I am highly tempted by pretty covers, tagged was absolutely a cover buy - so so pretty. I also loved it!
#SundayFunday

Here is final #bookspinbingo card for May.

I completed my #bookspin pick - Jade Legacy (my favorite of the month) completed my #doublespin pick Witch Hat Atelier Vol 8 which was excellent as well.
I made 2 bingos (though I cheated a little as I just finished Mad Ship today, but it is really long!)
This was definitely an overly ambitious tbr as it included many chunky books. However, still a great reading month.

My favorite book of May was hands down Jade Legacy by Fonda Lee. It‘s going to be a tough one to beat too! I cannot recommend the Green Bone Saga trilogy enough!
#2023ReadingBracket #favoritereads

Another #ChunksterChallenge2023 -906 pages complete! This is book 2 in The Liveship Traders, and the second series in the Realm of the Elderlings universe. This trilogy is a complex yet fun pirate adventure, with magic talking ships and mythical creatures. I liked this a lot, though it dragged a bit more than book 1, especially during the non-sea faring portions. You can read this trilogy on its own, but you should read Ship of Magic first. 4⭐️

Here is my #JuneTBR #bookspinbingo card!
So excited to start summer break - we‘ve earned it #litsyteachers!

My #bookspin pick is The True Love Experiment by Christina Lauren

My #doublespin pick is Witch Hat Atelier Vol 9 - almost caught up on this beautiful charming manga.

Book 3 of the Tattered & Torn series - these work as standalones but I do recommend the others in the series. This tells the story of two characters mentioned in previous books Addie & Beckett. Both are recovering from past trauma and their romance is so very sweet. Though there are dark elements to their past, this is a very comforting read. The suspense portion is somewhat predictable, but definitely worth the read for the romance. 4⭐️

1. Definitely tagged which I read in High School.
2. I love a duology, it feels like a full story without a big commitment. Though I don‘t mind a long series.
3. The Green Bone Saga which I just finished early this month. I hope she writes more in this world!
#wondrouswednesday @Eggs

This was a weirdly cute quick read. It tells the story of a woman down on her luck who is asked to help out a college friend. It turns out to be a very unusual nanny job. It‘s hard to categorize, and does not always make sense. However, it is very charming and I really liked our main protagonist. 4⭐️
#bookclubread #20in4 #Readathon

Here is my #JuneTBR A couple holdovers from May but my main goal is to continue series I have been reading and continuing to check off my physical TBR. As always I will be participating in #bookspin #doublespin & #bookspinbingo
School is out Friday so I look forward to lots more reading time!

My #Roll100 picks for my #JuneTBR

Heart of the Sun Warrior by Sue Lynn Tan

Engines of Empire by Richard S. Ford

The Fifth Season by N. K. Jemesin (reread to see if I want to continue the series as I read this when it first came out and never got to the sequels)

Now time to build my TBR!

This is very fun, bonkers, horror/thriller. A woman who is grieving is house sitting alone with only a shut in older gentleman neighbor for company. She spends most of her day reading indi thrillers, when she reads a truly bad book and gives it one star, the author takes offense…
This was a fast paced thrilling read, even though I guessed the twist, it was still a lot of fun. 4⭐️
Content warnings ⬇️

Book 2 of the Tattered & Torn series features Hadley & Calder, best friends in adventure that had a falling out due to trauma that make their way back together. There is also a very entertaining twisty suspense plot. This is new favorite romance series and look forward to continuing onto book 3! 5⭐️

This is the last book in the Stay a Spell series and definitely the sweetest of the bunch. This couple has been hinted at for a while. I really enjoyed the romance, and the mystery was fine. 4⭐️

This was a highly entertaining character study/war story that takes place in the First Law world. It includes many fun characters of the original First Law trilogy. Taking place over just a few days, it show‘s different viewpoints on both sides of the battle. It also includes the author‘s trademark Grimdark lovable rogues. Also similar to the previous novels, there isn‘t much plot.⬇️

This is a traditional, fun epic fantasy adventure. This volume is actually the first two books in Riyria Revelations, this author‘s beginning to an expansive world. Our main characters are Royce & Hadrian, a pair of thieves who can accomplish impossible assignments. The story with a couple of seemingly unrelated thefts that throw them into political conspiracies, and a cast of delightful characters.⬇️

I was an early reader on this book and have now reread the finished book (which I did purchase).
This is a great new post apocalyptic/urban fantasy romance! It takes place in a world where the earth has become fed up with human abuse and taken it back. With this, Magic is unleashed, and many humans are affected. Our main character is one such human, who escapes a cult like compound and welcomed into a Magic friendly community.⬇️

DNF‘d at 50%
This had a strong start and some interesting world building, but then it became a very predictable love triangle situation and got very boring. Another book that could use some editing down. Though an adult release, this feels very YA/New Adult.

