Hello, everyone! It’s Wednesday! That means it is time for another WWW Wednesday, a weekly meme hosted by Sam @ Taking On A World of Words. I’ll be answering the following questions:
- What did you read last?
- What are you currently reading?
- What will you read next?
What did you read last?
The Honey Witch by Sydney J. Shields – 3⭐ – There were some things I loved about this book. The first part focused on the main character’s coming-of-age journey and her relationship with her grandmother. I enjoyed seeing her learn about her heritage and grow closer to the island, her magic, and her grandmother. The bees and the magic system were also really cool, even though there wasn’t a ton of substance to how or why the magic worked. I just struggled with the romance in this one. It didn’t start until pretty late in the story and was centered around the soul mate trope, which isn’t my favorite. I really don’t like the idea that everyone will end up alone and miserable if they don’t find their one true soul mate, and this story was largely centered around it. There are plenty of other relationships and important things in life that can give someone purpose and meaning. The twist was also super obvious and made me question the intelligence of the characters.
Defy the Storm by Tessa Gratton & Justina Ireland – ???⭐ – I haven’t quite settled on a rating for this one. It started out a bit rough, but I thought it improved as the story went on. Although, it felt like a bunch of stuff was going on just for nothing to happen in the end. There were a few important reveals but nothing that couldn’t be wrapped up in a few lines of a future installment in the series. So, I don’t think I’d consider this one required reading for The High Republic unless you are a completionist or just really love these characters.
What are you currently reading?
The Darkness Before Them by Matthew Ward (21%) – I didn’t make nearly as much progress on this one as I had hoped. I’ve struggled with getting into it despite really liking all of the world-building and story elements. Things have started to pick up, though, and I’m hopeful that I’ll be able to finish soon, especially since the sequel was just published yesterday.
Subtle Blood by KJ Charles (27%) – I can’t believe I’m already on the last of the Will Darling books. Trouble just seems to follow poor Will and Kim around, and I hope they are able to find some peace and happiness together by the end of this one. I’m enjoying the murder mystery so far and, as always, find the dynamic of the main couple engaging.
Abhorsen by Garth Nix (15%) – This book has definitely started off with a bang, quite literally. There have already been quite a few shocking events, and I’m only several chapters into it. I’m loving the dynamic between Sam and Lirael, and I can’t wait to see where the story goes next. I’m definitely enjoying my buddy read of this with Celeste. 🙂
What will you read next?
We Shall Be Monsters by Tara Sim, Mirrored Heavens by Rebecca Roanhorse, Abyssal Arcanist by Shami Stovall
I hope you’ve all had a great week! What have you been reading? Have you read any of these books? If so, what did you think? Let me know in the comments!
I really loved Abhorsen and felt that it was a great end to the trilogy.. Hope that you continue to enjoy it.
I’m still loving it so far. I’m glad to see you thought it was a great ending.
Ugh I also don’t love the soul mate trope, that’s disappointing because I originally wanted to read The Honey Witch but now I’ve been seeing some pretty not great reviews so I’ll probably skip it. The Darkness Before Them is also one that really catches my attention It’s on my TBR. & Currently reading We Shall Be Monsters!
Yeah. I don’t think I’d recommend The Honey Witch, especially if you aren’t really into the soul mate trope. The book wasn’t terrible, but I definitely wish I’d spent my time with a different story instead. I can’t wait to pick up We Shall Be Monsters. I plan to start it as soon as I finish The Darkness Before Them, which has been much more of a slog for me than I expected.
Hmm okay noted & oof im sorry to hear The Darkness Before is a slog 😥 Hopefully We Shall Be Monsters is more engaging. for both of us! I’m only 3 ch in so far
Yeah, I think I will be passing on Honey Witch. It’s such a stunning cover and it almost got me! The soul mate trope is rough!!
That is probably for the best. The cover is gorgeous, though. I just wish the book had been as good.
Unfortunately your brief review isn’t the only review I’ve seen that gives a rather average to slightly disappointed take on HONEY WITCH. I’m glad I skipped it in the book sub. 🙁
Yeah. I’m glad you skipped it, too. I was definitely underwhelmed.
I hope your next reads will be better! It’s disappointing about the soulmate trope.
I hope so, too! Yeah. That trope is hit or miss for me, and I just didn’t like how this book addressed it at all.