But quantity aside, I feel like the books I read this month were really good reads as well! So overall it’s been a pretty good month – I hope yours was the same, and you found lots of great new books as well.
February In Stats
Books Read
Pages Read
Average Rating
%
Goodreads Goal Progress
BOOKS BREAKDOWN
- 8 PHYSICAL BOOKS
- 4 E-BOOKS
- 1 AUDIOBOOK
February In Books
The Space Between Worlds by Micaiah Johnson
The Space Between Worlds takes place in a universe where multiverse travel is finally possible, but nobody can visit a world where their counterpart is still alive. The story follows Cara, who has already lost 372 counterparts to various causes of death. This makes her a perfect candidate for multiverse travel, but when one of her eight remaining counterparts dies mysteriously, she is flung into a new world with an old secret, and what she discovers is her role in a plot that could endanger the entire multiverse.
This book has been on my radar for a while now, and I’m glad I finally read it! I really loved how this book is both heavily plot and character-driven, and the depth that the parallel worlds concept took. It’s definitely one of those books that, while shorter for a sci-fi novel, definitely packs a punch!
Four Hundred Souls by Ibram X. Kendi and Keisha N. Blain
Four Hundred Souls is a chronological history of stories of Black America over the course of four hundred years. These stories are told by ninety authors, including scholars, activists, historians, journalists, and many others who restored and redefined how we write history.
I feel like I don’t read history books too often, but I really liked reading Four Hundred Souls. I loved that this was a compilation of 90 writers, each providing perspective to different events throughout history. And because of how this book is divided up, I think this would actually be a great fit for those that are new to reading about history.
A Dark and Hollow Star by Ashley Shuttleworth
A Dark and Hollow Star takes place in the city of Toronto, where the Eight Courts of Law have lived and sworn to do no harm against humans. That is, until a series of murders rocks the city and threatens to expose faeries to the world, while a war is brewing between the Mortal and Immortal realms. The story follows four teens that each know truths about the murder and must work together to find the murderer.
This book was a really fun fantasy read, and I can’t wait for the next book! In fact, I think this got me on a YA kick and a fantasy kick. I loved the setting of this book and I also got really invested in the characters. And while there were a couple things I questioned, I enjoyed this book overall.
The Alchemist by Paolo Coelho
The Alchemist follows Santiago, who travels from his home in Spain to Egypt in search of a buried treasure. Along the way, he meets three people that point him the direction of the treasure. They are unsure of what the treasure contains or whether Santiago makes it, but one treasure found along the way is the discovery within.
I’ve seen this book all over many blogs as well as Instagram, so when I saw it available at Tuma’s Books and Things I grabbed myself a copy. I really liked the way that this story’s wisdom could be found throughout the book, in some parts less direct than others. The 25th anniversary edition also talked about the story behind this book’s publication, which I found very interesting!
The Lost Apothecary by Sarah Penner
The Lost Apothecary follows two timelines; the first is in London, 1791 following an apothecary shop owner who dispenses poisons to women to give to men who have wronged them. The second timeline follows a woman who traveled to London in the present day after the discovery of her husband’s infidelity and discovers an old apothecary vial.
I really enjoyed the historical timeline and the characters in that timeline. The whole concept and story behind the apothecary were really interesting! I did think Caroline’s POV could have been a little better though. In my opinion, it followed the older timeline a little too closely, and the predictable nature of it made her character a little bit frustrating!
The Removed by Brandon Hobson
The Removed follows the Echtora family, who lost their teenage son, Ray-Ray, to a police shooting fifteen years ago. The family grieves quietly, each member of the family in their own way. The annual bonfire is coming up, signaling the Cherokee National Holiday, and the anniversary of Ray-Ray’s death. Maria attempts to call the family together at this time to openly discuss Ray-Ray’s memory, but as the days to the bonfire draw nearer, the family finds themselves caught in a blur between their lives and the spirit world.
I really enjoy character-driven stories like these. There were so many different responses to Ray-Ray’s grieving, and I liked how the author explored each of the character’s lives. However, I do wish it connected more to the main event that was going on in the book. Regardless, it’s been a book on my mind lately!
The Body is Not an Apology by Sonya Renee Taylor
The Body is Not an Apology offers radical self-love as a response to the systems that damage the relationships we have with our bodies. Sonya Renee Taylor guides us to realize our own body shame and reconnect with our bodies, our minds, and our strength.
The Hobbit, The Fellowship of the Ring, The Two Towers, and The Return of the King by J.R.R. Tolkien
In ancient times the Rings of Power were crafted by the Elven-smiths, and the One Ring, possessed by Sauron, enabled him to rule above all others. But one day the One Ring was taken from him, and many years later it fell into the hands of the hobbit Bilbo Baggins. This story explores Bilbo’s journey across Middle Earth to destroy the Ring by casting it into the Cracks of Doom.
I’m so glad I finally read this series! I loved the worldbuilding and the detail that was put into it, and I loved hearing from others who have read the books about their thoughts along the way. I do have some of the other books I’d like to read next though, including The Silmarillion, which I’d like to read this month.
A Court of Silver Flames by Sarah J. Maas
A Court of Silver Flames follows Nesta and her life after the events of the war with Hybern. After a long period of struggling with her trauma alone, she is forced back into the eyes of The Inner Circle and is paired with Cassian to help her train and heal from her experiences. Meanwhile, the human queens who returned during the war have formed a new alliance and one that threatens the barely-stable peace that has settled since the war. And Cassian and Nesta may be the only ones that can stop their efforts.
To be honest, I was on the fence with whether or not I’d even continue the series! But I decided to go for it last minute. And while I did like the exploration of Nesta’s character, the story wasn’t nearly as strong as I wanted it to be. I also found some specific issues with this book regarding some of the character’s actions. In the same breath, I did also read this in a weekend, so I guess this was in the middle for me!
When the Moon Was Ours by Anna-Marie McLemore
When the Moon Was Ours follows Sam and Miel, considered to be strange by everyone who knows them, knowing little about their lives before they came to town. Sam is known for the moon he paints and hangs in trees, and Miel is known for the roses that grow out of her wrists. But even Sam and Miel stay away from the Bonner girls, who are thought to be witches. The girls want Miel’s roses because they believe their scent can make anyone fall in love with them, and they’re ready to expose all of Sam and Miel’s secrets to have them.
This was the very first pick for the Trans Tales Book Club! And after this book, I’m going to have to read the rest of McLemore’s books because I love their writing. I also really loved the development of the main characters and the importance of the setting to the overall story.
How did your month go this February? Did you come across any new favorite books? Let me know! I’d love to know if you’ve read any of these as well and what your thoughts were!
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