It seems like I do my best reading in two weeks leading up to SUYB… I finished these the first week of August & I’m currently reading three different books.
I made a new image to explain my reviewing method…
On to the books…
The Bear and The Nightingale by Katherine Arden | ★★★★/5 
Summary: With Christianity spreading throughout the land, old guardians are awakened and troubled at the edge of the cold Russian wilderness. When disruption puts Vasya’s people at risk she must repair and protect the world they live in with the world that protects them. | Why I Read It: I think Olya praised this book on her blog and put it on my radar so I used it for Erin’s Challenge. | What I Thought: This story was a powerful mix of feminist rebellion and uniqueness celebration and mostly-good verses very-evil and family loyalty and protectiveness. I’ve never read a Russian fairytale-esque novel but this story didn’t disappoint. It was a slow read for me- I felt like I needed to reflect on each season of weather and Vasya. I also found myself totally smitten by three different characters, one being a monk and one a demon. Ha. It was a long, good, well flavored story and I really enjoyed Vasilisa’s courage and spirit throughout the whole thing.
You should read it because… you’re in the mood for a unique and beautiful tale about a strong and unique girl from the coldest forest of Russia.
Intrigue in Capri by Ashley Weaver | ★★★/5 
Summary: While on holiday in Italy Amory finds herself drawn to a new mystery. | Why I Read It: As I’ve mentioned, I love the Amory Ames series. | What I Thought: Released as a Kindle Single, this was a short little mystery possibly released to tie us Amory&Milo-lovers over until the next book. It was a very quick and cute read. Little mystery but lots of charm from the Ames duo. It took me all of 30 minutes (maybe) to read, so it certainly was a nice way to pass some time.
You should read it because... you’re invested in the Amory Ames series.
So here’s where I’m at with the challenge:
|5 points| Freebie: And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie
|10 points| Starts w/ “B”: The Bear and the Nightingale by Katherine Arden
|10 points| Yellow cover: Circling the Sun by Paula McLain
|15 points| An animal on the cover: Harry Potter & the Sorcerer’s Stone by J.K. Rowling
|20 points| Published in 2017: The Essence of Malice by Ashley Weaver
|20 points| Compass/cardinal direction in title: West With the Night by Beryl Markham
|25 points| A most commonly banned book in America: The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood
|30 points| About mental illness: The Virgin Suicides by Jeffrey Eugenides
|30 points| Non-human main character: The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein
|35 points| A Disney movie /book/ based on a Disney movie: The Moonspinners by Mary Stewart
I have 45 points now.
What did you read this month? Link up Steph & Jana!
Life as Louise 
i’m glad you liked The Bear and The Nightingale! it was definitely an interesting read. i need to get my butt into gear with Erin’s challenge! I haven’t read a single book. Gah!
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It was! I was surprised I liked it so much, actually. I freaking loved the frost demon, though. Hahaha.
I had a good jump on it, then July killed my reading vibe. Whoops.
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The Bear and The Nightingale sounds like an interesting read. You are getting a good start to the book challenge. I haven’t done one in a long time. I decided that as soon as I decide I have to read these set books….I cant get in to any of them LOL
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I’m excited to read all my books, but life has been so busy and I just keep putting them aside. We have a business trip this week, then August is fairly chill (except the selling our house crap). Fingers crossed I get a little more reading done this month!
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I love some books that are just quick reads. Perfect for passing time when you have to wait somewhere.
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Yes! It feels kind of nice to open the cover, read it, close the cover, and check it off the list 🙂
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I had no idea there was a button for the challenge…feeling kinda dumb right now. Oh well, I’ll add it next time 😀
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Hahaha! I don’t know if there’s actually a coding algorithm for the button. I just saved it to my computer and use it when I talk about the challenge 🙂
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I really liked The Bear and the Nightingale – I’m looking forward to the next book in the series!
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I’m actually pretty sure I got the book recommendation from YOUR post. Especially since Olya just informed me she’s never read it, hahahaha! So thank you!! 😀
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Have I forgotten your talk about Amory before? Is it a cozy mystery type of series?
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I’ve read three of her books and reviewed them throughout my blog-life. I actually got an ARC of her newest one so I’ll review that in next month’s SUYB post!
It’s a 1930s-English-husband-&-wife-who-dun-it kind of series. They are cheeky and clever and not super edge-of-your-seat stories. There’s some development with the main characters’ relationship, too, that adds another element. Just enjoyable light reads 🙂
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I love the Amory Ames series! Can’t wait to read this latest one 🙂
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I’m so happy to hear from someone else who loves that series! Me, too!!
