I actually had a pretty good reading month in December, with a total of 10 books read.
Strange the Dreamer by Laini Taylor
Beautifully written as always, a beautiful story, I loved it. Unfortunately, I didn’t love it quite as much as I was expecting. I didn’t like it as much as Daughter of Smoke and Bone. But I still really enjoyed it and will most certainly be continuing with the series. I ended up giving it 4/5 stars.
Catching Fire & Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins
I started revisiting this story on audiobook in November and finished the first one and I got through the final two in December. Unfortunately, I wasn’t the biggest fan of the audiobook, the narrator really didn’t do it for me. I found her to be quite annoying, so that took away from my enjoyment of the books. Of course, it’s still an awesome story and I still love it, but because of the narration, I ended up only giving it 4/5 stars for the audiobook.
Vicious by V. E. Schwab
Finally read this, it was about time. I loved her Shades of Magic series and I had heard only amazing things about this book and I want to read all of her books anyway. I was not disappointed. I need the next one asap. It’s so good! So good. I love the characters and the tension and how dark the story is. 5/5 stars.
The Fifth Season by N. K. Jemisin
This series flew under my radar for a while, I don’t know why. I discovered it quite by chance as I was browsing Waterstones and it sounded cool and it seemed pretty well praised, so I bought it. I really liked. I had an issue with one part of the book that I just didn’t particularly enjoy, so I ended up giving it 4/5 stars, but the rest of it was A plus and I actually already bought the second book in the series and will hopefully read it soon.
The Language of Thorns by Leigh Bardugo
This book was so beautifl. The art in it was beautiful, the stories were beautiful. I loved it. I had so much fun reading it. It reminded me of childhood when I would consume fairytales by the bucket. My favourite story was The Soldier Prince and my least favourite was probably Little Knife. Overall, I did give the book 5/5 stars.
A Symphony of Echoes by Jodi Taylor
Finally continuing with this series! I don’t know why I waited so long. It’s so much fun,, so fast paced, just all around a good time. I did feel that some things were a bit rushed through in this book, I would have liked a bit more, so I ended up giving it 4/5 stars.
The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
A pertinent and insightful allegorical story. I found myself nodding along and grinning guiltily as I recognised aspects of my own life in the shepherd’s boy journey. I didn’t quite agree with all the idea presented in the book, but overall, I think it offers a very astute image of what we’re like. I gave it 4/5 stars.
The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick
This book was an experience. I’m so glad I bought it. I’ve never read anything similar to it. I love the art and the way it was interspersed with the writing. I just loved how this story was told so much. 5/5 stars.
Old Man’s War by John Scalzi
This book was just beautiful, it made me cry on several occasions. Just the relationship… well there isn’t really a relationship. But the main character did use to have a wife prior to the events of the book and the way that their relationship is described is just beautiful. That’s not even the main focus of the book, and I really enjoyed the story and the characters. It was funny, well written, intelligent. But that relationship just really packed a punch for me. 5/5 stars.
A Book Nerd 