The Second Quarterly Wrap-Up | my YA renaissance

🍯April – June 🍋

sorry it’s late. Not due to lack of organisation but rather wanting to keep the series together and I hadn’t finished the hunger games yet.

And then I was disorganised and it is now extremely late.

note: I have not grouped the books by my enjoyment level this time.

THE HUNGER GAMES TRILOGY BY SUZANNE COLLINS // If I hadn’t watched the movies first, I would have struggled with the writing style. Picturing the movies alongside the words gave me the atmosphere completely. But as it was like experiencing an extended movie, I had a thoroughly good time. I love these stories and I can now appreciate how good of an adaptation the movies were, in fact, I found myself preferring the slight changes the movies made. However, the books paid closer and more consistent attention to the physical and emotional costs of the events. It was worth getting to know the extra details.

THE BALLAD OF SONGBIRDS AND SNAKES BY SUZANNE COLLINS // review (thought-dump) coming soon (I hope).

THE FOLK OF THE AIR TRILOGY BY HOLLY BLACK // I actually went into this series feeling quite sceptical but I liked it. I always saw it talked about like a romance but I wouldn’t call the series a romance. In fact, the romance scenes were my least favourite making The Queen of Nothing lesser in my mind. I preferred seeing Jude navigate the toxic world and how it changed her. It was fascinating and thrilling. I feel like the world would have suited an adult book, yes, no?

HOW THE KING OF ELFHAME LEARNED TO HATE STORIES BY HOLLY BLACK // I would not say this is a necessary read, it is a quick bonus to look closer at Cardan. I think reading it immediately after finishing the trilogy maximised my enjoyment from it. I think my favourite part was how it used the stories to create an atmosphere AND highlighted different stages in Cardan’s life. That was a wonderful creative decision.

THE STOLEN HEIR BY HOLLY BLACK // The first half of this book was a struggle. Part due to my focus and the other because I felt it was a bit recycled. The relationship dynamic was opposite sides, mixed with feelings and trust issues. Deja vu? Thankfully the second half, I felt like I got into the plot more, the character opened up ad talked, showing individualism. The ending had a strong finish too. I’m glad the sequel will be Oak’s POV because I actually felt like this one should have been.

CONFESSIONS OF AN ALLEGED GOOD GIRL BY JOYA GOFFNEY // ✨A must-read for YA contemporary fans.✨ It had an important message you don’t see talked about enough, the characters were lovable and the main romance was perfectly sweet. I read it in one day and had no regrets.

FREEDOM SWIMMER BY WAI CHIM // Focusing on a specific part of Chinese history, inspired by the author’s father. It was great to learn about what pushed people to try such a dangerous swim and how the novel highlighted friendship really well. It was a quick read with easy writing. Whilst I didn’t always feel absorbed in the story, I am so glad I read it.

THE FAITHLESS BY C. L. CLARK // Don’t look me in the eye as I say this, but I was a little disappointed by this book. 😭 Only a little. See my mid-year freak-out tag for more details.

THE ADVENTURES OF AMINA AL-SIRAFI BY SHANNON CHAKRABORTY // When I started it, I felt like it had a special spark but by the end, it had faded into a pretty generic plot. Either way, I loved the narration style (the audiobook is brilliant) and who Amina was. It was a fun adventure (pirates forever) but I hope the next book uplifts the plot. I’d love another narrator and for them to have conflicting accounts.

RED RISING BY PIERCE BROWN // I was pleasantly surprised by this book. As much as it was well-loved, I didn’t have the highest expectations but I really enjoyed it. Some aspects weren’t handled as well as I would have liked (eg. sexual assault or the social structure), but what the plot was able to discuss and risk was powerful. It had lots of well-written throat-in-your-mouth scenes and a good revolutionary character to follow. The secrecy, the fights, the relationships. An amazing debut novel in that sense.

WHAT MOVES THE DEAD BY T. KINGFISHER // This wasn’t a story I will remember but still impactful in the time I spent with it. A short haunted house story. Most of it was the classic structure with only an edge of fear, but I love how it focused on fungi. An interesting organism that goes alongside the haunted genre very well.

SO YOU WANT TO TALK ABOUT RACE BY IJEOMA OLUO // I loved the writing voice so much. It was confident, accessible and great for an introductory look into race relationships. It is one of those books that everyone could benefit from reading and, again, the writing really made it a strong read for me.

BEFORE I LET GO BY KENNEDY RYAN // A family-centred romance, full of emotion. It was different to romances I’ve read in the past, but I loved how it deeply explored its themes. From mental health and its effects on romances, to how parents have more to risk when pursuing love. It made for a heavier read but it gave the ending a greater sense of triumph. I’d have been happy with the ending going either way, as the journey was the important thing, but the ending we had was well-earned.

