Hello fiction dwellers! Lia here back at it again with a new monthly wrap up. This month passed by like a blur of feelings, lots of manga, amazing reads, and more manga. Sadly, this is the month where I started of strong with my reading but quickly fell into an audiobook slump. I only listened to three audiobooks this month which are : Rogue Protocol, Exit Strategy, and These Violent Delights. The rest I read on my kindle. Can I just say that my kindle has helped me a lot with reading. I never leave the house without it, seriously, Herb has become a part of my life.
Before I jump into my wrap up I would like to take this chance to talk about the recent incidents of hate crime towards Asians in America, this incident sparked multiple discourses both in real life and on the internet. As an Indonesian of Chinese descent, my heart and prayers go to all the victims of this horrible crime. Because of this I’ll be linking a post by New York magazine of the links for all the AAPI organizations, Go Fund Me, and many others, click here. To know and learn more, here is a card of all Anti Asian Violence Resources for you to check out, click here.
Books
In March, I’ve read seven books in total (not counting all the mangas I’ve read). It was a pretty good reading month for me, I managed to read : two sequels from the Murderbot Diaries, a self pub book, a well known YA Fantasy 2020 debut, a bloody novella about vampires, my number one most anticipated book of 2021, and the first book to a norse-inspired epic fantasy book with a big dragon on the cover. Of course the highlight for March is She Who Became the Sun by Shelley Parker-Chan. I cannot say it enough that this book is destined for greatness. Pre-order your copy now!
❁ Rogue Protocol (The Murderbot Diaries #3) by Martha Wells ❁
Goodreads | Amazon | BookDepository
Release Date : August 7th 2018
❁ Exit Strategy (The Murderbot Diaries #4) by Martha Wells ❁
Goodreads | Amazon | BookDepository
Release Date : October 2nd 2018
The Murderbot Diaries is a scifi story about a security-unit that went rogue. In these two sequels Murderbot encounters with more shady and kind humans as Murderbot discovers a conspiracy brewing. The last time we get to see Murderbot he barely manages to escape the battle that left one of the crew killed. After connecting all the dots of the previous events, Murderbot decides it’s finally time to come “home”.
This series just gets better and better the more I read. Murderbot’s development as a character has been consistent since the very first book All Systems Red. The whole plot of the story has finally come to a loop around and now Murderbot will reunite with the original humans that saved him. But surely more shady humans are still out to kill and cover up the dirty dealings they’ve done. It is up to Murderbot and his human companions to seek justice!
❁ The Sword in the Street ( The Ink and the Steel #1) by C. M. Caplan ❁
Release Date : March 3rd 2021
The Sword in the Street is self published debut and first book to The Ink and the Steel series by C. M. Caplan. I was fortunate enough to be chosen to participate in the Caffeine Book Tours for this book. Since it was my first I was so excited to read the book especially after knowing that Caplan is self published and that the book has mental disability rep, neuro-diverse rep, and its about a queer swordsman x scholar relationship. The story takes place at a place called Hillside, a city bustling with life and a place where conflict or disagreements is resolved with a duel. What I find fascinating about the world of this book is the justice system and the amount of admin work that needs to be done to organize a duel.
In the story we follow John Chronicle, a swordsman from the Dregs that is under contract with one of the noble houses. John is in a relationship with Edwin, a scholar that specializes in law and is autistic. One day Edwin discovers a new information that could revolutionize the work that John does. But before they can achieve such change they have to go through the ups and downs of Hillside. All the while maintaining a relationship with each other. The core of the story is John and Edwin’s relationship, both characters have their own struggles and obstacles in life all the while supporting and loving each other in the process. Though I loved the relationship they both have, they are still in the growing stage of the relationship that tethers between toxic and healthy. Alas it is a story about hope, support, love, and a lot of sword bravado. I read this book in a span of 3-4 days, the plot is fast paced and included a lot of great scenes that were impactful. The cons I have with The Sword in the Street is with the introduction of Thaumaturgy, it is a magic system that is vaguely explored in the story. Thaumaturgy in this world is still a mystery and isn’t deeply explored yet. I hope in the next sequels it can be further explore and explained to readers how it works, even though it was explained I had a hard time wrapping my brain around it. Overall I enjoyed reading The Sword in the Street, since it is a self published book and it is the first book to a series it will improve as the story progress. I am happy to have been given the chance to promote this book on my blog, I am thankful and I hope C. M. Caplan will continue on writing Edwin’s and John’s story. I recommend looking at the trigger warnings before reading, if you’re looking for a contemporary fantasy queer sword man and autistic scholar this is the book for you.
