The screen capture from Bookmory (a new app for tracking reading that I've been trying) shows the books I read in July - 9 total. It is always interesting to note which books stick in your mind as time goes by and which ones fade away.
Fourth Wing was by far the most memorable read. This romantasy has gotten a lot of hype lately and it definitely worked for me. I think people who hated it just forgot what it's like to have fun. For me personally, it re-created the feeling I got while reading Hunger Games and Divergent back in the day: the same need to keep turning the pages, anticipation of the next installment and a desire to find another book that can have the same effect. I am eagerly anticipating book 2 which is due to come out this November, and will most likely be re-reading Fourth Wing before then.
Another great read this month was The Last Heir to Blackwood Library by Hester Fox. This was a very atmospheric historical fantasy with some elements of thriller/mystery. I have two more books by the same author in my home library and will definitely be reading them soon.
The Antiquity Affair is great for Indiana Jones fans. It is a fast paced adventure that takes us to an archeological site in Egypt. Unlike the Indiana Jones films, it features two strong female characters. I would definitely recommend this as a palate cleanser between some heavier reads.
Babel by R.F. Kuang was a bit of a disappointment. I was promised a dark academia, instead it was a commentary on colonialism done in a historical fantasy setting. And that would be fine, except the commentary was kind of applicable only to the historical time the novel is set in (mid to late 19th century) and is very one-sided. I would have loved a commentary that is more contemporary and nuanced in nature. Immigration is such a complex notion and its impact on individuals and society is immense. I expected more.
Daughter of No Worlds is a often slotted into the fantasy romance genre. However, I would argue that it is heavier on the fantasy than romance. I started book 2 a few days ago, and the world is very interesting and unique. I would definitely recommend this series especially to readers who are just starting dipping their toes into fantasy. There is magic, war, fey, lots of political intrigue.
Picture in the Sand focuses on one of the subjects I almost never pass by: radicalization of youth by militant Islamic groups. It is written mostly in letters from a grandfather who grew up in Egypt to his grandson who flees his comfortable suburban life in the US to fight jihad in Syria. It is poignant and nuanced - I highly recommend it.
The other three books I read in July were not memorable enough to deserve a mention here. So I will leave it at that.
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