Hi everyone!
Its that time of the month again, time for the May Monthly Wrap Up! This was a bit of a slow reading month, I only read five books and listened to one audiobook! This month I wrapped up my first year at college and began my summer job! I really enjoyed all the books I read this month so I feel pretty happy with myself! Here are some quick reviews of the books I read with longer reviews coming soon this month!

Paper Girl by Cindy R. Wilson – 5 Stars

This book just touched my heart so deeply as someone who struggles with anxiety on a daily basis. There’s romance, there’s laughter, and there were times I had to close the book because Zoe’s experiences seemed a lot like mine. Zoe’s internal struggle to face her fears and take steps to complete her goal was so inspiring to me. This is because one cannot just simply “get over” their big fears and anxieties, it is a long term process that takes time and this book puts it perfectly.

The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern – 4 Stars

I know there are a lot of mixed reviews about this book, but I loved it. Its the first book in a while that has made me think and analyze. Yes it is a little slow moving, and it took me some time to keep track of the characters and time periods, but overall it was such an epic fantasy that took me out of my world, and into the world of the circus!

A Darker Shade of Magic by VE Schwab – 4 Stars

I really enjoyed this book! I thought the concept was interesting and the characters were compelling! The only negative for me was that it took a very long time for the book to really get going. I felt as if the first 3/4 of the book was just exposition and setting up the story. I liked that VE Schwab took the time to build the world but I felt it took too long.

Besides that, I really enjoyed the book once Lila and Kell got to Red London and felt the book moved much quicker after that! I am excited to read the next installment

Waiting for Godot by Samuel Beckett- 3 Stars

Although the book had seemingly no plot I appreciated how Beckett was able to write a play that was so interesting yet contained nothing substantial. Although hard to read, it was a joy to perform!

Archenemies by Marissa Meyer – 4 Stars

Archenemies was the action-packed sequel to Renegades by Marissa Meyer. I listened to the audiobook and it made the story feel so much more real to me. Archenemies kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time! I was just waiting for Nova and Adrian to discover each other’s secret identities and the anticipation was killing me! Also, sidenote, Max is the best and I love him very much!

Nevernight by Jay Kristoff – 5  Stars

I went on quite a journey reading this book. It took me a while to adjust to the unique omnipotent narrator and the footnotes on the bottom, but once I got used to it, I flew through the book. I think Mia was just such a complex and interesting character because she wasn’t sugar-coated. The narrator portrayed her as dark and ruthless and we don’t get that a lot with fantasy main characters. Overall the plot was so interesting and every twist and turn left me breathless! I am so happy and can’t wait to read Godsgrave!

★★★★★★★★★

What were your favorite books this month? I hope you all had a great month and I can’t wait to see what is on the docket for June!

XOX Shelby Grace