Recent Reads || May 2022

I’ve been reading A LOT recently due to audiobooks and graphic novels from my local library. It has been so refreshing and invigorating to be reading again, but at the same time it is difficult to keep up with reviews here and on instagram.

Unfortunately, I can’t post full length reviews for every book that I read right now (remember that I have a toddler), so here is a small glance into my thoughts on some books I’ve recently read.

Here are some quick reviews on books that are standalones, series I am DNF-ing, or series I plan to continue in the future (but not right now).

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“The Maiden Ship” by Micheline Ryckman

I was not thrilled with this book. It’s not horrible or overly offensive, but it is gratingly sexist (despite being written by a woman). This book just wasn’t what I was expecting. I have the first two books in the FaeCrate special editions, and they are absolutely beautiful.

So, even though I am not going to continue reading this series, I am going to keep the special editions for my collection. I recommend “All the Stars and Teeth” by Adalyn Grace in place of this book.

Key Words:

seafaring “adventure”
magic and curses
ancient gods and wars
romance
infantilization of women
pirate violence, storms, bodies of water, death of parent, sexism, mentions of brothels and indentured servants
incomplete main plot

“These Hollow Vows” by Lexi Ryan

This fae fantasy is very reminiscent of Sarah J. Maas’ books, but in the best way. Sometimes I am in the mood for a spicy, brooding faerie romance, even if they are predictable and unrealistic (and sometimes toxic). I was pretty apathetic about this book up until the very last chapter. It was done SO WELL. I wasn’t going to read the sequel, but now I can’t wait to pick it up.

Keywords:

faeries, magical creatures, and humans
magic, curses, politics, betrayal
love triangle
lavish balls and court life
death of parent(s), violence, moderately explicit sexual scenes, indentured servants, death, slavery, impulsive main character

“Feral Sins” by Suzanne Wright

Is this book problematic and overall not “high quality literature”? Yes. But is it fun, sexy, and binge-able? Also yes. I definitely have my issues with this book, but I can’t ignore the fact that I thoroughly enjoyed it. I genuinely laughed out loud and found myself excited about the plot. Surprisingly, I also think the couple works well together and are easy to root for. I will definitely continue with this series when I need another spicy werewolf read.

Please read the content warnings for this series before picking it up if you are sensitive to certain content.

Keywords:

werewolves, pack politics
strong, sarcastic lead female
dark, brooding lead male
fake dating/marriage of convenience
mild/internalized transphobia and homophobia, sexism, aphobia
child abuse, death, violence, gore, mild sexual assault, threats of sexual violence, questionable consent, jealousy, toxic relationships, controlling partners

“Nimona” by

This fantasy graphic novel is going to be adapted into a movie in the near future, so I decided to give it a shot. It is fun, quick, and quirky. I love the art style, and the story is enjoyable enough. Definitely not as amazing as everyone made it seem, but I get the hype. Predictable, but fun.