June Wrap-Up! | 2019 | Upside-Down Books

Well . . . June was slow. Slow for reading, busy for life. After I successfully challenged myself to read a lot in May, I had dreamed and hoped that the pace would carry over into June, but alas.

With a new job starting and LIFE happening (namely preparing for my sister’s wedding), I read next to nothing. It’s been a period of trial and error as I work out where to squeeze in reading around full-time work now (and the challenge of then staying awake on the train in and out, not nodding off to sleep in the pages of my book).

But let’s have a look at what I did get around to reading!

The Eyes of Tamburah
by Maria V. Snyder

Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy
Author: Maria V. Snyder
Published: July 2019
Publisher: Harlequin
Pages: 480 {paperback}

Will I continue the series? YES

This was a really fun Snyder read, although I don’t think it’s her best. It’s a surprisingly expansive fantasy novel that goes on for 100 pages more than I thought it needed. It was still really good, with great plot ideas and an awesome setting. I feel like I will hold off my enthusiastic recommendation of this after I have read the next book in the series: it’s either going to turn AMAZING, or totally flop.

My review

The Gilded Wolves
by Roshani Chokshi

Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy
Author: Roshani Chokshi
Published: January 2019
Publisher: Pan Macmillan
Pages: 388 {paperback}

Will I continue the series? YES

This was great! I’d heard a lot of people talking about mixed reviews over this book and I feel like the hype quickly died down after the release. So I bring GOOD NEWS. I was sent this one for review from Pan Macmillan and plunge into the story still holding my hopes high. And you know what? Just LOOK at that 5-star rating; I absolutely loved this story and I can’t wait for more!

My review

Sorcerer to the Crown
by Zen Cho

Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy
Author: Zen Cho
Published: September 2015
Publisher: Pan Macmillan
Pages: 371 {paperback}

Will I continue the series? YES

This was a really . . . interesting . . . read. I did enjoy it and I do want to continue the story. But I found it slow and tough-going? It’s an interesting mix of urban fantasy and almost steampunk vibes (though, if I remember rightly, there is literally no steampunk in this). I liked the way magic fitted into this world but I’m not gushing about it.

My review