Monthly Wrap Up—May, 2024

Hey everyone, and welcome back to another wrap-up! Just like April, May turned out to be a fantastic month for curling up with a good book. In fact, I managed to power through a whopping eight fantasy novels—the genre continues to hold a special place on my bookshelf (and nightstand).

Most of these reads were actually ARCs I snagged from NetGalley. It’s truly amazing how this platform allows you to discover fantastic books before they even hit shelves. Plus, let’s be honest, there’s a certain thrill to getting approved for those highly anticipated releases. Of course, it wasn’t all sunshine and rainbows. A couple of books on my wishlist got the dreaded rejection—publishing rights in different territories can be a real buzzkill sometimes!

While I’m absolutely stoked about the sheer volume I read this month, it did come at a cost. My writing time definitely took a hit, and striking a healthy balance between the two is important. So, expect a bit of a slowdown in the coming months as I prioritize getting those creative juices flowing again. But there will still be plenty of bookish goodness to come! Now, let’s see what books I’ve read this month?

“Princess of Air” by Natalie Cammaratta

I found the magic system to be quite entertaining! Rivalry between siblings. A touch of intrigue. Trials. A romantic fantasy blend. And plot twists I didn’t see coming.

If you’re a sucker for a captivating romantasy with a healthy dose of action and intrigue, then “Princess of Air” is an absolute must-read. Trust me, you won’t regret adding this gem to your TBR pile.

“Bride” by Ali Hazelwood

Craving a paranormal romance that’s equal parts thrilling and heartwarming? Look no further than Ali Hazelwood’s “Bride.” This story throws a reluctant vampire bride, Misery Lark, into the arms (and fangs) of a brooding werewolf alpha as collateral to keep the peace between species, creating a marriage of convenience that’s anything but conventional.

“Masters of Blood” by Karolina Wilde

If you love retellings, especially of the Hades and Persephone myth, then I think you’ll enjoy this one. The storyline throws a human princess, Levana, into the path of Orion, a powerful vampire ruler from the mysterious realm of Obridora who is determined to make her his bride, no matter the consequences. She needs to figure out how to survive.

“Second Chance” by Kyona Jiles

With its mix of supernatural creatures and a captivating love triangle, “Second Chance” by Kyona Jiles is a gripping new adult paranormal romance that is sure to keep readers hooked from beginning to end. If you love spice in your romance, this is the fade to black kind of book.

“Non Serviam” by Sfarda L. Gül

Sfarda L. Gül’s debut novel, “Non Serviam,” is the start of a dark gothic fantasy series that takes you to a Venetian-like realm. In the city of Vencenza, a darker rendition of Venice, this book presents a richly crafted world and enthralling political drama, narrated by its trio of protagonists.

"True Winter" by Q.K. Petty

The main plot revolves around the House of David, an underground group devoted to gathering influential artifacts and concealing them in order to safeguard humanity. In his quest to retrieve the lost Chains of Peter, Eden, a House of David member, unexpectedly encounters his half-brother Orion.

“The Sky on Fire” by Jenn Lyons

If you’re looking for a fast-paced adventure with a unique world, quirky characters, great queer representation, and a satisfying heist at its core, then “The Sky on Fire” is a must-read.

This debut novel throws you headfirst into a richly-imagined realm where dragons hold dominion and humans walk a tightrope to avoid driving them mad with their own magic. From fire-spewing bogs to the perilous yet lucrative trade of harvesting gemstones from airborne creatures, the world-building is nothing short of incredible.

Celestial Academy: Essence

If you’re a fan of romantasy with enemies to lovers, forced proximity and lots of tension, you’ll love this book. The writing style wasn’t my favorite, but the storyline kept me intrigued. Also, I feel this veers into dark romance territory which I’m not a fan of. So, while this wasn’t necessarily my cup of tea, you might love it.