I’m starting a new series here on the blog where I round up and review all the books I’ve read in the past month. I love reading and sharing book recommendations, so I thought this would be a fun addition! I’ve included links to all available books through Bookshop.org, a great way to support independent bookstores.
To give you a sense of my reading background: I audiobooks, and love dark fairytale retellings, very science-y sci-fi, and YA with a good love story. Some of my favorite authors are Naomi Novik, Sabaa Tahir, Erin Morgenstern, Madeline Miller, and Blake Crouch. I read almost exclusively e-books and audiobooks checked out through my local library. (Support your local libraries, friends! It’s the best way to read free books.)
Note: this post may contain affiliate links (i.e., if you click my link and make a purchase, I’ll make a small commission at no additional cost to you). Read my full disclosure policy here.
The Lost Book of the White by Cassandra Clare: ★★★
A fun read if you’re a Shadowhunters fan like me. Alec and Magnus are one of the more interesting couples to read about in the Shadowhunters world, but overall, it was fine, not great. I find it hard to get into a book after 4 or 5 have been written in the same world; my favorite Shadowhunters books are the Dark Artifices series, which are the first ones I read. (link to buy)
The Toll by Neal Shusterman: ★★★★
This is the final book in the Arc of a Scythe trilogy, which overall, was one of my favorite reads of the year! I didn’t enjoy this book quite as much as the first two in the series, but thought it was a satisfying conclusion. Read Scythe, the first book in the trilogy, if only for Citra and Rowan. They are one of my favorite bookish couples and give me real Marco and Celia/The Night Circus vibes (which is fun because the two worlds couldn’t be more different). (link to buy)
Secrets of the Starcrossed by Clara O’Connor: ★★★
I received an early digital review copy of this book through Netgalley. Out of all the books I read this month, I found this the hardest to put down. I never felt like the book dragged; it had great pacing and a satisfying romance. The world-building was a little difficult to follow at the beginning, but I think the series has great potential. A solid YA read! (expected release January 2021)
Senlin Ascends by Josiah Bancroft: ★★★★
Set in the mythical Tower of Babel, this was one of my favorite reads this month! I loved the genre-bending historical-science-fiction-fantasy-steampunk setting and the intricate world-building of the Tower. The characters were interesting and well-rounded, and somehow the book is enjoyable to read even though 95% of what happens in the book is mostly tragic. Its ending was unexpected and left me ready to read the next book in the series. This book delivered an original world, gorgeous writing, and a love story that I loved rooting for. (link to buy)
A City Baker’s Guide to Country Living by Louise Miller: ★★★
I read this book after seeing it recommended on Bookstagram for Gilmore Girls fans – and I can see why! Set in small-town Vermont, the story features an inn, family dynamics, lots of baking, and a sweet romance. (That is to say, it’s really a lot like Gilmore Girls.) I enjoyed reading the story, and it’s a great cozy fall/winter read. Nothing especially remarkable, but a fun read nonetheless. (link to buy) (For a similar feel, try Midnight at the Blackbird Cafe, one of my 5-star reads this year.)
Heartless by Marissa Meyer: ★★★★
Imagine Wicked, but for Alice in Wonderland. I love Alice in Wonderland, and really enjoyed this take on the backstory of the Queen of Hearts. I tried reading this book back in 2018(?) and could not get into it. After reading (and loving) Meyer’s Lunar Chronicles this year, I wanted to give Heartless another chance, and I’m glad I did! It’s a little slow to start, but once it picks up, it’s sweet and whimsical and emotionally devastating. The main character’s development into the rage-filled Queen of Hearts is so well-done. (link to buy)
Lore by Alexandra Bracken: ★★★★★
I received an early digital review copy of this book through Netgalley. It’s Percy Jackson meets The Hunger Games, but with feminism. This was my favorite read this month and will definitely make my top reads of 2020 list. Set against the backdrop of a mythical hunt called the Agon, descendants of ancient Greek heroes get the chance to kill the old gods and take over their powers. It’s fast-paced, action-packed, and has the sweetest friends-to-lovers romance. The world-building is outstanding and makes it a must-read, especially for fans of mythology! You can read my full review on Goodreads here. (expected release January 2021)
If you liked this post, you’ll probably also like my post on the best books I read in 2019.