May 2018 Reading Wrap-Up.
May 2018 Reading Wrap Up time.
May was a great reading month. I read seven books. Let’s dive into the mini reviews and final thoughts.
May 2018 Reading Wrap Up and Reviews
The not so good
The Breadown by B A Paris was so good that I immediately requested the ARC of Bring Me Back. This was a big disappointment. Not thrilling, not suspenseful. I don’t recommend.
This was an ARC via NetGalley, and thanks to the publishers HQ for sharing.
Good
There are elements of the I See You plot that are hard to accept as possible. But there the whodunit aspect I didn’t guess so points for that. I See You is a creepy slow build more psychologically disturbing when the reader considers how daily routines can you easy prey for a stalker.
I selected this book solely because of the beautiful cover and the stunning black cover model.
Song of Blood and Stone is a new fantasy series that has hints of politics ranging from refugee crisis, xenophobia, homophobia and racism. However, while these heavier topics are covered throughout the novel, at its heart is a fairy tale styled romance.
After completing book one of the Earthsinger Chronicles, I’m still unsure of the magic systems and rules of the society. The book was a slow read for me.
Fans of any of those young adult or new adult fantasy series may enjoy the book.
I received a NetGalley arc of this books. Thanks to the publishers St Martin’s Press.
Great Reads
The world building in Children of Blood and Bone is beautiful. It is also apologetically black. My issue and my challenge with rating was that I felt emotionally exhausted after I read it. This is a hero, adventure tale with political intrigue. It is a YA book but masterfully touches on issues of colourism, genocide, enslavement, sexism. I am looking forward to book two.
I thoroughly enjoyed The Bear and the Nightingale and The Girl in the Tower did not disappoint. I adore Vasya and I really can’t wait until January 2019 when book three will be released.
If you love fantasy tales and historical fiction with detailed descriptions then this is a great book.
I loved this story. It is an obvious black lives matter protest in literature. But I adore Starr and her family and friends. This was one of the most hyped books that I read this month. But believe the hype. It takes you on an emotional journey. If you are black, not necessarily African American but a conscious and awakened person of African descent, read The Hate U Give.
Excellent
Loved this book. So many emotions, I got teary-eyed throughout the book. I read Ti-Jean and His Brothers for CSEC literature and to see that inspiration woven into this masterpiece of sci-fi dystopian was a magical experience. And, I’ve wanted to read this book since I was at uni over a decade ago and it never happened. Glad I finally decided to read this tribute to Caribbean storytelling traditions.
This is my favourite book of May. And it may make it into my top books of 2018.
What did you read this May?
How was your reading month?
Share your top book for May 2018 below.
Until next week, happy reading!
Chantel DaCosta
Chantel DaCosta is a storyteller, editor and lifestyle blogger. She is passionate about mental health awareness and Jamaican women's own-voices stories.
