Welcome to my July wrap up! Although I haven’t been able to travel like I hoped to this summer, I have gone out lots and enjoyed the hot weather. I haven’t read as much as normal but definitely more than last month! I’m happy with only posting once a week at the moment as well, but I’m not putting too much pressure on myself to stick to a schedule.

Here are my posts for the month:

• Top 5 Books of the 2nd Quarter
• 10 Anticipated Releases in August and September
• August TBR

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Reading Stats

I read 6 books and 1763 pages with an average of 57 pages a day!

♡ my average rating was 4.08

♡ 5 physical books, 1 ebook

♡ 2 historical fiction, 2 graphic novels, 1 sci-fi, 1 fantasy

♡ 5 adult, 1 YA

Much better than last month in terms of amount read and average rating! I’m happy about the range of genres too especially reading some more graphic novels.

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The Books

★★★★★

Finally read a 5 star book! I loved everything about Raybearer. The only thing I wished we could’ve seen more of was some of the side characters like the other council members, but exploring Tarisai’s character so deeply as well as her relationships made up for that. The worldbuilding was excellent, the writing was beautiful and the plot is intriguing, so I can’t wait for the sequel!

★★★★

Nickel Boys was actually 4.5 stars. It was interesting yet horrifying to read about this 1960s reform school that is rooted in reality, which is what I love about historical fiction. The writing prevented me from giving it a full 5 stars just because it felt quite clinical and detached so it could’ve been even more impactful and emotional. In contrast, Wranglestone was a fun YA zombie horror book, with a sweet gay romance (although it is a little insta-love). The characters aren’t that developed and it takes a while for the plot to get started, but it was an enjoyable read. Sass and Sorcery was a light read with badass female characters, funny dialogue and amazing artwork.

★★★

I gave Descender 3.5 stars. It took a while for me to get into the story and the artwork, but I ended up really enjoying it so I think it was a good setup for the series which hopefully I’ll be able to continue. I was really excited for Under the Udala Trees, but unfortunately it just didn’t hold my interest and it took a long time for me to finish. However, I’d probably still recommend it for the sapphic representation and interesting backdrop of the aftermath of the Nigerian civil war.

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Thanks for reading! How was your August?

—ella♥

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