Yesterday we talked about the books we added to our shelves in May and today it’s time to talk about the books we read. What did we read? Were they good? Keep on reading for our May wrap up to find out!
Candyce
May ended up turning out to be an amazing reading month. I didn’t get everything read that I wanted to, but I’m happy with what I got done. I’ve been really enjoying all of the buddy/group reads I’ve been doing. In May I read a total of 18 books (5 paperbacks, 5 audiobooks, 4 ARCs, 2 e-books and 2 graphic novels). That together is a total of 5,863 pages and I had an average rating of 4 stars. Let’s take a look at the books I read!
Six of Crows & Crooked Kingdom – Leigh Bardugo
It was great being back in Ketterdam with the characters I came to love the first time I read these two books. I’m so happy I did read these again, because I had forgotten quite a bit. Reading these again also really helped when I recently started King of Scars. I see myself reading these again in the future.
House of Hollow – Krystal Sutherland
I’m always afraid to start a book when it’s getting a lot of hype, but I had to make an excepting for House of Hollow. This book was everything I was hoping for. It was dark, creepy and I never once had a clue where it was going to end. I did guess a little twist near the end, but it didn’t ruin anything for me at all.
The Roommate is a book I really enjoyed and should’ve read a lot sooner. I loved the characters and story line. It was also fun to get a romance that while being predictable, also ended up being unique in its own way.
Dial A for Aunties – Jesse Q. Sutanto
If you’re looking for a book that makes you laugh out loud definitely pick up Dial A for Aunties. Yes, a lot of things are over the top and maybe unrealistic, but it was so much fun! I tabbed a lot of quotes I loved and the characters were all just so pleasant. I’ll definitely be reading the next book and my review will be online soon.
Things to Do Before the End of the World – Emily Barr
Unfortunately, this one just didn’t do it for me. Things to Do Before the End of the World is described as a thriller in the first lines of the synopsis on Goodreads. I don’t know who thought of that, but that wasn’t it at all. I enjoyed seeing the main character become her own person, but the other main character just really got on my nerves. I’m still not completely sure what I read.
Prom Theory – Ann LaBar
Prom Theory was a fast and fun contemporary book and I enjoyed listening to the audiobook. I definitely get that it was pitched as a YA spin on The Rosie Project.
From the Desk of Zoe Washington – Janae Marks
This middle grade book was so good! Zoe loves cooking and spending time with her family. On her 12th birthday she receives a letter from her father who is in prison and gets curious. In some ways this was personally relatable and it was just a great book.
School of the Dead – Avi
School of the Dead was a creepy middle grade and definitely for the younger side of this age group. It was fun, but maybe just a bit too long. The audiobook was a lot of fun though.
Spirit Hunters – Ellen Oh
Spirit Hunters was definitely on the creepy side of middle grade. This was definitely a perfect Halloween read and the audiobook added to this experience. I really hope to listen to the sequel soon.
Fearless – Mandy Gonzalez
Another amazing middle grade audiobook. The author actually was the narrator and sang and performed certain aspects of Fearless. I love reading about theater and everything. The mystery was fun and I definitely hope this author writes more books.
The Tea Dragon Society – Kay O’Neill
I’ve seen this graphic novel around for ages and the artwork looks amazing! I read this in one sitting and it was a fun story. For some reason I just didn’t connect with the story, but I do hope to read more in this series.
Pizazz – Sophy Henn
The publisher recently sent me an email to see if I wanted to read Pizazz. This was such a cute story about a family of superheroes. Pizazz is trying to find her way at school and who she is. Her own ability is something she finds embarrassing, but in the end she learns it can help. I’ll be putting up my full review this week.
Don’t Look Behind You – Emily Kazmierski
I’ve read books by Emily Kazmierksi before, so I was really excited about Don’t Look Behind You. Wow, this was a ride!! The ending left me needing more and I’ll be impatiently waiting for the next book.
Better Than the Movies – Lynn Painter
My rom-com loving heart was very happy after reading Better Than the Movies. I had a feeling I knew how it would end from the start, but I loved reading how the characters would get there. So many mentions of movies I love and plenty of moments that left a big smile on my face. Lynn Painter is definitely an author I’ll be keeping an eye on.
He’ll Be Waiting – Liz Alterman
Being in a thriller kick made me sign up for He’ll Be Waiting when I got the email. I haven’t signed up for many things outside of TBR and Beyond Tours lately, but I was excited. He’ll Be Waiting started off really strong and I loved that the puzzle pieces were slowly put together. The book was just a bit too long though. It wasn’t completely what I was expecting.
Arsenic and Adobo – Mia P. Manansala
I’ve been wanting to give a cozy mystery a try for awhile and Arsenic and Adobo seemed like a fun one to start with. This was a fun story. I loved the family aspect and don’t read this book when hungry, because the food sounds amazing. Some parts were lacking and I feel that the author wanted to do too much in one book, so I’m hoping more will be answered in the next book.
Eva Evergreen, Semi-Magical Witch – Julie Abe
Eva Evergreen, Semi-Magical Witch was such a cute story. I loved all the magic and the adventure Eva goes on. It was also fun to see a character that didn’t have a lot of magic realize she was amazing the way she was and could do a lot of good with what she had. I really hope to read the next book soon.
Summary
Favorite Book: Better Than the Movies
Least Favorite: Things to Do Before the End of the World
Most Surprising: Don’t Look Behind You
Isabelle
I’m pretty happy with my reading month. While I didn’t read nearly as much as I wanted to, I did read some bigger books and gotten back into the flow of reading. In the end I read 5 books (2 rereads, a graphic novel, an audiobook and an ebook) for a total of 1754 pages. They were also all 5 star reads haha.
Six of Crows & Crooked Kingdom – Leigh Bardugo
These were a reread and I loved them so so much. Maybe even more than the first time around, if thats possible. I loved the tv show and was drawn back to the world all over again. Candyce and I will also read King of Scars and Rule of Wolves and I will be very sad after finishing all the books in this world.
Dead Voices – Katherine Arden
This one was as spooky as Small Spaces. And to me, that was pretty spooky haha. I love these characters and I’m excited for the next book in the series. These are great MG reads and I love how the seasons are incorporated.
The Tea Dragon Society – Kay O’Neill
I finally got this one and read it pretty soon after! The art in this graphic novel is gorgeous and I loved the story. Especially the tea dragons were super cute and I want one haha.
Eva Evergreen, Semi Magical Witch – Julie Abe
I adored Eva Evergreen! This book was super cute, I loved the plot, loved the characters and loved the messages. I will definitely read the next book in the series. The audiobook was really well done and I’m happy I listened to it.
Summary
Favorite Book: Six of Crows & Crooked Kingdom
Least Favorite: Honestly, non of them haha
Most Surprising: Eva Evergreen
So that’s what we read in May! Have you read any of these books? Or are there any amazing books you read that you think we need to know about? Let us know in the comments!
I have – and need to read -Dial A for Aunties and Arsenic and Adobo. I need to check out more spooky MG reads.
Lauren
ShootingStarsMag recently posted…Currently and Local Tourist: Cruella, Pride, and Birthday Celebrations
So many great books! House of Hollow and Dial A for Aunties are two I’ve heard so many good things about. Now I’ll need to check them out!
Beatrice @ Book for Thought recently posted…Monthly Wrap-Up: May 2021
Dial A for Aunties looks so good! I’m so glad you liked it 🙂 Looks like you had a great May! Hope you have a great June as well! 😄
Amanda Khong recently posted…Books I read in May & Monthly Blog Updates