August was a very difficult month, as I was very unwell and ended up in hospital for three days, followed by quite a long recovery period. I’m amazed I managed to read anything at all last month, but I did, and these six crackers are all well worth a read. I’m just about back on form now, so I’m hoping to get through a few more books in September, but do you know, I read less than usual and the world didn’t end (okay, poor choice of words, as it is all a bit apocalyptic atm…) – so I guess there is probably a lesson there about taking off the pressure when it comes to my reading!
Fireborn by Aisling Fowler (2021)
I was thrilled to be on the Write Reads tour for this fantastic MG adventure. The story of Twelve and her companions makes for a cracking read, with monsters and magic aplenty, plus there is an adorable squirrel called Widge – what more could you want?! I’m looking forward to the next instalment. You can read my full blog tour review here.
Cecily by Annie Garthwaite (2021)
Cecily was our @Squadpod3 Book Club Pick for August, and I loved chatting about this novel and getting to ask the author about it in our Q and A. This is a deeply intelligent historical novel, impeccably researched, and it gave me a new perspective on the role of women in politics during this era. You can read my full review of Cecily here.
The Light Years by Elizabeth Jane Howard (1990)
This is the first volume in the Cazalet Chronicles series, most of which I read a very long time ago. I’ve got the newly reissued editions, which are absolutely beautiful, and I reread The Light Years while recovering from being ill – it was exactly the right thing! You can read my review here. I can’t wait to crack on with the rest of the series!
Snow Country by Sebastian Faulks (2021)
I was so excited to receive a proof copy of the new Sebastian Faulks novel, and Snow Country did not disappoint. An elegant, original story that shows what a fantastic writer Faulks is. You can read my full review of Snow Country here.
The Hierarchies by Ros Anderson (2021)
I’d seen bloggers whose opinion I trust implicitly raving about this book, so of course I had to see what all the fuss was about. The Hierarchies is brilliant – perfect for fans of Atwood’s dystopian fiction (me!) and Sylv.ie is a character who will stay with me for a long time. You can read my full review here.
This Good Book by Iain Hood (2021)
I really loved this book, and I think it is going to be one of my top reads of 2021. It’s a clever, funny, fresh examination of morality and art and platonic friendship, and I just think it’s one of the most original novels I’ve read in a long time. You can read my full review of This Good Book here.
All in all, I’m really pleased that I managed to read these wonderful books last month, and I hope at least one of them has piqued your interest! Do let me know what you’ve been reading – am always looking for more recommendations!
Happy reading!
Ellie x
Elspells 