What I’m Reading: February 2024
OK, I’ll admit I have a problem. I’m a little bit addicted to reading romance-fantasy. We all have our vices. But, in order to be a well-rounded reader, I’m slowly weaning myself toward a better-balanced book diet. This month I ventured into a bit of historical fiction and non-romantic fantasy.
My goal for March is to read a non-fiction book. I know, GASP! 😱
Alloy of Law by Brandon Sanderson
Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Alloy of Law is the first in the Wax and Wayne series, which is a continuation of the Mistborn series, though it has different characters and takes place in the future (waaaay in the future). I loved the original Mistborn trilogy, so I was excited to continue reading about this world.
Brandon Sanderson does a really good job of crafting interesting characters, and his world-building skills are covetable. I love seeing the evolution of the lore set in the original series decades later and how it affects this more modern society. I particularly loved the banter in this book between Wax and Wayne. But I had to deduct a couple of stars from my rating because the characters, especially Wax, seemed to be recycled from previous books. Wax is pretty much Kelsier, down to the way he plots on a chalkboard, his dead wife, and his strange relationship with a much younger woman who looks up to him (is it romantic, or isn’t it?)
I don’t think I’ll continue the series, but I do want to try some of Sanderson’s other works. The Way of Kings is currently on my nightstand, waiting. One day I’ll be ready to take the plunge.
The Fifth Season by N.K. Jemisin
Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The Fifth Season is a dystopian fantasy that follows three women at different phases in their lives as the world approaches its end. It’s not for the faint of heart and has some heavy subject matter, but it’s my favorite read of the month.
The magic system and world-building are unlike anything I’ve ever read before, and there’s endless symbolism to ponder over. Jemisin uses a fantasy setting to tackle topics of climate change, racism, feminism, religion, and politics–it’s heavy.
This book is unique in that it’s one of the only books I’ve ever read in the second-person perspective. Everything about the plot, character development, and narrative style is so well thought-out and meticulously planned. Reaching the end feels like solving a puzzle in the most satisfying way. I’ll definitely be continuing the series with book two!
Fair Rosaline by Natasha Solomons
Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Based on the plot of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, this book is a twist on the classic tale by telling the story from the perspective of Rosaline, Romeo’s jilted past lover and Juliet’s older cousin. It takes a cynical look at the “romance” in Romeo and Juliet and makes us ask questions about Romeo’s intentions and allows a look behind the curtain at Juliet’s family circumstances that lead her into Romeo’s arms.
Even though it’s not a historically accurate depiction of Italy in the fourteenth century (fun fact, Shakespeare had never been to Italy himself, and much of Romeo and Juliet’s setting actually more closely mirrored fourteenth century England), it does paint a picture of what it was like to be a woman without rights or autonomy during that time.
While I enjoyed reading it for the most part, the pacing made it a little hard to stay interested. We spend a lot of the time in Rosaline’s head, and it got a bit repetitive. But if you’re looking for a standalone novel with familiar characters, a bit of a twist and an anti-romance plot, this is a good place to start.
A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Mass (Graphic Audio version)
Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
In preparation for reading House of Flame and Shadow, I’ve been listening to the A Court of Thorns and Roses (“ACOTAR” for the uninitiated) series to get myself reacquainted with the Massverse, since it’s been a while since I originally read them. A Court of Mist and Fury is book 2 in the ACOTAR series. If you’re familiar with the series, then you know why this is fan favorite.
Even though this was a reread, I still loved hanging out with these characters again, and I found myself going on long walks and doing house chores just to put on my headphones and keep listening. If romantasy is your thing, then, well, you’ve probably already read it. But if not, then what are you waiting for? Join the fun.
Magic Slays by Ilona Andrews (Kate Daniels #6)
Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Kate Daniels is a badass magic detective who resides in an alternate reality Atlanta where magic reigns and creatures of lore—shapeshifters, wizards, and ancient gods–wreak havoc. In Magic Slays, Kate works against the clock to find a missing scientist with knowledge that could destroy the magic-wielding realm.
Without giving too much away since I’m deep in the series at this point, I thought this was a good progression in the Kate Daniels saga. One thing I love about this series is how Andrews links each book’s plot to a larger main plot, while we get closer and closer to the main conflict.
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