August is normally my worst reading month. For the last 2 years, I have never had a really good reading streak but finally I have had an August with amazing results!

• I read 11 books this month
• Genre: 6 fantasy, 2 mystery, 1 sci-fi, 1 literary fiction, 1 non-fiction
• Gender of authors: 6 women and 5 men
• Race of authors: 6 white authors and 5 asian authors
• Age range: 7 adult and 4 YA
• Format: 5 paperback, 3 ebook, 2 hardback and 1 audiobook

Death in the Clouds – Agatha Christie (1 star)

This was not it. I knew going into this, it wasn’t her best work but I didn’t expect it to be as bad as it was. Not enough set-up at the beginning for me to care about any of the characters. I guessed the ending early on, and many of the reveals were far-fetched. The only reason I guessed them is due to having read many Christie novels. Also the writing was just boring.

Heatwave – Victor Jestin (2 stars)

Another book which I knew I wasn’t going to love but still decided to give a chance. I am not the biggest literary fiction reader. I prefer a bit more plot over character and this book was one whole book of just following a character around as he processes a death he saw. I was just bored the entire way through it. Thank god it was short.

Murder the Biography – Kate Morgan (3 stars)

This was a super interesting look at how Britain’s murder laws have changed over the years. The cases were captivating and looking at how complicated the laws are and how injustice can happen so easily was dis-heartening to read but good to bring further awareness.

A Touch of Darkness – Scarlett St. Clair (3 stars)

I needed to see what the hype was all about and while I didn’t expect it too blow me away. I did enjoy it more that I thought I would. I fully understand why people love it the way they do. I didn’t feel a big desire to finish the series but I do want to read more of St. Clair’s stuff.

ATLA: The Promise, Part 1 – Gene Luen Yang (3.5 stars)

Super excited to finally get around to reading the ATLA comics. I needed to be back in the ATLA world. I really enjoyed the story but felt the volume itself was a bit too rushed and didn’t have enough content in it. That being said, it was great to see the gaang back together and see Katara and Aang together. I wasn’t sure on their relationship when it was first introduced but I am warming up to them.

The Promised Neverland Vol. 6 – Kaiu Shiraii (4 stars)

Another great installment. Not sure where this story is going but I am enjoying the ride.

Assassination Classroom Vol. 1 – Yusei Matsui (4 stars)

I have been waiting to read this series for ages. This volume did not dissapoint. I love Korosensei and I am looking forward to seeing how the rest of the series goes.

Six Crimson Cranes by Elizabeth Lim (4 stars)

This was a super enjoyable and whimsical story. I loved being lost in the story and watching Shirori going on this powerful and magical journey. I did think the romance was a little bit unbelievable.

Lord Peter Wimsey: BBC Radio Drama Collection Vol. 2 by Dorothy L. Sayers (4 stars)

I love these dramatisations. The cast, the story and the acting is amazing. I will say adapting The Five Red Herrings is hard to do. Too many characters and motive changes etc. and I fully respect the writers for trying to adapt it.

• The Unpleasantness at the Bellona Club – 4 stars
• Strong Poison – 3.5 stars
• The Five Red Herrings – 2 stars
• Have a Carcase – 3.5 stars

The Wolf and the Woodsman by Ava Reid (4 stars)

I saw so much hype for this story on TikTok and I knew I had to read it. For me, it met the hype, mostly. I loved the romance, the mythology and the villains but I found the story to be super slow paced which hindered my overall enjoyment of the story.

The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna (5 stars)

Great characters, beautiful message, hilarious scenes, amazing romance. It literally has everything. This book was like being wrapped in a warm hug. This book deserves all the hype and love it can get.