MedievalAThon TBR

This is the second readathon taking place during the entire month of July that Ill be participating in.  Ive already shared [my TBR|http://aminoapps.com/p/t959t1] for the Book Junkie Trials. Some books will overlap, but I do have new ones on this TBR. I picked 6 book so I could reach the title of Queen. I might read a bit more but those book will be in my readathon wrap up. If you want to join you can watch Holly Hearts Books annoucement video or find all the details on the readathons Twitter Account. Now lets get into my MedivalAThon TBR.

Deviate by Jay Kristoff Review

Rating: 4 Stars

Publication: June 25th, 2019

Lifelike #2

Genre: Scifi

Format: ARC

Diversity: Not Sure

Goodreads

Summary:

Set on a polluted planet turned junkyard with deserts of irradiated glass and moutains of plastic survival isnt for the weak of heart. Separated from her best friend Eve, the Lifelike android Ezekiel and her robot companion Cricket, Lemon Fresh has seen better days. While on the run from both BioMaas Incorporated and Daedelus Technologies, Lemon finds herself falling in with a band of teenagers with astonishing abilities. The group is led by an enigmatic figure who may hold the secrets to Lemon’s past. Meanwhile, Cricket finds himself captured by the bloodthirsty Brotherhood, a religious cult set for a head-on collision with Lemons new friends, Ezekiel makes a strange ally in an old enemy as he tries to track down Lemon, and Eve hatches a plan no one saw coming.

The Book Junkie Trials TBR

Theres so many readathons going on this summer I wasnt sure if I should participate in another one but it just seemed like so much fun. I waited until the last possible minute to share my TBR because you have to stick to it and read them in order. Theres four teams with different paths as well as strength amd weaknesses. You can find all the information on the readathons Twitter account. You should also check out the lovely creator Rachael Marie on her Booktube channel.

June 2019 Book Haul

This month Im hauling 8 review copies I very kindly received from the publisher. Most of them are egalleys, but theres a couple physical ARCs in there as well. No surprise to anyone all of them are either scifi or fantasy. Half of the books are sequels and the other half are beginnings to new series. As usual for the sequels I added the summary of the first book to avoid any spoilers. Ive already started putting my July TBR together and I think most of these are on there. I have read a couple of them already so reviews will be coming soon.

5 Amazing Cover Reveals

Summer feels like its the season of cover reveals theres been so many stunning ones I decided to make a list of some recent favorites. All of these are highly anticipated sequels coming out in 2020.

Anticipated Book Releases For July 2019

I have 10 books here that Im excited to share with all of you. I think we have some great gems coming out in July. I dont know if Ill be able to get to all of them, but Ill definitely be keeping an eye out for people reviews and overall thoughts so I know which ones to prioritize. Some of these Ive received as review copies so Ill for sure be reading those ones in the next couple weeks. As usual for any sequels on this list Ive added the summary for the first book to avoid any spoilers. Ive also shared the Goodreads links in case you want to add any of the books to your TBR.

Litha Witchathon Wrap Up

This readathon took place from June 14th to the 21st. I picked mostly LGBT+ reads for my TBR since its pride month, but I did add a couple review copies I needed to get to. I decided to pick some LGBT+ comics to make my TBR more manageable. Since I received most of these for review Ill be sharing my full thoughts on them very soon. I did cheat a little by using some books Id already started, but this all just for fun so I dont think its a big deal.

Stronger Than a Bronze Dragon By Mary Fan Review

Rating: 3.5 Stars

Publication: June 11th, 2019

Genre: Fantasy/ Steam Punk

Format: Egalley

Diversity: Asian MC

Goodreads

Summary:

When a powerful viceroy arrives with a fleet of mechanical dragons and stops an attack on Anlei’s village, her people see him as a godsend. They agree to give him their sacred, enchanted River Pearl in exchange for permanent protection and the marriage to one of the village girls to solidify the alliance. Anlei is appalled when the viceroy selects her as a bride, but with the fate of her people at stake, she sees no choice but to consent. Then a young thief steals the River Pearl for himself. Knowing the viceroy won’t protect her village without the jewel, Anlei tracks down the thief and offers to join him on an epic quest across the land and into the Courts of Hell if he promises to return the pearl once his people are set free. The two set off on a dangerous journey that will reveal more is at stake than they could have ever imagined.

