July was truly one of the busiest, most stressful, and just all-around chaotic months I've had in a while--and I really thought some of the previous months were crazy!
In personal news... A lot happened in July, but the biggest one to share right now is that we are moving (finally!)! It's a very short move, literally just down the street, but it's a much-needed one to get away from what has been a very stressful home to live in with a very... less than ideal landlord, and we're overall very glad to be getting a fresh start. That being said, I am hoping August will finally be the month I get slightly back on track (which... I think I've said repeatedly over the past couple months so... we'll see). There's also just been a lot going on outside of that and I may get into it as some point, but for now, moving is truly the biggest news, haha.
In reading news, it was a weird as hell reading month. I read randomly, sporadically, and not at all according to what my plans were. It was also a ridiculously sad blogging month and I only post two reviews, so I very much apologize for that and will be busy writing reviews to catch up (again, hopefully if all goes according to plan!). And this week I am really hoping to catch up on the blogs I read because I miss seeing everyone else's reviews and posts--I always feel so disconnected when I'm not able to keep up for a while.
# books read: 11
The Incandescent by Emily Tesh ★★★.75
Source: Owned | Format: Hardcover
Thoughts: I didn't end up enjoying this one quite as much as I'd expected to, but I still thought it had a really interesting concept and I appreciated what the author did with the story.
Thoughts: This was an absolute delight and probably one of my favorite reads from July. Anna James perfectly encapsulated the wit and whimsy of Lewis Carroll's work and absolutely nailed the wordplay present in his work.
Thoughts: This was really nicely written and I am obsessed with the cover.
Thoughts: This was solid dark academia that I generally enjoyed, but I can't really say it blew me away or anything.
Thoughts: This was such an interesting concept. I didn't connect with this book as much as I'd hoped to, but I still thought it was a really solid read.
Thoughts: I really expected to love this, but I sadly really didn't. The artwork is gorgeous, but the story felt convoluted and under-developed at the same time. I just couldn't get into it.
Thoughts: I really liked this one and now I want to check out more of Cherie Priest's work!
Thoughts: This was fun and quippy and I think many people will love it as a fall mystery. It wasn't quite right for me, but I still generally enjoyed it and thought it had some fun moments.
Thoughts: I feel like I've just been really wanting to try more litRPG, but not much has majorly stuck with me. This one definitely has promise and I may consider checking out the sequel, but not sure if it's for me. If you do read this one, I definitely recommend the audiobook because it's full cast and a great experience!
Thoughts: I'd heard nothing but great things about this one, and while it was very entertaining, it also didn't quite work for me so I'm not sure if I'll be continuing the series.
Thoughts: This was really fun! I've heard about this series off an on for years but never actually picked it up, so I decided to rectify that and I was pleasantly surprised.
7/16: The Island of Last Things by Emma Sloley, Automatic Noodle by Annalee Newitz, Between Two Rivers by Moudhy Al-Rashid, & House of Monstrous Women by Daphne Fama
7/23: Sunbirth by An Yu, A Game in Yellow by Hailey Piper, 13 Months Haunted by Jimmy Juliano, & Rope by Tim Queeney
7/30: Women, Seated by Zhang Yueran, Hemlock & Silver by T. Kingfisher, & Unseen by Ania Ahlborn, & The Faceless Thing We Adore by Hester Steel
