February has turned out to be even busier than January, but I still managed to read a lot (over 30 books!). I had been busy at work and we slowly started planning the publishing conference at SYP, so I have my hands full this year!
I didn’t end up writing much this month, but that’s something I’m hoping to work on more in March and April. I also have quite a few books on my TBR that I want to read relatively soon.
It’s hard to choose my favourite books I read in February as there have been many good ones – but here are a few I loved!
My Top 5 Books in February
The Kingdoms by Natasha Pulley
My rating: 5/5
Genre: Historical Fantasy
Links: Book Depository & Amazon
(Please note that this book is getting published on 27 May 2021, big thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my e-copy)
I haven’t read anything by Natasha Pulley previously, but after The Kingdoms, I’m sure I’ll be reading more by the author. The book is so engaging, moving and atmospheric. I loved the detailed descriptions bringing both the places and people to live, and the narrative. We meet Joe in 19th century England occupied by the French, at the station, with no idea how he got there and who exactly he is. What follows is a fascinating journey taking Joe to Scotland and ultimately back in time. It’s one of those books I definitely will re-read. I will be sharing my full review closer to the publication date!
The End of Where We Begin by Rosalind Russell
My rating: 5/5
Genre: Non-fiction, Biography
Links: Book Depository & Amazon
(Big thanks to the author for my copy.)
The End of Where We Begin is an account of the lives of three South Sudanese refugees, Veronica, Daniel and Lilian. They come from different backgrounds and have different circumstances, but the civil war interrupts all of their lives rapidly. It’s a heartbreaking account written after many interviews and conversations with three people featured in the story, and it’s definitely worth to read. I have written a full review of The End of Where We Begin for issue 17 of The Publishing Post.
Cemetery Boys by Aiden Thomas
My rating: 5/5
Genre: Fantasy, Paranormal
Links: Book Depository & Amazon
Cemetery Boys is one of those books I had on my bookshelf for a while, and I kept postponing it fearing it won’t live up to the hype surrounding it. But I’m glad I ended up reading it, Cemetery Boys didn’t disappoint! Yadriel, a trans boy, trying to prove himself to his traditional Latinx family summons a wrong ghost. What follows, is part-mystery, part-ghost story, part-coming-of-age narrative, and I have enjoyed it very much.
The Binding by Bridget Collins
My rating: 5/5
Genre: Historical Fantasy
Links: Book Depository & Amazon
I listened to the audiobook format of The Binding, and I really enjoyed Bidget Collins’ debut. It took a while to get into the narrative and get used to the reader, but after a while, I completely got lost in this story. The Binding is another book that’s so atmospheric. It’s quite slow-paced at moments, but the story itself is very interesting. It follows Emmett, a binder’s apprentice, in a world where books are holding people’s painful memories. I definitely loved this element of the world-building here!
Accidentally Engaged by Farah Heron
My rating: 4.5/5
Genre: Romantic Comedy
Links: Book Depository & Amazon
(Big thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my e-copy)
Accidentally Engaged is such a fun romantic comedy, and I enjoyed this little escape from reality over the weekend. Farah Heron’s book follows Reena Manji who works in finance, but loves baking and cooking, and tries to escape her meddling family, who wants to see her settled with a good Muslim Husband. Her new neighbour, Nadim, turns out to be another candidate for a future-husband. Things get even more complicated when Reena and Nadim fakes an engagement to enter a food competition for couples. I really enjoyed the banter in Accidentally Engaged!
What are your recent favourites?
Take care,
Alicja
Alicja Writes 