Pride Month Book Tag

I did the Pride Flag Book Tag last year so I wanted to do a different LGBT+ themed tag for this pride month. Ive seen a couple different versions of this book tag so for mine I decided to add as many identities as possible. Im not sure who originally created this tag, but Ill add them if I figure it out. I was going to do this tag last year, but I wasnt sure what to pick for some of the questions so I decided to wait. Now that Ive read a bunch more queer books I feel more confident in my answers so lets get started.

Fantasy JourneyAthon TBR

This readathon takes place from June 21st to 30th. I randomly found it on Twitter and it looked like too much fun not to participate. If you plan on joining theres also a point system explained in a blog post that you might want to check out.

MAP

Sorcery of Thorns by Margaret Rogerson Review

Rating: 4.5 Stars

Publication: June 4th, 2019

Genre: Fantasy Standalone

Format: ARC

Diversity: Bi SC & Ace SC

Goodreads

Summary:

All sorcerers are evil. Elisabeth has known that as long as she has known anything. Raised as a foundling in one of Austermeer’s Great Libraries, Elisabeth has grown up among magical grimoires that whisper on shelves and rattle beneath iron chains. If provoked, they transform into grotesque monsters of ink and leather. When an act of sabotage releases the library’s most dangerous grimoire, Elisabeth’s desperate intervention implicates her in the crime, and she's torn from her home to face justice in the capital. With no one to turn to, but her sworn enemy, the sorcerer Nathaniel Thorn, and his mysterious demonic servant, she finds herself entangled in a centuries-old conspiracy. Not only could the Great Libraries go up in flames, but the world along with them.

Litha Witchathon TBR

This readathon start today from June 14th to the 21st. Ive participated in every round so far and its always lots of fun coming up with books to fit all the challenges. I tried to pick mostly LGBT+ reads for my TBR, but theres a couple that dont have any queer elements. I added some comics and an audiobook because I know I wont be able to read more than a seven books in a week. Most of these I received for review so Ill be sharing my thoughts as I finish them. I cheated a little by adding two books that I had already read about a third of, but this is all just for fun so I dont think its a big deal.

Rise By Ellen Goodlett Review

Rating: 5 Stars

Publication: June 11th, 2019

Rule #2

Genre: Fantasy

Format: ARC

Diversity: Sapphic Romance

Goodreads

Summary:

Sisters Akeylah, Ren, and Zofi are all a step closer to their dying father's throne, a step closer to the crown that will allow one of them to rule over Kolonya. But the sisters' pasts continue to haunt them. Each hides a secret marked with blood and betrayal, and now their blackmailer is holding nothing back. When King Andros discovers the sisters' traitorous pasts, the consequences will shake the entire kingdom to its core. As Kolonya's greatest threat stalks closer and closer, weaving a web of fear and deceit around Ren, Zofi, and Akeylah, even the people they love are under suspicion. If the sisters are going to survive, they'll have to learn to trust each other above all else and work together, not only to save themselves, but to protect everyone and everything they hold dear.

An Illusion of Thieves by Cate Glass Review

Rating: 4 Stars

Publication: May 21st, 2019

Genre: Fantasy

Format: Egalley

Diversity: Not Sure

Goodreads

Summary:

In Cantagna, being a sorcerer is a death sentence. Romy escapes her hardscrabble upbringing when she becomes courtesan to the Shadow Lord, a revolutionary noble who brings laws and comforts once reserved for the wealthy to all. When her brother, Neri, is caught thieving with the aid of magic, Romy's aristocratic influence is the only thing that can spare his life, and the price is her banishment. Now back in Beggar’s Ring, she has just her wits and her own long-hidden sorcery to help her and Neri survive. But when a plot to overthrow the Shadow Lord and incite civil war is uncovered, only Romy knows how to stop it. To do so, she’ll have to rely on newfound allies; a swordmaster, a silversmith, and her own thieving brother. And they'll need the very thing that could condemn them all. Magic.

Disney Readathon Wrap Up

This readathon took place from May 19th to the 25th. I forgot to post my wrap up when it ended, but better late than never. I changed my TBR around a little bit since I ran out of time. I didnt get as much reading done while camping as I had planned. You can check out the Readathon Twitter Account if you want to stay updated and join the next round.

