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@aprils.reading

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book review and another one and another one
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26 | 𝘩𝘮𝘰𝘯𝘨-𝘢𝘮𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘤𝘢𝘯
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Because no one asked, here is a breakdown on my rating system, which is loose and wholly unstructured! 😀 I hope these little extra meme stickers show an accurate interpretation of what each rating encompasses haha. Do you rate anything similarly or differently?? My descriptions are honestly not that great so hopefully you get the idea lol

I rarely rate things 2.5 or 1.5, so I just skipped it all together 😙 by @aprils.reading

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19

2 months ago

The Summer of Second Chances by K. L. Walther 🚙

𝙍𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜: ⭐️⭐️⭐️

𝙎𝙮𝙣𝙤𝙥𝙨𝙞𝙨: After postponing college to care for her grandmother with dementia, Olivia spends the summer on Martha’s Vineyard, where she finds herself choosing between holding on and going forward.

𝙍𝙚𝙫𝙞𝙚𝙬: I read The Summer of Broken Rules by K. L. Walther, which I loved, so I think I went in with high expectations. The strongest part of the book for me was definitely the family dynamics. I loved how it showed the reality of having a loved one with dementia and how messy those emotions can get. The resentment, the guilt, the frustration when someone you love doesn’t recognize you or argues with you because their reality is different... it felt honest, and I appreciated that it didn’t try to make it pretty. Walther also does an amazing job showing the craziness of a large family. I always love reading about large crazy families, because it reminds me of my own and I think she nailed it! And now I desperately want a Martha’s Vineyard summer. The beach, the family house, the whole vibe... I was so jealous while reading.

Unfortunately, there were a few things that took me out of the story a bit. I never fully bought into the romance. It moved really fast, and I honestly wasn’t convinced Olivia even liked Connor for most of the book. So when she had this huge realization at the end where she thought a future with Connor was possible, I didn’t feel like we earned that moment. Connor also, unfortunately, felt very much like he was simply built for Olivia and didn’t have any other characteristic. As much as I adored him, he was very flat. I also struggled with Olivia as a main character. She was kind of a negative nancy the entire time, and while I understood that she was carrying emotional baggage, I just struggled to connect with someone who felt so negative all the time in almost every situation.

I think we just tried to juggle a little too much with the family drama, dementia, romance, summer vibes, and searching for her grandma’s secrets so everything felt a bit surface level instead of fully developed

Thank you NetGalley and publisher for providing me with an e-arc. by @aprils.reading

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11

2 months ago

Finale by Stephanie Garber 🃏

𝙍𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜: ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

𝙎𝙮𝙣𝙤𝙥𝙨𝙞𝙨: With the Fates unleashed and Legend on the throne, Tella and Scarlett face impossible choices that could change their lives, and the future of the empire, forever.

𝙍𝙚𝙫𝙞𝙚𝙬: To be honest what was everything for??

I had a fun time with Finale, but I definitely didn’t love it as much as Caraval. There was just something so magical and unique about that first book that this one (or Legend for that matter) never quite recaptured. That said, I was still entertained and pretty much flew through Finale!

One of my favorite things was getting to spend more time with Scarlett and Julian. I missed them so much, and every scene with them felt like a gift. Even though I think Scarlett and Julian remain top tier, I will admit that Julian went from feeling like a fully formed character to basically being Scarlett’s number one fan. I miss Julian from Caraval. As for Tella and Legend... they exhausted me. I’m exhausted. The constant back and forth for most of the book was actually insane. Their chemistry is undeniable, but they’re also so toxic and frustrating in a way that I was actually rooting for Jacks.

I admire and loved the fantastical side of things and the magic filled adventure. I think I’ll really miss story and these characters, but am excited to start Garber’s other series!

Overall, while Finale wasn’t my favorite book in the series, I still enjoyed the ride. It may not have captured the same magic as Caraval, but it delivered a satisfying enough conclusion while still keeping some of that magical feel! by @aprils.reading

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16

3 months ago

Dating and Dragons by Kristy Boyce 🧝🏼‍♂️

𝙍𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

𝙎𝙮𝙣𝙤𝙥𝙨𝙞𝙨: Quinn joins a livestreamed D&D group to make friends at her new school, but the group’s no dating rule becomes complicated when she starts falling for her teammate, Logan.

