As you know, I’ve decided to make this list a monthly occurrence. This way I can reflect on what made it from my TBR to my Read List, and what lives to see another month. It also highlights exactly how my reading patterns work. I’m not fully dedicated to my TBR; I’m a very much a mood and recommendation reader. If I stumble across something that looks intriguing, I will pick it up. I also love it when my friends ask me to read things in the moment. I can end up reading 15 books in a month, and only 3 of them are from my TBR.
However, with that said, here’s an overview of the books I managed to read from my April TBR, along with a quick rating of the ones that remain and the ones I’m adding. My actual TBR is much, much longer than this, but I’m selecting the ones that are the most of note for me, and I consider intriguing. Based on their premises alone, these are book recommendations for you, as they are for me. We can then decide if they are worth the hype.
Books I Read
What Books Remain
5 New Books!
Our Infinite Fates – Laura Steven
In Our Infinite Fates follows Evelyn, currently living as Branwen Blythe, remembers all her past lives, each ending in her murder before her eighteenth birthday by Arden, a supernatural being eternally linked to her soul. Now with another life and even higher costs, Evelyn is determined to break the cycle. She must identify Arden’s current incarnation, uncover the reason behind their deadly pattern, and resist falling in love with him once more.
I discovered this book because I’ve been searching desperately for a standalone romantasy that will really excite me. Now this story falls more in the Addie La Rue camp (which I loved) and less in the ACOTAR/Fourth wing camp, which was more of what I was looking for. Nonetheless, I am intrigued by it and looking forward to giving it a go.
The Bright Years – Sarah Damoff
One family. Four generations. A secret son. A devastating addiction. A Texas family is met with losses and surprises of inheritance, but they’re unable to shake the pull back toward each other in this big-hearted family saga. Told from three intimate points of view, The Bright Years is a tender, true-to-life novel that explores the impact of each generation in a family torn apart by tragedy but, over time, restored by the power of grace and love
I found these books randomly one day on Goodreads while scrolling through. It is a debut novel that was only just released, and so far, the reviews look great. It’s not a story I think I’ll run to, but I will definitely be giving it a shot.
The Seven Year Slip – Ashley Poston
The Seven Year Slip is a romantic novel with a touch of magical realism. The story revolves around Clementine, a woman who inherits her late aunt’s apartment, only to discover that it occasionally slips through time by seven years. When she meets a man from the past during one of these time slips, they form a connection that transcends time, leading them to question fate, love, and the choices that define their lives.
Ever since I read The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue, I’ve been drawn to stories set in the modern world that blend in elements of fantasy or time-bending reality. This book keeps appearing on romance recommendation lists, and a friend mentioned it’s on her TBR as well. I’ve added it to mine now, it’s not one I feel an urgent need to get to, but I do hope to read it eventually.
The Secret Lives of Church Ladies – Deesha Philyaw
This award-winning short story collection delves into the lives of Black women grappling with the intersection of desire, faith, and societal expectations. Through nine poignant stories, Philyaw explores themes of sexuality, identity, and liberation, offering a nuanced portrayal of women seeking to reconcile their personal desires with the rigid doctrines of the church. The collection has been lauded for its candid and compassionate storytelling.
Now this story I am excited to read, and hope to get to before the one of the month. Stories like this are right up my street and I do love an anthology. Stories that centre black women will always be my top choice, a book like this that then blends religion, sexuality and societal standards feels just like a conversation I would have with my friends. I plan to get through this in June. Fingers crossed.
The Poppy War – RF Kuang
The Poppy War is a grimdark historical fantasy novel that follows Rin, a war orphan who escapes her impoverished life by earning a place at the elite Sinegard military academy. There, she discovers her aptitude for shamanism and the ability to channel the power of the Phoenix god. As war looms, Rin must grapple with the devastating costs of wielding such power, blurring the lines between heroism and monstrosity.
I mentioned Poppy War at my last TBR has a book that was calling my name. This has not changed. I now have the physical copy and still have every intention to read it. However, I have just ventured into another fantasy series, which has three books. I am enjoying it so far, so I don’t know if I can commit myself to another just yet, but Poppy War is still firmly on my TBR.
If you have read any of these books, do let me know in the comments, and do feel free to read them with me. I post regular updates on what I’m reading on Fable so we can read and enjoy together!
I’m currently reading The Book of Azrael at the recommendation of a friend. At around 700 pages, the length wouldn’t normally be an issue, but since it’s an entirely new fantasy world with its intricate lore and unusual structure, it’s taking me a bit longer to get through, and I want to make sure I don’t miss any important details and end up confused. That said, I think I’m enjoying it so far and am intrigued enough to keep going. It’s a big TikTok favourite, so if I end up liking it, I’ll likely post a review sometime this month.
I hope you give some of these books a go! Thank you, as always, for joining me on this journey. See you soon!
Signed,
