I’ve just realised that I forgot to do a wrap up! Let me rectify this. As I didn’t read much in August, I intended to lump it in with September and it is now a week into October and I haven’t really done very well! Alright, here is my August and September Wrap up!
August
The Power by Naomi Alderman
One day, women wake up, and discover they have a strange power. With a flick of their fingers, young women can cause pain or awaken the power in older women. The day of the girls has arrived. Nothing will ever be quite the same again.
Absolutely AMAZING dystopian and well-deserved winner of the Bailey’s Prize for Women’s Fiction 2017.
This Savage Song (Monsters of Verity #1) by V.E.Schwab
In Verity, a tipping point was reached, and violent acts become monsters. From murder are born the bloodsucking Malchai, from non-murderous violent acts, the clawing Corsai, from monstrous acts the soul-sucking Sunai. In Verity, monsters are created and these very real monsters seek very real human prey.
An interesting book on what makes a monster, how precarious political systems can topple and how to know who you can trust.
Shadow and Bone (Grisha #1) By Leigh Bardugo
Alina is a footsoldier in the war-torn country of Ravka, split into the Grisha with awe-inspiring powers and those without. When her regiment are attacked in the Shadow Fold, Alina unleashes a power she didn’t know she had, changing the fate of the war and being catapulted from the ordinary, to the world of the Grisha and capturing the attention of their charismatic leader, the Darkling.
Not quite as amazing as the Six of Crows duology that is a spin off from this world, but it’s good. I think reading SoC first gives you much higher expectations.
September
Siege and Storm (Grisha #2) by Leigh Bardugo
Alina and Mal barely escaped Ravka with their lives. Now they have to find their way, and escape the Darkling, desperate to find them. When the Darkling and his Grisha catch up, Alina finds they have far more planned than a necklace of bone.
Bit of a meh sequel, so following the rule of trilogies, the final part should be pretty good, whether by comparison or in it’s own right.
The Gravity Between Us by Kirsten Zimmer
A-list actress Kendell and her childhood best friend, fledgling musician Payton move to LA together, living up the good A-lister LA life. In this world focussed on Kendall, they need each other more than ever, but secrets have a way of breaking free, and breaking hearts.
This was an Ok, good nor great romance/coming of age/coming out story with an interesting Point of View structure.
Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell
Cath is a Simon Snow fanfiction writer, an introvert who doesn’t want to engage with the college life in the same way her twin sister Wren does. But Cath finds over the course of the year, that sometimes reality can be more intense than fanfiction.
I would have loved this as a young adult about to leave for university, instead I thought it was good, but not one I’ll read again.
Traitor to the Throne (Rebel of the Sands #2) by Alwyn Hamilton
A year after the rebels staked claim to the desert, demijin Amani and the revolution are relying on stories to keep the Miraji Sultan’s men at bay. When Amani gets captured and is sent to the Sultan’s Harem, she has to try finding a way to survive, sneak information to the rebellion, and get herself and the djinn free of the Sultan. But she can’t help but wonder it it’s worth all the fight.
First book was amazing, in the sequel Amani is practically powerless and I found that it was ok, but not as good as the first. The third in the trilogy is out next year (I think/hope).
Just Me and a Pad of Paper 