𝙍𝙚𝙫𝙞𝙚𝙬: (*reviewer note* what does this song have to do with the book or this post? Nothing really. I was sitting in a cafe and this song was playing while I was reading annnnd here we are. We’re just here for vibes. Thank you 🙂‍↕️) This was such a cute read! Genuinely, I just really enjoyed the structure of the story. Alternating between Quinn’s everyday life and the D&D campaign made everything feel engaging, and I loved getting to see more of the campaign progression in this book. And the friend group was so supportive and so enjoyable to read about. I am such a sucker for found family and I loved all of their personalities.

I think Boyce touched on a really important lesson for girls that I wanted to highlight. She reinforces the idea that Quinn gets to make her own choices and is allowed to change her mind, even if it disappoints others. If you realize you don’t reciprocate feelings, you’re allowed to walk away, and that’s okay. I think that’s such a valuable lesson for girls & women of any age. On top of that, Logan wasn’t just comforting her by saying the right thing, but he held himself to that same standard when he told her, “You don’t owe me anything.” I really appreciated how Boyce also showed how someone can respond with respect.

My only real complaint was the romance at times. The whole “he’s acting like an idiot because he wanted to ask her out after barely knowing her” leaned just a bit too instalove for my taste. Overall, it was a wholesome read with lovable characters and fun found family. Definitely a fun time! by @aprils.reading

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31

3 months ago

A Natural History of Dragons by Marie Brennan 🔍

𝙍𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜: ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

𝙎𝙮𝙣𝙤𝙥𝙨𝙞𝙨: In her memoir, Isabella or Lady Trent, tells the story of how a dragon obsessed young woman defied convention and embarked on an expedition that launched her legendary scientific career.

𝙍𝙚𝙫𝙞𝙚𝙬: I really enjoyed A Natural History of Dragons, though I fear I ended up loving the concept a little more than the actual story. The memoir style narration was probably my favorite part. I loved hearing Isabella tell her story while also reading about her reflections on that time now that she’s older and wiser. It made the whole book feel unique and gave it a lot of personality.

The adventure itself was a lot of fun and honestly reminded me of old adventure movies like Indiana Jones or Tomb Raider. Following Isabella on her journey to study dragons felt exciting, and I was always curious to see what would happen next. That being said, if you’re picking this up expecting a ton of dragon content... there honestly wasn’t as much of it as I hoped. The dragons often felt more like just the subject of the expedition rather than active participants in the story. It’s the reason for why she went on the expedition, but not the purpose of this book necessarily… if that makes sense?

My biggest criticism is that Isabella sometimes felt very much like a wealthy pretentious woman who was able to pursue her passions because she had resources and opportunities that many others didn’t. Then, when put in a new environment complained about how it was new and different. It’s not necessarily a huge flaw, but it did make her harder for me to connect with at times. She appeared very much spoiled for a portion of the story, especially while first traveling and living with the villagers. The men she traveled with seemed a bit more forthcoming than her, which I understood they probably had more experience but ehhh I still didn’t agree with how she described the villagers or their way of doing things.

I had a good time! The memoir format, scientific approach to dragons, and adventurous atmosphere made for a really enjoyable read. I just wish there had been a little more dragon! by @aprils.reading

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20

3 months ago

June Wrapped & Where’s Waldo (Off Campus ver.) 🐚☀️

I read TWELVE books this month! I think this is the best reading month I’ve had like ever! I came back alive this month mostly thanks to being off of work and audiobooks! I read so many books and have had so much fun just living life and reading to my hearts content. I’ve taken for granted the ability to read, nap, wake up, and continue reading lol. During the school year, I only have energy to read and then knocked out 😭 But, thank you to everyone who has been hyping me up this month lol let’s hope I can keep the good vibes going in July 😭🙂‍↕️. I’m slowly sharing my reviews and all of that, so those will be up shortly.

shows/movie:
🪼 Perfect Match - rewatch with my fiancé!
🐚 Dutton Ranch (ep 1-2) - watched with my fiancé because he WAS a big Yellowstone fan… before the last season
🪼 Off Campus - binged the whole season in a few hours!
🐚 Worst Ex Ever (s2) - my cleaning background show 😅 I’m usually a crime podcasts type person! I just played this, put my AirPods in, and did some chores lol
🪼 Adventure Time - my fiancé is showing me shows I missed when younger lol we may go with SpongeBob next?

