I have no idea how it’s already June.

This year has moved so incredibly fast, it’s honestly kind of scary. It brings to mind that one quote from Ferris Bueller’s Day Off: “Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.” I know I need to set aside some time this summer to slow down and enjoy it.

But even with time moving at warp speed, I did have a solid month of reading in May. As you can see from the list, it was an interesting mix of genres:

• Crown of Midnight by Sarah J. Maas
• The Peculiar Garden of Harriet Hunt by Chelsea Iversen
• The Compound Effect by Darren Hardy
• Razorblade Tears by S.A. Cosby
• The Blue Plate by Mark Easter
• Bad Blood by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

Let’s get into the reviews!

Crown of Midnight by Sarah J. Maas

This is the second book in the Throne of Glass series (check out my review of Throne of Glass here), so please read with caution as spoilers are likely ahead.

After winning her “freedom” from Endovier, Celaena now finds herself working for the man she hates the most: The King of Adarlan. But we soon learn that Celaena isn’t as loyal as she may appear to be. She’s playing a dangerous game of lies and deceit putting herself and everyone she loves at risk.

The first book in this series was good, but this book was SO good that I immediately went to the book store to get book three. I did not see the ending coming at all.

Rating: 10/10

The Peculiar Garden of Harriet Hunt by Chelsea Iversen

This was book was an interesting mix that I don’t read a lot of. It had historical fiction. It had fantasy. It had magical realism.

Harriet is all alone in her Sunnyside home after her father seemingly disappeared. As it’s the 1860’s, a woman living alone is an unusual occurrence and an oddity that makes her immediately suspicious to the local police who are investigating her father’s whereabouts. Harriet is also a bit of a recluse with a strange attachment to her home’s garden. So, when a mysterious and handsome gentleman takes a sudden interest in her, Harriet is hopeful that he can help solve the growing list of problems she’s facing.

I found this book moved a bit slow, but I really enjoyed that it was unlike anything I’ve previously read.

Rating: 7/10

The Compound Effect by Darren Hardy

I thoroughly enjoyed this book!

While there are no big secrets revealed, it’s extremely motivating to hear that even small actions done daily can make a big difference in shaping your life. You just have to stick with it and let the “compound effect” work its magic. I personally loved to listen to this as an audiobook while I worked out.

Of course, I do personally believe there’s more to success than just hard work and consistency, but it’s definitely a compelling read (or listen). If you have a big goal you’re tackling, give this a read.

Rating: 8/10

Razorblade Tears by S.A. Cosby

Ike and Buddy Lee have lived rough lives and are deeply flawed people. But when someone murders their sons, they team up to find and punish those responsible. While I’ve seen it described as a thriller, it’s much deeper than that. Ike and Buddy Lee must face not only their grief over losing their sons, they must also face their guilt. They were both unaccepting of their sons and didn’t support their marriage. A deadly mission for justice ensues.

I came across this book on one of former President Obama’s summer reading lists. I can definitely see why people deeply enjoyed this book, especially how Ike and Buddy Lee are able to grow. I’ll admit it wasn’t my personal taste in fiction, but it was a good read.

Rating: 7/10

The Blue Plate by Mark Easter

As someone interested in environmental issues and agriculture, I really enjoyed this look at how the foods we eat and grow can influence climate change, greenhouse gas emissions, soil health, and more. Mark Easter combines personal stories with scientific data to explore the different issues and potential solutions to making our plates more sustainable.

There aren’t necessarily any easy answers to many of the issues covered in this book, but it’s a good way to become more aware of how your choices can help or hurt the planet.

Rating: 8/10

Bad Blood by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

This is the fourth book in The Naturals series, so it may contain spoilers for the first three books, The Naturals, Killer Instinct, and All In. Proceed with caution.

After the big reveal at the end of book three, Cassie is determined to get to the truth about what happened to her mom and, more importantly, find a way to save her. But the people holding her mom captive are determined to stay hidden and stop the FBI and the “naturals” from getting too close. A dangerous investigation begins in a town linked to Cassie’s childhood.

I thought this was a satisfying ending to the original series! (There’s technically a novella set further into the future with these same characters.) I’m glad we left behind the big focus on the Fibonacci sequence and were able to spend more time with the characters again. I love the “Naturals” crew and wish we were given more insight into each of them.

Rating: 7/10

Want more reviews? Check out what I read in March & April 2025!

As always, I want to know what YOU are reading. Please leave a comment below.