It was a good month for reading—five-star books mixed with some good palette cleansers. I also picked up one that had me thinking I was reading an entirely different series when I started. I’m really glad I made time to read this month, especially with how chaotic this month has been. Reading helped keep me grounded and was often the only time during my day that I had some quiet, allowing me to relax after a stressful wedding, party, event, or workday.
The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah– 5/5
Oh my. There are books that haunt you for the rest of your life, and The Nightingale is one of them. The only other book that’s had the same impact on me was The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini. I haven’t read a book that made me so emotional or made me question if I’m brave, courageous, or even strong.
When I say I devoured this book, I mean it—I stayed up way past my bedtime, even with a full workday of three 12-hour shifts ahead, just to read more. I would be at work, eagerly waiting to go home so I could dive back into the story. It’s truly a masterpiece.
The novel centers on two sisters and the roles they played during World War II. The question you find yourself asking over and over as you read is: Would I be a Nightingale or Vianne? The book is fast-paced and keeps you on your toes. It’s told from both sisters’ points of view and delves deeply into their thoughts on the occupation, the definitions of strength and bravery, and what it means to save or sacrifice yourself, your family, and your country.
Hellions of Hade Harbor Series by Mila Kane 2/5
Twisted Deeds by Mila Kane
Bad Intentions by Mila Kane
Dark Delights by Mila Kane
There are four books in this series, and I read three of them. They all follow a similar plot—the boys are hockey players, and the enemies-to-lovers trope is present in each one. These books are super easy to read, easy to follow, and very predictable. They’re perfect for when you’re looking for a good palette cleanser between heavier reads.
Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yaros – 3.5/5
I have mixed feelings about Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yaros. I was excited to read it, but honestly, the first half of the book left me confused. I had no idea who some of the side characters were, and I kept wondering if I had missed a few chapters from the previous books. It was pretty disorienting. The story felt like non-stop action, with little time to catch my breath.
I think what made Fourth Wing and Iron Flame stand out more for me was their pacing and the build-up to the climax scenes. Onyx Storm, on the other hand, didn’t quite have that same tension. The writing in Fourth Wing was the best for me, with its stronger pacing and attention to detail. However, I did enjoy how the characters were more fleshed out in Onyx Storm. I especially loved getting to know Ridoc better, and I enjoyed the insight into the personalities of their dragons.
This may be a controversial opinion, but I found Xyden to be a bit annoying in this book. I know, I know—don’t come for me—but the constant “I love Violet, you’re my everything, I would do anything for you” felt a bit repetitive. Like, we get it, you’re in love, but I didn’t need to hear it every time he spoke.
And honestly, I don’t think mentally I’m prepared to wait two years for the next book to come out just to get some answers. The cliffhanger in this one is killer!