Are you a coffee or matcha person? (I’m a matcha person 🍵!) by @aprils.reading

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43

3 months ago

Dungeons and Drama by Kristy Boyce 🎭

𝙍𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

𝙎𝙮𝙣𝙤𝙥𝙨𝙞𝙨: Riley is determined to save her school’s spring musical, but being grounded forces her to work at her dad’s game shop. After a weird encounter with her ex, she makes a deal with Nathan: she’ll fake interest in him so he can get the girl, if he pretends to be her boyfriend. But after a few D&D adventures, their feelings stop feeling fake.

𝙍𝙚𝙫𝙞𝙚𝙬: The cutest darn book I ever did read. I think I say that often, but I’m serious lol. I absolutely love, love, love a fun friend group/found family moment, and Dungeons & Drama really solidified that to a T.

Before I get into it, and I know I say this a lot, but ya (as well as children’s and middle grade) stories really do have some of the most impactful stories. In Dungeons & Drama, there are so many healthy relationships, examples of communication, and positive character traits that not only make my teacher heart happy, but also heal some part of my childhood self. As many of you might know, I also am a big fan and love how so many ya books encourage wholeheartedly loving your hobbies and embracing what makes you happy despite outside influences! Anyway, all this to say, I just know young April would’ve enjoyed this reading experience, so I feel confident saying that young readers will too lol.

And annoyingly (because I really do share this info every chance I get), I started playing D&D recently, and while reading, I just felt so happy to see so much positivity surrounding it. I love how Riley goes in with some hesitation regarding board games, D&D, and everything that comes with it, but embraces it wholeheartedly. And once she starts getting into it, she’s not ashamed to share this new passion with her friends. It really goes to show how much you can enjoy something if you’re willing to give it a chance. Lastly, I really appreciated how the book didn’t lean into the cliché nerd and jock stereotypes that some books, movies, and stories do. It allowed theater and D&D to exist without being confined to specific labels.

Very much enjoyed this one and can’t wait to read the next book!! I’m already reading the second book lol by @aprils.reading

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29

3 months ago

A Darker Shade of Magic by V. E. Schwab 🪨

𝙍𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

𝙎𝙮𝙣𝙤𝙥𝙨𝙞𝙨: Kell, one of the last Antari magicians, can travel between parallel Londons. While secretly smuggling magical artifacts between worlds, he becomes entangled in a dangerous conspiracy. With the help of thief Lila, he must stop a dark magic that threatens every London.

𝙍𝙚𝙫𝙞𝙚𝙬: The whole concept for A Darker Shade of Magic is so interesting ✨ The multiple London’s was one of my favorite parts. Every time we learned something new, I wanted more information about the history, magic, doorways, the Antari, and everything else. I know that some of these answers are probably being saved for later books, but my curiosity was seriously working overtime.

In the beginning, the pacing was a bit slower than I expected, and some sections felt repetitive. Like, re-emphasizing the same rules on how things worked. I kept wanting more lore and fewer reminders that mysterious magic is, in fact, mysterious. But, the second half? Amazing. Intense. Satisfying. It was exactly what I wanted from the first book in a series. In the end, they solved just enough for me to feel complete as a reader while still dangling just enough unfinished business to make me want to read book two. The writing was also addictive. I loved how some chapters were from the pov of minor characters, so that we could see how this story affected them. It added so much depth and also gave that magical feeling.

I will say overall I think the characters are what I found most memorable! Kell and Holland, the Antari, are just so mysterious and unique. I really want to learn more about their history! I’m excited to start book 2 soon 🙂‍↕️ by @aprils.reading

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56

3 months ago

Good Girl, Bad Blood🩸: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

𝙍𝙚𝙫𝙞𝙚𝙬: Holly Jackson does an excellent job of dropping hints about who the culprit is while still making you second guess yourself, especially because of everything that happened previously. As Pip works through the clues and connections, you almost feel like you become her. Everything you thought you knew begins to branch off in different directions, and the case grows into something much bigger than even Pip, or the reader, could have imagined.

I was on the edge of my seat the entire time. The ending completely threw me for a loop, and at no point did Jackson hold back. I really enjoyed every aspect of this. I would have loved even more Ravi and Pip moments, but I understand that Conner played a much more important role in this particular case.