How I Write My Book Reviews

Ive been debating sharing this post for months now, but my fear of it not being good enough held me back until I finally decided to just do it. These are the points I use to write my reviews, but Im by no means an expert so I want your input as well. Id love to keep adding talking points to this list and make the whole reviewing process easier so let me know if you think anythings missing. My reviews dont always include all the points mentioned below. Some are in every review while others Ill only talk about if I formed a strong opinion on it.

Beholder by Anna Bright Review

Rating: 3 Stars

Publication: June 4th, 2019

Genre: Fantasy

Format: Egalley

Diversity: PoC SC

Goodreads

Summary:

Selah has waited her whole life for a happily ever after. As the only daughter of the leader of Potomac, she knows her duty is to find the perfect match, a partner who will help secure the future of her people. Now that day has finally come. But after an excruciatingly public rejection from her closest childhood friend, Selah’s stepmother suggests an unthinkable solution: Selah must set sail across the Atlantic, where a series of potential suitors awaits, and if she doesn’t come home engaged, she shouldn’t come home at all. From English castle gardens to the fjords of Norge, and under the eye of the dreaded Imperiya Yotne, Selah’s quest will be the journey of a lifetime. But her stepmother’s schemes aren’t the only secrets hiding belowdecks, and the stakes of her voyage may be higher than any happy ending

Anticipated Book Releases For June 2019

I have just over 10 new releases that Im excited about or will be keeping an eye on to see what people think. I tend to reach for fantasy/scifi and that totally shows in this list. I usually do these post a couple weeks in advance so anyone who's interested in one of these upcoming releases has time to add it to their TBR, but since this is a new blog Im still getting my scheduled figured out. I hope it helps you find some new books to get excited about.

Top 5 Favorite Queer Comics

In honor of Pride Month I decided to put together a list of my top 5 favorite queer comics. Its was difficult to narrow it down to only five, but Im really happy with the ones I ended up picking. Most of the comics I gravitate towards have some kind of queer element to them. I also love cutesy art styles. Im always looking for more recommendations so if you have any feel free to share them in the comments. Now without further a due lets get into my list.

Missing Presumed Dead By Emma Berquist Review

Rating: 3.5 Stars

Publication: May 21st, 2019

Genre: Fantasy

Format: Egalley

Diversity: Bi MC & Sapphic Romance

Goodreads

Summary:

With a touch, Lexi can sense how and when someone will die. Some say it’s a gift, but to Lexi it’s a curse, one that keeps her friendless and alone. All that changes when Lexi foresees the violent death of a young woman, Jane, outside a club and Jane doesn’t go to the afterlife quietly. Her ghost remains behind, determined to hunt down her murderer, and she needs Lexi’s help. In life, Jane was everything Lexi is not; outgoing, happy, popular. But in death, all Jane wants is revenge. Lexi will do anything to help Jane, to make up for the fact that she couldn’t save Jane’s life, and to keep this beautiful ghost of a girl by her side for as long as possible.

June 2019 TBR

I still have some books from last months TBR to get to, but Im hopeful Ill be able to read both the books on this TBR as well as the ones from last month. Ill also listen to more than one audiobook, but besides the one mentionned below Im not sure which one. Chances are they will be queer since its pride month. With the books rolled over from last months TBR and the ones on this TBR I have 5 queer books to read for Pride Month. Plus if I have any extra time Ill pick another one from the Queer TBR I posted last week.

May 2019 Wrap Up

Despite reading 9 books in May I didnt make much progress on my May TBR. I actually have 4 books left that I plan on rolling over to June. Most of May was spent reading books from my April TBR. My ratings for this month were up and down, but all of them were enjoyable. There were a couple books I thought would for sure get 5 stars but ended up disapointing me because of how much I wanted to love them. I did still find some new favorites so lets get into it.

Favorite Spring Reads 🌺 2019

These are my favorite reads from the beginning of March to the end of May. I have more here than I was expecting. I read over 30 books, but I still didnt think Id end up with so many favorites. This past season had quite a few disapointments but it was also filled with some amazing reads.