THE THIEF

• https://moreblminfo.carrd.co/ 
• https://getinformed.carrd.co/ This is an incredible carrd with information and resources about many of the issues the world is going through right now!
• I find Twitter an extremely useful tool in finding information about these injustices and ways to help.

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War Games read-a-thon was created by Aaron over at Booked and Busy. There are three paths with three different character archetypes and 5 prompts for each.

The Light Path is led by Allana from The Awkward Book Nerd. The Grey Path is led by Nicole from Nicole & Her Books and is the path I’ll be going down. And, last but not least, The Dark Path is led by Aaron. The Twitter for this read-a-thon is @wargamereads.

For my full tbr and the rules I changed (lol) check out my post here~

The first Archetype that needs to be completed in my chosen path – ‘The Grey Path’ – is the Thief and I’m so happy to have completed it already!!

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The Dark Days Pact; Alison Goodman

• Prompt: read a book that features an orphan
• Finished: 18.03.21
• Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

The Dark Day’s Pact is the second book in the Lady Helen trilogy. Helen’s parents died when she was a child, so her upbringing is done by her aunt and uncle. In the first book, the success of Helen’s first Season is compromised when she gets involved with the mystery of a missing maid. In a strange turn of events, she discovers that demons walk the earth and she may have a duty to fight against them.

I was not expecting to enjoy this quite so much. Helen definitely starts to come into her own in this book and the setting of Brighton made it more fun than when it was in London.

I really like our host of characters, especially getting to know Mr Hammond and Delia a bit more, as well as meeting some new people – Sprat better be in the next book, I love that little rascal! We also got to learn more about the Dark Days Club, the running of it and the training that is needed to be a Reclaimer.

Overall, the plot was fast paced, intriguing with lots of twists and with lots of dashes of romance. Goodman has obviously put in a lot of time to learn about the Regency era and immersing the books in that knowledge in such a lovely, fun and believable way.

Side note: I hate how Helen and Delia call Elizabeth ‘Pug’. In this book, she was nothing but sweet and a good friend.

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The House in the Cerulean Sea; T. J. Klune

• Prompt: read a standalone
• Finished: 12.03.21
• Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

The House in the Cerulean Sea is about Linus Baker, a case worker, who is sent to a remote orphanage to check if the magical children who live there aren’t going to bring about the end of days any time soon. However, his higher ups seem more concerned about their charming caretaker. The quiet life of Linus is quickly turned upside down.

While there is a simplicity to the solutions of the problems and issues the children at the home face – from those in the town, societally and due to the laws in place – there is a beautiful sweetness and optimism. Due to the circumstances of our world, it feels naïve, but incredibly wholesome.

I enjoyed the writing – if a little simple and sometimes repetitive – and the host of characters were charming and endearing. Some of the conversations could have been better placed/worded and this is mostly where I’m not quite sure who this book is targeted towards. It doesn’t feel like an adult novel.

Despite it’s faults, I read this book in one sitting and I have no regrets! All the children were wonderful and I look forward to re-reading this in the future to once again smile at their shenanigans.

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The Mythic Dream; Ed. Dominik Parisien & Navah Wolfe

• Prompt: read a new to you author
• Finished: 09.03.21
• Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

The Mythic Dream is an anthology of myth retellings. There are 18 authors and I’ve not read from any of them before.

This was a really great anthology with a lot of sapphic representation.

And it’s given me a lot of new authors to be interested in. My favourite story was definitely ‘Fisher-bird’ by T. Kingfisher, it had me laughing out loud!

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Bleach Vols. 13-14-15 (bind-up 5); Tite Kubo

• Prompt: read a middle grade or young adult
• Finished: 04.03.21
• Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Bleach is targeted towards older children and teenagers. Our main character – Ichigo – is currently 15yrs old.

This manga follows Ichigo, who is thrown into the world of Grim Reapers when he absorbs the power of Rukia and becomes one. With this new power, he must begrudgingly protect his city from Hollows and give them peace.

In these three volumes, I was a bit overwhelmed by all the different characters, but the main plot lines are really interesting. Ichigo’s is especially growing in wonderful and interesting ways. I liked that we got a little glimpse into Uryu’s childhood.

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Melmoth; Sarah Perry

• Prompt: read a book with a dark cover
• Finished: 11.03.21
• Rating: ⭐⭐

Melmoth has a beautiful dark blue cover. While working in Prague, Helen has made a home of sorts. This safety is threatened when her friend disappears after researching Melmoth the Wanderer, a dark legend that persuades people to join them in damnation.

The premise is interesting, as is the format – it contains several letters and journal entries/memoirs. The writing is good and there are some really thoughtful and emotional aspects. But, I didn’t really care about our main character… Helen wasn’t that likeable or interesting and considering her past that might sound bad, but hey ho.

I didn’t understand Melmoth’s motives or even what she stood for. I especially didn’t understand her connection to Helen. She is also meant to be this mysterious and terrifying being, but we didn’t really get to see that… she was kind of boring too. And the whole narrative on forgiveness was a little muddy.

The main problem was that at the end I was like, “so, what was the point?” This was a huge disappointment.

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For this read-a-thon you gain points through the star ratings. I was hoping to do better this round, but Melmoth had to surprise me by not being very good. Still, 200 out of 250 available points is still pretty good.

I also chose a kdrama for each prompt as well… that’s not going as great as I haven’t finished one yet. I’m more than halfway through One Spring Night – which I’m loving, but have got to the place where I’m putting it off so I can’t be disappointed… I’ve started Vampire Prosecutor, which isn’t that interesting so far, but I think I’m being unfair as I keep comparing it to Vampire Prosecutor and it’s literally so different. And lastly, I’ve started Clean With Passion For Now again – I forgot how much second hand embarrassment there is from watching this drama! But it’s really good ♥

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Are you taking part in this read-a-thon? How are you doing? Or, what books have you read recently? Let me know in the comments!

Thanks for reading! I hope you’re having a lovely day and staying safe ♥