July turned out to be a month of conclusions.
I wrapped up a series that I honestly wasn’t sure I’d ever finish, ventured into historical fantasy and magical realism, and discovered that sometimes a book doesn’t have to be a favorite to make the journey worthwhile. There were a few disappointments, a couple of pleasant surprises, and one series that slowly won me over despite my initial reluctance.
As August rolls in, my reading list is taking a bit of a turn. I’ll be diving into fantasy old and new, sprinkling in a bit of nonfiction, and revisiting one of my favorite worlds in preparation for a highly anticipated release later this year.
Here’s what July looked like on my bookshelf.
📖 July Wrap-Up
A Fate Inked in Blood by Danielle L. Jensen
⭐⭐⭐☆☆ (2.75 Stars)
I went into this one expecting to fall head over heels for a Norse-inspired fantasy, but it never completely clicked for me. While the world was intriguing and the premise had so much potential, I struggled with the pacing and found it difficult to fully invest in the central romance. There were moments I really enjoyed, but overall I walked away wanting a little more depth and a little less rushing toward the next plot point.
Glow by Raven Kennedy
⭐⭐⭐☆☆ (3 Stars)
This was the book where The Plated Prisoner series finally started to turn around for me. The characters began to feel more fleshed out, the emotional stakes carried more weight, and I found myself becoming genuinely invested in Auren’s journey. It still wasn’t a perfect read, but it gave me hope that the series was building toward something worth seeing through.
The Bullet Swallower by Elizabeth Gonzalez James
⭐⭐☆☆☆ (2 Stars)
This one simply wasn’t for me.
I appreciated the ambition behind its blend of magical realism, historical fiction, and family saga, but I never felt emotionally connected to the story. It remained just out of reach the entire time, leaving me admiring what it was trying to accomplish more than actually enjoying the reading experience.
Gold by Raven Kennedy
⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4 Stars)
Easily one of my favorite installments in the series.
The pacing felt stronger, the emotional moments landed beautifully, and I found myself completely invested in the characters in a way I never expected after the earlier books. It reminded me why sometimes pushing through a slower start can be worth it.
Goldfinch by Raven Kennedy
⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (3.75 Stars)
The finale left me with mixed emotions.
By this point, I’d genuinely come to love these characters and was fully invested in their story. Watching how much they’d grown over six books was incredibly rewarding. While I ultimately found the ending a little less satisfying than I’d hoped for, I still appreciated the emotional journey that got us there. Looking back, I’m glad I stuck with the series.
📚 August TBR
August is shaping up to be an eclectic reading month, and honestly…I’m pretty excited about it.
✨ The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab
This has been sitting on my shelf—and my TBR—for far too long. I’ve heard nothing but wonderful things, and I’m finally ready to see if it lives up to the hype.
🎲 The Inevitable Ruin by Matt Dinniman
Back into the wonderfully chaotic world of Dungeon Crawler Carl I go. Every installment somehow manages to become more outrageous while still packing an emotional punch, and I can’t wait to see where Carl and Princess Donut end up next.
🇰🇷 The Birth of Korean Cool by Euny Hong
I’ve been wanting to read more nonfiction lately, and this seemed like the perfect choice. As someone fascinated by Korean culture and the global rise of K-pop, K-dramas, and Korean entertainment, I’m looking forward to learning more about how it all came together.
🥐 Kisses and Croissants by Anne-Sophie Jouhanneau
A little romance, Paris, and ballet? This sounds like exactly the kind of light, charming read that’ll balance out some of the heavier fantasy on my list.
🌹 Returning to Prythian…
Perhaps the read I’m most excited about isn’t a new book at all.
With A Court of Thorns and Roses 6 officially releasing on October 27, there’s no better excuse to return to one of my favorite fantasy worlds. I’ve decided to reread the entire ACOTAR series from the very beginning so every court, every bargain, every heartbreak, and every unforgettable moment is fresh in my mind before diving into the next installment.
It’s been long enough that I know I’ll pick up on details I missed the first time around, and honestly, I can’t wait to fall in love with these characters all over again. Few series have left such a lasting impression on me, and revisiting Prythian feels like the perfect way to close out the summer before returning to it this fall.
Closing the Chapter
July reminded me that sometimes perseverance pays off. Not every book became a favorite, but each one gave me something to think about, whether it was a new perspective, a memorable character, or simply a reminder that not every story is meant for every reader.
Here’s hoping August is filled with unforgettable worlds, five-star reads, and plenty of late nights saying, “Just one more chapter.”
What are you reading this month? I’d love to hear what’s on your August TBR in the comments!
literary gluttony 
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