Monthly Wrap-Up: July Reading 2023

It’s August now, which means it’s a new month! So it’s time to wrap up July!

The first thing I want to say, before I get into it, is wow, I don’t think I’ve even been able to post one of these on the first of the month! I could be completely wrong though.

The other thing I wanted to say was, ew July was a little pathetic, reading and review wise. Actually, very pathetic review wise. Sure, I technically read eight books and just a thousand pages, but they were all for a children’s series, and I didn’t read and review anything else. So I’m disappointed in myself for that.

But yeah, without further ado, let’s get into my states for The StoryGraph for my July reading 2023.

July 2023 Reading

😐 MOODS: Adventurous was the biggest slice of pie once again. There are like no Moods on this graph though for July though. The only other one is Mysterious, which is almost as big as Adventurous.

👢 PACE: Unlike last month every single book I read was fast-paced. This is the first month where fast-paced was the entire graph, though.

🔢 PAGE NUMBER: Everything I read was super short this month, because all I read were the books in the Deltora Quest series, and they’re all less than 150 pages. So all of them were less than 300 pages.

📖 FICTION/NONFICTION: All fiction once again this month.

🎭 GENRES: Fantasy was the biggest part of the graph this time, as per usual. The only other genre on the bar graph, though, is Children’s, which is actually equal. So hasn’t been as colorful as it usually is.

📄 FORMAT: This little StoryGraph pie chart is actually correct again! All the books I read were physical print copies.

⭐ RATING: My median star rating for last month was 4.0. I rated two books 3.5 stars, four books 4.0 stars, and two books 4.5 stars.

📉 PAGES READ DAILY: I read some during the second week, but dipped down a bit in the middle. During the last third of the month of July though, I read a lot, comparatively.

The Books I Read in July

Wrapping Up the Wrap-Up

So July still kind of definitely sucked reading and review wise. But for whatever reason, over the last couple of years, I’ve had some trouble not falling into reading slumps and the like during the summer. I don’t know what it is about summertime or whatever, but I’ve had trouble getting into books lately.

I’m hoping that’s going to change with August though, since it’s kind of the bridge between summer and fall, and fall is my reading jam. Plus, I’ve never really had as much trouble finding a book to read in August. So yeah, the July 2023 Reading Wrap-Up comes to a close.

As per usual, thank you all so much for reading and have a wonderful day/night! What books did you guys read in July? What did you think of them? What genres did you read?

See ya ~Mar

Weekly Wrap-Up: 7/24 – 7/30

Welcome back to the thing where I talk about what I’ve done for the past week.

Ugh, so I wasn’t as productive as I’d hoped to be last week as I’d wanted to be on the blog. No book reviews. Again! Grrrr… I’m so mad about it! (I don’t know why I’m even talking about it like this – it was my own fault!)

This week, I want to be better. I will be better! I know I sound a little like a broken record at this point, but it’s true.

Anyway, enough of my blabbing. On with the wrap-up!

Wednesday 7/26: WWW Wednesday

Last Wednesday, I participated in yet another WWW Wednesday. WWW Wednesday is a weekly feature hosted by Sam @ Taking on a World of Words.

WWW Wednesday 7/26

Thursday 7/27: Popular Books That I’ve Read Never

On Thursday, I finally posted another Popular Books That I’ve Read Never. This is a thing where I highlight popular books that I’ve never read, and talk about why I’ve never read them.

Popular Books That I’ve Read Never #4

Friday 7/28: First Line Friday

Last Friday, I once again participated in First Line Fridays. First Line Fridays is a weekly feature for book lovers (formerly) hosted by Wandering Words.

First Line Friday 7/28

Books I Read Last Week

Yumi and the Nightmare Painter by Brandon Sanderson

Goals for 7/31 – 8/6

So yeah, last week was kind of disappointing for me, in terms of how much I posted and how much I read. I’m gonna do better this week.

This week, I’m doing at least one freaking review, and hopefully a second review. I’m also gonna be posting my monthly reading wrap-up for July 2023. And of course, I’ll be participating in my usual weekly posts. I’m not sure what else though.

But yeah, as always, thank you so much for reading, and have a wonderful day/night!

See ya ~Mar

Weekly Wrap-Up: 7/17 – 7/23

Yay! Last week was better for me! I got in four posts (aside from the weekly wrap-up of course). It was a huge improvement after the week preceding it.

I honestly don’t have much of an intro this time. ☹️ So without further ado, let’s jump right into the wrap-up.

Monday 7/17: Majestic Monday

Last Monday, I did the first Majestic Monday that I’ve done in a long time. It felt great, and I’m excited to post more of these in the future. For those who don’t know, Majestic Mondays are when I gush over covers that I like.

Majestic Monday #14

Wednesday 7/19: Shelf Control

On Wednesday, I finally posted another Shelf Control. Shelf Control is a weekly celebration of the unread books languishing on our bookshelves created and hosted by Lisa @ Bookshelf Fantasies.

Shelf Control #14

Friday 7/21: First Line Friday

Last Friday, I once again participated in First Line Fridays. First Line Fridays is a weekly feature for book lovers (formerly) hosted by Wandering Words.

