When I was trying to decide what to write today, I realized that it’s pretty much the end of August, which means that it’s time for my monthly reading wrap-up. Then I went to check what I’d read this month and I realized that I’d only started and finished one book! I guess that’s what happens after doing so much reading in July. This month, the only book I finished was Outlander, which I really enjoyed. I know I’ve mentioned this book here on the blog a lot this month, so I’m not going to babble on further; I’ll just point you in the direction of the post I wrote on Claire’s style and this video where I shared my thoughts on the book and TV series (you can also watch it below).
If you want even more Outlander, Roxane Gay (author of An Untamed State) has been writing hilarious recaps for Vulture and my friend Casee Marie has also written very eloquent reviews of each episode so far. Did I mention that I’m obsessed?
After that, I had a hard time deciding what to read next. I had several good options, including The Silkworm, And Then There Were None, and Harry Potter and The Order of the Phoenix, but I wasn’t sure what I was in the mood for. All of that indecision means that I didn’t read anything for over a week, until I decided to go with Harry Potter #5. So far, it’s been going a bit slower than I expected, but the goal is finish it over this long weekend.
Up until Wednesday, it was looking like I was going to have a pretty uneventful weekend (which was fine by me). Then I found out that a high school friend is going to be in the city this weekend- yay! I was also invited to a birthday picnic in the park, which sounds like fun. Other than that, I’ll be taking it easy. I hope you all have a relaxing/restful weekend and I’ll see you back here next Wednesday!
Tell me: Got any big plans for Labor Day weekend?
![BLOODMARKED by Tracy Deonn (@simonteen #gifted) • This was probably my most anticipated release of 2022 and it was amazing! LEGENDBORN catapulted onto my list of all-time favorite books when I read it a couple years ago and now BLOODMARKED is right up there with it.
I loved being back in this world and back with these characters. Bree is such an incredible main character. She can be critical of herself, but she’s also so brave and strong. She lets herself be vulnerable with her close circle of friends. She loves fiercely and she would go to the ends of the earth for the people that she loves. Throughout this book, Bree has so many questions about her powers. When she finally realizes the answer, I was like “Yesssss, girl, yessssss!!!”
I’m so in awe of the fantasy world that Deonn has created. I loved learning more about Bree’s magic in book 2 and it still feels like there’s so much left to discover about the magical workings of this world.
This book was action-packed up and I did not want to put it down! I saved it for my honeymoon so that I could read it in longer chunks. I’m so glad I did that because I feel like it really allowed me to immerse myself in the world as I was reading.
I enjoyed this book so much, from the character growth, to the battle scenes, to the themes of self-discovery and finding your path. I can’t wait for more people to read BLOODMARKED! If you haven’t read the LEGENDBORN books yet, what in the world are you waiting for??
[ID: Nnenna holds a copy of BLOODMARKED over a white fluffy blanket with a red pillow in the shot.]
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#Bloodmarked #bookishreels #bookreview #scsreadsreviews #blackfantasy #yafantasyseries #LegendbornCycle #blackbookworm #fantasyreads #blackstorieshavepower #blackgirlsread #bookreels #magicalbooks #amreadingya #bookreel #bookvideo](https://starcrossedsmile.com/wp-content/plugins/instagram-feed/img/placeholder.png)
Your video recap/review of Outlander is great! I inhaled all of the books in this series (except the most recent one) in short order a couple of years ago, so I can’t wait to binge watch the series when it’s available on Netflix.
I need to get on this show and the books! They’re both in my queue but I think I need to move them up…I just hear too many good things.
Courtney ~ Sartorial Sidelines
Great post, and video. I want to complete the series as well.
Have a great weekend, seems like you will have a busy, but fun one.
/Madison
I am really behind in my reading. This book sounds like something I would enjoy. I will add it to the ever growing list of books I need to read.
Ahh! I’m in full Outlander obsessive mode lately, it’s crazy. I loved your video (you’re the cutest, and I love that you called Jamie hunky, because facts). Everything you said about Claire perfectly captures how I feel. She’s such an awesome character, and it’s been wonderful to see her so fully depicted on the series. I love her sass, her independence, her total fearlessness in standing up to these big, intimidating Highlanders. And of course, her style. I love all of the costuming, but the little touches of her shrugs, fingerless gloves and so on all have me wanting to revive my attempts to teach myself to knit. (I tried about two years ago and it didn’t go well.) I’d totally love to see some of the style from this show influence the fashion industry a la Downton Abbey. ;)
Me too- I think I mentioned Outlander in nearly every post in August. Woops! Aww, thank you so much, I’m so happy that you liked the video. I love Claire as a character and I think Catriona Balfe does a bang-up job. I also love reading your recaps after each episode and I CANNOT WAIT for next week- The Wedding, finally! I agree, the knits on the show are so great. I haven’t picked up my knitting in a while, but now that the weather’s cooling down I want to knit again. If we lived closer, I would definitely teach you how to knit! :)