July 2021 Wrap-Up + Book Haul

Another month, another disappointing wrap up. At this point, I'm just saying the same thing as last month in that July was not a good reading month for me. And I don't expect August to necessarily be better, either. This past year and a half, but especially the last couple months, have been really difficult and I've focused more on other methods of relaxing from the stress. However, I did read three books in July! 

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1. 

Title: Havoc

Author: C.M. Stunich

Rating: 4 // 5 stars

2. 

Title: Chaos

Author: C.M. Stunich

Rating: 4 // 5 stars

3. 

Title: Reborn

Author: Meredith Wild
Rating: n/a - dnf

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June 2021 Wrap-Up

June 2021 Book Haul

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I only hauled one physical book in July and that was my signed preorder of Witchshadow by Susan Dennard. I got this through the Good Choice Reading virtual signing and I'm quite excited to have another signed Witchlands book in my collection! I also will be getting the UK edition once I'm back in the UK and so I'll be waiting to read it until I have that copy and I'm no longer in a massive slump! 

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Thanks for reading!

xoxo

Lauren

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Book Review: "Strange and Ever After" by Susan Dennard

Title: Strange and Ever After
Author: Susan Dennard
Series: "Something Strange and Deadly" #3
Genre: YA Supernatural/Paranormal/Steampunk
Page Length: 387 pages
Publication Date: July 22, 2014
Date Started: July 22, 2019
Date Finished: July 22, 2019
Rating: 4.5 // 5 stars
Goodreads
Book 1 Review
Book 2 Review

This book. THIS BOOK. You guys...I just have no words. Well, I actually have a lot of words but a lot of them are just me repeating "No" and incoherent screaming. This book kept me up until past midnight and then broke my heart. There's really no other way to put it. This book broke me and then healed me.

This is the third and final installment in the Something Strange and Deadly trilogy and boy did it deliver! If this is any indication on how epic Susan's conclusions to series are, then I'm both very worried and excited for the final Witchlands book (even though we still have a few to go). Everything from the first book in this trilogy has been culminating up to this finale. The stakes are even higher and relationships are on unsteady ground heading into this book.

The whole book was interesting. It was fast-paced, fun, and also anxiety-inducing with everything going on. The characters were great and compelling. I think the only way I can express how good it was for me is that I started reading it at 9:30 or so at night and stayed up past midnight just to finish it despite having to work the next morning.

I think the one thing that really surprised me was the fact that this book didn't throw plot twists at you and then magically fix things so that everyone had a happy ending. Nope. Betrayals were actually betrayals with no redemption. Deaths were final--which, in a book trilogy about necromancy, that hurt. The stakes were so high and the ending wasn't magically easy or happy. Nope. It hurt.

But the thing is...as bittersweet as the ending was, it was also perfect. It was so well-written and made so much sense. I wish it wasn't so perfect because then I could be mad over was broke my heart, but it all made so much sense within this story that I can't even be that upset over what happened (even though I'm still crying).

I think the main thing that this trilogy has done for me, though, is show me how amazing of a writer Susan Dennard is. I've read all of her Witchlands books and I've been following her Luminaries choose-your-own-adventure Twitter thread and this girl can write! Each of these three things are so diverse and different from each other yet each are so amazing. Susan is such a well-rounded author and after reading things she's written from different genres, I feel comfortable putting my trust in her hands and adding her to my auto-buy list. She's amazing, this book was amazing, and I can't wait to see what she does next (though I am a little scared).

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Thanks for reading!

xoxo

Lauren

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Book Review: "A Darkness Strange and Lovely" by Susan Dennard

Title: A Darkness Strange and Lovely

Author: Susan Dennard

Series: "Something Strange and Deadly" #2

Genre: YA Paranormal/Supernatural/Steampunk

Page Length: 406 pages

Publication Date: July 23, 2013

Date Started: July 22, 2019

Date Finished: July 22, 2019

Rating: 4 // 5 stars

Goodreads

Book 1 Review

Y'all...this book was great. There's just something so easy about Susan's writing that allows me to just fall into it. I read this entire book--start to finish--at work and I loved it. I didn't even realize how much of it was passing until I turned to the last few pages.

I think what I like most about these books are how addicting they are. Once I start, I can't stop until I finish. This could be partly because of how they are written but I also attribute it to the mystery aspects and high stakes present.