As Good As Dead 🎧: ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

𝙍𝙚𝙫𝙞𝙚𝙬: This was an emotionally taxing experience. Holly Jackson really focused on the trauma that, understandably and unfortunately, Pip had to go through because of the first two books. And honestly? I appreciated that. Nothing gets magically fixed and Pip isn’t suddenly okay. We see the effects of everything she’s been through, and it makes her feel more real.

One of my favorite things about this book was the discussion of justice and morality. Pip has spent the entire series searching to prove truth and trying to find the line differentiating good and evil. But, I mean we understand that life doesn’t really work that way. What makes this book so interesting is that Pip herself becomes the gray area she’s kinda been fighting against. All the people she interviews or researches are gray area people, no one (except like 2) is really black and white/good and evil. Watching her desperately search for a black and white answer while becoming more morally complicated herself was difficult, especially comparing her to book 1 Pip.

Overall, this felt very different from the first two books. The pacing was definitely slower, and while I understand why Jackson focused on Pip’s trauma, it didn’t have the same nonstop momentum that made me fly through the other books. by @aprils.reading

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35

4 months ago

✨3 YEARS OF BEING @aprils.reading ✨

First, CONGRATS ME I DIDNT FORGET 👏🏻! Last year, I literally forgot and didn’t realize until like a week later. I was also in a HUGE slump…. So, I made a story and moved on lol This time though I’m reading and I have the energy! I’m telling you that first year teaching is rough. Took me out completely lol

Anyway, it’s been 3 years running (loosely bc your girl knows she’s gone missing) this little book Instagram and experiencing these little adventures we call books! What I love about this space is how inviting and inspiring and creative everyone is. I can fangirl, voice what I liked, what I didn’t like, learn new things, experience new experiences, share personal experiences, and interact with others without feeling shame or fear. I love this little corner of the internet that I’ve made for myself and that y’all have allowed me to share. I hope we all continue to grow as a community and as readers and as individuals 🫶🏻

Thank you for being here and sharing this space with me 🫡🩷 by @aprils.reading

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101

4 months ago

The Deal by Elle Kennedy 🏒

𝙍𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜: ⭐️⭐️⭐️

𝙎𝙮𝙣𝙤𝙥𝙨𝙞𝙨: Hannah strikes a deal to tutor hockey captain Garrett in exchange for a fake dating arrangement, neither expects things to become complicated. As feelings deepen, the line between pretending and reality becomes hard to ignore

𝙍𝙚𝙫𝙞𝙚𝙬: Listen, I enjoyed the book. Truly, I did enjoy aspects of it. I read it quickly, and I’m sure if I’d read it before watching the show, I might’ve enjoyed it even more... however, I didn’t, so here we are.

All I could think about was the show. Hear me out… the show had so much healing, communication, and just overarching healthy romance that I just couldn’t just go backwards, you know? I mean Garrett Graham, book edition, said some very questionable and misogynistic things straight up about Hannah from beginning to end. He referred to her in certain ways and said some really unpleasant things that I can’t imagine any girl truly enjoying, which then got brushed aside by him saying how badly he wanted to kiss her, touch her, and whatnot. It just didn’t feel like there was much character growth for him. In the show, they managed to keep that same very confident sarcastic guy energy while still making him respectful.

As a whole, the story felt a little rushed. I wish there had been more dimension to the side characters and their lives. I understand that everyone kind of gets their own story, but adding them more naturally into each other’s stories would’ve added a lot more realism. I also felt like we lacked some emotional connection between Hannah and Garrett. I knew it was supposed to be there, but I didn’t always feel it through their dialogue or internal monologues.

Overall, it was an enjoyable read, but it’s hard not to compare it to the show. I’m going into the second book without the show heightening my expectations, so I’m curious to see if my opinion ends up being more positive this time around. by @aprils.reading

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18

4 months ago

It’s been a time! End of school year was tough and I was struggling lol I’ve read 0 books, which is not what I wanted for myself, but it is what it is. I’ve been spending my time playing Two Point Campus and Two Point Museum though! I also just got back from my bachelorette party, but I’m lowkey getting an itch for reading so maybe this is it… am I finally back?? by @aprils.reading

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25

4 months ago