This tells the story of Sadie, a not at all successful artist - who is also a bit of a manic pixie dream girl. This is not my favorite characteristic so I wasn‘t sure if I was going to love this, however the writing was entertaining so I kept going. Sadie‘s luck seems to finally be on the upswing, as she makes it into the finals of an art competition with a big prize. Then a medical event happens and her life completely changes.
⬇️

My work stressors are wrapping up so I can participate in some #readathons again! I haven‘t done the #backlistreadathon before but it lined up well with my next audiobook on my tbr. I read the first two of Michael J Sullivan‘s Legends of the First Empire, before realizing it was part of a larger world. So I‘m going to go back and read in publishing order as the author recommends. Thanks @Clwojick & @TheAromaofBooks for hosting!

An excellent epic finale to this fantastic sci-fi trilogy. Though it starts a little slow, this dark space dram is full of twists and turns. I‘m really enjoyed this series and I have no idea why it took me so long to get to it. I look forward to starting the next era in the world. 4.5⭐️ just because of the slightly slow start.

The continuing story of a human woman who lives amongst vampires and her story of survival and love. This starts right where book 1 left off - keeping out details as it will spoil book 1. This was another action packed thriller/fantasy story with romance. There are significantly more “steamy” scenes in this book as the relationship develops.⬇️

This is a beautiful sweet gothic fairy tale. The story of little girl and “teacher” who is a cursed soul. This first volume introduces this world and our charming main characters. The art is lovely and the little girl is so cute. There are true moments of danger as well. I look forward to continuing this manga series. 5⭐️
#MagnificentMay #Readathon

This is the story of a couple that has broken up that pretends to still be together for a friends getaway. It is actually a story full of melancholy, both for how adult friendships change and how relationships do not always work out how you wish. I can‘t say I enjoyed reading this, and I don‘t know if I genuinely believed in the main couple. This has Emily Henry‘s trademark beautiful writing and story of a relationship.⬇️

Another beautiful love story by Abby Jimenez. Her characters always feel very real and authentic. There is also excellent mental health representation. The miscommunication drove me bonkers, though it makes sense in context, it still is a major pet peeve for me that prevents me from making this a perfect romance. 4⭐️
#magnificentmay #readathon 1st book done!

Wow! This was a nail-biting epic finale to one of the best fantasy series I have ever read. I highly recommend this series, which is mix of urban fantasy, gangster drama, ode to classic martial arts films and period piece. It deserves all of buzz and praise. 5 giant ⭐️
#bookspin done!

Here is my #MayTBR #bookspinbingo

My #bookspin pick will be Jade Legacy

My #doublespin pick will be Witch Hat Atellier Vol 8

My very ambitious physical #MayTBR
Several of these I have audio too will help. Currently listening to tagged which is fantastic.

It was a tough choice but my top read of the month has to be Golden Son, book 2 of the Red Rising series. It also moves forward as my favorite of the first quarter of the year.
#TopReadsof2023

All of my #AprilReads
Made a very good dent in my planned April TBR and picked up a few mood reads as well.

5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Reads:
📗Spy Family Vol 1
📕The Paper Menagerie
🎧Jade War
📘Fullmetal Alchemist Vol 13
🎧Golden Son
ARC - Romantic Comedy

Absolute favorite reads were Golden Son & Jade War. Both I could not stop reading.

It was was a bit of a slumpy month the first half of April, but I had some big wins at the end!
#AprilWrapUp

This is a very meh murder mystery. It has a fun premise, basically murder happens at an American Baking show at an estate (aka Great British Baking Show). It was interesting enough to finish and I enjoyed some of the contestants, however, there is nothing new here. 3⭐️
#24in4 #Readathon

This is another fun, gruesome and funny volume of Vinland Saga. This series is historical fiction featuring dominance of early UK and Scandinavia - Vikings vs. Saxons. This volume has a bit of a silly feel as we follow various character‘s attempts at vengeance and power struggles. Not as strong as the first two volumes in story, but still a fun read. 4⭐️
#bookspinbingo 2 bingos!
#24in4 #Readathon

My #indiebookstoreday #bookhaul

Yay! Love the small Chicagoland chain Barbara‘s Bookstore!

This second book of an epic urban fantasy is excellent. This trilogy takes place in an alternate universe, with strong Asian inspiration. Our main characters are part of Green Bone Clan, a Yakuza-like family. In this world people gain power from Jade, which is viciously fought over and who controls its distribution. I will not go into details, but this is an excellent urban fantasy/family drama.😁

This is a warm hug contemporary romance. Very low angst with nice disability representation. I really liked both main characters, and their growth. I would have liked a slightly deeper dive into the male main character‘s trauma, it is only touched upon. Also it feels like it time skips through their friendship. However, it was still a lovely fun read.⬇️

Here is my #MayTBR! It will be a month of continuing series as my main goal, and a few other random picks. I also want to read at least 2 NetGalley ARCS I have been approved for so I will continue to get approved.
I will as always be participating in #bookspin #bookspinbingo and #doublespin and possibly other Readathons that pop up.