This book definitely amps it up from the first one in terms of everything. The plot gets more intense with sacrifices, necromancy, and trying to catch a murderer while fight off dead things all set against the backdrop of high-society Paris. The relationships between the characters are evolving and it was interesting to see how choices each of them made either made their relationships stronger or start to crumble. Additionally, the inner struggles that our main character goes through are so compelling. The characters are still my favorite part of this. I'm an angst-lover and this book was FULL of angsty moments between characters.

Overall, I don't have much to say about this book other than I really enjoyed it! As I'm writing this review, I've already finished the third and final book and I have A LOT to say about that one and I don't want to spoil this book so I think I'll leave this review with these parting words: I highly recommend this trilogy for anyone who is a fan of paranormal/steampunk books or any book-lover in general!

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Thanks for reading!

xoxo

Lauren

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Book Review: "Something Strange and Deadly" by Susan Dennard

Title: Something Strange and Deadly

Author: Susan Dennard

Series: "Something Strange and Deadly" #1

Genre: YA Supernatural/Paranormal

Page Length: 544 pages

Publication Date: July 24, 2012

Date Started: May 21, 2019

Date Finished: May 22, 2019

Rating: 4.5 // 5 stars

Goodreads

I first discovered Susan Dennard through her Witchlands series. I binged every released book in that series earlier this year and absolutely loved them. I knew Susan had written a previous trilogy, but I'd never seen much about it. When I looked it up, the synopsis sounded right up my alley. Historical fiction/paranormal? Yes please! I was really lucky to find the entire trilogy on Book Outlet for super cheap last month and I knew I wanted to start reading as soon as I got them.

I really enjoyed this book. I thought that the plot was really interesting, the characters were realistic, and the dead rising proved to be an exciting addition. I will say that I spotted the major plot twist from almost the beginning, but I didn't care because I still was able to enjoy this book.

I think the main thing for me about this book was the main character, Eleanor. She's not in the best of situations yet she still tries her hardest to fight through. She makes mistakes and she struggles through tough decisions. Yet her heart is in the right place and she's not afraid to fight for what she believes in. I absolutely cannot wait to read more of her in the next book.

I thought we were going to get more of the Spirit-Hunters than we did so I was a tad disappointed by that BUT I still really loved them. I hope that their backstories are explored in even more depth in the next two books because they really are such complex and interesting characters.

The plot was definitely interesting. I found myself unable to put this book down because I was so interested in how things were going to play out. I think the different magical versus scientific aspects were pretty cool in how they interacted together. There were a few things mentioned here and there in the book that I think will set up an exciting tension point in the next books.

Lastly, Susan's writing style was just great in this book. It was so easy to fall into and stay engrossed in. I loved her writing in Witchlands and I found that, though different, her writing in this book was still amazing.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book. It wasn't perfect or overly complex but it was enjoyable, fun, and definitely one that kept me up late reading. I'm super excited to read the next one and see where the story goes next.

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Thanks for reading!

xoxo

Lauren

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Let's Talk: "Bloodwitch" by Susan Dennard

Title: Bloodwitch
Author: Susan Dennard

Series: "Witchlands" #3

Genre: YA Fantasy

Page Length: 464 pages

Publication Date: February 12, 2019

Date Started: February 6, 2019

Date Finished: February 11, 2019
Rating: 5 // 5 stars

Goodreads

Book 1 Review

Book 2 Review

Book 2.5 Review
Truthwitch Book Tag

*I was sent a free advanced copy of this book from the publisher through Bookish First in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and comments are entirely my own*

This is by far my favorite book in the Witchlands series. I finished reading it and just kind of sat there trying to absorb all that happened. As much as I liked the previous books, this one raised the bar for this series.

Let me start off by saying that the characters were phenomenal. I loved the different POVs we got and I can't wait to see what happens to them in future books. Just looking back at the character growth from the first book to this one is such an insane journey.

This book seemed even more emotional than previous books, in my opinion. I felt a greater connection to all of the characters, not just Aeduan. My heart hurts at times and I definitely shed a few tears here and there. I can just see how brilliantly Susan has crafted these characters and it makes me so excited to see what she'll do next.

Seeing how all the different plot lines wove together in the end almost made me scream and throw the book across the room. In fact, there were moments where I as just sitting in my bed making incoherent noises and clutching the book. That ending!

Also, Susan is the queen of teasing. I don't want to discuss too in depth but there would be moments we'd been building up to and I'd been anticipating, and then something would interfere to where that moment ended up being pushed back. It was pure torture but another reason why I enjoyed this book so much.

