Time for 3 more mini reviews!

1. The Sound of Stars by Alechia Dow ⭐⭐⭐

This book was an beautiful love story to books, music, and creativity. I loved how the author juxtaposed the beauty and comfort of art against such a bleak backdrop. This story was powerful and really beautifully written – I especially loved the lyrics/quotes at the beginning of the chapters. I think that my 3 star rating has a lot more to do with my personal reading tastes than anything. I struggled to follow some of the political aspects (I think in part because I listened to this on audio and struggled to keep some alien names straight….) and never fully connected to Morris. I loved Ellie though – she was fierce and loyal and determined and an amazing daughter and friend. But something about Morris never fully clicked with me. I also felt that the plot became a little repetitive by the end – travel, encounter, capture, escape, repeat. But I loved the reveals (especially about the band!) and I’m always here for a top notch open ending! Overall I thought this was a really enjoyable read. It’s just not something I see myself thinking about days or weeks down the line. However, I will never recover from this stunning AF cover.

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2. A Murderous Relation (Veronica Speedwell #5) by Deanna Raybourn ⭐⭐⭐.5

I will never get over my love for this series. While this wasn’t my favorite of the series (Books 2 & 4 still hold that torch), this premise was so much fun! I absolutely loved the brothel/masquerade aspects of this – that is one of my favorite concepts in historicals! It was just so naturally mysterious and atmospheric. I love how immersive this series is, every time I pick up one of Deanna Raybourn’s books I feel like I swept away into this time period. I also loved that this was set on the backdrop of Jack the Ripper but wasn’t about solving the Jack the Ripper case. I’ve personally had enough of the Ripper historical mysteries, so I liked that this addressed it as a historical occurrence, rather than making it the focal point. 

I also really appreciate how much the side characters are being developed throughout this series! We’ve been with these characters for so long and I’ve grown attached to so many of them, I love seeing glimpses into their lives, struggles, and accomplishments. I would honestly read spinoffs for both Tiberius and Mornaday! 

And can we talk about that ending!! Omg I’ve waited my whole life for these two. I would die for Stoker and Veronica. I cannot wait to see how things change in book 6!!

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3. Daimon (Covenant #0.5) by Jennifer L. Armentrout ⭐⭐⭐

This is the prequel to the Covenant series! It follows Alex who fled the Covenant 3 years ago with her mother. She was never told why but has tried to live amongst humans ever since. Alex is a half-blood – half human, half god – which gives her natural strength, speed, and the ability to see Daimons, pure bloods turned evil.

After reading book 1, I really don’t think this prequel was necessary at all. I’ll stick with my original 3 star rating because it didn’t do anything wrong. It just didn’t do much at all. This prequel covers what happens the hours leading up to book 1 and gives a super quick glimpse into the event(s) that kick start the series. But this entire thing is recapped in about 2 pages in Half-Blood. And personally I would have been find skipping this. I was a perfect readathon audiobook and definitely piqued my interest for the series. But other than that, I don’t think it actually added anything to the story.

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