"What 4 Books Did I Read in January 2024? A Monthly Stats Roundup"
- Mikayla Young
- Jul 12, 2024
- 8 min read
Summaries of books that have been read
Role Playing by Cathy Yardley
Maggie, a grumpy hermit, and Aiden, an optimistic healer, form an unlikely friendship in an online gaming guild. They bond without knowing each other's true identities until a face-to-face meeting reveals their misconceptions. Despite their past baggage, they attempt to bridge the gap between their virtual and real lives. Can their connection survive the transition from the digital world to reality?
Nevermoor the Trials of Morrigan Crow by Jessica Townsend (Book 1 in the Nevermoor Series)
Morrigan Crow, born on the unluckiest day, is cursed to die at midnight on her eleventh birthday. Rescued by Jupiter North, she is taken to the magical city of Nevermoor. There, she must compete in four trials to join the prestigious Wundrous Society and avoid her deadly fate.
Daughter of the Pirate King by Tricia Levenseller (Book 1 in the Daughter of the Pirate King Series)
Seventeen-year-old pirate captain Alosa is sent on a mission to retrieve an ancient hidden map, the key to a legendary treasure trove. She deliberately allows herself to be captured by enemies to search their ship. Alosa outwits the pirate crew but faces a challenge in her captor, the clever first mate Riden. With tricks up her sleeve, the Daughter of the Pirate King overcomes all obstacles in this thrilling YA pirate tale by debut author Tricia Levenseller.
Heart of the Wolf by Terry Spear (Book 1 in the Heart of the Wolf Series)
Bella, a red werewolf adopted by a gray wolf pack as a pup, flees when the alpha tries to make her his mate. She lives as a lone wolf until childhood friend Devlyn finds her. On their journey back, they face danger, hunt a werewolf murderer, and hide their identities from humans. Their chemistry intensifies, but they know that if they mate, Devlyn must battle the pack's alpha to the death.
Let's delve into these captivating reads and explore the worlds within.
The Bookish Stats
Number of books: 4 total
Formats
Print: 3
E-Book: 1
Genres and subgenres:
Romance: 3
Fiction: 4
Contemporary: 1
Fantasy: 2
Paranormal: 1
Age Categories
Adult: 2
Middle Grade: 1
Young Adult: 1
Average rating: 3.5 ⭐
Page total: 1,169
Best/Favorite Read of the Month
Role Playing by Cathy Yardley
Bookish Reviews and Thoughts
Genres: Romance with sub-genres of Fiction and Contemporary
Adult novel
Kindle E-book
Recommended age: 18+
My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
Date Started: December 28, 2023 Date Finished: January 2, 2024
Review:
Likes: Aiden and Maggie's quirkiness and reliability. The prose and plot's brisk and medium pacing. The book's lessons on life, health, ups and downs, and finding someone who loves you for who you are. Cancer and poor health, among other themes, were handled well.
Dislikes: Some sections of the writing seemed to slow down the plot or tempo, which felt unnecessary but could have been done on purpose to provide time to further develop the characters and plotline.
Recommended for anyone who is: Interested in romances or books with video/online game elements or references, eccentric yet relatable characters, or just someone looking to try something new/different/out of their comfort zone.
Content Warnings: Mentions of cancer, death, racism, biphobia, homophobia, sexual content, toxic relationship, abuse.
Series: Nevermoor book 1
Genres: Fantasy with sub-genre of Fiction
Middle Grade Novel
Physical Paperback
Recommended age: 10+
Star rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
Date Started: December 24, 2023 Date Finished: January 8, 2024
Review:
The characters were memorable, likable, and semi-developed. Morrigan and Hawthorne were an excellent pair with well-developed characteristics. Jupiter, Fenestra, and Madame Chanda, despite appearing to be crucial secondary main characters, fell a little flat and looked unimportant to the tale. The world of Nevermoor was engrossing, yet it was occasionally difficult to visualize a character or place effectively. The writing was pleasant, easy to read, and well-flowed. There were a few times when details or sentences could have been expanded to enhance the story's immersive sense. The plot's pacing was strong, the discoveries were interesting but a little predictable towards the middle of the book, and the universe and a couple of the characters felt unique. Overall, I truly enjoyed the book and plan to continue reading the series.
Content Warnings: Mentions of bullying, death, abuse.
Series: Daughter of the Pirate King Book 1
Genres: Fantasy with sub-genres of Fiction and Romance
Young Adult Novel
Physical Paperback
Recommended age: 18+
Star rating: ⭐⭐⭐
Date Started: January 11, 2024 Date Finished: January 13, 2024
Review:
Alosa was a well-developed, sarcastic, and engaging character, but she felt a little flat at times owing to attempting to maintain the "I'm a strong badass woman who fears nothing" act. Riden was a semi-developed, witty, and occasionally problematic character who might have benefited from additional development and learning to stop seeking acceptance from his brother Draxen as well as living in his brother's shadow. Other characters, like the crew, could have been written out more so that we could learn more about Alosa and Riden's crews. The mood was good and engaging, but for those who haven't seen or heard of pirate ships, speeches, or weapons, the novel may be difficult to comprehend and imagine. The writing style was choppy and at times very short, to the point that it felt like reading a series of sentence fragments in a row, yet it was amusing and very easy to read. The plot had an intriguing premise but fell flat and insignificant owing to Alosa and Riden's budding flirty romance, the occasionally unneeded violence, and the stereotyping of the men and women in the book. The storyline twists were semi-predictable, and the language and plot felt repetitious at times. The book was fascinating, but the occasionally unneeded violence and flirting between Riden and Alosa detracted from the book's intrigue. The reasoning behind Alosa's first plot to be captured and find the map was sound, but she and Riden both made logically dubious actions throughout the novel. I liked the book, but the drawbacks exceeded the good for me, so I will not be continuing with the series.
