We’re nearing the mid-point of the year. Hard to believe, right? I’m surprised and happy that my June review pile is fairly light, and if all goes well, I hope to start on some July books, since July and August are out of control. June is a nice mix of genres, so I definitely won’t get bored!
I’m also trying something different this month. I’m listing three books at the end that I really want to read, but just haven’t found time for yet. You can help me out by choosing the one you think I should read this month NO MATTER WHAT, and I’ll try to read it.
Here are the books I hope to read this month:
I’m hoping to start Gods of the Wyrdwood by R.J. Barker soon, since it’s quite long. I’m very excited to see what Barker’s come up with, after his amazing The Tide Child series.
I may be reading Maeve Fly by C.J. Leede when this post goes live. I’ve heard it’s absolutely nuts, and I can’t wait to see for myself.
I’ve had a copy of The First Bright Thing by J.R. Dawson for months, so I’m more than ready to read it. This is a historical fantasy centered around a circus, and I think it sounds wonderful!
Maddalena and the Dark by Julia Fine is a bit of a departure for me, but I cannot wait to read it.
I’m really looking forward to Night’s Edge by Liz Kerin, I believe this is a vampire story, which makes it even more appealing:-)
And now for something more literary: Open Throat by Henry Hoke is narrated by a queer mountain lion. Yes, you read that right! I’m so curious about this story that is set in my neck of the woods, Los Angeles.
I’m not even going to try to describe the plot of Dead Eleven by Jimmy Juliano. Just click on the link and see for yourself! LOL
Finally, The Seven Year Slip by Ashley Poston sounds really good. Not my normal genre, but I like to switch things up now and again:-)
Bonus book – You choose!
I’d love to read one of these books as well. But I need help! Let me know in the comments which one I should read first!
The Strange by Nathan Ballingrud. This has been getting lots of great reviews and I am mad I haven’t read it yet.
Chlorine by Jade Song. I just bought a copy for myself. This is a horror, coming-of-age story about a girl who is a swimmer, and how she starts to change into a mermaid. Or something like that.
The Hacienda by Isabel Cañas. I’ve had this for ages, and everyone is always recommending it. I’d love to read this before her new book comes out.
This year is slipping by, that’s for sure, and my reading has been slipping, too. As for which of the bonus books I’d vote for… good question. I’d be torn between The Strange and The Hacienda, and I’d likely choose The Strange for the sci-fin, but any of them could be winners. 🙂
It’s a win-win-win because I want to read all three books, but it seems like the Hacienda has the most votes:-)
I just started Gods of the Wyrdwood and I’m already enthralled: the author throws his readers into the middle of things with little explanations about some of the strange elements of this world, but I have complete confidence in his narrative skills and I’m certain everything will fall into place soon. Enjoy! 🙂
Maddalena@spaceandsorcery recently posted…PRINCE OF FOOLS (The Red Queen’s War #1), by Mark Lawrence #WyrdAndWonder
So glad to hear that! I have a couple of books to read first then I’m diving in.
“Fairly light”? Tammy, there are EIGHT books here (plus one of the three others). I’ve only got one for this month—…trade?
I think you should read… NONE of those three. Maybe take a nap instead. I’m a big believer in choosing D or E for A-C multiple choice questions—can you tell?
It’s “light” compared to other months where I have 13, lol. Ha ha Will you are killing me!
Dead Eleven just went on my tbr!
You need The Hacienda, Tammy. I hope you love it when you get to it!
I do need The Hacienda:-)
I’ve had The Hacienda on my pending list for a while too. Maybe if I see that you’ve read it, it’ll inspire me to do the same!
So far The Hacienda seems to be winning:-)
Happy June, Tammy! I’m very much looking forward to your thoughts on Maddalena and the Dark. I really wanna read it myself too. It sounds like a really great read!
Stephanie @ Bookfever recently posted…Monthly Wrap-Up: May 2023
It really does! I’ve seen lots of positive things about it, I can’t wait.
Some great looking books here. I’ve heard some good things about Maeve Fly and hope to get to it and Night’s Edge – I’m going through vampire withdrawal. My vote is The Hacienda because it’s one I always meant to get to as well!
I’m reading Night’s Edge and really like it so far:-)
I’m going to go for The Hacienda. It has some mystery thriller aspects and that’s always good for me.
Anne – Books of My Heart recently posted… Witch King by Martha Wells @marthawells1 @EricMok97 @tordotcom @MacmillanAudio #LoveAudiobooks #JIAM
I think The Hacienda might be ahead:-)
Just seeing your comments, I would say The Hacienda, so you’ll be ready for book 2!
Looking forward to your June reviews
Emma @ Words And Peace recently posted…The top 7 books to read in June 2023
I’m glad to have a vote for The Hacienda:-)
You have some fun looking books to read, hope you enjoy them all!
Stormi recently posted…Week in Review #36
Thanks, I hope so too!
I can’t wait to dive into Barker’s new series too. It looks and sounds like a lot of fun. Happy reading, Tammy! 😀
Lashaan Balasingam @ Roars and Echoes recently posted…My Monthly Anticipation | June 2023
Thanks Lashaan, I hope we both love it:-)
I vote for CHLORINE! I haven’t seen too many reviews for it, but I do recall the ones I saw being mixed about the book.
Celeste | A Literary Escape recently posted…June 2023 TBR List
I’ve seen mostly good reviews for Chlorine, so fingers crossed:-)
Looks like a great reading month for you.
I’d go for The Hacienda (it’s been on my TBR list forever as well).
I can’t wait to read the Hacienda, definitely need to knock it off the list:-)
I started Gods of the Wyrdwood, but I’m so intimidated by its size for some reason and Barker’s writing style since I feel like it always takes me so much mental energy, haha. I enjoyed The First Bright Thing, and Maddalena and the Dark is definitely a slower read. I’m so intrigued by Open Throat, I’ve had my eye on it for a while so I’ll be so curious to hear your thoughts!
I’d have to vote for The Strange or Chlorine. I’m SO curious about Chlorine, so maybe that’s my final vote!
I’m glad you enjoyed The First Bright Thing, I’m not into it yet, the writing style is sort of strange. But I’ll keep going!
I love the sound of Chlorine – and The Seven Year Slip, which sounds like it’s great fun:)). And WHERE has the year gone?? Surely it was Christmas only the month before last… Have a great time with these reads of your, Tammy!
Christmas doesn’t seem that long ago, lol!
CHLORINE! It was so bananas and I looooved it. The Strange was good too, but Chlorine was better, and more bonkers. Maeve Fly is equally bananas hahah. Like. Batshit, Tammy. Idk how to even review it because like… it’s wildly entertaining, but if you say you LIKE it guys in white suits might take you to the padded room? I agree about the Seven Year Slip, not my usual jam, but I need it anyway! I am reading Night’s Edge and like it so far!
Shannon @ It Starts at Midnight recently posted…June 2023 Discussion Challenge Link Up & Giveaway
Oh good a vote for Chlorine:-) My review of Maeve Fly will be up tomorrow, totally batshit crazy! And I really liked it, so I guess those men in white suits are coming to get me, ha ha.
I swear I see the First Bright THing everywhere these days Tammy!
Ha ha it’s coming out next week, maybe that’s why:-)
I’m also glad my June is relatively light compared to the way it was in April and May, so I hope to do some catching up and then maaaaaybe some July books. I haven’t even made my 3rd quarter reading list yet!
My July and August are really out of control, review book-wise. I’m not sure how those months will go, lol.
The First Bright Thing gets my vote. Sounds very interesting.