We are over halfway through July! I’ve finished 5 books so far this month and hope to get another 3 at least before the month is over. Returning to work has definitely had an impact on my reading time, but I’m glad to be active again.

Anyway, it’s Monday and I want to know what you’re reading! This meme began on J Kaye’s blog and then was hosted by Sheila at Book Journey, who then passed it on to Kathryn at The Book Date. It’s a chance to check out what others are reading and maybe (who are we kidding? probably) add to your tbr. All you have to do to participate is let us know what you finished reading recently, what you’re reading now, and what you plan to read next.

Recently Finished:

What if your entire life was a lie?

Sixteen-year-old Luxor Everstone had the idyllic life-wealthy, popular and beautiful. Until in a fit of rage, she almost killed her best friend. And herself.

Waking up from a coma she senses everything is different. She is different. A darkness lingers deep inside laced with rage, further fueled by a faceless man who haunts her.

Exiled to a sleepy town for a new start and to attend a juvenile rehabilitation center, all she wants is a clean slate. Except the universe has other plans as crimson eyed people reeking of Sulphur throw her life into peril at every turn.

Encountering Hunter is a surprise in more ways than one. Enigmatic and antagonistic, against her will a strong electric connection draws her to him. But Hunter’s curious nature and innate ability to know Luxor’s thoughts keep her on edge, so does his offer of helping her uncover the lies.

Torn between attraction and her instincts to flee, will she put herself at risk for answers?

Or will the truth heal, or taint her soul?

Unveiled is a YA fantasy reminiscent of Fallen and Hush, Hush. I really enjoyed the conflict of the MC’s internal struggle as she discovers the truths about her past. You can read my full review here.

Synopsis omitted to prevent spoilers. Click the link above to read the summary on Amazon.

I finally finished book 2 of the Snow Like Ashes trilogy, Ice Like Fire. If you’ve been following along, you know that I’m buddy reading the series with my mom. We both felt that the majority of this book was much slower paced than the first, but it made up for it in the last 50 pages or so. I have high hopes for the final installment.

Currently Reading:

Synopsis omitted to prevent spoilers. Click the link above to read summary on Amazon.

I am listening to Empire of Gold on audio and am about two thirds through. I love being back in this world with Dara, Nahri, and Ali. I’m so excited, but nervous, to see how it all concludes.

Darrow is a Red, a member of the lowest caste in the color-coded society of the future. Like his fellow Reds, he works all day, believing that he and his people are making the surface of Mars livable for future generations. Yet he toils willingly, trusting that his blood and sweat will one day result in a better world for his children.

But Darrow and his kind have been betrayed. Soon he discovers that humanity reached the surface generations ago. Vast cities and lush wilds spread across the planet. Darrow—and Reds like him—are nothing more than slaves to a decadent ruling class.

Inspired by a longing for justice, and driven by the memory of lost love, Darrow sacrifices everything to infiltrate the legendary Institute, a proving ground for the dominant Gold caste, where the next generation of humanity’s overlords struggle for power.  He will be forced to compete for his life and the very future of civilization against the best and most brutal of Society’s ruling class. There, he will stop at nothing to bring down his enemies . . . even if it means he has to become one of them to do so.

Yes, I am still reading Red Rising. I am reading it for an Instagram book club, so the reading is spaced out. Although, to be completely honest, I am behind. I was supposed to hit the next checkpoint last Friday, but I’ll catch up quick. It’s not what I expected and I’m not sure my feelings on it just yet.

Synopsis omitted to prevent spoilers. Click the link above to read summary on Amazon.

I’ve only just started this one so I don’t have any feelings to share on it yet. Looking forward to the conclusion of this series though. I hope it is as exciting as the beginning was.

Reading Next:

The time has come for King Dorian Lockridge to find an heir for the country of Odsia; after the murder of his son, daughter-in-law and grandson fifteen years ago, he knew that sooner or later he’d need to find someone worthy to take the throne…

Spending fifteen years on the streets, doing whatever it took to make sure he and his friends survived from day to day, hasn’t been easy for Tristan.

Having never found remains of his grandson, doubt of his demise lingers in Dorian’s heart; until one day, he finally makes a proclamation, searching for the orphaned Prince of Odsia. When Tristan discovers the truth about himself, his whole world changes.

How will he adjust to royal living after such a difficult upbringing? And who was behind the murder of his parents so long ago?

This is my next review read. I like the premise, so I’m interested to see how it all plays out. I have 3 more books (including this one) that I’d like to review before the end of the month. Fingers crossed!!

What are you reading this Monday? Have you read any of the above books? Feel free to share your opinions in the comments below!

2 Replies to “It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? 20 July 2020”

  1. There is such a long wait list at my library for The Empire of Gold. I feel like it will never be my turn! Actually, I just checked and it’s showing a 3-week wait. The line usually moves faster than expected. Woohoo! Although I’ll be sad to know I’m finished with the series. Enjoy your week!

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