Honestly, I'm not quite sure how to further discuss this without spoiling things accidentally, so I'll leave you with this: I absolutely adored this book. It's my favorite book I've read this year and my personal favorite of the series so far. I cannot wait to see how things play out. Overall, this was just a brilliant book!

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Thanks for reading!

xoxo

Lauren

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Truthwitch Book Tag

In honor of Bloodwitch, the third book in the Witchlands, releasing today, I thought I would do something special! I stumbled across this tag a while ago and decided to save it for the release day. This tag was created by Inside My Library Mind and I wasn't tagged by anyone, but I decided I wanted to do it anyway! I'm going to try to pick answers outside of the Witchlands series but I can't promise they won't slip in here or there. 

1. Safiya: A Character That Grew on You

Elide or Lorcan from the Throne of Glass series by Sarah J. Maas. Let's be real, when we started getting their POVs I was mostly bored. I didn't want to read new POVs from characters I'd never met or didn't particularly like. I will say that they both grew on me but I'm still not as obsessed with them as some people are. Art by Taratjah

2. Iseult: A Character You Relate to the Most

Willa Knight from the Curse of the Gods series by Jaymin Eve and Jane Washington. Since the day I finished the first book in this series, I knew that if I was a book character, I would be her. She's clumsy, she's got my brand of humor, she's everything. 

3. Nubrevna: Favorite Setting

Honestly, I'm not quite sure for this one. If I'm being honest, I don't really picture vivid settings in my head when I'm reading. But I think I'm going to go with Velaris from the ACOTAR series by Sarah J. Maas just because I've seen so much fanart for it and it's so beautiful. Art by GrinningArtist. 

4. Aeduan: Favorite Anti-Hero

I'm going to go with Kaz Brekker for this one. He's not necessarily a bad guy, but he uses his wits and skills to do heists and run a gang, so he's definitely not a stereotypical good guy. I've only read Six of Crows so I haven't yet moved onto Crooked Kingdom, but I have a feeling I'm going to enjoy reading more of his character. Art by Whimsical Illustration

5. Merik Nihar: A Loyal Character

Ron Weasley from Harry Potter definitely fits this category. Even when things aren't necessarily the best for him, he always sticks by Harry's side or comes back in the end. He's truly the definition of a loyal Gryffindor. 

6. Safi and Iseult: Favorite Female Friendship

I'm going to have to go with Safi and Iseult from Truthwitch by Susan Dennard. I tried thinking of some other friendship that I liked more than theirs but I just couldn't. Everything about these two is amazing. Their loyalty, their selflessness for each other, etc. Their relationship is just the best. Art by alexisc_art

7. Threads that Bind: Favorite Book Relationship

I'm not going to go with a romantic relationship, but rather, another book friendship. (Small spoiler for Lord of Shadows). I just love seeing Kit and Ty's budding friendship. It's such an interesting relationship being formed and I can't wait to see where it goes next. Art by Unknown--please let me know if you know who made it!

8. The Puppeteer: Favorite Villain

The Volturi from the Twilight Saga by Stephenie Meyer. They're definitely not good people, erm...vampires, but they are such interesting characters to read about. The roles they've played in this series have been quite good and I think that they definitely help raise this series up. 

9. The Mountain Bat: Favorite Animal/Creature

I'm going to have to go with Buckbeak for this one from the Harry Potter series. I can't really explain why, but he was the first that popped into my head. 

10. Vaness: An Intimidating Character

Can I just say literally any high fantasy character? I feel like most of the characters I read would intimidate the hell out of me if I ever met them in real life. It would be the part-scared, part-awed feeling of intimidation.

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Truthwitch Review
Windwitch Review
Sightwitch Review
Bloodwitch Review

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Thanks for reading!

xoxo

Lauren

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You can follow my bookstagram here. A brand new giveaway will be posted soon!

To get more awesome content like this post, click the follow button to the right!

Beacon Book Box: use the code BOOKSHELF5 for a discount on your order or subscription! 

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Let's Talk: "Windwitch" by Susan Dennard

Title: Windwitch

Author: Susan Dennard

Series: "Witchlands" #2

Genre: YA Fantasy

Page Length: 384 pages

Publication Date: January 3, 2017

Date Started: January 4, 2019

Date Finished: January 9, 2019

Rating: 4.5 // 5 stars

Goodreads

Y'all...this book was amazing! I was so excited for this book after finishing Truthwitch. I had no idea what was going to happen but definitely not what actually did! I was blown away. So much happened and I'm still trying to process everything we discovered!

