June 2018 Wrap-Up

Before I get into the meat of this post, I’d like to apologize for being MIA this past week. My time to write and post has been severely cut into, so I haven’t been able to do either. But don’t worry, I have quite a few posts planned and even have a new series I’d like to start. But first, it’s time to take a look back at all the books I read in June.

This June, I didn’t do quite as much reading as I did the past few months. This is due, in part, to my vacation during which I read very little. That said, I read three books, one graphic novel, and one short story. Two of the novels I read were rereads. In total, I finished five books. Now, let’s get into the nitty gritty of my last reading month:

 

As June kicked off, I felt the urge to reread The Young Elites by Marie Lu. So, I did.

It was actually Furyborn that prompted me to want to reread this series, as Rielle’s story mirrors Adelina’s so much. The Young Elites follows Adelina Amouteru, who has been marked by the blood fever. After years of abuse at the hands of her father, Adelina escapes and joins forces with The Dagger Society, a group of malfettos with powers. Adelina discovers she can create illusions, and soon finds herself torn between doing the right thing and seeking vengeance. This series, in short, is about the birth of a villain. And I love it. In my opinion, this book is even better the second time because of all the foreshadowing. I gave it four out of five stars.

 

Initially I was going to go right onto the next book, but I went to the bookstore and bought a new book I was really eager to start. This book was The Spawn of Lilith by Dana Fredsti.

This book follows Lee Striga, a stuntwoman in Hollywood. Though human, Lee is part of the world of supernatural creatures that work in show business. After an accident on the job, Lee is trying her best to break back into the business. But between mysterious murders and some brand new senses, this is not going to be as easy as Lee thought. This book was a fun ride, but it wasn’t everything I wanted it to be. First off, the official plot summary promises doesn’t happen until the last third of the book. This book also has some really cringy moments. And, of course, there’s the suggestion that Lee’s cousin (whom she was raised with) is mean to her because he likes her. In fact, most guys Lee comes across seem to like her in some capacity.

That said, where this book has the potential to fall into “I’m not like other girls” territory, it consistently promotes female friendships instead. Lee appreciates other women for their differences and similarities, rather than acting like she’s superior for being a fighter. Most of the twists were predictable, but I had fun watching how they came to fruition. There are also a lot of characters, several who come and go seemingly at random to serve Lee’s story. Lee is the only character that truly feels fleshed out. The epilogue also serves no purpose, seeming to be there only introduce a character that could just as easily be introduced in the next book.

All of that said, I did have fun reading this book. The writing was pretty good for the most part. I might even read the sequel when it finally comes out. This book was decent. I gave it three and a half stars.

 

Next, I decided to take a quick break from books and read DC Bombshells, Vol. 1: Enlisted by Marguerite Bennett with illustrations by Marguerite Sauvage, Ming Doyle, and Laura Braga.

This comic series is an alternate universe to the main DC canon. Some origin stories and characters are altered a bit, but they still retain what makes them fundamentally them. It takes place during World War II, and all of your favorite female superheroes (and villains) are recruited to help take on the Nazis. Follow the likes of Wonder Woman, Supergirl, Zatanna, Harley Quinn, Batwoman, and more on this exciting adventure from the past! This graphic novel was a lot gayer than I was expecting, so I was pleasantly surprised. It’s also neat to see all these superfemmes in one place together, teaming up to fight one enemy (the same enemy many superfolk were created to combat). I definitely think I’ll be continuing this series. I gave this volume four stars.

 

After that, I read Every Exquisite Thing by Cassandra Clare and Maureen Johnson.

The third installment in the Ghosts of the Shadow Market anthology, this story follows Anna Lightwood as she explores her sexuality and gender identity. We witness Anna experience first love and come to terms with being a lesbian. She and Jem also uncover the plot of a demon-summoning warlock. I can’t even begin to explain how much this story means to me. Watching a fellow lesbian come into her own? Seeing her get support from her loved ones? Divine. It was rough watching her have her heart broken, but well worth seeing her pick herself back up. I love Anna Lightwood and her story just makes me that much more excited for The Last Hours (that is, if it actually exists). I gave this story a heartfelt five stars.

 

Finally, I ended the month by rereading The Rose Society, the second book in The Young Elites series.

I don’t want to spoil anything, so I’ll just say this book continues Adelina’s rapid descent into villainy. Once again, this book was even better the second time. This is Adelina at her best, destroying her enemies and climbing her way to the top. Not only is this book great, but it’s the best one in the series. I gave this one a well-deserved five out of five stars.

 

What did you read in June? Tell me about it in the comments!