May Wrap-Up and June Goals- 2020

Cursed by Thomas Wheeler

Rating: 3⭐️⭐️⭐️

Blurb: This story is a twist on King Arthur legends, and it focuses on The Lady of the Lake, Nimue. The Sword of Power chose Nimue, but her connection to dark magic has made her feared among her village. When they are attacked, Nimue must try to return the Sword to Merlin in hopes of saving the Fey Folk across the land- but Nimue’s dark magic drives her toward revenge instead.

A New Hope- The Princess, The Scoundrel, and the Farm Boy by Alexandra Bracken

Rating: 3⭐️⭐️⭐️

Blurb: This Star Wars story loosely follows the plot of A New Hope through the point of view of Leia, Han, and Luke. Follow Leia as she is boarded and sends R2 on his mission, then learn about Han’s debt and his need for cash. Finally, close the book with Luke as he joins the rebellion and sets out to battle the Death Star.

The Kingdom of Back by Marie Lu

Rating: 3.5⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

Blurb: Nannerl Mozart was born with musical talent, and she desires to be remembered forever. There’s only one problem- she is a woman in the 18th century, so she is forbidden from composing music and is expected to marry young. As her younger brother, Wolfgang Mozart, begins rising to fame, Nannerl’s fears of being forgotten grow. When she makes a wish to be remembered, a mysterious stranger from a magical world appears to her and offers to help her dream come true- but his help may cost her everything.

The Cruel Prince by Holly Black

Rating: 3.5⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

Blurb: When Jude was seven, she saw her parents murdered before her eyes, and her and her two sisters were taken into the High Court of Faerie. Although they were raised in luxury, being a human in a court of Fae was treacherous and challenging. Being forged in fire, Jude has grown into a girl of bloodshed and trickery, but many Fae overlook her because of her mortality. One person Jude hates the most is villainous Prince Cardan, and the challenges she faces on a daily basis cause her to risk everything to save her family. This is the first book in the The Folk of the Air trilogy.

Hearts, Strings, and Other Breakable Things by Jacqueline Firkins —Review

Rating: 3.5⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

Blurb: Edie Price’s life has been upended by the death of her mother, and now she is forced to live with her cruel aunt and annoying cousins in Mansfield, Massachusetts- the home of wealthy suburbanites. Her cousins really do have her best interest at heart, but Edie doesn’t want a makeover, and as she gets caught between the affections of the boy next door and the local playboy, she will find just how breakable a heart is.

Don’t Date Rosa Santos by Nina Moreno

Rating: 4⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Blurb: Rosa Santos is cursed by the sea, and for years she has avoided the sea and boys who sail its waters- until she meets Alex. As a connection between them blooms, Rosa is overwhelmed by choices and constantly caught between Cuban and American cultures and family opinions. Her deadline to make a college decision looms and her disgruntled mother comes back into town, and Rosa must learn to balance the desires of others with the convictions of her heart.

The Wicked King by Holly Black

Rating: 4⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Blurb: This is the second book in the Folk of the Air trilogy, and it follows the story of Jude and Cardan as they must play the game of politics- but are they working for, with, or against each other?

The Queen of Nothing by Holly Black

Rating: 4⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Blurb: In the final book in The Folk of the Air trilogy, Jude must risk everything to regain her position of authority in the High Court. Full of trickery and mystery, this conclusion nicely wraps up the story of Jude and her family.

The Honey- Don’t List by Christina Lauren- Review

Rating: 4.5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

Blurb: Melissa and Rusty Tripp have spent the last decade building up their home remodeling and design empire. Carey Douglas has worked for them since the beginning and helped them launch their brand, but instead of rising to fame with the couple- Carey has been left in Melly’s shadow. James McCann was hired by the Tripp’s to be their structural engineer, but his real job is really a glorified babysitter for Rusty. The problem- America’s favorite couple can’t stand each other, and it is up to Carey and James to keep the couple from each other’s throats during their book tour across the United States.

Over the Top: A Raw Journey to Self-Love by Jonathan Van Ness

Rating: 5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Blurb: Jonathan Van Ness grew up in a small midwestern town where he lived through years of ridicule and trauma because he was so over the top gay, and people just didn’t understand. This book was written by Jonathan to tell his story and show the pain that he faced to become the beautiful, self-loving soul that the public can see in his hit show, Queer Eye. This icon didn’t have it easy, but this memoir is full of raw, quirky, and heartbreaking moments that show how to accept oneself and learn to fly.

Messy Spirituality by Michael Yaconelli

Rating: 5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Blurb: This book is written for people who feel like they are not good enough Christians, and it discusses the idea of messy spirituality- the imperfect and unfinished walk with God. Full of heartwarming stories, this book talks about a God who meets us all in the middle of our messes and helps to transform us into our best selves.

Queen’s Shadow by E.K. Johnston – Review

Rating: 5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Blurb (from Goodreads): When Padmé Naberrie, “Queen Amidala” of Naboo, steps down from her position, she is asked by the newly-elected queen to become Naboo’s representative in the Galactic Senate. Padmé is unsure about taking on the new role, but cannot turn down the request to serve her people. Together with her most loyal handmaidens, Padmé must figure out how to navigate the treacherous waters of politics and forge a new identity beyond the queen’s shadow.

Chain of Gold by Cassandra Clare – Review

Rating: 5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Blurb: The London shadowhunters have had it easy since the destruction of the Infernal Devices, and demons have been scarce in the area. When demon attacks suddenly start occurring more frequently, the young shadowhunters, James and Lucy Herondale, Cordelia Carstairs, Matthew Fairchild, and others must convince the Clave that there is a bigger plot at work than they believe. Follow these young shadowhunters as they uncover secrets and do their best to solve the mystery of the inescapable plague that has come to light with the recent demon attacks.

Night of the Dragon by Julie Kagawa- Review

Rating: 5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Blurb: In this stunning conclusion to The Shadow of the Fox trilogy, shapeshifter-Kitsune Yumeko and crew must travel to the site of the Dragon’s prayer to stop the wish from being used for evil. Along the way, our friends face many challenges that seem insurmountable, and there is another player in the race for the wish that may throw everyone’s plans awry.