Only two reads this month, the last of which I just finished yesterday… and still working my way through The Count of Monte Cristo with Evie veryyyy slowly. I had the best news mid-month, and I don’t know if the normal reaction is to feel rejuvenated or to float in a haze like I have been. But now that I’ve had my moment of bliss, it’s time to get back to business—reading regularly, sleeping regularly, exercising regularly for the first time since quarantine, getting some sun, and continuing to keep up with classes.
Currently reading The Count of Monte Cristo, and hoping to get around to these in April: Everybody by Olivia Laing, I Love Dick by Chris Kraus, Tokyo Ever After by Emiko Jean, Why We Sleep by Matthew Walker.
The Hobbit by JRR Tolkien // ★★★★
My first Tolkien! This was a charming adventure story. Bilbo was just chillin’, enjoying his simple hobbit life and all the meals that entails, then got dragged into the dwarves’ quest to steal back their treasure guarded by the dragon Smaug, thanks to Gandalf’s recommendation. Bilbo’s whole mood was “I just wanna stay alive and hurry up this quest so I can go home and eat” and I was here for it. I learned to never trust caves.
I probably won’t start The Fellowship of the Ring anytime soon because there are a few other books I want to read first, but I definitely want to get around to it eventually!
The Stolen Kingdom by Jillian Boehme (Gifted) // ★★★.5
A plot to assassinate the royal family who rules with stolen magic and return the lost heir to her rightful place on the throne, and a forbidden love between the lost heir and the second prince of the royal family. Ella Enchanted vibes.
Would probably have rounded my rating up to a four if not for Maralyth’s (the lost heir) not-like-other-girls complex! Otherwise, it was a solid if forgettable YA fantasy/romance. I was interested in the forbidden love aspect insofar as seeing how Maralyth and Alac (second prince) would “betray” each other with their choices between love, family, and country/kingdom. What can I say, I live for the drama. Flew through this one!
Have you read or watched The Hobbit/Lord of the Rings?