So, for starters, the plot development and actual storyline was amazing. The different perspectives we had were all interesting in their own way and I loved how the author wove them together. I was originally a tad hesitant at the beginning about one of the perspectives, but by the end I was hooked and couldn't decide which I wanted to read the most.

The character development you guys! It was so good. I can look at not only the beginning of this book but also at the beginning of the series and see how these characters have changed. And I love that. The characters were all amazing and so real. I'm both super scared and nervous to see what happens to them next. I wish I'd gotten more of Safi and Iseult together but I can only hope we'll get that in the next book.

Overall, I loved this book. I wish I'd been able to sit and binge-read it in a day but, unfortunately, life got in the way. Still, I cannot wait to see what happens next!

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Thanks for reading!

xoxo

Lauren

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You can follow my bookstagram here. A brand new giveaway will be posted soon!

To get more awesome content like this post, click the follow button to the right! 

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Let's Talk: "Truthwitch" by Susan Dennard

Title: Truthwitch 

Author: Susan Dennard

Series: Witchlands #1

Genre: YA Fantasy

Page Length: 416 pages

Publication Date: January 5, 2016

Date Started: December 24, 2018

Date Finished: December 26, 2018

Rating: 5 // 5 stars

Goodreads

AHHHHH.

Ok, now that that's out of the way, let me just start by saying that this book was amazing! I've had a copy of this book since it was released almost three years ago and I cannot believe that it took me this long to read it. I don't know what the final push was, but I'm kicking myself for not having read this sooner. Although, on the flip side, not reading it right away means that I now have three books and a novella to binge before I have to begin waiting for the next one.

Everything about this was amazing. I haven't had a reading experience like this in a while and it was so amazing to get sucked in completely, have my heart beating fast, and to just feel this book. Lately, I've been reading a lot of books I've liked or enjoyed, but only a few per month have I loved. This is one of the ones I loved. I loved it, plain and simple. I cannot wait to read the sequel and I'm not sure how long I can hold off on that one.

Let's chat about all the things that I loved:

Safi and Iseult! Oh my gosh. I loved them so much! I love a good friendship but in a lot of books I've read, the romance takes the forefront and friendships typically get underdeveloped and take the backburner. That's not the case in this one. There was very little romance and instead we have these Threadsisters not letting anything come between them and going above and beyond to find each other. They don't let anything come between them and are just so close that I love it.

The way the romance was done, which is a little misleading to say because there was very little, almost none. The romance present here is definitely the slow-burn, slow-moving type and I don't typically see that in books lately. I think that it is pacing just right and, since we have the amazing Safi/Iseult friendship, I don't feel the need to demand the romance move faster.

The characters. Stemming from the prior two points, I loved the characters. None of them were perfect but they try their best, don't let anyone take advantage of them, and apologize when they're wrong. You could see the different ways the characters grew throughout this novel and I cannot wait to see what awaits them in the sequel. Safi and Iseult are especially my favorites. They're confident, badass, and just amazing.

There's swearing and sex-positivity! We don't see these two things often in YA novels and it was so refreshing to read that. I just...thank god we're finally getting these two things!

The plot and pacing. I loved the way this story was laid out and how it moved. There was never a moment I was bored. From the very first page, this story took off and never stopped moving. I was sucked in and didn't want to put it down until I finished. The story itself was also amazing. I loved the plot and how different things wove together. I'm also so excited to see how some of these loose ends get handled in the next books.

The only thing I will say is that occasionally the world building was lacking. Overall, by the end of the book I had a pretty good sense of the world but in the beginning there were some things talked about but never explained, so I was left a tad confused at times. However, there weren't info dumps and I'm glad we weren't told everything right off the bat. Learning about the world as we go is very efficient and I enjoyed that, but I sometimes wish some of the different witch-types and other aspects of the world were explained more. The plot and characters more than made up for any loss there and I do absolutely love this rich, intricate new world I get to explore further.

All I'm going to say to wrap up this review is that I have definitely found a new favorite and I cannot wait to see where this story takes us. 

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Thanks for reading!

xoxo

Lauren

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Follow my bookstagram here. New giveaway will be posted soon!

I am a "BookishTextDesign" Influencer! Use my code LAUREN10 for a discount off your bookmark purchases! Check out the shop here

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