August 2025 Reads
Who else blinked and somehow landed at the end of August?
This summer absolutely flew by, and I cannot believe it’s already over. Between bachelorette parties, birthday celebrations, and soaking up every bit of sunshine I could, August was packed, but in the best way.
And let me tell you, the fantasy books I picked up this month? Absolute BANGERS. I don’t know what fantasy god decided to bless me at the start of August, but I could not miss with this genre.
Per usual, some photo highlights from the month:
From left to right: Grace’s bachelorette party ft. Mackinac Island, golfing in Ohio, hiding from sudden lighting during our beach day for Lindsey’s birthday, and CMU Night at the Tigers.
Now let’s get into everything I read this month!
*All summaries are taken or paraphrased from Goodreads.
Shield of Sparrows by Devney Perry
SHIELD OF SPARROWS by Devney Perry
Rating: 4.5/5 stars
Summary: The gods sent monsters to the five kingdoms to remind mortals they must kneel. I’ve spent my life kneeling―to their will and to my father's. As a princess, my only duty is to wear the crown and obey the king. I was never meant to rule. Never meant to fight. And I was never supposed to be the daughter who sealed an ancient treaty with her own blood. But that changed the fateful day I stepped into my father’s throne room. The day a legendary monster hunter sailed to our shores. The day a prince ruined my life. Now I’m crossing treacherous lands beside a warrior who despises me as much as I despise him―bound to a future I didn’t choose and a husband I barely know. Everyone wants me to be something I’m not―a queen, a spy, a sacrifice. But what if I refused the role chosen for me? What if I made my own rules? What if there’s power in being underestimated? And what if―for the first time―I reached for it?
My Thoughts: BLESS THE FANTASY GODS! This was exactly what I needed after July’s fantasy SLUMP. I bopped between the audiobook and my Kindle because I couldn’t get through it fast enough lol. Odessa is the princess of Quentis, one of five kingdoms in Calandra. Her younger sister, Mae, has trained her whole life to serve as the Sparrow in a decades-old treaty. But when the prince from their rival kingdom sails to Quentis and slays the monsters terrorizing the land, he shocks everyone by choosing Odessa as his bride prize. Completely unprepared, she’s thrown into a role and a future she never imagined. And listen…this book ATE. Yes, it starts a little slow, but stick with it. As Odessa adjusts to her new life, you also get a richer view of the world: the political tensions between realms, the mystery behind the monsters’ sickness, and the intricate web of characters beyond Quentis. I was absolutely hooked. The world-building is vivid but simple, the connections—platonic and romantic—feel so real, and the plot? Neck-snapping twists at every turn lol. The premise felt fresh compared to a lot of fantasy I’ve read lately, and it was such a refreshing change of pace. If you’re looking for a phenomenal fantasy to lose yourself in for a few days, pick this one up. Bonus: it’s on KU for all my Kindle people!
Deep End by Ali Hazelwood
DEEP END by Ali Hazelwood
Rating: 3.5/5 stars
Summary: Scarlett Vandermeer is swimming upstream. A Junior at Stanford and a student-athlete who specializes in platform diving, Scarlett prefers to keep her head down, concentrating on getting into med school and on recovering from the injury that almost ended her career. She has no time for relationships—at least, that’s what she tells herself. Swim captain, world champion, all-around aquatics golden boy, Lukas Blomqvist thrives on discipline. It’s how he wins gold medals and breaks records: complete focus, with every stroke. On the surface, Lukas and Scarlett have nothing in common. Until a well-guarded secret slips out, and everything changes. So they start an arrangement. And as the pressure leading to the Olympics heats up, so does their relationship. It was supposed to be just a temporary, mutually satisfying fling. But when staying away from Lukas becomes impossible, Scarlett realizes that her heart might be treading into dangerous water...
My Thoughts: It’s been a minute since I picked up an Ali Hazelwood book—not because I don’t enjoy her writing, but because I usually like to wait until the initial hype dies down before diving in. But when I heard this one was extra spicy (and realized it had been a while since I’d indulged in some good quality smut), I decided to give it a go. And let me tell you, this book delivers on the spice. It’s definitely not for the pearl-clutchers or the faint-of-heart when it comes to open discussions of sex. The main characters engage in consensual BDSM, so if that’s not your thing, maybe sit this one out. That said, I really appreciated how thoughtfully Hazelwood handled the subject. Scarlett and Lukas’s relationship was rooted in so much mutual respect and trust that, no matter what they explored, it always felt safe and grounded. I also loved the way Hazelwood tied their sexual dynamics back to their athletic careers – how the control, discipline, and intensity required for swimming and diving translated into their preferences in the bedroom. It made the whole thing feel more layered and intentional. That said, I did find myself wishing the emotional depth went just a touch further. The connection was there, but the character development could have dug a little deeper. Still, if you’re in the mood for a steamy read with a fresh angle, this one’s definitely worth picking up!
Heretics Anonymous by Katie Henry
HERETICS ANONYMOUS by Katie Henry
Rating: 3.5/5 stars
Summary: Michael is an atheist. So as he walks through the doors at St. Clare’s—a strict Catholic school—sporting a plaid tie, things can’t get much worse. His dad has just made the family move again, and Michael needs a friend. When a girl challenges their teacher in class, Michael thinks he might have found one, and a fellow nonbeliever at that. Only this girl, Lucy, is not just Catholic . . . she wants to be a priest. But Lucy introduces Michael to other St. Clare’s outcasts, and he officially joins Heretics Anonymous, where he can be an atheist, Lucy can be an outspoken feminist, Avi can be Jewish and gay, Max can wear whatever he wants, and Eden can practice paganism. After an incident in theology class, Michael encourages the Heretics to go from secret society to rebels intent on exposing the school’s hypocrisies. When Michael takes one mission too far—putting the other Heretics at risk—he must decide whether to fight for his own freedom, or rely on faith, whatever that means, in God, his friends, or himself.