❁ These Violent Delights (These Violent Delights #1) by Chloe Gong ❁
Goodreads | Amazon | BookDepository
Release Date : November 17th 2020
These Violent Delights is a YA Fantasy retelling of Romeo & Juliette set in 1920s Shanghai and first instalment to the self titled duology by debuting author Chloe Gong. In 2020, this book became one of the most talked about YA Fantasy debut on book tweet. When the audiobook became available on Libby I quickly borrowed it. Sadly, These Violent Delights is one of those books that wasn’t for me. The audiobook could also play a part in me not enjoying the whole story. I did not enjoy the way the narrator would whisper or sometimes mumble very quietly when voicing Roma or Kathleen and Rosalind. In terms of characters I did not care about any of them as I had a hard time connecting with them as they all felt one dimensional. I kept wanting to see more sides to their personality but ended up feeling disconnected. The relationship between the two main characters, Roma and Juliette, wasn’t believable enough for me. The first love turned enemies to lovers trope didn’t lay enough foundations for me to believe the yearning and betrayal they both felt for each other. The story had a lot of potential with the interesting fast paced plot and characters with a variety of backgrounds that has potential to grow throughout the story. When it came to execution it did not deliver. Gong’s prose has potential as it is lyrical and edgy that is similar to a rose with thorns but in this book it felt very scattered. The book only became interesting after getting 80% in and the only time I enjoyed the story is when Roma and Juliette reconciled. I am sad to say that I will not read the sequel but if Chloe Gong decides to write a new series I’ll read it.
❁ She Who Became the Sun (The Radiant Emperor #1) by Shelley Parker-Chan ❁
Goodreads | Amazon | BookDepository
Release Date : July 20th 2021
THIS IS THE BEST BOOK I’VE READ THIS MONTH. THIS YEAR. I LOVE YOU SHELLEY! PRE ORDER PRE ORDER PRE ORDER PRE ORDER PRE ORDER PRE ORDER!!!
❁ A Dowry of Blood by S. T. Gibson ❁
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Release Date : January 31st 2021
It started with a letter written by a devoted bride about her life with her lustrous savior turned abuser and her fight to end the bloody cycle. A Dowry of Blood is a seductive gothic horror debut novella that explores toxic relationships in all its darkness and the emancipation of three partners from a bloody cycle.
If you are on book tweet you’ve probably seen a couple of people on there tweeting about this novella. Since it’s release in January this book has acquired a following in the community. Blurbed as “.. a reimagining of Dracula’s brides..” sure can peak ones interest. A few of my friends have read it as well screaming how good it is and how it depicts a queer poly-relationship with that I was tempted. I read this book not knowing anything about it with the intention of cleansing my brain from all the thick fantasy books I’ve been reading. My expectations were wrong because it is not at all a light vampire romance story. I would like to remind future readers of this book to read the trigger warnings before reading.
❁ The Shadow of the Gods (The Bloodsworn Saga #1) by John Gwynne ❁
Goodreads | Amazon | BookDepository
Release Date : May 4th 2021 (US) & May 6th 2021 (UK)
Full review will be posted on April 16th 2021
Manga/Anime
In March, I felt the most dread in my personal life than any other month. The burn out from work, stress, and general mental fatigue was so overwhelming. My solution for this? Read a lot of Shōjo manga. What is Shōjo you ask ? According to Google it is a genre of Japanese comics and animated films aimed primarily at a young female audience, typically characterized by a focus on personal and romantic relationships. Yes. Romance with amazing art. Besides that I also read all of the chapters of Jujutsu Kaisen. Mind you I will not list all the mangas I’ve read, I will only be listing my favorite mangas I’ve enjoyed this month.
❁ Jujutsu Kaisen (Vol. #0 – Vol. #15) by Gege Akutami ❁
Goodreads | Amazon | BookDepository | Viz Media
I don’t remember the last time I became obsessed with Shōnen manga, it was never a genre I’m interested in because mostly the series are long or never ending. A couple of my friends, Sasha and Raf, retweeted a fan art of characters from Jujutsu Kaisen. Honestly, I was intrigued because almost all of the characters look cool. My brothers were also keeping up with the anime releases. So I decided to watch the anime first and MY GOD! It is SO GOOD. The animation is just *chef’s kiss*. Here’s a few gifs from the anime.
Jujutsu Kaisen is a Shōnen manga series by Gege Akutami, that follows Yuji Itadori in a world were demons manifest and feed from the negative emotions of humans. One day unaware of the danger of a cursed object Yuji gave it to his seniors at the Occult Club to uncover, not knowing the evil they will unleash . . .
The anime of Jujutsu Kaisen shows the events of the manga from Volume 1 to Volume 7. The anime is adapted by Mappa Studios, the same studio that also produced a lot of well known anime series such as Attack on Titan and Yuri!!! on Ice. Everything about the anime screams quality. The action scenes flowed smoothly and seeing it coming to life with music, special effects, and amazing voice acting is truly incredible. The very first episode of the anime is proof that solidified Jujutsu Kaisen as one of the next biggest animes by Mappa Studios.
