We’re at the end of another week, almost at the end of another month! I can’t believe that it’s almost June already. Where does the time go? I feel like I say this at the end of every month, but it’s always the same. Anyway, for the Week of 5/22, I finished a total of 9 books! Not quite where I’ve been the last few weeks, but still not a bad number!
I’m working on my TBR for June and getting excited for some great queer reads for the month!
Bite Size Reviews: Week of 5/22
Blue Flag Vol. 2 & 3 by Kaito (5/22)
These two volumes take a turn for the emotional, and the art! I love the art in these, especially the covers. They are so gorgeous. What I like about these is we have this core group of four characters who all care about each other in different ways. They’re dancing around true feelings for each other, and I have a feeling this might not have a happy ending (4.5 stars).
The Gilded Ones by Namina Forna (5/23)
When Deka finds out that her blood runs gold, her worst fears have become confirmed. After being locked away, she’s given an opportunity from a mysterious women to become a warrior, she takes it. Doing so allows her to learn about her family history she never knew. This is a debut fantasy by Forna, and I was impressed! The world building was unique and even though I could have done without the romance, I still enjoyed this debut! (4 stars)
The Girl from the Sea by Molly Ostertag (5/25)
Morgan can’t wait to escape the little island where she grew up. Mostly because she’s gay and doesn’t know how her community will take it. When she’s saved by a mysterious girl named Keltie, the two form a bond. Ostertag is best known for The Witch Boy, so this was one of my most anticipated releases of the year. I am happy to say I wasn’t disappointed! I loved the art, the characters, and the setting. It all worked so well together (4.5 stars).
Jay’s Gay Agenda by Jason June (5/25)
Growing up in small town Washington, Jay hasn’t really come across any other queer people. So when his family moves to Seattle, he’s ready to finally check some things off his “gay agenda.” But doing so might put him in some sticky situations. I’ll be writing a full review for this next week, but this is a lovely rom-com in the vein of Camp by Lev A.C. Rosen. It will be the perfect read for Pride Month! (4 stars).
We Can’t Keep Meeting Like This by Rachel Lynn Solomon (5/25)
Quinn and Tarek’s families have been in the wedding business for years. After confessing her love for him, Quinn hasn’t seen Tarek for a year. Now, they’re together again, and sparks are flying. This is another one I’ll be writing a review for next week, and I can’t wait. This was a lovely rom-com that will be perfect for summer reading (4 stars).
Incredible Doom by Matthew Bogart (5/26)
For years, Allison has struggled with her abusive, magician father. When they finally get a computer, she uses it to escape her home life. Meanwhile, Richard is invited to a group called “Evol BBS” to help when he’s getting bullied. This book is set in the 90s, about the beginnings of the internet. I loved the art in this graphic novel, but I wanted a bit more from the characters. I just didn’t quite connect to them (3.5 stars).
Chain of Iron by Cassandra Clare (5/26)
We pick up where Chain of Gold left off with James and Cordelia about to get married. However, someone is also killing Shadowhunters across London, and it’s up to the Merry Thieves to figure out who it is. While I love Clare’s characters and the way she writes relationships, I really think she needs a better editor. The books just keep getting longer and longer with no end in sight (3.5 stars).
Happily Ever Afters by Elise Bryant (5/28)
Tessa Johnson got accepted into a prestigious arts school for writing. However, on her first day there, her writing runs dry. So, she comes up with a plan to spark her creative juices again: a romance of her own. While there were some things that rubbed me the wrong way, the rom-com element of this was on point. It read like a rom-com, while featuring baked goods from an adorable love interest. Rom-com has been the theme of reading this week, I guess! (3.5 stars).