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It really is amazing how fast the time flies between SUYB linkups! I keep on seeing The Bear & The Nightingale around, and it sounds so interesting to me! I definitely need to try and pick it up! Keep up the good work with Erin’s challenge!
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I know… And I always get distracted from reading until the new month arrives and then I’m like CRAP. Hahaha.
Definitely check the book out! It was really entertaining 🙂
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The Bear and the Nightingale sounds interesting. I’m not sure that it’s for me but I’m glad you enjoyed it!
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It was a slow paced book and I think it needed the right reader, but in the end I really enjoyed it 🙂
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I am unfamiliar with the Amory Amos series and now I must go look it up because I am always a sucker for a well-written series. I’m pretty sure The Bear and The Nightingale is already on my TBR.
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The Bear and the Nightingale was wonderful storytelling. It completely removed you from your couch and took you to old Russia amongst the trees and wood spirits 🙂
Amory Ames is just a really cute, pass the time mystery series with fun, likeable characters and entertaining story lines 🙂 I’m a fan!
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So, I haven’t read The Bear & The Nightingale, but it totally does sound up my alley! I need to pick it up soon. 🙂
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I don’t usually reply to comments out of order, but I think Kelly from Noodle to the Rescue is actually the one who recommended it. Your review about not often reading/reviewing Russian books a few months ago made me confused when I went to go write this, though 🙂
I do think you’d enjoy it! I loved it!
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The Bear and the Nightingale sounds really interesting. I like your reviewing criteria!
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It was definitely interesting. Interesting and entertaining like a good fairy tale.
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The Bear and The Nightingale sounds so good! I hate when I read more than one book at a time but it happens a lot!! Right now I’m reading Neverwhere by Neil Gaiman but I also started Beartown by Fredrik Backman!
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I’m constantly reading more than one book. Haha. Right now I’m working on The Handmaid’s Tale so I kind of need a different book going on to balance this out. Lol
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I’m definitely intrigued by The Bear and The Nightingale! You have some great books on your challenge list! I need to finally read The Handmaid’s Tale!
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You should check out both books! I’m currently reading The Handmaid’s Tale and find it very interesting. There are just TOO many good books out there to read!
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I’ve been seeing The Bear and The Nightingale around quite a bit. It really does seem unique and unlike anything else that’s out there.
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It’s an adult fairy tale more or less. It doesn’t read very fast, but I never found myself bored. It was an interesting story for sure. There’s a sequel, I guess, but I kind of like where the story let off so I don’t know if I’ll pick that up.
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I like how you’ve tracked your challenge books and points. I may borrow that idea for my September reading post! I also chose The Handmaid’s Tale for my banned book. I’m finishing up my book with a yellow cover, and then I might dive into that one!
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The Handmaid’s Tale could be a pretty quick read. It’s a very unique page turner. I’m intentionally trying to ingest it slowly. So far I’ve been enjoying the story (and slightly freaked out by it). Hope you like it!!
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hehe I definitely read The Bear and the Nightingale last winter from Netgalley and praised it so hard! Hhaha I know that a bunch of others were wanting to read it (Kelly, Kristen, …) so maybe you saw it from me? Or them! Either which way, I LOVED it. SO unique. Glad you did too. I agree that it has a slow reflective pace, but it never got boring for me, I just kept on reading like it was a page-turner super suspenseful thing. HA. I just got auto approved for the sequel, and they’re going to send me a REAL ARC. OMG. I’m so excited!! Glad you liked it! I have saved the Amory Ames books to my TBR! 🙂 I love mysteries! Yay for us plugging away at Erin’s 7.0! 🙂 XO – Alexandra
Simply Alexandra: My Favorite Things
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Man… it could’ve been your recommendation that put me over the edge…? I’m pretty sure it was Kelly or you. Regardless, it was a wonderful story so THANK YOU!! ❤ I can't decide if I want to read the sequel when it's out. I really loved where things left off with Vasya…
I think you'll like the Amory Ames series! I know you're like me in that you internalize the mood of books but the Ames series is light-hearted and cute. A little drama but definitely cute and light.
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I’m getting close to the end of The Bear and the Nightingale. You were smitten with the monk? I am smitten with the demon character, but not the monk. Vasya is fantastic, love her. I need to update my challenge list next month to see where I am.. I think I’ve still got 6 books to read, eep.
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Whoa whoa whoa… Not the monk that comes to the village! I meant Sasha before he joined the monastery. I loved how he treated his little sister. But that demon? He’s got that total bad boy appeal. Hahaha!
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I just picked up The Bear and the Nightingale from the library. Maybe I should bump it up on my list! I am also doing Erin’s Challenge. Pam 🙂
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It was very enjoyable! A fairy tale for adults!
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