I read some books I really enjoyed in April. I also put a few a side that I wasn't getting into or that didn't work for me, which is always a little frustrating, but here are some books I loved:
Emily Wilde's Compendium of Lost Tales by Heather Fawcett (M/F historical fantasy romance): I just love the Emily Wilde series, and this final book is no different. It's a cozy delight—curmudgeonly scholar Emily and her dashing fae prince fiancee/former rival Wendell return to Wendell's kingdom to take the throne. Emily isn't certain how a scholar like her could be queen of fairy, but before she can figure it out, they find that Wendell's stepmother has put a curse on the kingdom. I highly recommend this whole series, but definitely start at the beginning.
A Drop of Corruption by Robert Jackson Bennett (Fantasy/Mystery): I've been waiting impatiently for this second Shadows of the Leviathan book (and now I'm waiting impatiently for the next!). Like the first, it's a twisty, well-crafted mystery in a detailed fantasy world. Ana and Din are a Sherlock/Watson-esque duo with Ana the eccentric investigator and Din her bemused but capable assistant. It's just as fun as the first, but it also has a deeper criticism of autocracy and an insightfully written author's note that really drives the point home. Highly recommended as well, but start with the first book here as well for a better introduction to the characters.
Grave Situation by Louisa Masters Situation (M/M fantasy romance): A sentient magical rock sends a snarky (and very reluctant) mage off on a quest to save the world in fulfillment of a prophecy accompanied by his twin sister the dragon rider, her disdainful dragon, an attractive healer, and a matchmaking horse in this long novel written as a serial for the author's Patreon. You can tell it was written as a serial with some repetition/inconsistencies, but it was still a lot of fun and quite funny. Absolutely the best part was the characters and the little found family they form.
Bad Law: Ten Popular Laws That Are Ruining America by Elie Mystal (Nonfiction): I really enjoyed Mystal's previous book, Allow Me to Retort, so I was excited to dive into this one too, and it didn't disappoint. It takes the reader through several laws that as the title says are ruining America by perpetuating white patriarchal supremacy and skewers them and the system they're a part of with the author's customary humor. I could have predicted many of the laws discussed, but some surprised me and made me think. I went to law school, but this book is accessible to non-lawyers/law school graduates as well.
A Study in Drowning by Ava Reid (M/F fantasy romance): Did I want this book in hardcover because of the pretty cover and gorgeous stenciled pages? Yes, definitely (sprayed and stenciled edges are my weakness—I cannot resist a pretty book). But the story within the book was excellent as well. It's a mix of historical fantasy, gothic mystery, and rivals to lovers romance all wrapped in a dreamy, haunting atmosphere. The second book in the series comes out over the summer (and yes, I'll have to buy the hardcover with the pretty cover and stenciled edges for that one too...).
What have you read and loved lately?
RSS Feed