After finishing the anime, I made it my mission to read the manga. I wanted to know more about the world and the characters. All I can say about the series is that it contains all the tropes of a classic Shōnen manga but what makes Jujutsu Kaisen different than other mangas are their characters and the intricate magic-power system. The subtle generational gap between the new generation of Jujutsu sorcerers and the older generation is interesting to see. For characterization there are a few characters that fit certain Shōnen tropes. But for Jujutsu Kaisen, Akutami sensei breathed new things into his characterizations that elevated the believability of his characters. Each character has their own struggles as a sorcerer, the job description is very hard and dangerous. Death is a common occurrence in a sorcerer’s life and each sorcerer have to live with the idea that one day they might just die. Mortality is rooted deep into the story as you read the manga you’ll know that Akutami sensei doesn’t hold back in letting you know that characters are not immortal. Yes, this is me side eye-ing those animes that ressurects characters for no flipping reason. I recommend everyone to watch the anime first and then read the manga. My advice don’t get too attached. Also some fun news, a movie is announced to be in production adapting the story of Jujutsu Kaisen Vol 0 that centers around Yuta Okkotsu. I’m sad that it will take probably a few more years to get a season 2 but at least we all know there will be a season 2.
For my favorite character it’s Nanami Kento the ex salaryman Jujutsu sorcerer. Best man! <3
❁ A Sign of Affection / Yubisaki To Renren (Vol. #1 – Vol. #3) by Morishita Suu ❁
Goodreads | Amazon | BookDepository
During my university days I took refuge in reading a lot of Shōjo mangas, I don’t know if it was my dying love life or what but I’ve always loved them. Recently it has come to my attention of a new manga by Morishita Suu, a creator duo mangaka consist of Makiro that writes the story and Nachiyan that makes the art. Their most popular work is Hibi Chouchou and Short Cake Cake. Their latest manga Yubisaki To Renren has got to be their most soft with an MC that is deaf, Yuki, and a travel junkie love interest, Itsuomi, the story takes place in university with both characters being in their early twenties. Trust me the art is truly amazing, it is realistic and so god damn tender. Every panel is so mesmerizing! I can’t say it enough we need more Shōjo mangas about university students / new adults. The plot itself is simple, sweet and easy to grasp. If you need some good fluff please read this manga. If I have the funds I want to collect the manga because its just so GOD DAMN CUTE.
❁ Honey Lemon Soda (Vol. #1 – Vol. #14) by Mayu Murata ❁
Honey Lemon Soda is one of those series that has stuck with me for a very long time. The story follows a young girl Uka Ishimori, an invisible girl that tries to break out of her shell, and Kai Miura, the resident school hot boy. Uka has lived a sheltered life since her childhood and is very shy making it hard for her to make friends. When she entered highschool she decides to break free from her timid personality during this time she met Kai, a boy that has caught her attention and the boy that finally sees her for who she truly is. I know you’re probably wondering why I like mangas with such a plain premise the reason is just for serotonin. The art in this manga is truly amazing, though some parts does seem cheesy and a bit too dramatic I love this series.
Blogging
In March, I have consistently posted one post a week and I’m pretty proud of it. Though I hope that I could write a concise book review a bit faster. On average for one book review it takes me at least a week to think about it, write, and then edit. I’m hoping that in April I can reduce the amount of time needed to write one review from a week to four days at least. Content wise be prepared for some new graphics this month, I am currently working with a friend that made the header for this blog, so stay tuned for that! I’m slowly making my blog look more pretty with time as it is one of my goals to make blogging something permanent in my life.
I also participated in my very first blog tour with Caffeine Book Tours for The Sword in the Street by C. M. Caplan. I was so happy that I was chosen to participate! Thank you Shealea from Shut Up Shealea for considering this smoll blog to join the tour <3 In the future, I’m planning on joining more book tours as I find the experience so much fun. I have three book tours I will be participating in, two in May and one in June. Be ready to keep an eye out for it!
Bookish Content Creator Shout Out!
☾ Tsai from Books with Tsai posted a fantastic review of The Helm of the Midnight by Marina Lostetter. After reading Tsai’s review I decided to request for the book on NetGalley, not gonna lie I don’t know when I will read it but I’m excited. Serial killers, thieves, mystery and murder? Sign me up! Also click all the links and follow Tsai!
☾ Jo from The Books Are Rising posted a fantastic review of She Who Became the Sun by Shelley Parker-Chan. Jo is an amazing aspiring writer and reviewer, he wrote a fantastic review of a book that I also read this month She Who Became the Sun, definitely check out his review as he offers a more in depth look into the story. The hype for this book is real everyone! Pre order it now! Follow and check out Jo’s blog as well! He’s awesome!
