August was a lighter reading month for me, and there really wasn’t all that much of a reason behind that. I just didn’t read a lot, and instead did other things. I will say that I ended up reading more physical copies that I usually do, which was neat. I also read a lot of different things at once, and didn’t finish them all. However, I did end up reading 16 books. You’ll find everything I read below the cut.
1. My Lovely Wife by Samantha Downing
Rating: 5 stars
Format: Audiobook
Review: This was a really compelling thriller. It had a really interesting premise, and the twist totally surprised me. I was stressed out and needed to know what was going to happen. It was a quick, and easy to devour audiobook. If you haven’t picked this up yet, I definitely recommend it!
2. Fake by Eric Simonson
Rating: 3 stars
Format: Audiobook
Review: This was a recording of a play, and I loved that it was a full cast audiobook. It was an easy listen with an interesting concept and I had a good time with it.
3. Anna Dressed in Blood by Kendare Blake
Rating: 4 stars
Format: Physical Copy
Review: I loved the ghost aspect of this book. It was super fun and dark. I didn’t expect the twist, or even the romance tbh. I was rooting for Cas and I absolutely felt for Anna. I love spooky stuff, so this has a great Halloween vibes if you’re looking for a read for later on this year. It didn’t blow me away or anything, but I had a solidly good time and I definitely recommend you check it out.
4. Cinderella is Dead by Kalynn Bayron
Rating: 3 stars
Format: eBook
Review: I have a full review of this up on the blog here.
5. Damsel by Elana K. Arnold
Rating: 5 stars
Format: Physical Copy
Review: I am absolutely obsessed with this book. I read it in pretty much two sittings because I absolutely needed to know what was going to happen. I loved the narrative structure of the story and the chapter tittles. The initial point of view later switching to the point of view of our protagonist was an excellent story choice. It was dark and gritty and feminist and left me guessing. I highly, highly recommend this book.
6. Warcross by Marie Lu
Rating: 4 stars
Format: Physical Copy
Review: I had so much fun reading Warcross. It’s an interesting premise, and I really loved the idea of the virtual realty, and a cool female hacker character. Emika was really empathetic as a character, and I wanted her to succeed. I rooted for the romance, and was totally hit out of left field with twist at the end. Some of the side characters were really well developed and I loved them a lot. I can’t wait to read the next book!
7. Heretics Anonymous by Katie Henry
Rating: 5 stars
Format: Physical Copy
Review: I didn’t have crazy high expectations going into this despite all the good things I had heard. I was curious about it and wanted to know if it was worth the hype. I was super impressed in the end. I loved the protagonist and how flawed he was. I also loved how he learned and grew over the course of the series. He showed really good character development. Also it made me cry.
8. Burn Baby Burn by Meg Medina
Rating: 4 stars
Format: Audiobook
Review: This was a really interesting book. It’s not something I would have picked up on my own probably if it weren’t for the fact that I got access to an audiobook for free. I found it really interesting, and I enjoyed the historical setting and the juxtaposition of the main character’s life with the historical background of the Son of Sam murders. It didn’t absolutely knock it out of the park in my opinion, I just had a good time listening to it.
9. Dear Sweet Pea by Julie Murphy
Rating: 5 stars
Format: Physical Copy
Review: I don’t typically read a lot of middle grade, but this one really knocked it out of the park. I loved the story, and I loved Sweet Pea as a character. I really related to her story, and felt for her. Sure, she made some mistakes that really made me cringe but being 12-13 is really difficult so I absolutely don’t blame her. This book totally made me cry as well. I also loved the connection to the Dumplin’ books.
10. Race to the Sun by Rebecca Roanhorse
Rating: 4 stars
Format: Physical Copy
Review: I’m really just starting to dip my toes into the Rick Riordan presents books, but I am really glad that I picked this book up. It had a really interesting premise behind it. I enjoyed the humour and the way the main character interacted with the world. She told a very interesting story and had a really fascinating adventure. You should definitely pick this book up.
11. Cracked Up to Be by Courtney Summers
Rating: 5 stars
Format: Physical Copy
Review: This book was SO GOOD. I absolutely loved Parker and her story had me enthralled from page one. I read it in one setting because I couldn’t put it down and just needed to know what was going to happen. I bawled my eyes out at one point, and really wanted to give her a hug even though she definitely wouldn’t have accepted it. If you haven’t read this book yet, you have to!
12. Vox Machina: Critical Role Origins by Mark Mercer, etc.
Rating: 4 stars
Format: Physical Copy – Graphic Novel
Review: I’m not big into the Critical Role podcast, but my boyfriend loves it and I got him this graphic novel for Christmas. I wanted to read it because I was curious and it worked for a readathon I was doing. The art in it is beautiful and I really enjoyed the story and the characters. It made me really excited for my own D&D group.
13. Smash It by Francina Simone
Rating: 4 stars
Format: eBook
Review: A full review of this will be up on the blog in September.
14. The Last Time I Lied by Riley Sager
Rating: 4 stars
Format: Audiobook
Review: This was a really interesting mystery. It kept me guessing and I definitely didn’t predict where it was going. I always enjoy an unreliable narrator, and so that was a fun addition to this book. If you haven’t checked it out yet, you definitely should.
15. Emma in the Night by Wendy Walker
Rating: 4 stars
Format: Physical Copy
Review: This was a really interesting book. I picked it up because BooksandLala recommended it and I was in the mood for a mystery. I found it really intriguing and it kept me guessing because I kept not knowing what was going to happen. I found the psychology of the parents really interesting and the dynamics of the family were messy and complicated. It was was a really fascinating read. Definitely worth checking out.
16. The Dark Prophecy by Rick Riordan
Rating: 4 stars
Format: Audiobook
Review: It was a little bit difficult for me to jump back into the series, but I still had a lot of fun listening to the story. Rick Riordan is a fantastic writer and I enjoyed the humour he includes. I’m really looking forward to continuing on with the series and see where it goes.
That’s everything I read in August! What did you read?
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