It’s the last day of February, which means it’s time for brief overviews of the books I read this month and to let you know if I’d recommend them to you!
1. The Similars by Rebecca Hanover (January 31st-February 1st):
A young adult science fiction novel about six clones attending an elite boarding school, this was one of my most anticipated reads of 2019. Unfortunately, I found the characters difficult to connect with and the plot extremely predictable. I rated it 7/10 and would not recommend it.
2. Uglies by Scott Westerfeld (1st-4th):
A young adult science fiction/dystopian novel set in a world where people have operations to make them beautiful. This was one of my favorite novels when I was a teenager, though it had been years since I’d last read it. I rated it 8.75/10 and would recommend it to anyone who is a fan of dystopian novels.
3. Crooked Kingdom by Leigh Bardugo (4th-9th)
This is the sequel to Six of Crows and the final book in the duology. It follows the characters in the aftermath of their heist as they rescue Inej and plot revenge on Jan Van Eck for double crossing them. I rated this novel 9/10.
4. The Giver Graphic Novel by Lois Lowry with illustrations by P. Craig Russell (6th):
The Giver is one of my all-time favorite novels, and this graphic novel version was definitely not a disappointment! I highly recommend for those who love the original novel and even those who haven’t read it but like graphic novels. I rated it 9.75/10.
5. King of Scars by Leigh Bardugo (11th-18th):
This is the first book in a new duology set in the GrishaVerse. I rated it 8.5/10. You need to have read both the Shadow and Bone trilogy and the Six of Crows duology before reading this.
6. The Language of Thorns: Midnight Tales and Dangerous Magic by Leigh Bardugo (11th-13th):
This is a book of six short stories inspired by fairytales and set in the GrishaVerse. I overall rated the collection 9/10 and would recommend it to anyone who loves the GrishaVerse and/or fairytales as you don’t need to have read the other GrishaVerse books to read this.
7. The Strange and Beautiful Sorrows of Ava Lavender by Leslye Walton (13th-15th):
This is a young adult dark magical realism novel. The novel follows the Roux/Lavender family who immigrated to America from France. The main protagonist, Ava, was born with bird wings. This novel was told from first person perspective, though it was far better suited for third person. For a majority of it, it read as more of a stating of events than it did as an actual story. I rated this story 6/10. If it hadn’t been for the short length, I would not have bothered finishing it as I felt no connection to the story nor the characters and I would not recommend it.
8. Girls of Paper and Fire (18th-24th):
A young adult Asian inspired high fantasy novel following protagonist Lei who is chosen to be a concubine to the king but falls in love with another girl. I have a full review coming this Saturday, but I rated it 9.5/10.
9. The Secret of The Old Clock by Carolyn Keene (19th)
This is the first Nancy Drew book. My mom and best friend both love Nancy Drew and so I decided it was past time I read the first book! I adored Nancy as a character as she was sweet, selfless and brave and truly a wonderful role model for young girls. While I am not generally a fan of mystery books, I enjoyed the suspense of the story and I rated it 9/10.
10. The Bungalow Mystery by Carolyn Keene (21st)
This is the third Nancy Drew book. It follows Nancy has she helps her father with an embezzlement case that involves her new friend, Laura, and her sinister guardians. I really enjoyed how the elements of the story connected as well as Nancy and Laura’s friendship. I found I preferred the writing of this one to the first, and I rated it 9.5/10.
11. To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before by Jenny Han (26th-28th)
A young adult contemporary romance novel following Lara Jean Covey whose secret love letters are sent out. She begins a fake relationship with popular boy Peter Kavinsky but ends up developing real feelings for him. I had some issues with the pacing and Peter’s character, but overall it was a cute novel and I rated it 8/10.
Must Reads of the Month:
The Giver Graphic Novel by Lois Lowry with illustrations by P. Craig Russell
Girls of Paper and Fire by Natasha Ngan
Some Stats:
Books Read this Month: 11
Books Read this Year: 24
Average Monthly Rating: 8.5
Average Yearly Rating: 8.55
Pages Read in February: 3,771
Pages Read this Year: 8,591
What books did you read this month?
Next Blog: A Review of Girls of Paper and Fire by Natasha Ngan (Saturday, March 2nd)
