August Wrap Up (2023)

 Hey guys, this is Abi here, 

And I'm back with my August Wrap Up (2023)! I read a total of 4 books and even though it's the same number as last month, they were definitely a lot larger. 

Makes me think I might actually do okay at reading all the huge fantasy series' I'm thinking of reading in the next few months. 

Without further ado, I hope you enjoy. 

1. Amari and the Great Game (Supernatural Investigations #2),by R.B. Alston

After re-reading and re-inversing myself back into the story, I had no idea as for what direction the second book would take, given it all wrapped up quite neatly at the end. I knew Amari's childhood friend would be joining her at the academy, and that Quinton would be a part of it, but nothing more than that. As I often find is the case, I found I didn't enjoy this The Great Game as much as the first one, but that's down to enjoying stories that have a clear premise- a clear goal. If I was to describe this book, I'd use the words organised chaos because I never felt like I had a hand on where the story was going, I was always waiting to be tripped up with a plot twist. Very different feel to the first book, different characters were developed in this and I found myself rooting for a couple that I previously disliked. Very solid sequel, eagerly awaiting the third and final book. 

2. The Seven Sisters (The Seven Sisters #1), by Lucinda Riley 

I came across this series from my colleague Liz at work, and although it seemed interesting, I never dreamed she'd lend it to me- or that I'd love it as much as I did! 

The Seven Sisters is the first book in an eight book series following six adopted daughters- named after the famous constellations- after their father, Pa Salt, passes away. They are each given a letter, and co-ordinates as for where he adopted them- which they can pursue if they wish. 

The protagonist of the first book is Maia, who decides to travel to Rio de Janeiro, after a familiar face sends her a message. Having lived in Geneva with Pa Salt all her life, Maia starts off shaken up to her very core, but as the book progresses, it's lovely to see her blossom into the independant woman who is eager to find her family and her heritage. Extremely likeable, she was an excellent protagonist that made me eager to continue on with this amazingly written- eight book series. 

3. The Hate U Give (The Hate U Give #1), by Angie Thomas 

Finally, I got to one of my re-reads! I chose The Hate U Give as my 'open space' book because well, I'd been putting the list off for long enough. For those that don't know, I have a select list of re-reads I want to get to this year, that I'm reading as and when I feel like. 

As always, The Hate U Give is still a hard-hitting, very real book about Starr, a seventeen year old that witness her friend Khalil, shot and killed by a white cop, and all the repercussions of that. It's a truly moving and powerful story, and one that you should check out if you haven't yet. 

4. The Storm Sister (The Seven Sisters #2), by Lucinda Riley 

I didn't think it was possible to love a book as much as I loved The Seven Sisters, following Maia, but then I read this. I love Maia, and the way she slowly came out of her shell, but Ally (Alycone) was just a wonderful character to read about. Headstrong, a sailor, yet warm and passionate; but with no direction when a traggic accident occurs, she makes the journey to Norway to find out where she came from. 

Despite The Storm Sister's many a page, I never felt like I was bored or wanted to put the book down, which I'm finding more and more these days.

Of course I still have a great many books to read in this series, but I think this book might have solidified this series as one of my favourites of all time. 

Okay! Those are the books I read this month! I am extremely proud of myself for finishing these, especially the Seven Sisters books, and I'm hoping I'll get to read even more in the coming months. 

As always, feel free to comment down below what you picked up this month and we can talk about it! 

I hope you have a wonderful afternoon and I'll see you all soon! 

Byeeee! 

-Abi xxxxx