My May 2024 Reading Roundup – A Book Review

Photo by Laura Chouette on Unsplash

May. It’s the last month of school before summer break. It’s also BBQs, family time, and for me, birthday celebrations! This year for my birthday, I did something I’d always wanted to do, but never got around to doing – I took ballroom dancing lessons.

It was so much fun and so much harder than it looks, even the easy dances. I did the tango, the rumba and a little salsa. I would love to take regular lessons, but my schedule is so hectic, with taxi shuttling kids around, writing, and blogging (now just monthly since I’m trying to finish my first novel, which can be found here (I’m up to 31 chapters now with only one more to go!)) Sadly, it’s just not realistic for me right now. But I might have just started a new birthday tradition. There are so many dances to learn. The waltz, the cha-cha, the foxtrot. I want to learn them all… eventually. For now, it’s the writing for me. And… the reading.

I read seven books this past month. And you may be wondering – why only seven? Aren’t you able to squeeze at least eight books in there? Yes, but this month, I read some massive books, some almost reaching 700 pages. It was an enjoyable month of diving into new worlds. Without further adieu, keep reading for my review.

A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas

Yes, I drank the punch, hopped on the Sarah J. Maas wagon and happily discovered what all the fuss was about. I read this one on my kindle, checked out from my library and also the hard copy. I read the entire series this past month.

Though, I’m not super into fantasy, I did enjoy the romance part. The action scenes didn’t even bother me much, like they did in the Fourth Wing Series. Check out my review for those books here and here.

It was a slow start for me. But I loved how it kept the surprises coming. Her sister, the mean one, Nesta, was the one who couldn’t be charmed and knew something was wrong with Feyre. She cared the most, surprisingly.

I liked Tamlin until he became Amarantha’s bitch. He just sat there and watched Feyre almost get killed twice and get beaten to where her nose was broken. I was surprised by Rhys betting she’d make it out alive. Then I started liking him a lot more for Feyre than Tamlin. I felt that Tam didn’t deserve to kiss her during that party and I was confused why she loved him. He lied to her about the reason he kept her prisoner.

I didn’t like the long explanation from Alise about everything. Would’ve preferred being shown not told. But the action toward the end was priceless. Loved the worm fight. Loved that Rhys helped her cheat during the pick the right number challenge. And the end, whoo! I didn’t see that coming. I couldn’t wait to read more. Amarantha, the villain, needed to die. She was just awful. Thoroughly enjoyed!

4.5/5 stars

Scarred by Emily McIntire

I listened to this one on audible. It answered the question of how to turn The Lion King into erotica. The voice actors, especially Tristan, kinda ruined it for me. He seemed like a creep with Sara as his prey. I didn’t believe the love. Obsession, sure. But love? Maybe on her part. I liked that Sara was a strong character though. Everyone was betraying everyone else. Overall, it was just okay for me.

3.5/5 stars

A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas

I read both the physical copy and listened on audible. It took a long time for Rys and Feyre to get together. But when they got together, I fell in love with Rys. His love for her was so strong. I absolutely loved them together. Also love how strong Feyre is. Love that it’s all about the woman’s choice, as it should be. She saved her man when he was attacked and she saved him at the end for reasons I don’t want to spoil. Thoroughly enjoyed.

4.5/5 stars

Girl in Pieces by Kathleen Glasgow

I read the hard copy from the library. It was a realistic portrayal of a cutter, Charlotte (Charlie), who needed therapy while falling for an alcoholic druggie. Blue was a good friend in the end. An interesting read. Unpredictable. She lived a hard life and I really wanted her to win. She didn’t know who she was and I get that. She was 17 and screwing a 27 year old. That wasn’t okay.

This author had an interesting writing style too. This wasn’t a happy story, but it was certainly realistic. Because I typically read to be uplifted, I probably won’t go and read the other books in this series.

4/5 stars

A Court of Wings and Ruin by Sarah J. Maas

I listened to this on audible. I found it too long and a beast to get through. I was disappointed that Tamlin had to be an asshole to Feyre when he saw her again, basically calling both her and Rhys whores. But he came through begrudgingly at the end for them during the big fight with the King. Tamlin and Lucien have some talking to do.

I was more interested in the sisters’ lives than in Feyre’s life. Her life was kinda boring. She had a nice moment with that thing that died at the end. Elaine and Nesta had some surprising moments at the end too. The big action sequence at the end, I wanted to see that moment, not hear it. I didn’t understand what Amaren did to betray them?

I enjoyed hearing about Mor’s lesbian journey and how she won’t entertain anything romantic with Azriel. Too many people to keep track of! It got confusing at times. I’m just glad to be done with it. I wanted more of Elaine’s and Lucien’s story.

I may have liked that Rhys would often tell Feyre that everything’s her choice, but it got tiring in this book. Sometimes I like it when a man takes charge. Rhys’s sole chapter at the end was pointless. Rhys and Feyre were boring in this one, which was surprising since they were so hot in book 2.

3.5/5 stars

A Court of Frost and Starlight by Sarah J. Maas

I listened to this one on audible. This was a breather of a book. Just a what’s going on in the lives of the characters. A Christmas special, so to speak.

Liked that Feyre decided to have a baby with Rhys. Did not like the non action between Nesta and Cass. There was nothing going on with Elaine either. Sad to see depressed and apologetic Tamlin. I wanted more with the sisters. Not much happened, but I’m kinda fine with a breather.

2.5/5 stars

A Court of Silver Flames by Sarah J. Maas

In my opinion, this was the best book in the series. I absolutely loved Nesta’s journey. So relatable. Pushing people away with self destructive behavior. Feeling unworthy of the man who loves her. I loved Cassian. Best book boyfriend. He tried to give her space. Was there for her after she told Feyre she may die in child birth. She was depressed for not being able to save her father. She felt unworthy of her friends.

Nesta had so much growth. She was smart and proud and stubborn, yet human. Still unsure of all the fairy customs. Hot hot hot sex.

The only thing I didn’t like was the big bad at the end, the queen. I felt the stakes weren’t that high. I was just like, okay, let’s vanquish her and get on with it. Which they did, rather seamlessly. But other than that, I loved it!

4.75/5 stars

Thank you so much for reading!

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