✨July 2020 Read Wrap-Up✨

July was probably the best month in 2020 in terms of reading because each and every book I read was brilliant. I just read fantasy this month- it is my favourite genre so I am definitely not complaining. I discovered a new author this month and she is now one of my favourites. Overall, I read five books this month (one of them I am not counting towards my reading goal this year because it’s a syllabus prescribed book and my reading goal is based on the books I read apart from the ones I have to read for my degree). I loved each and every book this month and am so stocked about that.

So, here are the books I read this month:

Book: Six of Crows (SoC #1)

Author: Leigh Bardugo

Rating: 5/5

Synopsis: Ketterdam: a bustling hub of international trade where anything can be had for the right price—and no one knows that better than criminal prodigy Kaz Brekker. Kaz is offered a chance at a deadly heist that could make him rich beyond his wildest dreams. But he can’t pull it off alone. . . .

A convict with a thirst for revenge

A sharpshooter who can’t walk away from a wager

A runaway with a privileged past

A spy known as the Wraith

A Heartrender using her magic to survive the slums

A thief with a gift for unlikely escapes

Kaz’s crew is the only thing that might stand between the world and destruction—if they don’t kill each other first.

My thoughts: This is one of the most highly acclaimed books in bookstagram and it rightfully deserves all the love. Since it was recommended by numerous people, I had high expectations and it shattered them. I love this book- it’s one of my top favourites of all time. And she is definitely one of my favourite authors of all time as well.

Check out my full review here.

Book: Queen of Shadows (ToG #4)

Author: Sarah J. Maas

Rating: 5/5

Synopsis: Everyone Celaena Sardothien loves has been taken from her. But she’s at last returned to the empire—for vengeance, to rescue her once-glorious kingdom, and to confront the shadows of her past…

She has embraced her identity as Aelin Galathynius, Queen of Terrasen. But before she can reclaim her throne, she must fight.

She will fight for her cousin, a warrior prepared to die for her. She will fight for her friend, a young man trapped in an unspeakable prison. And she will fight for her people, enslaved to a brutal king and awaiting their lost queen’s triumphant return.

My thoughts: I think this was one of the most important books in the series (till where I have read at least) as Celaena’s character of a ruthless assassin is given more depth and she comes into her own. The arc from this unforgiving person to a more mature and thoughtful Queen of Terrasen is written wonderfully by Maas. I loved Celaena but its Aelin I prefer more. In terms of the story and character development, Queen of Shadows is the best one yet.

Book: A Midsummer Night’s Dream

Author: William Shakespeare

Rating: 5/5

Synopsis: Shakespeare's intertwined love polygons begin to get complicated from the start--Demetrius and Lysander both want Hermia but she only has eyes for Lysander. The bad news is, Hermia's father wants Demetrius for a son-in-law. On the outside is Helena, whose unreturned love burns hot for Demetrius. Hermia and Lysander plan to flee from the city under cover of darkness but are pursued by an enraged Demetrius (who is himself pursued by an enraptured Helena). In the forest, unbeknownst to the mortals, Oberon and Titania (King and Queen of the faeries) are having a spat over a servant boy. The plot twists up when Oberon's head mischief-maker, Puck, runs loose with a flower which causes people to fall in love with the first thing they see upon waking. Throw in a group of labourers preparing a play for the Duke's wedding (one of whom is given a donkey's head and Titania for a lover by Puck) and the complications become fantastically funny.

My thoughts: This is the one I had to read for my class. Hands down the best Shakespearean play I have ever read- it’s hilarious and witty while highlighting serious issues- it’s almost satirical. The characters are amazing, the idea of setting the Elizabethan morals in Athens worked brilliantly for the story and overall, the writing is incredible. There’s a reason Shakespeare’s works have withstood time. A must-read in my opinion.

Book: Crooked Kingdom (SoC #2)

Author: Leigh Bardugo

Rating: 4.5/5

Synopsis: Kaz Brekker and his crew of deadly outcasts have just pulled off a heist so daring even they didn't think they'd survive. But instead of divvying up a fat reward, they're right back to fighting for their lives.

Double-crossed and badly weakened, the crew is low on resources, allies, and hope. As powerful forces from around the world descend on Ketterdam to root out the secrets of the dangerous drug known as jurda parem, old rivals and new enemies emerge to challenge Kaz's cunning and test the team's fragile loyalties.

A war will be waged on the city's dark and twisting streets - a battle for revenge and redemption that will decide the fate of the Grisha world.

My thoughts: I will state that this book wasn’t on par with the first one- the first part especially was confusing and I considered ‘dnf’ing the book at one point. But I am so glad I was determined to finish the duology and that ending was satisfactory. Of course, the last two parts had me wishing and praying; it made me laugh, angry and cry.

Do check out my in-depth analysis of the book here.

Book: Empire of Storms (ToG #5)

Author: Sarah J. Maas

Rating: 5/5

Synopsis: The long path to the throne has only just begun for Aelin Galathynius as war looms on the horizon. Loyalties have been broken and bought, friends have been lost and gained, and those who possess magic find themselves at odds with those who don't.

With her heart sworn to the warrior-prince by her side, and her fealty pledged to the people she is determined to save, Aelin will delve into the depths of her power to protect those she loves. But as monsters emerge from the horrors of the past, and dark forces become poised to claim her world, the only chance for salvation will lie in a desperate quest that may mark the end of everything Aelin holds dear.

My thoughts: I am not going to acknowledging that ending. Well, technically, I have to but I am not going to. Although this felt like a filler book in the series, I believe that this is the one that forces Aelin to accept the fact that she will have to truly embrace the hardships that come with such responsibilities. She really learns how to manage with few resources she has access to. She truly understands the political schemes that come with being a Queen. My opinion of her kept wavering throughout the novel but I really liked the fact that she had goals and she worked damn hard towards them. Maas extends the world little by little, giving us a full picture of how the finale will be grand (which it is since its almost a thousand-page novel). I really liked Dorian’s character development in this one- He also comes to terms with his powers and that sometimes he will have to abuse his power for the greater good which comes with his position as the King.

The development of various characters is what makes this book a 5/5 read for me. I really like character arcs, so I loved the book.

I am not a big fan of Chaol, so I was happy that he didn’t have a part in this book. And to be honest, I am not really looking forward to reading Tower of Dawn, but since it is important, I will read it.

July was the month I produced a lot content as a part of my #thebachelorsdegree journey. I wasn't really sure if the idea was good or not. I was doubting myself before I shared the theme but the response has been so positive and lovely.

It was fun to click pictures, edit them, write reviews and drafting everything.

❤️ So a massive thank you, for loving the reviews and the recommendations. ❤️

I am excited to share the theme for August- it is something I have been pondering over for a while and I think it will be a successful project.

So make your favourite beverage and get ready for another trip through wonderful stories.🧡