Top 5 June Reads
In June, I read 18 books. However, these were a handful of my favorites.
Shield of Sparrows:
Thoughts:
The main character is sent as a spy, but as the forgotten sister, she wasn’t trained as a spy. She doesn’t become a fighting master overnight, she isn’t even inherently fit overnight. I liked seeing the character change through the course of the book as she learned what she wanted for herself.
There are SO many questions. Like how many questions can I read per page? A few? Lots? Who knows? Just so many. It makes sense with the world and the character, but there were a few moments that I thought it was just a bit much.
Emily Wilde’s Encyclopedia of Faeries:
Thoughts:
I love a good nerdy character that just wants to focus on her work. She was independent and willing to do the right thing, even if it was in the name of research.
While I loved the journal entry style of this book, when she started losing track of days I found myself skipping over that information. Not that big of a con in the grand scheme of things.
The Floating World:
Thoughts:
I loved the multiple perspectives and the atmospheric perspective. The subplot romance was well built out and I felt added to the plot.
However, I was sad that the second book wasn’t out yet - so now I’m waiting to see what happens next.
Defy The Night:
The dual perspective was good, because it really made me question who the “good guy” truly was. The social class issues and the economic issues were present and no one single good solution was present - which was reflective of the real world.
Honestly, there were characters that I was supposed to hate, and I did hate them. I know why they were there, but sometimes it felt like they weren’t adding to the plot.
Under the Whispering Door:
Thoughts:
I didn’t expect to cry over a corporate man, but he was given good character growth, even if he was dead for like 95% of the book. The characters felt unique and relatable, and I found myself invested in their stories too.
#BookReviews #junereads #fantasybookrecs #lemon8bookworm #fantasyromance
June’s reading list features five standout fantasy and romance books that capture a wide range of emotions and storytelling styles. These books not only offer rich narratives but also touch on themes such as personal growth, complex social issues, and emotional resilience. "Shield of Sparrows" presents a compelling coming-of-age story where the protagonist, an untrained spy and forgotten sister, evolves realistically through her journey. The abundance of questions and mysteries keeps readers intrigued, reflecting the intricacies of the world-building and character development. This novel’s unique approach to fantasy and espionage caters well to readers interested in slow-burn character arcs and immersive storytelling. Meanwhile, "Emily Wilde’s Encyclopedia of Faeries" offers a nerdy, research-driven protagonist navigating a whimsical faerie world. The journal entry style enhances authenticity and intimacy, making it an excellent pick for fans of fantasy with a historical twist and strong, independent female leads. The slight pacing issues towards the middle do not detract significantly from the overall charm. "The Floating World" stands out with its multi-perspective narrative and atmospheric writing, enriching the reader’s experience. The well-developed romance subplot adds emotional depth, keeping readers eager for the awaited sequel. This book’s basis in Korean lore broadens its cultural appeal, offering a fresh take on young adult fantasy. "Defy The Night" explores darker themes, such as social and economic disparities, through dual perspectives that question moral absolutes. Its reflection of real-world complexities adds a layer of thought-provoking realism, although some antagonistic characters may feel less integrated into the plot. The novel’s critical look at societal issues makes it relevant for readers seeking meaningful fantasy beyond escapism. Lastly, "Under the Whispering Door" by TJ Klune delivers an emotional and heartfelt story about death and grief, transcending typical fantasy tropes. The character growth of a corporate man, despite being dead for most of the book, provides a touching and unique narrative that strongly resonates with readers. This New York Times bestselling author combines humor, poignancy, and romance to great effect. Together, these books showcase a spectrum of fantasy romance themes, from historical inspirations and cultural mythologies to contemporary social critiques and emotional journeys. They offer readers a blend of slow burn romance, interesting monster lore, and explorations of identity and grief. This June’s top reads are well-suited for book lovers looking for depth, relatability, and imaginative storytelling in their fantasy and romance genres.