July Reads 🫶
I read five books in July which was my goal 🥳 Here’s a mini review of each one and whether I would recommend each of them!
1. The Way I Used to Be by Amber Smith
This one was so emotional but so beautifully written. It’s about a girl that has to navigate her teens after a horrible experience with her brother’s best friend. This one was tough because of how traumatic the story is. Definitely skip it if you don’t like sensitive topics.
Recommend? Yes
2. The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han (Least favorite of the month)
Oh boy. Let’s just say I was not a fan. The main character just ruined the whole thing. Belly was so whiny and bratty and it just got incredibly annoying. I didn’t have high hopes to begin with after seeing how tacky the show was but I honestly think the book was worse. I almost didn’t finish it but I pushed through haha.
Recommend? No
3. The Serpent and the Wings of Night by Carissa Broadbent (Favorite of the month)
Another five star read, this was such a good vampire fantasy. Was not tacky at all like a lot of vampire books. I thought the romance was just enough and the plot was so interesting. The twist at the end had my jaw on the floor.
Recommend? Absolutely
4. One Dark Window by Rachel Gillig
Holy dark fantasy this was a wild ride. This is a great story to get into if you’ve never read darker fantasy books. The characters were so well written and interconnected. The card magic was just chef’s kiss. It brought so much to the story. The only thing I didn’t like was how the plot twist about the monster was a bit downplayed.
Recommend? Yes
5. Bridgerton: The Duke and I by Julia Quinn
Okay here’s where I lied. I actually ended up DNFing this book, so technically I read four and a half books. Don’t get me wrong, I absolutely love the Bridgerton world but this was way too 90s-author-droning-style writing for me. I got about halfway through and I swear 95% of the book is dialogue. The plot is so slow moving and just frankly boring. I’ll stick to the show lol.
Recommend? Maybe
July was a fantastic month for reading, with various genres that catered to different tastes. Books like 'The Way I Used to Be' delve deeply into emotional journeys, exploring themes that resonate with many readers. If you're sensitive to traumatic narratives, be mindful of this one. On the other hand, 'The Serpent and the Wings of Night' rejuvenates the vampire genre with a refreshing take on romance and fantasy elements that keep readers on the edge of their seats. If you're a fan of complex characters and enchanting storytelling, this is a must-read. For those who enjoy dark fantasy, 'One Dark Window' presents a captivating blend of magic and suspense that is ideal for readers looking to explore more intricate narratives. Its card magic provides a unique twist within the fantasy realm. As a bonus, for fans of book adaptations, 'Bridgerton: The Duke and I' might be a nostalgic read despite its slower pacing. It's intriguing to see how adaptations can often outshine their source material. Overall, July was filled with diverse literary experiences, making it the perfect opportunity to discover hidden gems across various genres. Whether you're seeking light-hearted romance or intense emotional tales, there's something here for everyone.
