I am not going to lie, 2024 has not been my year for books so far. To date, I have already DNF’d four. Usually, that is my total for the year.

I am definitely behind schedule on my reading for 2024. It’s been a busy couple of months, and I have just been too tired. I really should add reading into my daily “self care” routine, but first, I have to find a routine that sticks. 🙂 As always, I have lofty goals of posting to this blog more regularly as well, still trying to build that habit too as you can plainly see (lol 🙂 ).

Since I am already losing the race in terms of my reviews, here is a snapshot of all the books I have tried and/or read this year:

Academy of Protectors – 3 stars. This was meh. I mean I get it, but it’s another Mortal Instruments/Vampire Academy style narrative. Honestly, I got the series because I found the premise interesting enough. I’m planning to read the second book, but I’m not 100% sure I will be sticking with the series.

Uprooted – 4 Stars. Fantasy rooted in folklore. The pacing changes throughout the story, which meant that I picked it up and put it down multiple times. I’m glad that I stuck with it though, because it really grabbed my interest by the end. I have the second book Spinning Silver on the TBR shelf.

Wretched & Twisted – 5 stars. Fairytale retelling. Once again, I love these. I devour these books, and I already have Scarred and Crossed on my TBR shelf.

Mysteries of the Sea – 4 stars. Its really short, so a quick read. As mysteries go, nothing was surprising or unknown. The information is out there. But, the collection itself would be a great introduction to someone who is interested in maritime history/mythology.

To Kill a Shadow – 3 stars. I read the first half of this book really quickly. The narrative was attention grabbing and easy to fall into the world. It changed a little on the second half of the book. It felt like it was to add drama, and a little more mystery to the world, but the change in pace was weird for me. I plan to read the second book to see if anything turns around.

Gods of the Wyrd Wood – 3 Stars. Finished it. Slow to start but picks up as the author moves through the story and you get some of the character backgrounds and interconnections. As fantasy novels go, this one took a second for me to really dive into, there was A LOT going on. I had to reread a few pages where world building information was given to understand that narrative setting. I have yet to decide if I will be continuing this series.

The Dream Thief – 1 star. I was very disappointed in the second book for this series. I absolutely LOVED The Smoke Thief . The world building is incredible, but the characters/heroine did not draw me in to this one. I made it about half way through the novel before I gave up and added it to the DNF list for the year.

Forest of Vanity and Valour – 1 star. I had such high hopes for this one. I love a good Robin Hood-esque theme. However, I DNF’d this one. The narrative did not grab my attention and I found the main characters unlikeable to the point where a redemption arc would not have changed my mind. Seriously, I was rooting for the other guys the entire time.

To Carve a Fae Heart – 1 star. So slow to start. I couldn’t get through the book, and this was another one I DNF’d before finishing. The characters were not developed properly whether they were primary or secondary to the story. Nothing about it capture any interest or desire for me.

Made from Magic – 1 star. I DNF’d this book about 60% of the way in. It felt like a Mortal Instruments meets Motherland (tv show), but badly cobbled together with bits of whatever someone could find.

Bound by Prophecy – 1.5/2 stars – I really wouldn’t bother. It was short, but it was a first draft at best. I read this earlier in the year, and I have no desire to dive back into this world at all.

Wolfish Charms – 4 stars. Fairytale retelling. YES PLEASE. This is rapidly becoming a series I very much enjoy, and I’m looking forward to hopping into the next book.

What the River Knows – 3.5 stars. I like the world building and the inclusion of mystery, adventure, mythology. That being said, I’m not sold on the character development. The heroine is incredibly naive, and convinced she is intelligent and knows what she is doing. The background characters however add some depth. At least enough for me to read the second book in the series.

Court of Shadows – 3 starts. Finished it. I liked it enough that I plan to read the second book. I found the book pacing to be somewhat disjointed, and I feel like it could have tried a little harder to build characters/the overall world. I have a lot of questions.

Promised in Fire – 2.5 stars. I finished it, but it definitely read like a first draft. Technically, I have the next book in the series on my TBR list, but I have yet to decide if I will be diving back into this world.

As I mentioned, it’s been a tough year with books so far. Definitely not super impressed with the quality of novels I have been grabbing lately. However, I’ve got a number of books that I am currently working my way through, and the second half of the year seems to be turning things around. We will have to see what the next series of reviews brings to the table!

One of the fun things I did for myself last year was join OwlCrate. It is one of the book-y subscription boxes that comes with all the weirdly amazing trinkets inside, along with a new book to add to the ever-growing pile on my floor of TBR. I find it fairly economical, its less expensive than some other subscriptions on the market and you are charged every 3 months. No sponsorship or selling benefits for me, but if you are interested in checking it out, here is the website: https://www.owlcrate.com/

In addition to expanding the bookshelf, the subscription box kicked off a serious addiction to glasses with bamboo tops. (LOL). I lost count of how many exist in my cabinets now. My dog also thoroughly enjoys tearing up the box after I’ve unpacked everything. So, really, it’s fun for the whole family!

While I have really enjoyed OwlCrate so far, I am been debating on whether to switch to a different subscription box for 2025 to change things up. If you have any recommendations, send them my way!

That’s all readers! Until next time!