March was a great reading month for me, quality-wise. I read some of my favorite books of the year (so far, anyway)! I'd recommend every book on this list (NEVER FADE is a sequel, though, so if you're looking to start the series, read THE DARKEST MINDS first).
Here we go!
THE WEIGHT OF FEATHERS by
Anna-Marie McLemore
This story has been
described as Romeo and Juliet meets THE NIGHT CIRCUS, which is spot-on. Lace
comes from a family of mermaid exhibitionists (they wear tails and swim
underwater) while Cluck’s family straps on wings and scale the tallest trees. The
family rivalry runs deeper than performance competition, and with a touch of
magical realism and romance, this story finds the perfect balance. So, so
unique and beautiful.
NEVER FADE by Alexandra
Bracken
Continuing my Darkest
Minds series reread. I enjoyed this much more the second time around. Loved
seeing Ruby’s character development!
KILL THE BOY BAND by
Goldy Moldavsky
Four fangirls of boy band
The Ruperts accidentally-kind-of-on-purpose kidnap a member of the band. Things
escalate. It’s hilarious, slightly terrifying, and reminiscent of Libba Bray’s
BEAUTY QUEENS. A great examination of celebrity/fan culture and validation of
fangirls. I loved every second of this one!
THE WINNER’S CURSE by
Marie Rutkoski
I reread this in
preparation for THE WINNER’S KISS release. Five stars once again! The writing is flawlessly crafted: so much symbolism and sharp prose. Kestrel is becoming one of my all-time favorite female protagonists. I’m planning
to do a full series review (non-spoiler) once I read the final book, so stay tuned!
LADY MIDNIGHT by
Cassandra Clare
Book one in Cassandra
Clare’s new Shadowhunters series, The Dark Artifices. Emma tries to solve a
series of Los Angeles murders that connect to her parents’ own deaths.
Meanwhile, she fights her growing feelings for Julian, her parabati, and
questions the strict rules of the Clave, the Shadowhunter governing body. Well-developed
characters and a rich new piece of the Shadowhunter world.
THE READERS OF BROKEN
WHEEL RECOMMEND by Katarina Bivald
Imagine Belle never met
the Beast and instead opened a bookstore in the town where everyone thinks she’s
strange. You’ve got this book. It’s charming and full of bookish references
from Jane Austen to THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO to Harry Potter. If you
love books, you’ll like this. (Fun fact: it's a translation! Originally published in Sweden.)
EXIT, PURSUED BY A BEAR
by E.K. Johnston
After Hermione Winters is
drugged and raped at cheerleading camp, she has to cope with her lack of
memories surrounding the assault. Thankfully, she has a best friend to lean on.
Such a powerful book. I really loved this one. Check out my full review here.
I loved all the books I read this month. They're all so different: satire, magical realism, urban fantasy, tough issue contemp... Not sure I can pick a favorite!
What's your favorite March read? Have you picked up any of these? Are they on your TBR?
Wow -- EXIT, PURSUED BY A BEAR sounds so intense. I'd heard of it, but because of its title, I had no idea what it was about. My interest is definitely piqued.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you enjoyed FEATHERS. I feel like everyone need to read it because it's just so beautiful and moving. And yay for the WINNER'S books! I hope you *love* KISS. Thanks for the reviews, Kaitlin!
EXIT is supposed to be a retelling of Shakespeare's THE WINTER'S TALE, (which I've never read, so I don't know how closely the novel follows). It's a tough book, but there's an underlying message of hope that I really loved. Let me know if you read it, I'd love to hear what you think!
DeleteI just posted my review of Kill the Boy Band as well! Loved loved loved the Winner's Curse series and so glad that i have the final installment in my fingertips. I'm reading The Weight of Feathers in the beginning of April so your little wrap up gives me hope!
ReplyDeleteAlex @ The Book's Buzz
Hope you enjoy THE WEIGHT OF FEATHERS, Alex! The writing is beautiful, and I've never read a plot quite like it before. And KILL THE BOY BAND is just so much fun!
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