May has been a month of magic and supernatural with a dash of romance. I started a new series and finished an existing one. This month is also the one year anniversary to this monthly reading review on my blog – yay to me! Over the year, I have challenged myself to read wider with a mix of ARCs from Netgalley or published fiction. This monthly round-up has also encouraged me to read regularly. When I graduated from my BA and MA degrees, I was burnt out from reading and probably was only able to finish reading one fiction book a year after reading academia for so long. The last few years have been a journey of re-evaluating what I enjoy reading and discovering new authors that write exciting and immersive fiction. There have, like anything, been many highs and lows, especially with reading very popular hyped books and its been difficult striking the balance between well-written books and not so great books with a good concept. I have also taken these criticisms on board when writing my debut novel and understanding what I want from a book that makes me completely obsessed with reading.
Let’s get into my MAY reading review and once again thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for eARCs in exchange for an honest review.
May reads
In my April review I read and reviewed the Once Upon a broken heart series by Stephanie Garber that can be read here. I mentioned that I may read the Caraval series. Inevitably curiosity got the better of me and I found a good deal on amazon kindle for the complete series. I have yet to finish reading Caraval and have mixed views despite the strong start. The magic is confusing, the main character Scarlett is insufferable and doesn’t stop and think about what is happening just reacts without thought. Julian is an interesting character who guides Scarlett through the magic game of caraval. I had to stop reading because I was not enjoying the pace but I think I will try and pick up the book again next month.
Next up with The Greek Villa by Sue Roberts. I am participating in the Books On Tour publicity campaign with Bookouture with a blog review spot on the 6th June – check back in June so see my review. Read here.
A Demon’s guide to Wooing a Witch is the second in the Glimmer Falls series, read my review of the first book in my February Reading Review.
Just 10 hours after the events of the first book and Astaroth’s defeat comes another unfortunate meeting between Calladia and her demon nemesis Astaroth when she saves his life from demon, Moloch. There’s only one slight problem, Astaroth has lost his memories and becomes defenceless. Together Calladia and Astaroth go on a journey to retrieve the demon’s memory and save the demon realm from Moloch and his anti hybrid views.
I enjoyed the first in the series and thought Astaroth was a really interesting villain and even more surprised at his redemption arc in this book. At first Calladia was very abrasive, which I understand is the point but it made the initial reading very difficult to get through. The pacing was off where the first half dragged, but then became quicker as the plot gained momentum.
The main focus of demon politics mirroring contemporary society was interesting and clearly had influence from current events etc. I liked the inclusion of Lilith but I definitely wasn’t expecting her to be a fanfic writer. This added some humour and depth to her character instead of just being this bloodthirsty demon. I found the modern references jarring that blurred reality and fiction with references to AO3 and other pop culture remarks. I’m not sure I enjoy this style of blending fiction with reality, but that’s just a personal preference.
I didn’t like the exclusion of an epilogue. The ending was too complete without any hint at what or where these characters go on to do aside from suggestions. Calladia does have some moments of softness that redeem her abruptness but this is only encouraged by Astaroth. His plot of amnesia created an interesting power dynamic between him being a villain and on a path of redemption. I would have liked Calladia and her mother to have had some reconciliation instead of her being completely cut out of her life. Maybe that is something that will be addressed in the future books.
Overall, a light hearted read with some pacing issues but fun nonetheless.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
When werewolf Ben accidentally buys a mortal vampire stuck in a plastic crystal, who is bound to serve his every command, he is drawn into uncomfortable social situations and political feuds when all he wants to do is run his plant emporium in peace. The introverted werewolf falls in love with the chaotic and dramatic vampire who helps draw Ben out of his shell and embracing who he is. There is a big time jump of two years from the first two books to this one – something to keep in mind when reading.
This is a fun return back to the world of Glimmer Falls with the return of previous characters and a deeper dive into the shy and introverted life of werewolf Ben. This book is definitely a different pace to the first two books with less interaction with demons and the demon realm. I liked the dynamic between Eleanora and Ben and how they both help each other navigate the world and their insecurities. The story of the crystal and the witch linking to the second book was interesting but I wanted more from that storyline. I liked Eleanora trying to understand the modern world and how she ultimately finds a place doing what she loves in performance art.
The subplot of Ben’s sister Gigi running for mayor and the return of Cynthia Cunnington completed her villain arc and ultimately resolved Cynthia’s political control. This needed to have more impact and I would have liked dialogue or some interaction between Calladia and Cynthia considering their abrupt estrangement in the second book. I wasn’t as invested in Gigi’s storyline unfortunately.
The pace was good, but lagged in the middle and I think this book could lose a few of the spicier scenes and replace with plot development or exploration of Glimmer Falls. After three books I still feel that Glimmer Falls hasn’t moved or expanded in my knowledge and many elements are underdeveloped in the world building of dynamics and magic.
Overall, a fun and light-hearted read with likeable characters that I enjoyed reading about and rooting for Eleanora and Ben to fall in love and have a happy ending. I think some of the plot points need tightening which will help the middle pace and there was a lot going on with side characters popping up and disappearing again. It did not disappoint and sits well within the series.
Final thoughts
Overall, May has been an exciting array of books that have transported me to fantasy worlds with magic, evil and love that shows the power of friendship and being true to oneself. I am still on the fence with Caraval but I shall persevere nonetheless and as the dreary weather continues to batter the windows, I will hunt for warm and summery books.
I’ve also been writing and editing my debut fantasy adventure novel and I’m deep in the pits of writing my pitch and query letter to literature agents, which is both terrifying and exciting. What reading fantasy books have taught me this month is how much I enjoy detailed characters and magic without the complicated world building that leaves me confused and unable to comprehend the world I am supposed to inhabit while reading. I also love the depth and diversity of characters, especially ones with anxiety or introverted personalities. Often heroes are presented as confident, bold and extroverted who thrive on attention. But in many cases, I root for unlikely heroes who grow as throughout the book and find inner strength to carry on. These are more relatable and house a emotional quality that is often missing from some character development. I often want to feel connected to the character and feel invested in whether they succeed or fail, and many books do not do this. They often portray two-dimensional characters that could easily be forgotten or fail for all I care as a reader.
Don’t forget to read my book review for The Greek Villa on the 6th June!
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Amy is a writer and reviewer and is currently writing and editing her debut fantasy novel that she hopes to pitch to literary agents and publishers shortly – it is a mix of Pirates of the Caribbean – meets – The Mummy – meets – Bridgerton. For more content click here to read book reviews, short stories and updates on Amy’s writing journey.
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