Hello friends! We have made it through another week, and next week is October already! Somehow, September has absolutely flown by. The weather is finally cooling off here in Michigan, and I am so happy about it. That means it’s time for cozy sweaters and blankets, my absolute favorite time of the year. Seriously, I am so ready! Anyway, for the Week of 9/18, I read a total of 8 books! This seems to be my norm lately, and I’m okay with that. Also I reached my reading goal of 300 for the year already, so it’s definitely overall been a great reading year for me.
Bite Size Reviews: Week of 9/18
A Marvellous Light by Freya Marske (9/18)
I already wrote a review for this book this week, so just a few thoughts here! Even if the beginning was a bit confusing, once we meet our main characters, this book absolutely takes off. I loved the chemistry between them, and was rooting for them the entire way through! Plus, the secret magic society really added a lot to the plot and the setting. I absolutely loved it! Bonus: it’s the first in a new series, so we’ll definitely get to see these characters again! (4 stars).
Take Me With You When You Go by David Levithan and Jennifer Niven (9/20)
One day, Ezra wakes up to find that his sister Bea is gone. No communication except for an email address hidden where only he can find it. Now, he’s left behind with their abusive stepfather and mother and unsure of what to do. Told in a series of emails, I don’t think listening to this book was the best format for me. However, I really enjoyed Ezra and Bea’s sibling relationship and the journey they take to get out of an abusive situation. I just wanted a little more development from some of the side characters (3.5 stars).
You’ll Be the Death of Me by Karen M. McManus (9/21)
A full review of this one will be coming this week, so just a few thoughts here! This book covers a period of 24 hours where ex-friends Ivy, Mateo, and Cal come across a fellow student murdered and have to figure out what happened. This is a fast-paced mystery that fans of McManus will definitely love. Even if her books are slightly predictable, they are still fun mystery reads! (3 stars).
Fat Chance, Charlie Vega by Crystal Maldonado (9/21)
Charlie Vega wants to feel at home in her body, but her health-conscious mother is always leaving weight loss shakes for her to eat. So, when Brian asks her out, Charlie thinks this is finally her chance to shine. Until she learns something that makes her question their relationship. This was a cute romance that really delves into body image issues and what it means to be fat. For this one, I would recommend not reading the summary because it gives away the end of the book. Come on, publishers, stop doing that! (3 stars).
Nothing Can Possibly Go Wrong by Prudence Shen (9/21)
Charlie is the captain of the basketball team and Nick is president of the robotics club. Their friendship gets put under strain when Nick runs for class president in order to get funding for the robotics team–and steal it from the cheerleaders. This quick graphic novel really focuses on high school drama, and I love Faith Erin Hicks’ art style. It’s one of my favorites. Unfortunately, the story just kind of fell a little flat for me (3 stars).
Fruits Basket Vol. 2 by Natuski Takaya (9/22)
In this second volume, we really get to dive into the background of some of the Sohmas we’ve already met. And we get to meet some new family members! I have heard that this gets more emotional as you go on, so I’m kind of looking forward to diving into more of the emotions as I get to later volumes. So far, I’m really invested in this family! (4 stars).
How Moon Fuentez Fell in Love With the Universe by Raquel Vasquez Gillliland (9/24)
Moon Fuentez has longed lived in her sister, Star’s, shadow. So, she isn’t exactly thrilled to be spending her summer tagging along on a social media influencer tour to sell merchandise. The only perk might be Santiago, her fellow merch seller. If she can get beyond the grumpy demeanor. This book will have you going through all the emotions. Moon and Star have to work to get out of an abusive relationship with their mother, and it’s really about them unlearning the behaviors they’ve known all their lives. I just think it could have been a bit shorter! (4 stars).
Winter’s Orbit by Everina Maxwell (9/24)
Prince Kiem isn’t high on the list of family members that the Emperor loves. So, when he’s summoned to marry Count Jainan to maintain a good relationship with his plant, Kiem isn’t thrilled. However, Jainan suspects his previous husband died under suspicious circumstances. And it’s up to the two of them to figure out what happened. I listened to the audiobook for this one and it was fantastic! Lots of sci-fi adventure with a little bit of romance. Honestly, there was the perfect blend. I was engaged every minute of it! (4.5 stars).