Book Chat

The thumbnail is a lie! I finished seven books in August, but two were ebooks and two audiobooks.

Books mentioned:

Blood and Sand, by C. V. Wyk

An intriguing story about a girl captured by the Roman army and sold as a slave. Desperate to escape but finding herself with new loyalties, she becomes…Spartacus?

The Electrical Venus, by Julie Mayhew

A circus girl is lured into taking on a new role by a mysterious stranger, but will he break her heart? I found the style tricky to get used to, but the story was charming and I loved the ending.

Talon, by Julie Kagawa

This was somehow exactly what I expected it to be and surprising! I anticipated the slightly corny enemies-to-lovers plot, enjoyed the mysterious evil dragon corporation, but did not expect the surfing! I don’t think this series is what I’m into right now.

The Mermaid and Mrs Hancock, by Imogen Hermes Gowar

I loved this until the last 100 pages, during which the plot lost me. I did like the ending though, and it was a fantastic book to discuss at my work book club because it explores class and gender so beautifully.

The Last Namsara, by Kristen Ciccarelli

My favourite book this month, I think! Twisty plot + determined yet kind heroine + dragons who love stories = genius.

The WORN Archive, edited by Serah-Marie McMahon

I loved this and hope to find a way to get hold of the remaining issues of WORN – it was my breakfast book for a couple of months and I really enjoyed starting the day with its thoughtful articles about clothes and fashion.

Shadow Scale, by Rachel Hartman

This didn’t grab my heart like Seraphina did but I still thoroughly enjoyed it and the ending was brilliant. I hope Rachel Hartman writes many, many more books set in this world.