#booklr
First snow of the season in Kingston, Ontario! I’m finally starting Leigh Bardugo’s grishaverse! This is one of the prettiest covers I’ve ever owned, and I’m so excited to dive into one of my most anticipated tbr books finally.
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The Heir
By:Kiera Cass
The selection trilogy is one of my absolute favourite series. Its romantic scenes are beautifully written but the story also has exciting aspects of rebelling castes, family values, and what makes a good leader.
Because I loved the selection trilogy so much of course I wanted more but I was a little hesitant to read the next 2 books following America’s daughter. My first impression of Eadlyn was she was a bit of a Brat. However Cass developed her beautifully into an admirable and strong woman trying to make her own way in the world.
I absolutely fell in love with Eadlyn’s story just as much as I loved America’s, and I would highly recommend the whole series to anyone.
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“You know the greatest lesson of history? It’s that history is whatever the victors say it is. That’s the lesson. Whoever wins, that’s who decides the history.”
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Instagram @aholdfullofbooks
Instagram @aholdfullofbooks
Instagram @aholdfullofbooks
Instagram @aholdfullofbooks
Instagram @aholdfullofbooks
“Great danger is always associated with great power. The difference between the great and the mediocre is that the great are willing to take the risk.” —R.F. Kuang, The Poppy War
I cross-posted my reviews of everything I read January through May to Goodreads in case you missed them! (You can find my Goodreads linked in my bio.)
Albertine, NYC
Je suis allé à NYC ce week-end et j'ai visité l’Albertine, une librairie française établie par l’ambassade de France. C’était la plus belle librairie que j’ai jamais visitée! J’ai acheté Arrête avec tes mensonges de Philippe Besson et Les fiancés de l’hiver de Christelle Dabos.
I went to NYC this weekend and visited the Albertine, a French bookstore established by the French embassy. It was the prettiest bookstore that I have ever visited! I bought Lie With Me by Philippe Besson and A Winter’s Promise by Christelle Dabos.
May Monthly Reading Wrap-Up
I read four books this month. ✨
1. The Handmaid’s Tale, Margaret Atwood — ★ 5/5 stars ★
2. Winter’s Orbit, Everina Maxwell — ★ 4.5/5 stars ★
3. The Darkness Outside Us, Eliot Schrefer — ★ 5/5 stars ★
4. The Charm Offensive, Alice Cochrun — ★ 4/5 stars ★
Happy Pride! Today is also the one year anniversary of this blog! In honor of the occasion, I updated the web version, so it’s acceptable — or at the very least, tolerable — for those of you who use tumblr web. <3
We also reached 500+ followers this month! Welcome to those of you who are new. My asks are always open, so don’t hesitate to leave me an ask or comment. <3
Keep reading for my unsolicited opinion on what I read this month.
Like the last months, I wasn’t able to use the “Keep reading” feature without it duplicating or outright deleting my reviews, so I apologize in advance for the lengthy post. <3
2. Winter’s Orbit by Everina Maxwell
Winter’s Orbit had galactic politics, mystery, and, of course, romance. It had all of my favorite tropes: queer arranged marriage, gruding allies to lovers, only one bed, and forced proximity. Kiem and Taam’s relationship was full of angst and misunderstanding, but contained surprising depth. Although the mystery was not as complex as their relationship, it provided the perfect backdrop for these grudging allies to fall in love.
3. The Darkness Outside Us by Eliot Schrefer
I picked up The Darkness Outside Us for the slow burn enemies to lovers romance — which it delivered! — but I stayed for the spectacular science-fiction thriller. The mystery of their existence forces Ambrose and Kodiak to depend on one another in a brilliant depiction of human fragility, vulnerability, and intimacy. The Darkness Outside Us argues for the need for vulnerability and intimacy (in whatever form it should take, whether it be platonic, romantic, and/or sexual) in order to prevent insanity. It also argues that we should accept the inevitability of death as we must die in order for future generations to live. Ultimately, it is not a romance, thriller, or mystery, but a poignant portrayal of life, death, and the depth of human connection.
4. The Charm Offensive by Alice Cochrun
The Charm Offensive portrayed love after heartbreak, vulnerability, and intimacy. Dev and Charlie’s relationship felt incredibly real, despite the fact that it was set against the backdrop of a heavily-faked reality TV show. I appreciated the sensitive depiction of depression, anxiety, and OCD. I also appreciated the demisexual representation. Altogether, it was a wonderfully wholesome read.
“Her Afro made of white clouds; see the rain drops dangle like little crystals, jewels made of the finest freshwater, eyes like the silver moon. She is the maiden of my dreams, watch her glisten, for she is many stars…”
Read more of this poem in my poetry book Brown Clay!
Enter the Goodreads giveaway here to win a copy
