I don’t usually do a weekly wrap up post- and don’t really plan to make it a habit, but it was a busy week for me and I had some things I wanted to share!
First, I did my first ever guest post for Andrew at On My Book Shelf and covered the historical fiction Viking novel: Blood Eye (Raven #1) by Giles Kristian. Unfortunately the book itself was kind of a dud, but I had a lot of fun working with Andrew. On My Book Shelf covers a wide range of topics from writing prompts to favorite quotes, and books reviews from fantasy and historical fiction to thrillers and manga. He’s got lots of fun, unique content and a little something for everyone, so stop by and say hello!
Books I DNF’d:
Queen of Kings by Maria Dahvana Headley: I’m going to qualify this by saying, Queen of Kings is not a bad book. I’m guessing it’s a solid three star read. It’s just not what I wanted right now. I read The Mere Wife a few months ago and haven’t been able to get it out of my head. I thought the premise (Cleopatra possessed by a god and out for revenge) would provide an excellent opportunity for Headley to give me another ferocious and fully realized female character. Maybe Cleo becomes that eventually, but I read about 30% of the book, and it was a lot of Cleopatra bemoaning her fate and missing Antony and not taking any real discernible action. Add to that a whiny Caesar Augustus, and I just wanted to move on. I will maybe revisit in the future, but for now my curiosity is sated.
Books I Finished:
Blood Meridian, or the Evening Redness in the West by Cormac McCarthy
One Word Kill by Mark Lawrence
The Shining Girls by Lauren Beukes
Reviews to come!
Books Reviewed:
The Couple Next Door by Shari Lapena: 3 Stars – Not as surprising or shocking as I would hope for in a thriller.
Sometimes I Lie by Alice Feeney: 4 Stars – A super fun roller coaster of a ride that I think most readers would enjoy. A little far fetched in its conclusion, but hey, we’re talking fiction here. Who cares?
Lists:
Top Ten Tuesday: Favorite Fantasy Reads
Pride Month: Favorite LGBT+ Couples and Characters in Fiction
Book Hauls:
Barnes & Noble Memorial Day Sale Book Haul
And that’s my week! I feel pretty accomplished this week. Hoping next week will be just as great!
Hamlets & Hyperspace 