Weekly Wrap-Up #3

I introduced this idea last week and I really enjoyed it, so I’m continuing with all the books I’ve read since 15th February.

1. The Twisted Tree by Rachel Burge 💙

A gripping, atmospheric and dark tale filled with intricate mythology, interesting characters and chilling magic. This is such a poignant and eerie book with a beautiful exploration of grief at its heart. Four stars.

2. The Hunting Party by Lucy Foley 💙🏳️‍🌈

I occasionally pick up adult mysteries/thrillers and this one pleasantly surprised me. Great twists and turns, clever exploitation of the use of multiple narratives, engaging characters and of course, layers upon layers of secrets that kept me guessing. Four stars.

3. The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid 🏳️‍🌈💙⭐️

I was aware of the immense hype surrounding this book, so I went in with huge expectations.

I was not disappointed.

The characters will stay with me for quite a while. Reid has created a wonderful, poignant story about love and relationships that deserves to be read by everyone. Full review here. Five stars.

4. Jack of Hearts by L.C.Rosen 🏳️‍🌈💙

I loved this book! A frank, open and brilliant discussion about the LGBT+ community and sex, so basically the queer sex education the curriculum is missing. I loved our main trio of Jack, Jenna and Ben and this was such an engaging, quick read. Four stars.

5. A Curse So Dark and Lonely by Brigid Kemmerer 💙🏳️‍🌈

Moody, dark, twisty and featured great representation (though I am looking for an own voices review for the cerebral palsy rep). A really refreshing and original take on the Beauty and the Beast story and a great opening of a series that I hope to continue. Four stars.

6. A Very Large Expanse of Sea by Tahreh Mafi 💙⭐️

This obviously comes straight from Mafi’s heart. It’s moving, complex and beautiful but angry and raw at the same time. Shirin had such a powerful and engaging voice that drew me in and I ended up binging this book in one sitting. Four stars.

7. All Out: The No-Longer Secret Stories of Queer Teens Throughout The Ages 🏳️‍🌈💙⭐️

This is such a great anthology that had a good blend of representation (though I did want some non-Western settings). Every story captured my attention and made me fall in love with the characters, so I will be trying to read more stories from all the authors. Four stars.

Currently Reading:

I’ve just finished On The Come Up and it’s utterly superb! Check next week’s Weekly Wrap-Up for my full thoughts. Now I’m reading The Extinction Trials: Rebel and I just don’t want this series to be over. As ever, S.M.Wilson draws you in straight away. Last year, I had the privilege of interviewing her and found out a few details about Rebel and her next book, which also sounds incredible.

Which great books have you read recently?