May Reading Wrap Up

Hey there, readers! I hope everyone is having a wonderful start to June. I only got to read 11 books this last month. But in my defense, I got really sick, and one of the books was over 800 pages.

Anyway, how did everyone else do this past month? Meet any personal goals?

The Shade of the Moon

Well, that certainly got dark. I’m not surprised. However, it was unexpected. This series has never been lighthearted or unrealistic, but the direction this novel took was not one I had expected. I enjoyed it, but it was gut-wrenching. However, the ending leaves the reader with a glimmer of hope that some things will improve. And that mark of hope at the end has made the whole series worthwhile.

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Heart of the Sun Warrior

I’m so happy that I was finally able to read this novel! I absolutely loved Daughter of the Moon Goddess, and this novel did not disappoint. While I loved it, I didn’t love it as much as the first novel. However, what I loved was the way Tan explored love, particularly the contrast between first loves and last loves, as well as the theme of grief. It was very moving to see Tan come to terms with what her heart desires. And the ending! Ugh, it was beautiful.

Rating: 4 out of 5.

To the Nines

I loved the first two books in the series, but this one felt slow. I wanted more from it in terms of character development. I can see where the direction is going for the romance, but there are opportunities for twists that will lead to increased tension and further character development. I liked the new mystery in this story, but unfortunately, it felt repetitive. I still liked it, but I didn’t love it.

Rating: 3.5 out of 5.

Atalanta

Oh, this was such a great novel. I love the story of Atalanta, and in pure Jennifer Saint fashion, she gave the only female of the Argonauts more agency and a deeper story. I enjoyed it, especially the way her story ended, with her finding peace in her life and her identity as a woman, free from restraint and beholden to no one’s whims.

Rating: 4.5 out of 5.

Blood of Hercules

I hated this book. I wanted to love it. I ordered the Fairyloot special edition. And then I started to read it…Alexis has absolutely no spine. There is not a single likable character. They are all awful. Not to mention, there is little to no worldbuilding in the beginning, and the plot is just rife with plot holes. I just hated this book.

Rating: 0.5 out of 5.

Dragon’s Nest

Another great Deltora’s Quest novel. I absolutely loved it, and I’m thrilled that my son loves it, too. This series is one I read as a kid, and it has aged remarkably well. Every night, I find it hard to stop reading because I want to read it myself.

Rating: 5 out of 5.

The Poppy War

Wow. So, I read this novel for the fantasy book club at my local Barnes and Noble. While I loved it and give it five stars, this novel is traumatizing at times. But I loved it. I loved the story progression and the way it told Rin’s story. It’s heartbreaking to see this girl with no real choices choose war and then see how that evolves her and defines her identity.

Rating: 5 out of 5.

Water Moon

Oh my goodness, this was such an excellent novel. I had the opportunity to read this novel as part of my book club, Read with Cyn’s workshop, and I loved every moment of it. It felt like I was reading a Studio Ghibli movie. The atmosphere was brilliantly done, and the storytelling was superb. It made my heart happy.

Rating: 5 out of 5.

A Day of Fallen Night

Samantha Shannon is excellent. I loved this novel. I loved it as much as I loved Priory and the Orange Tree. It was amazing to go back in time and see how the world evolved. Once again, this is a novel that delves into queer culture, embracing identity, love, and what it means to have a family. All while battling wyverns and flying dragons!

Rating: 4.5 out of 5.

Love at Second Sight

This was such a cute novel. I adore FT Lukens. Just think, you think you’re an ordinary guy going to school with the paranormal folk, crushing on a werewolf, and suddenly, you discover your clairvoyant. Not only that, you see a murder in your vision! It’s a mystery featuring paranormal beings, such as witches and sprites, that focuses on found family and self-love. I highly recommend it.

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon Eternal Edition, Vol. 6

What was great about this? Not only did I get to see the introduction of Sailor Saturn on the page, but the ending story in this volume is the Sailor Moon S movie! I loved that so much, and it was a delightful read. There is so much depth that you don’t see in the original 90s version, and I like how concise and faithful the new one is to the source material. Honestly, I love reading these.

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About the Author

Cynthia Bujnicki graduated from Emerson College with a BA in Writing, Literature and Publishing. She has always loved to read since she was a child. A contributing writer for YA Fantasy Addicts, she is also the Editor-in-Chief for Cyn's Workshop. She lives in sunny South Florida with her husband, two kids (the perfect pair), and their two cats Mr. J the Kitten and Nyx (aka Girl).