First Line Friday 7/21

Sunday 7/23: Deltora Quest Review

Yesterday, I finally posted my review for the entire first series of Emily Rodda’s Deltora Quest. It’s a series of fantasy books geared towards children/middle grade. I rated the entire series as a whole ★★★★☆, but I also rated each of the eight books individually.

Deltora Quest Series Review

Books That I Read Last Week

The City of Rats by Emily Rodda
The Shifting Sands by Emily Rodda
Dread Mountain by Emily Rodda
The Maze of the Beast by Emily Rodda
The Valley of the Lost by Emily Rodda
Return to Del by Emily Rodda

Goals for 7/24 – 7/30

I want to do at least four or five blog posts, aside from this weekly wrap-up. I’ll be doing my usual weekly feature participating, of course, but I also definitely want to do one and hopefully two book reviews. I’m also considering doing a new post this week.

So yeah, I just want to keep on keeping on, basically. Wish me luck! 🤞

As always, thank you so much for reading, and I hope you have a fantastic day/night!

See ya ~Mar

Weekly Wrap-Up: 7/10 – 7/16

Sooo… Last week was super bad with the blogging. Like really, really bad. I had at least two more posts planned, but then a bunch of drama in my personal life happened on Friday, and I just didn’t have the time or energy to blog.

But yeah, I’m sorry about last week. It is what it is, though, and the past can’t be changed.

Anyway, I don’t really have anything else to say. Here’s last week’s weekly wrap-up.

Wednesday 7/12: WWW Wednesday

Last Wednesday, I participated in WWW Wednesday, as I usually do. WWW Wednesday is a weekly feature currently hosted by Sam @ Taking on a World of Words.

WWW Wednesday 7/12

Thursday 7/13: July 2023 Birthstone Book Covers

On Thursday, I decided it was time for me to participate in the monthly post Birthstone Book Covers. Birthstone Book Covers is a monthly post created and hosted by Leslie @ Books Are the New Black.

Birthstone Book Covers: July 2023

Books I Read Last Week

The Forests of Silence by Emily Rodda
The Lake of Tears by Emily Rodda

Goals for 7/17 – 7/23

I just want to get back into gear with my posting again. I really, really want to do book cover analysis and admiration again though, so a Majestic Monday might just make its first appearance in forever. Then I want to do my usual posts, and a couple book reviews.

Those are my goals for this week. Fingers crossed! 🤞😁

Anyway, thank you so much for reading, and have a great day/night!

See ya ~Mar

Birthstone Book Covers: July 2023

It’s earlier in the month again! Yay! When I find the time to post this by the halfway point in the month, I get all excited, cuz I feel like I’m keeping a pace with my blogging. So here I am, with my birthstone book picks of June 2023.

Leslie @ Books Are the New Black created a fun monthly post called Birthstone Book Covers. Each month, she features book covers that are either the same color of that month’s birthstone or include the color in the title.

July has one birthstone – Ruby.

Rules:

📚 Mention the creator (Leslie @ Books Are The New Black) and link back to her so she can check out your post.
📚 Pick 5+ book covers that match the current month’s Birthstone.
📚 HAVE FUN!
📚 Nominate people if you want!

Thank you so much for reading, and have a fabulous day/night!

See ya ~Mar

Weekly Wrap-Up: 7/3 – 7/9

Wow, okay, so like I’m super late (again) with this one. But it’s still Monday where I’m at, so this post is still very much valid!

Last week I was waaayy better than I’ve been sign posting lately. No book reviews, unfortunately, but my posting was still better.

Anyway, I won’t ramble. Here’s last week’s weekly wrap-up.

Tuesday 7/4: 4th of July – Independence Day

Last Tuesday was the 4th of July, otherwise known as Independence Day. 🇺🇲🎆🇺🇲🎆

I was feeling under the weather, or else I would’ve posted something. It was nice to relax and listen to the fireworks going off all around my town, though.

Wednesday 7/5: WWW Wednesday

On Wednesday, I participated in yet another WWW Wednesday. WWW Wednesday is a weekly feature hosted by Sam @ Taking on a World of Words.

WWW Wednesday 4/5

Thursday 7/6: Summer Reads with Mermaids

Thursday, I decided to do something a bit different. Every season or so, I do a post about books with that particular season’s vibe. For this summer, I decided to do a post about YA and middle grade mermaid books that I’ve read.

Some Summer Reads with Mermaids

Friday 4/7: First Line Friday

Last Friday, I once again participated in First Line Fridays. First Line Fridays is a weekly feature for book lovers (formerly) hosted by Wandering Words.

First Line Friday #20

Sunday 4/9: Book Hauls from the First Half of 2023 / Most Anticipated Reads of Quarter Three

Yesterday, I double posted. For my first post, I did one for all of my book hauls for the first half of this year. This is cuz I don’t collect books at the same rate as a lot of other book bloggers, lol, but I still wanted to show off my haul so far.

For my second post, I finally got around to posting about my most anticipated SSF books releasing in July, August, and September this year. These are the ones I’ve been the most interested in yet!

