runs the popular blog Meet Cute Diary. All about trans meet cutes. But when his blog is exposed as possibly fake, he goes to drastic measures to make sure people know it isn’t. I already wrote a review for this this week, so just a few thoughts! This is an adorable rom-com that you definitely need on your shelf (4 stars).
Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer (4/27)
Robin Wall Kimmerer is a botanist and a member of Citizen Potawatomi Nation. This book is her reflections on science and on being a Native American. She looks at the intersection between these and what we need to do in order to bring peace between humanity and the natural world. I loved that this book didn’t just focus on science, but the intersection of science, history, Native teachings, etc. There is just so much to love about this book (5 stars).
The Last Last-Day-of-Summer by Lamar Giles (4/29)
Otto and Sheed aren’t ready for their summer to end. They’re the famous Alston boys, always fixing something in their town. When time gets frozen, they’re the ones who have to figure out how to fix it. This is a great, fast-paced middle grade mystery that lots of kids I’m sure love! The characters are earnest and ready to have adventures, not ready for school. Plus, they’re funny! Such a great adventure (4 stars).
The Marvelous Mirza Girls by Sheba Karim (4/29)
Before heading off to college, Noreen is taking a gap year to New Delhi with her mom. It’s there she hopes to find some closure from her aunt’s death as well. What she doesn’t plan on is falling in love. I got this book to review from NetGalley, so a full review will come soon! While the book felt like it lost its plot about halfway through, there is a lot of culture and description to help move it forward. Stay tuned for a full review soon! (3 stars).
Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo (4/30)
This is my third time reading this book, but I wanted to continue the Shadow and Bone train! Plus, this duology is probably my favorite. I marathoned the last half of this book yesterday, and I just love these characters. They work so well together and the narrators in this book audiobook are perfect. I can’t wait to see more of these characters in the show eventually! (4 stars).
The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill (4/30)
Every year, the Protectorate gives a baby to the witch in the forest to protect themselves. Every year, the witch saves this baby and gives them a loving home. Except this year, when she accidently gives the baby the magic of the moon. This book won the Newberry award, and I can see why! It was magical, which a lovely cast of characters and a fully immersive world. Such a great middle grade fantasy! (4 stars).