☾ Gauri from A Book and Chai posted a fantastic review of The Unbroken by C. L. Clark. I love seeing reviews of books that I gave 5 stars to! Gauri wrote a banging review for The Unbroken a high kicking awesome debut by C. L. Clark. She also made an aesthetic collage for the book. Follow and check out her blog!
☾ Saima from Stories of Saima posted her January-March Wrap Up. This is what I love about blogging, reading people’s wrap ups! Saima talks about all the books she read in March, which includes one of booktweet’s most hyped self published book The Atlas Six and an anticipated read of mine The Ones We’re Meant to Find. Follow and check out her blog <3
☾ Diya from Legendary Pages posted her a list of Upcoming Releases by Muslim Authors. Diya rounds up all the upcoming releases by Muslim authors in a variety of genres that you sure need to look out for! I really love lists <3 Check out Diya’s book blog for more content!
☾ If you’re looking for a book club to join check out The Diversitea Book Club, a book club hosted by three Indonesian friends, Shabrina, Dilla, and Ikram from Readlogy ; that is dedicated to reading diverse and own voices books. They have two books lined up for April, first is Love from A to Z by SK Ali and second We Hunt the Flame by Hafsah Faizal, details for their tea parties click on the tweet below! For more details about The Diversitea Book Club click here! Want to join their discord? Click here!
☾ Cube from The Geometry of Stories recently posted her art of Zhu from She Who Became the Sun by Shelley Parker-Chan. All hail Zhu Supremacy!! I think every month I’ll feature Cube’s art if she post new stuff on Twitter. Check out her redbubble store here. There’s Shae and Hilo from the Greenbone Saga by Fonda Lee prints and Mephy stickers from The Boneshard Daughter by Andrea Stewart. Pre order She Who Became the Sun!
Music
For March, I discovered a band that called Dacey their song “I’ll Be There” has been on repeat since the day I found it on Spotify. There is also Fiji Blue most of their songs are very chill and melancholic, brings me back to the time when I went to Bali with my family. My favorite song by Fiji Blue is “Wait!” and “Waves”. Their songs are especially good for long drives, give it a try! In this playlist I also included a couple of K-POP songs, “Circle” by lilboi and Wonstein; and “Troll” by IU (ft. DEAN). My admiration for K-Hip Hop started because of Show Me the Money, the partnertship between lilboi and Wonstein is a match made in heaven. I hope they continue to make songs together. IU dropped her album, Lilac, in March though I didn’t jive with the other songs since her sound seems to be more broadway-ish pop, but “Troll” leans on a more hip hop kind of feel which I like. A couple of new songs by two of my favorite bands, SPINN and The Night Café, made it into this playlist because British indie bands has always been my thing since I was in high school. I am happy to see them coming out with new stuff in 2021. Especially The Night Cafe, their debut full length album “0151” is just amazing.
April ?
I don’t have very high hopes for April, since this will be the month I will be busy applying for a visa. So for this month I wont be aiming to high for the book count but I will be aiming to read at least three ARCs and post once a week. I don’t have a specific TBR for April but I do have a few books lined up that I will make sure to pick up and finish. They are :
As for ARCs that I’m thinking of picking up :
I know I was supposed to read The Councillor by E. J. Beaton last month but I didn’t have time to get to it because of She Who Became the Sun and The Shadow of the Gods. I don’t know if I can do this but let’s see how it goes. This list could change depending on my mood at that time and the circumstances. I am excited nonetheless!
Also don’t forget to pre order She Who Became the Sun !
What is your favorite read this month ? Do you like Jujutsu Kaisen? Let me know in the comments below! <3
Wild Frenchie spotted in pink harness check!
glad you had a good reading month!! thank you for including my review 🥺 happy reading in April Lia 💓
You’re welcome Gauri! <3 It's my pleasure! Hope April treats us well 😀
Interesting reads!
Thank you for the kind comment <3
Every mention of SWBTS has me even more excited for the release date! Glad your enjoying the JJK manga, it’s a ride for sure 👀 Hope April is kind to you as well!
AHHH YES! JJK put me through the ringer really LOL … the pain is real :’)
You too Diya! <3
thank you for mentioning me, my love! congrats on the great reading month, I hope you have a wonderful april 💛
Don’t mention it! I love featuring my fellow bloggers 😀 You too Saima! Hope your april goes well <3
My expectations for SWBTS are very high only because of you haha. Hope you have a good April!
AHH! I hope it will not disappoint but I’m very confident its gonna be a good book all around <3 🙂
Hope you like it when it releases!!