Best vs Worst Books of Every Month in 2023
I was in a pretty bad reading slump at the beginning of last year, so these first couple of months were a bit slow.
In January I read the first two books in the ToddHunter Moon Trilogy by Angie Sage. I loved them both (because I love everything she writes). This is actually a continuation of the original Septimus Heap series, and it was great to revisit their world and see my favorite characters again. I rated both books 4.5 stars.
February was a pretty good month for me. To help get my momentum going, I decided to reread some of my old favorites, including some of the Percy Jackson and Wings of Fire series. It was hard to choose a worst book of the month though, because I read two Jenifer L Armentrout books and rated them the same. I did really love Cursed by Marissa Meyer though. The story is so rich and intricate and atmospheric (I have a weakness for atmospheric). I liked the second book in the duology (Gilded) almost as much.
March went much the same as February; I reread more of the Percy Jackson series and a couple of Nancy Drew books. It was hard to pick a favorite for this month because I had three 5⭐️ books (Iron Widow by Xiran Jay Zhao and Return of the Dragon Slayers by Brandon Mull were the other two) but Shannon Hale is such an incredible author I had to give her the win.
In April I really struggled to find the motivation to read, especially because if promised my sister to finish the FBaA series. I didn’t want to start any other books because I knew I would drop A Crown of Gilded Bones and never pick it up again, and it took me FOREVER to finish it because I kept not wanting to go back to it. But I did it. So that’s something.
Keep an eye out for the next two parts! Next is May-August :)
#lemon8bookclub #lemon8bookchallenge #booklemon8 #2023WrapUp #readingwrapup #monthlyrecap #bookwormsoflemon8 #frombloodandash #percyjackson #marissameyer
Reading slumps can be tough, but finding the right books can be a remedy. In early 2023, rereading beloved series such as Percy Jackson and discovering new gems became essential. In February, 'Cursed' by Marissa Meyer stood out as a top pick due to its atmospheric storytelling, while Jenifer L. Armentrout's books posed challenges in choosing a worst as they were similarly rated. March continued this trend of revisiting classics, as several 5-star reads emerged, notably 'Iron Widow' by Xiran Jay Zhao and 'Return of the Dragon Slayers' by Brandon Mull, with Shannon Hale's 'Forest Born' taking the spotlight. The struggle in April to finish 'A Crown of Gilded Bones' highlighted the push and pull of being captivated by a series versus personal motivation. Each month presented unique opportunities for growth in reading habits, from enjoying familiar novels to venturing into new stories. Join in for May-August as the journey continues, discovering more about the evolving experience of a dedicated reader in 2023. The exploration through genres and styles can help you identify your preferences and keep you engaged, whether you're a fantasy aficionado or dabbling in romance. This review allows you to see what resonates with you, making it a valuable resource as you seek out your next reads for the upcoming months.