The Books I Hauled from the First Half of 2023

My Most Anticipated SFF Reads of 2023 for Quarter Three

Books I Read Last Week

Deltora Quest: The Complete Series - 21st Anniversary Edition by Emily Rodda

Goals for 4/10 – 4/16

The main goal for this week is to read more than one book, lol. For real though, I’d like to post at least as many times as I did last week. So five different posts hopefully, at least one of which is gonna be a book review.

And as always, thank you so much for reading, and have a great day/night!

See ya ~Mar

Some Summer Reads with Mermaids

We’re in the thick of summer now, so I thought it was more that time for a summer book list.

This time, I’ve decided to go all in on mermaids. I love mermaids, guys. Ever since I saw The Little Mermaid for the first time how ever long ago it was, they’ve been one of my favorite mythical creatures.

So without further ado, let’s get my favorite mermaid tales (or should I say, “tails”) that I’ve read!

Emily Windsnap series by Liz Kessler

Emily Windsnap Series by Liz Kessler

BOOK DESCRIPTION (for the first book):

For as long as she can remember, twelve-year-old Emily Windsnap has lived on a boat. And, oddly enough, for just as long, her mother has seemed anxious to keep her away from the water. But when Mom finally agrees to let her take swimming lessons, Emily makes a startling discovery – about her own identity, the mysterious father she’s never met, and the thrilling possibilities and perils shimmering deep below the water’s surface.

With a sure sense of suspense and richly imaginative details, first-time author Liz Kessler lures us into a glorious undersea world where mermaids study shipwrecks at school and Neptune rules with an iron trident – an enchanting fantasy about family secrets, loyal friendship, and the convention-defying power of love.

Out of the Blue by Jason June

Out of the Blue by Jason June

BOOK DESCRIPTION:

Crest is not excited to be on their Journey: the monthlong sojourn on land all teen merfolk must undergo. The rules are simple: Help a human within one moon cycle and return to Pacifica to become an Elder–or fail and remain stuck on land forever. Crest is eager to get their Journey over and done with: after all, humans are disgusting. They’ve pollluted the planet so much that there’s a floating island of trash that’s literally the size of a country.

In Los Angeles with a human body and a new name, Crest meets Sean, a human lifeguard whose boyfriend has recently dumped him. Crest agrees to help Sean make his ex jealous and win him back. But as the two spend more time together and Crest’s pespective on humans begins to change, they’ll soon be torn between two worlds. And fake dating just might lead to real feelings…

This instant New York Times bestselling novel from Jason June dives into the many definitions of the world home and shows how love can help us find the truest versions of ourselves.

My review of Out of the Blue

Of Poseidon by Anna Banks

The Syrena Legacy Trilogy by Anna Banks

BOOK DESCRIPTION (for the first book):

Galen is the prince of the Syrena, sent to land to find a girl he’s heard can communicate with fish. Emma is on vacation at the beach. When she runs into Galen—literally, ouch!—both teens sense a connection. But it will take several encounters, including a deadly one with a shark, for Galen to be convinced of Emma’s gifts. Now, if he can only convince Emma that she holds the key to his kingdom…

Told from both Emma and Galen’s points of view, here is a fish-out-of-water story that sparkles with intrigue, humor, and waves of romance.

In Deeper Waters by F.T. Lukens

In Deeper Waters by F.T. Lukens

BOOK DESCRIPTION:

A young prince must rely on a mysterious stranger to save him when he is kidnapped during his coming-of-age tour in this swoony adventure that is The Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue meets Pirates of the Caribbean.

Prince Tal has long awaited his coming-of-age tour. After spending most of his life cloistered behind palace walls as he learns to keep his forbidden magic secret, he can finally see his family’s kingdom for the first time. His first taste of adventure comes just two days into the journey, when their crew discovers a mysterious prisoner on a burning derelict vessel.

Tasked with watching over the prisoner, Tal is surprised to feel an intense connection with the roguish Athlen. So when Athlen leaps overboard and disappears, Tal feels responsible and heartbroken, knowing Athlen could not have survived in the open ocean.

That is, until Tal runs into Athlen days later on dry land, very much alive, and as charming—and secretive—as ever. But before they can pursue anything further, Tal is kidnapped by pirates and held ransom in a plot to reveal his rumored powers and instigate a war. Tal must escape if he hopes to save his family and the kingdom. And Athlen might just be his only hope…

My review of In Deeper Waters

The Siren by Kiera Cass

The Siren by Kiera Cass

BOOK DESCRIPTION:

A sweeping stand-alone fantasy romance from Kiera Cass, author of the bestselling, beloved Selection series.

Kahlen is a Siren—bound to serve the Ocean by luring humans to their watery graves with her voice, which is deadly to any human who hears it. Akinli is human—a kind, handsome boy who’s everything Kahlen ever dreamed of. Falling in love puts them both in danger… but will Kahlen risk everything to follow her heart?

This star-crossed YA romance is sure to captivate readers who grew up loving The Little Mermaid or fans of Jennifer Donnelly’s Waterfire Saga.

As always, thank you so much for reading, and have a swishy day/night! (For those who actually get that reference, wow.)

See ya ~Mar