CARRIE SOTO IS BACK BY TAYLOR JENKINS REID // Honestly, I don’t think this book had anything new to say. I felt like it repeated what Evelyn Hugo, but said less and poorer. Obviously, it had a different setting and different characters, unique to an extent. I did like the idea of following an ageing athlete and don’t get me wrong, I did like parts, but most of the story felt very surface-level.

THE NO-SHOW BY BETH O’LEARY // Beth O’Leary premises are always a little quirky, then you read them and it is like “Huh, bit basic”. Yet, there is something undeniably charming about them. Her writing always makes me think of Bridget Jones weirdly, so I recommend her books to rom-com lovers. I still like the little twists to the plot, although with this one I feel it was more false advertising than a twist, but I liked it. It was very heartfelt and managed different character voices well.

★★★

★★★

★★★★

★★★

THE RINGS OF POWER // I enjoyed this show as a whole, but mostly for Galadriel & Halbrand. I really liked their characters. Naturally, this shows draws comparisons to The Lord of The Rings and nothing is ever going to be like those films. I don’t know enough about the lore to unpick the new series, but from an entertainment standpoint, enjoyable. Plus, the visuals were beyond outstanding!

SHADOW AND BONE S2 // Another show I surprisingly enjoyed. The plot was nowhere near to what it should have been but after season 1 who would’ve expected it to be. It is high-budget fan fiction, and I just get a lot of simple comfort and joy from it.

THE BOYS S3 // The best season of the boys so far. Mostly because Hughie and Butcher were less annoying. The show is carried by Homelander in my opinion and how he handles different emotions. I weirdly love watching his character, even if deeply disturbing. The plot was really gripping this season as well.

FOUR WEDDINGS AND A FUNERAL // Never seen the movie but this was a really cute rom-com series. Craig, Gemma and Kash were easily likeable. I recommend to rom-com lovers.

★★★

★★★★

★★★

★★★★

JURY DUTY // A really unique show and you could question the morals, but it was great to watch. I love seeing the actors adapt firsthand. It was funny, borderline ridiculous and surprisingly heartwarming. Ronald came across as a lovely person which is a miracle in itself.

THE SEX LIVES OF COLLEGE GIRLS S2 // I love this show! Different personalities can shine and it is a fun college setting. I much preferred the relationships this season compared to the first. I’m going to miss watching it.

YOU S4 PART 2 // This season did not go where I thought it would go. It was entertaining don’t get me wrong but my favourite thing would have to be the setup for the next season. He is untethered now. Please give me your strangest predictions.

ABBOTT ELEMENTARY S2 // I loved this season. It is so heartwarming and I fell for the characters (and the romance) even more this time.

★★★★

★★★★★

★★★

★★★★★

QUEEN CHARLOTTE // My favourite of the Bridgerton shows/seasons. It was less like a rom-com, focusing on darker plots/themes but it really hooked me. It was endearing and emotional. I loved seeing Queen Charlotte’s character; her strength and complexities. She was a great, wonderful character to follow.

TED LASSO S1-3 // As disturbing as it is to humanise football, this is a lovely show. It has great characters, quirkiness, and a little bit of cheese. I found it very funny and heartwarming. I can see why so many people love it. I aspire to be like Roy Kent in everything I do!

XO, KITTY // American teen show mixed with K-Drama? I think you will be on either end of the spectrum for this show. Luckily, I had a blast. It was the perfect midnight watch. It is cute, quick and engaging.

NEVER HAVE I EVER S4 // Devi is my favourite main character and I loved seeing her story conclude. It was a very satisfying watch, I just love Devi!

favourite posts I’ve posted

identity crisis 2.0 | the character quizzes strike back

Five of my Turn-Offs in Books | easy no’s and complicated feelings

The Wailing Writer | plan, prep & panic

40+ Books About Writers | romance, historical & mystery books

posts from the blogosphere

• Jan @ Inkspun did the mid-year freak-out tag. I loved seeing her answers, especially in reference to He Who Drowned The World.
• Suhanui @ Random Reader’s Rambles shared the ultimate summer checklist, lots of books, movies and music, beautifully presented.
• Lila @ Hardcover Haven talked about specific things in fantasy books with recommendations. I love talking about fantasy books so this was perfection!
• Lili @ Utopia State of Mind reviewed The Surviving Sky, one of my most anticipated books!
• Tasya @ The Literary Huntress talked about her biggest bookish pet peeves in this fun and relatable post.
• Line @ First Line Reader celebrated Eurovision with her top ten songs AND matched books to them. Full of thoughts you can’t miss about Eurovision!
• Naemi @ A Book Owl’s Corner did a fun Q&A with a twist, which answer is hers? This was such a clever idea and reading the answers was so much fun!
• Caro @ The Bookcheshire Cat shared some spring book recommendations, lots of love, sweetness and even some magic.
• Nefeli @ BiblioNebula talked about TV shows to binge-watch. I was either nodding along or discovering my next watch.

How have you been? Have you read The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes? If so, write me an essay about your thoughts. please and thank you.