August Wrap Up

I’m planning to actually get this up on time for once, so this should be reaching you on 1st September. I really like this time of year when I can snuggle up inside with cosy blankets, a jumper, a hot chocolate and a book.

This was a successful reading month for me, as I read 22 books, which is much more then I’d expected I would be able to get through. I’m going to list all the books and use only 40 words or less to express my thoughts, as I feel like challenging myself.

All The Books I Read In August 2018:

1. In Your Light by A.J.Grainger

Dark, intense and full of twists. While I did call one twist, I felt like I had to keep reading to uncover all of the secrets. I enjoyed the added bonus of the dual narrative as well. Four stars.

2. Forest of A Thousand Lanterns by Julie C Dao

This was just sublime. Full review here. Five stars.

3. Only Love Can Break Your Heart by Katherine Webber

A gorgeous contemporary about grief and the complex feelings around falling for the wrong person. Reiko was such a compelling and multifaceted character that has stayed with me, nearly a month after finishing the book. Four stars.

4. Floored by the Floored Seven

One of my most anticipated releases of 2018 and it didn’t disappoint. I really enjoyed guessing which author wrote which character (I actually got 4 right!) and I loved how each character’s narrative fitted together. Four stars.

5. Genuine Fraud by E.Lockhart

This was a buddy re-read, but upon re-reading, I discovered more flaws. This was full of some great lines about female empowerment and some really smart insights into society, although it took me a while to get into. Three stars.

6. A Sky Painted Gold by Laura Wood

This gave me all the Gatsby vibes, which is a huge compliment from me. Glamour, mystery and a brilliantly done slow-burning romance. Four stars.

7. Are We All Lemmings and Snowflakes? by Holly Bourne

Holly Bourne is back to her usual form with this book. The discussion around mental health was just superb. Insightful, realistic and powerful. Four stars.

8. To Kill A Kingdom by Alexandra Christo

This was a fun book and worth a read, but I had read some amazing books before this and it couldn’t match them. The mermaid mythology and world-building was nicely done though. Three stars.

9. Meet Cute: Some People Are Destined To Meet (anthology)

This was quite a divisive anthology for me, as I loved some contributions to it, but some other stories were slightly lacklustre. Three stars.

10. How Do You Like Me Now? by Holly Bourne 

I think I’m too young to fully appreciate this book right now, but I can see how older readers would enjoy this book more. One to return to when I’m a bit older. Three stars.

11. How To Be Famous by Caitlin Moran

At this point, I’d hit a bit of reading slump, where nothing could quite match the brilliance of some of the other books from this month. Funny at times, but tried too hard to make its point. Three stars.

12. The Truth About Lies by Tracy Darnton

Gripping, twisty and such a clever concept. The discussion around memory and how fallible it is was so interesting. The mystery definitely kept me hooked and Darnton is an author I’ll be keeping my eye on. Four stars.

13. Truly Devious by Maureen Johnson 

The book that truly vanquished my reading slump. Yet another series that I’ll be taking about for ages. It had everything I look for in a mystery: great setting, clever twists and a multitude of slightly untrustworthy characters. Four stars.

14. All These Beautiful Strangers by Elizabeth Klehfoth 

Another gorgeous mystery on this reading streak. Honestly, the less you know about this going in, the better. Just be prepared for some great twists. Four stars.

15. The Island by M.A. Bennett

Another highly anticipated read from the author of S.T.A.G.S, which I loved, so this book had some pretty high standards to meet. Though it was an enjoyable read, it just didn’t quite do it for me. Three stars.

16. Catwoman: Soulstealer by Sarah J Maas

Faithful to the comics, but still made the story accessible to new readers. Loved the female empowerment and references to certain queer relationships in the comics, which I totally ship. Astounding addition to the series. Four stars.

17. Toxic by Nicci Cloke

This is an intense read covering toxic masculinity, homophobia, rape culture and depression. Trigger warnings are particularly needed for sexual assault. Cloke dismantles “lad culture” and there is such an important message about masculinity. Four stars.

18. The Secret Deep by Lindsay Galvin

A completely immersive, clever and original thriller that deals with some tough subjects in such a thoughtful and creative way. I thought this was a magical and beautiful debut. Four stars.

19. Tempests and Slaughter by Tamora Pierce

This is not an action-packed firework of a book. Instead it’s a beautiful spark and I think the intricate character study of Arram that the book creates will satisfy fans of the Tortall universe. Four stars.

20. Misfit by Charli Howard 

This was written in such a candid manor, which I enjoyed, but I felt like this book came too soon. If this had been written later, there could be more about recovery, which would be more beneficial. Three stars.

21. Show Stopper by Hayley Barker

This was a lot darker than I was expecting it to be. Show Stopper grew on me and I fell in love with Hoshiko. Atmospheric, descriptive and compelling. I intend to read the sequel before Hayley visits my book club this month! Four stars.

22. Still Lives by Maria Hummel

Initially the premise drew me in, but I stayed for Hummel’s writing style and the intriguing, complex characters. However, I think she could’ve capitalised on the mystery and premise a little bit more. Three stars.

Those are all the books I read in August, but which books did you read? Have you read any of these books and if so, what did you think?