The Good
These Infinite Threads by Tahereh Mafi
This is a solid sequel but definitely suffers from some middle book syndrome. Not much happens in the first half and a lot of the action feels like setting up for either a final installment or later books in the series. I liked the evolution of each character and I definitely want to read more in this world.
Rating: 4/5
The Rakess by Scarlett Peckham
I really liked this one though I do highly recommend reading the author’s note beforehand. It’s a historical romance but the themes are heavy. The book addresses grief, loss, miscarriage, alcoholism, and more. It’s not for the faint of heart but it is a rewarding read.
Rating: 4/5
The Oleander Sword by Tasha Suri
This is a great sequel. It ratchets up the tension and character development almost perfectly. I was deeply invested in the decisions that everyone made and could anticipate how those decisions would build for a thrilling conclusion. I can’t wait to pick up the next and final book in the series.
Rating: 5/5
The Bad
The Dead Romantics by Ashley Poston
I was warned and now you are warned. This book sadly isn’t very good. There are some interesting ideas present but the author seems to be packing too much into a short and forced love story. To be clear, I have no issue with paranormal romance. In fact, Meg Cabot’s Mediator series is one of my absolute favorites. It’s just that this book is somewhat trite and ultimately didn’t deliver on what could have been a good premise.
Rating: 2/5
Dark Desires After Dusk by Kresley Cole
Another disappointing installment in the Immortals After Dark series. It’s unfortunate because I liked the hero in his appearances in the other books in the series, but as soon as we get into his head he’s as horrible and chauvinistic as the rest of the male heroes Kresley writes. It’s also pretty ableist. The heroine suffers from OCD and after she becomes an immortal she’s essentially cured because her obsessive compulsions were just her trying to fight off immortality. It’s icky and I didn’t like it. Also the hero refusing to get the hero her medication made me want to throw the book out the window.
Rating: 2/5
The Love Wager by Lynn Painter
This is a fine rom com but nothing special. The writing is sharp and funny but the characters are all pretty surface level and honestly kind of annoying. It’s also a friends to lovers trope which I do think is hard to get right. I can’t say I’d recommend it but I also don’t regret reading it.
Rating: 2.75/5
The Mediocre
Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir
I don’t think Andy Weir’s books are for me. His voice is really simplistic and feels almost childlike despite the massive amounts of science in the text. I also tend to want more character work in my books and this story barely has any to offer. It’s a cool premise and I think it will work better for others who like plot heavy stories. I’ve heard the audiobook is good so perhaps that might offer a different and better reading experience.
Rating: 3/5
Secretly Yours by Tessa Bailey
Tessa Bailey is clearly a masterful romance writer but this one wasn’t for me. I’ve come to learn she’s a hit or miss author. I didn’t connect with any of the characters through no fault of the writing but because they simply weren’t for me. The setting is charming and the story beats are all there plus a lovely grand gesture filled finale, yet I just didn’t love it. I’m hoping to like her next book better!
Rating: 3/5
The Things We Leave Unfinished by Rebecca Yarros
I have mixed feelings on this book. At times I really liked it and at other times it felt too cliche and forced. I think by trying to tell us two love stories at once, the author ended up not being able to develop either one to its full extent. I also really didn't want to read sex scenes featuring a character's grandmother. The plot twist at the end is what brings this one up to three rather than two stars for me. I would have liked to see a lot more depth than what we got on the page.
Rating: 3/5
Detransition, Baby by Torrey Peters
This book was difficult for me to assign a rating or to review. I liked it but I wasn't exactly excited to keep picking it back up. I thought the plot and the subject matter were really interesting but the characters were frustrating to me. I'm the type of reader who really loves to connect with characters and I found that this cast kept making really frustrating decisions. That said they felt super real and lived in. The book was compelling but not a favorite of mine.
Rating: 3/5
DNF
Ruby Spencer’s Whisky Year by Rochelle Bilow
This book is the embodiment of telling instead of showing. The writing is flowery and descriptive to a fault. The characterization of everyone feels forced and the plot is pretty boring. I couldn’t bring myself to finish it.
The Future
I’m finally reading and loving The Expanse books. It’s my 2023 project and I might write more about it the further I get into the series. I’m on the wait list at my library for a lot of last month’s new releases but there’s so many books to look forward to in May. I’m really anticipating R.F. Kuang’s Yellowface as well as Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah’s Chain Gang All Stars. I still haven’t gotten my hands on the new Emily Henry and I’m excited to read Christina Lauren’s latest.
What are you reading now?