Content Warnings: Mentions of sexual assault, abuse, violence, death, blood, gun violence, curse words.
Part of Reading Challenges: 24 for 2024
Series: Heart of the Wolf Book 1
Genres: Romance with sub-genres of Paranormal and Fiction
Adult Novel
Physical Paperback
Recommended age: 18+
Star rating: ⭐⭐
Date Started: January 25, 2024 Date Finished: January 27, 2024
Review:
Likes: the snarky sarcastic banter between the two main characters, the plot premise, the fact that the author, Terry Spear, spent time researching and observing real wolves before writing this novel, and the discussion of zoo benefits and harm to wolves and animals in general.
Dislikes: Too many sexual scenes, little to no character development, and poor communication between the two main characters about their emotions and feelings for each other.
Confusions: Why are there so few or nearly no female wolves, particularly red wolves?
Why is the prologue set in 1980 and the rest of the novel set 150 years after?
Why don't the two major characters finally figure out how to effectively convey their emotions and feelings for one another?
How come the two main characters do not recognize sooner that they are meant to be together when it is evident to everyone but them?
How did the two major characters travel 150 years without seeing one other while they were so near in terms of location?
Overall, the book was decent, but the dislikes, particularly the more smut than storyline and character development, made it tough to read. I will not continue with this series.
Content Warnings: Sexual assault, sexual content.
Engaging Discussion Questions for Every Book Mentioned
Discussion Questions for "Role Playing" by Cathy Yardley
What role does gaming play in the characters' lives and relationships?
How does the author address gender stereotypes and expectations in the gaming community?
Explore the concept of escapism in the novel. How do the characters use role-playing as a form of escape?
What are your thoughts on the romantic relationships in the book? Did they feel authentic and well-developed?
How does the author use humor and wit to engage the reader and lighten the tone of the narrative?
What messages or lessons did you take away from reading "Role Playing"?
Discussion Questions for "Nevermoor: The Trials of Morrigan Crow" by Jessica Townsend
How does the author, Jessica Townsend, create a sense of wonder and magic in the world of Nevermoor?
Explore the character development of Morrigan Crow throughout the story. How does she grow and change as she faces the trials?
Consider the themes of friendship, bravery, and acceptance in "Nevermoor." How are these themes portrayed and why are they important?
Reflect on the world-building in the novel. What details and elements make Nevermoor a unique and captivating setting?
Compare and contrast Morrigan's experiences in Nevermoor with her life before arriving in the city. How does her perspective change?
Consider the messages and lessons that readers can take away from Morrigan's journey. How does her story inspire and resonate with audiences of all ages?
Discussion Questions for "Daughter of the Pirate King" by Tricia Levenseller
Analyze the character of Alosa in "Daughter of the Pirate King." How does the author portray her strengths and weaknesses? In what ways does Alosa defy traditional gender roles and expectations?
Discuss the relationship dynamics between Alosa and her father, the Pirate King. How does their complex relationship shape Alosa's actions and decisions throughout the story?
Consider the role of loyalty and betrayal in the novel. How do these themes manifest in the interactions between characters such as Alosa, Riden, and the crew members? What consequences do these dynamics have on the plot?
Compare and contrast Alosa's character development from the beginning to the end of the novel. How does she evolve as a protagonist, and what lessons does she learn along the way?
Consider the romantic elements in the story, particularly the relationship between Alosa and Riden. How does their dynamic add depth to the plot, and what themes of trust and vulnerability emerge from their interactions?
In your opinion, what makes "Daughter of the Pirate King" a compelling read? How does the novel balance action, romance, and character development to create a memorable and engaging story for readers?
Here are some thought-provoking discussion questions to consider when delving into Terry Spear's captivating novel "Heart of the Wolf":
Explore the theme of identity in the story. How do the characters' dual natures as both humans and wolves influence their decisions and relationships?
Analyze the role of pack dynamics within the narrative. How do power struggles and hierarchies impact the characters' motivations and actions?
Consider the portrayal of love and romance in the novel. How do the protagonists navigate their feelings for each other amidst the challenges posed by their supernatural identities?
Examine the character development throughout the book. How do the main characters evolve and grow over the course of the story, particularly in relation to their inner conflicts and external challenges?
Explore the moral dilemmas faced by the characters in "Heart of the Wolf." How do they navigate issues of right and wrong, duty and desire, in a world where human and wolf instincts often clash?
Whether you seek adrenaline-pumping adventures or heartwarming romances, these reads offer a diverse range of stories to captivate every reader. Stay tuned for more insights and reviews on upcoming releases.
If you're craving more literary adventures, dive into these captivating reads and let your imagination soar.
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