April wasn’t really a great reading month as I only managed to finish four books. This isn’t technically that bad, but for me, it isn’t great. After starting a new job and trying to find a way to balance doing that full time and continuing to blog, there hasn’t been much time for reading. 

It also doesn’t help that I started reading an arc last week that doesn’t need to be reviewed for over a month. I will however be thankful for that slip up when I manage to actually stay on top of my reviews. Hopefully. 

Anyway onto my April 2021 wrap-up. 

Six of Crows (Six of Crows #1) by Leigh Bardugo

Read: 25/03/21 – 03/04/21 

I am so annoyed at myself for waiting so long to read this. After a not so great experience with Siege and Storm, I was slightly put off Leigh Bardugo’s books. However, I absolutely loved Six of Crows and I think it may genuinely be one of my favourite books of all time. 

I am completely obsessed with these characters like I genuinely love them so much. I am planning to read Crooked Kingdom at some point this month and I have just brought physical versions of both books as although I have them on Kindle I wanted to own a tangible version. 

There probably isn’t much point in going into detail on why I loved this book as everyone and their dog has read it by now. But know that I could talk about it for days and days. 

Goodreads synopsis: “Criminal prodigy Kaz Brekker is offered a chance at a deadly heist that could make him rich beyond his wildest dreams – but he can’t pull it off alone.

A convict with a thirst for revenge.

A sharpshooter who can’t walk away from a wager.

A runaway with a privileged past.

A spy known as the Wraith.

A Heartrender using her magic to survive the slums.

A thief with a gift for unlikely escapes.

Six dangerous outcasts. One impossible heist.

Kaz’s crew is the only thing that might stand between the world and destruction – if they don’t kill each other first.”

Spin the Dawn (The Blood of Stars #1) by Elizabeth Lim

Read: 05/04/21 – 07/04/21

*I was sent an arc of this book in exchange for an honest review*

Spin the Dawn is my latest five-star read. I had wanted to read this for so long before now, however, it has only just become available in the UK. Oh boy was it worth the wait. 

I absolutely loved it. The magical elements were so intriguing and the characters were super interesting, what isn’t there to love. Also let’s not forget about all of the beautiful garments that are made. Clothing and costumes are something that I have always loved in books, films and tv and getting to imagine the dresses that were made in this was really something special. 

I have sent an arc of the second book Unravel the Dusk which I will be reviewing later this month so keep your eye out for that. 

Check out my full review here

Goodreads synopsis: “Maia Tamarin dreams of becoming the greatest tailor in the land, but as a girl, the best she can hope for is to marry well. When a royal messenger summons her ailing father, once a tailor of renown, to court, Maia poses as a boy and takes his place. She knows her life is forfeit if her secret is discovered, but she’ll take that risk to achieve her dream and save her family from ruin. There’s just one catch: Maia is one of twelve tailors vying for the job.

Backstabbing and lies run rampant as the tailors compete in challenges to prove their artistry and skill. Maia’s task is further complicated when she draws the attention of the court magician, Edan, whose piercing eyes seem to see straight through her disguise.

And nothing could have prepared her for the final challenge: to sew three magic gowns for the emperor’s reluctant bride-to-be, from the laughter of the sun, the tears of the moon, and the blood of stars. With this impossible task before her, she embarks on a journey to the far reaches of the kingdom, seeking the sun, the moon, and the stars, and finding more than she ever could have imagined.”

Pastel Pink (Zadok #1) by Nikki Minty

Read: 07/04/21 – 18/04/21

*I was sent an arc of this book in exchange for an honest review*

I really don’t want to talk about this book much as I just didn’t get on with it. Everything was too drawn out and it really would have benefited from being shorter. 

The actual plotline seems like it could be great, but unfortunately, it was not executed well. Pastel Pink ended on an interesting point, but it took too long to actually become interesting. As the ending of the book is a cliff-hanger I am really hoping that book two can continue to build on this intriguing world of Zadok and do it justice. 

Check out my full review here

Goodreads synopsis: “From one ending comes a new beginning…

Ruby was murdered on Earth eighteen years ago and reincarnated on Zadok as a Pastel Zeek named Harlow. To be born at the bottom of her race’s caste colour system to a middle-class family of Magentas has made Harlow a source of conflict amongst the ruling Purples, and a source of derision from all three colours.

When Harlow is attacked by a fuegor on Zadok, the effects of its slow reacting venom triggers an unforeseen phenomenon, and due to the strong connection she had with her former twin sister Jade, her human spirit is unexpectedly drawn back to Earth.

Now living a double life, she has plunged into a world of intrigue on both planets.

On earth, she watches on in horror as Jade reconnects with Lucas, the man who murdered her and got away with it. And to complicate things further, she’s being pursued by Alex, the ghost of Lucas’ twin. On Zadok, she becomes embroiled with Jax, the son of the Commanding family. He’s determined to bring about change to the colony’s colour system, but it’ll come at a cost.

As Harlow mixes with the political intrigue of the Zeeks, will she become a victim of those trying to rigidly maintain the status quo or will she usher in a revolution?

And will ghost Ruby resist the temptation of the handsome Alex or pursue an impossible relationship that could have dire consequences on both planets?” 

Kate in Waiting by Becky Albertalli

Read: 21/04/21 – 22/04/21 

*I was sent an arc of this book in exchange for an honest review*

Kate in Waiting was another book that I absolutely loved this month, although I didn’t give it five stars. I’m not too sure why, but I always find contemporaries harder to review as there isn’t a lot of action and explosive plot points. 

However, this was an extremely fast read for me. I read the majority of this book in one sitting as I just couldn’t put it down. The need to know more about this communal crush will pan out was too great and honestly, I think it played out well. 

If you are a theatre kid, like me, then you will love this book. Trust me. 

Check out my full review here

Goodreads synopsis: “Contrary to popular belief, best friends Kate Garfield and Anderson Walker are not codependent. Carpooling to and from theatre rehearsals? Environmentally sound and efficient. Consulting each other on every single life decision? Basic good judgment. Pining for the same guys from afar? Shared crushes are more fun anyway.

But when Kate and Andy’s latest long-distance crush shows up at their school, everything goes off script. Matt Olsson is talented and sweet, and Kate likes him. She really likes him. The only problem? So does Anderson.

Turns out, communal crushes aren’t so fun when real feelings are involved. This one might even bring the curtains down on Kate and Anderson’s friendship.”  

Let me know your favourite read of April below!

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Like this post? Why not read this one too? Book Review: Kate in Waiting by Becky Albertalli