Wow I had heard this second book was a big improvement from book 1 and the fans were correct. A non stop action packed continuation of the story of a man who transforms from a Red - the lowest born of the Mars society to a Gold - the prestige ruling class. The first book was more YA and in a training school setting. This one is definitely an adult novel and features the many sparks of all out civil war. ⬇️

I enjoyed this second book in the Amari series. The characters in this series are delightful and it is a very well created magical school. This book was a bit long and could use some small edits, as it definitely dragged the first third of the book. However, once the main plot takes off it is another fun adventure. This is not a standalone and you do need to read book 1 first. 4⭐️

Volume 13 of this fantastic fantasy/sci-fi epic manga series. This one answers some big questions we‘ve had throughout the story. Looking forward to more volumes! 5⭐️

This was an outstanding collection of short stories. A mix of historical fiction, magical realism, speculative fiction and sci-fi. The overarching themes include: colonialism, racism and human need to evolve. I absolutely loved it and took a long time to read to savor each story. My favorites are:

The Paper Menagerie, The Perfect Match, The Literomancer, Simulacrum, All the Flavors & The Waves. ⬇️

I enjoyed this second book of The Legends of the First Empire series. Part political machinations, part Tolkien style adventure. It was a lot of fun, and I‘m sure if I had read the author‘s previous series I would be even more connected. As this is book 2 I don‘t want to go into detail, but I really am enjoying this traditional medieval high fantasy series and look forward to continuing the series. 4⭐️
#doublespin done! #bookspinbingo too!

This was a cute and unique fantasy romance with zombies. However, it‘s not really post apocalyptic, zombies are just part of the lore of this world. The world building and characters were great, loved them. The romance was fine, but depended a little too much on miscommunication for my taste. 4⭐️

My #Roll100 picks for my #MayTBR

In order of most likely to get to:
The Secret History - Mistborn novella by Brandon Sanderson
The Crystal Cave by Mary Stewart
Leviathan Wakes by James S. A. Corey - I loved the show based on this series but unsure if this massive space opera is for me!

Yes I love audiobooks. Probably about 65% of my reading is listening. I love the dramatic readings and being able to multitask while I enjoy books.
I especially love epic fantasy on audio, currently listening to tagged!
#sundayfunday

This is a very strange book. It is a book within a book with two voices, the author and his friend who is writing notes about the book. Knowing less about this is better, but know like many of this author‘s work, you may not get the answers you are looking for, but the journey is fascinating. Definitely not a book for everyone, but I think I enjoyed it? 4⭐️
My first #bookspinbingo

This was a very entertaining family drama/mystery, not that much of a thriller. I enjoyed the unraveling of our main couple‘s relationship and the set-up. Our main couple live near a cliff which unfortunately tends to attract those contemplating suicide. The husband has prevented a couple of attempts but one day seemingly is unable to stop a women from jumping. Or did he? I definitely recommend if you enjoy domestic thrillers. 4⭐️
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A very fun, creepy and slightly gross horror. A woman moves home temporarily between jobs and notices her mom is acting very strangely. The woman discovers strange things are happening in her home and it is not just a simple haunted house story. I am a big T. Kingfisher fan, and she brings a truly unique story yet again, if a little quick and ridiculous. 4⭐️

For a debut this is very impressive, however compared to Sanderson‘s newer works it is just not as strong or as fun to read. His fantastic world building and unique magic systems are present though. This is what kept me listening so I finished the book. I would not recommend the full book audio though. The transitions between viewpoints are non existent so I was often confused as to who I was following.⬇️

Here is my reading/relaxing playlist. A mix of genres but heavy on folk. https://spotify.link/czYm4pT4Ryb

#EasterOMC

This is an excellent new YA fantasy adventure. A Mexican mythology inspired adventure featuring a competition of demigods. This has similar themes to Hunger Games but new mythology and excellent lgbtq+ representation. It is very YA, and early in the book I wasn‘t sure it was for me, but once the competition began I was hooked. I look forward the conclusion of this duology! 4.5⭐️
#EasterOMC book 4 complete!

This one isn‘t on Litsy yet, but I finished this fun book today. This is #12 of the Neighbor From Hell series. This is a super fun, ridiculous rom com series about the Bradford family. A family of big guys with voracious appetites and a tendency to fall hard for their women. This one brings back the fun and heart. These can be read as standalones, but the other couples are featured in each book. Sexy, silly fun! 4⭐️