August Wrap Up

Remember that really long and gratuitous TBR list I posted at the beginning of the month? Yah . . . that didn’t happen. Not only have I not had nearly as much time to read this month I disappeared from my blog for most of it. If you are wondering where I’ve been . . . I started my new job! I had a major change to my job title in the first two weeks of August and It’s been a little overwhelming since I’m a first year teacher so I decided not to stress myself out too much by adding posting on my blog everyday. I think moving forward I’m only going to post two times each week so I can balance my blog, work, and a social life a little better. I was able to get a few books read this month outside lesson planning, inservice, trainings, and so I want to talk about the books I was actually able to read!

Golden Son by Pierce Brown – I’m so happy I re-read this because I loved it even more the second time! So much happens in this book but I don’t want to spoil it since it’s a sequel. One of my favorite facets of this book and the series as a whole is the amount of political drama. I love that we get to know a little bit more about the world surrounding Darrow. Each book in the series helps to expand the world a bit more which is why this book is a favorite for so many people. The writing and the growth of the character is so fascinating that you can’t help but get pulled into the story. The ending of the book is masterfully set up and well done! I went straight from this book into the last book of the series!

Morning Star by Pierce Brown – The first time I read this series, Morning Star was my favorite book. It’s still my favorite book in the series although I will admit that I understand why so many people list Golden Son as their favorite. I love the growth of the world in this final book and there are so many moments that made me so sad since I’ve grown so attached to so many of the characters in the series. Also I completely forgot about the ending of this book and the amount of squealing and excitement that came from me as I turned the last page was a little insane! I’m happy I re-read this series because it’s a good reminder as to why I love it. I didn’t get to it this month, but I’m excited to get to Iron Gold and then Dark Age when I finally have the time to sit and experience all the heartbreak that will occur throughout both books.

House of Salt and Sorrows by Erin A. Craig – This book hit the spot for me as I transition into fall over the next couple of months. I love summer and I love fall, they are easily my two favorite seasons so this was an ideal book for me. House of Salt and Sorrows is a seaside gothic twelve dancing princesses retelling and it delivers. It put me in the mood for more mysteries and young adult fantasy novels. I loved that the author combined the gothic elements with oceanic creatures and places because it felt unique and interesting. It was a perfect blend of everything I love and have been wanting in a book. One criticism of this book is the “insta-love” factor but honestly it didn’t bother me. I thought it was an intriguing read and I highly recommend if you like fairy tale re-tellings.

A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas – I decided to re-read A Court of Thorns and Roses because I just really needed to dive into a world I already knew. I struggled to read this month so I knew that picking up something by Sarah J. Maas would get me in the mood to read again. The first time I read this book I rated it two stars because I thought the main character’s love interest was horrible. Looking back I understand why the book is written this way and I found myself enjoying it a lot more. As I’ve said before there are things I love about Maas’ books but there are also a lot of things I don’t like. If you are interested in books about super powerful and magical fae with a lot of romance thrown in, it might be something you want to pick up. If not, this is not the book for you.