March Wrap Up: Half Way Through My Reading Goal

Half way through my goal! I might increase it, but I go through reading phases, so I think I’ll wait to see if I reach it early. I rated almost all of these books with four stars which I find delightful since March is all about St. Patrick’s day for me. That means four leaf clovers and four star ratings! Hopefully you find it just as fun as me. Overall, it was a really good reading month for me! I had a reread, and two anticipated reads, and finally read the Raven Cycle series and LOVED IT! Keep a look out for my individual reviews of these books!

Kingdom of the Wicked

By Kerri Maniscalco

I was really looking forward to this book based on the reviews I’ve seen and because I loved the first two books of the Stalking Jack the Ripper series. Having said that, this did not really live up to my expectations. I did enjoy it, but I don’t see myself reading the rest of the series. I loved the world and the evil creatures/monsters in it more than I enjoyed the main character or plot. I might have loved this book a few years ago before reading Armentrout’s Dark Elements series.

Reboot

By Amy Tintera

This was actually a reread. This is one of my favorite books of all time I think, and I’m doing a project for class where I adapt it for a film. I won’t actually write a whole screenplay, but it’s been super fun figuring out how I would bring this story to the big screen to share with others. I am a huge fan of Tintera. Everything she writes I LOVE, so if you haven’t read this yet, I HIGHLY recommend it. You can read my review from a few years ago by clicking on the link on the title.

The Raven Boys

By Maggie Stiefvater

I fell in love with these boys and their friendship. This world of magic right before our eyes is the kind of story that I am always chasing. It’s the kind of idea that made me fall in love with fantasy as a kid. I highly recommend these books and I’m loving the others.

The Dream Thieves

By Maggie Stiefvater

Can you tell I’m loving these books? I returned the first book and immediately checked out the second book. Ronan Lynch is an iconic character and such a great foil to Gansey. I again gobbled up this book. I have no idea how this series is going to end and I’m already anticipating the book hangover I’m going to have.

Caging Skies

By Christine Leunenes

I read this book for class, otherwise I would not have read it. It’s the book that “JoJo Rabbit” is adapted from, and in that way I thought it was cool to see where the movie came from. However, it is a rather dark and twisted book. It asks the question, “what if the stockholm syndrome but with a Nazi?” and however uncomfortable that makes you is going to show itself in the book.

These Violent Delights

By Chloe Gong

I am a big Romeo and Juliet fan, especially retellings. I have been awaiting this book for so long and it was better than I could have imagined! It’s dark, fast-paced, full of complex characters, and creates many homages to the original story. I’m super excited for the next book and am crossing my fingers for some happy endings.

Blue Lily, Lily Blue

By Maggie Stiefvater

Honestly, each of these books does a great job of building upon previous development as well as bringing in new things. I keep falling in love with Gansey more and more. Also Ronan keeps getting more interesting which I didn’t know was possible. This was a really strong third book, and I’m hesitant to read the fourth book because I don’t want it to be over.

Welcome to the Goddamn Ice Cube

By Blair Braverman

I read this book for my ethnography class and I really enjoyed it. It’s a part memoir part travel writing. I really enjoyed getting to explore the arctic with Braverman and to see her come into herself as a person. It was also really hard reading about her experiences with sexism and sexual assault. I highly recommend reading it!

The Raven King

By Maggie Stiefvater

I did it! I finished the series and I LOVED it! I’m already working on getting my hands on Call Down the Hawk. I love Gansey, Adam, Ronan, Blue, and even Noah. I want to live in their friend group forever going on their magical journeys. These books have definitely changed me as a reader and I’m feeling quite whimsical and romantic. I’m glad I finally read them. Thank you so much to my librarian friend for getting me to read them!

It was a great month for reading and I’m looking forward to April’s reading, however I’m finishing up college and am in the midst of job applications, so we’ll see how I do. What did you read this month?