My Thoughts: Okay, listen. As a recovering Catholic and someone who spent all of elementary school in Catholic education, I found this book wildly entertaining. To be clear, it’s not a roast of Catholicism or religion in general, but there were plenty of moments that felt incredibly relatable. Michael’s dad just moved the family again, and thanks to a reference from his boss, Michael ends up at the local Catholic high school. As an atheist, this is basically his worst nightmare. Given his track record of struggling to fit in as the new kid, making friends feels impossible - until he meets Lucy. Outspoken and fearless, Lucy’s an outcast herself, thanks to her dream of becoming a priest. She introduces Michael to her circle of fellow “fringe” students: Avi, who’s Jewish and gay; Eden, a Celtic Polytheist; and Max, who insists on wearing a cloak every day despite St. Clare’s dress code. Together, they form Heretics Anonymous. From there, hijinks ensue. Their group gets into hilarious, heretical shenanigans as they push back against the school’s rules. I cackled out loud more than once. What I especially appreciated was that the author avoided turning religious figures into caricatures. The portrayal of being a non-Catholic in a Catholic school felt authentic and respectful, while still leaning into the humor. At its core, this book isn’t so much about religion as it is about friendship, found family, and embracing people who see the world differently. Sure, I wish a few of the characters had been fleshed out more, but overall, I loved spending time with them. This book was funny, sharp, and unexpectedly heartwarming.
Everything I Know About Love by Dolly Alderton
EVERYTHING I KNOW ABOUT LOVE by Dolly Alderton
Rating: 4.5/5 stars
Summary: The wildly funny, occasionally heartbreaking internationally bestselling memoir about growing up, growing older, and learning to navigate friendships, jobs, loss, and love along the ride When it comes to the trials and triumphs of becoming an adult, journalist and former Sunday Times columnist Dolly Alderton has seen and tried it all. In her memoir, she vividly recounts falling in love, finding a job, getting drunk, getting dumped, realizing that Ivan from the corner shop might just be the only reliable man in her life, and that absolutely no one can ever compare to her best girlfriends. Everything I Know About Love is about bad dates, good friends and—above all else— realizing that you are enough. Glittering with wit and insight, heart and humor, Dolly Alderton’s unforgettable debut weaves together personal stories, satirical observations, a series of lists, recipes, and other vignettes that will strike a chord of recognition with women of every age—making you want to pick up the phone and tell your best friends all about it. Like Bridget Jones’ Diary but all true, Everything I Know About Love is about the struggles of early adulthood in all its terrifying and hopeful uncertainty.
My Thoughts: Wow. This is one of the most relatable books I’ve read in a while. Dolly Alderton holds nothing back as she recounts raw and vulnerable anecdotes from throughout her 20s that touch on everything from love, heartbreak, friendships, becoming an adult, figuring out your career, understanding the deeper motives behind destructive behaviors and more. My friends and I have this saying when we’re about to do something scary or exciting, etc.: “Do it for the content.” This memoir is the epitome of that. It’s a collection of stories capturing all of the highs and lows of what it is to be a woman just trying to figure out what this life is all about. I think it’s definitely a book most millennial women would relate to, but I think anyone would get something out of it. Also, I guess they made this into a show on Peacock. I haven’t watched it yet but have it on my list to start soon!
Metal Slinger by Rachel Schneider
METAL SLINGER by Rachel Scheinder
Rating: 5/5 stars
Summary: Brynn has spent the better part of her life waiting for the chance to attend the annual market hosted by the Kenta, the very same people who exiled the Alaha to live a life over the sea. A rite of passage for all young guards, she’s not sure what to expect from it, but breaking a century- long peace treaty certainly isn’t on her map. Neither is the encounter with an enemy soldier. Returning home to Alaha, she’s confronted with the aftermath of the day’s events. The future is uncertain as the threat of hunger looms over the people. With rumors of a growing rebellion, Brynn and her closest friends promise to stick together. When an unexpected visitor arrives, Brynn’s loyalty will be tested as she learns of a world of magic and treachery. Once her enemy, always her enemy, right? But the dark, knowing eyes of a stranger make her question everything…including her heart.
My Thoughts: WOW. LOL. ANOTHER BANGER? This story hits the ground running and never once takes its foot off the gas. After causing a massive mishap that shatters a century-long peace treaty between Kenta and the exiled people of Alaha, Brynn has no idea what to expect. What she definitely didn’t have on her bingo card was the enemy soldier she clashed with during said mishap showing up days later at Alaha – asking to speak with her. Against her better judgment (and giving in to curiosity), Brynn discovers a hidden world of magic and the shocking truth about where she really comes from. Cue a treacherous journey back to Kenta with the one soldier she has every reason not to trust. Without spoiling too much…this book SLAPPED. I was so far gone, I forgot to come up for air. Between uncovering Brynn’s history, the razor-sharp politics across the realms, and the sizzling romance brewing between Brynn and Acker, you could not pry my Kindle from my hands. AND THEN. At about 95%, the author yanks the rug out from under you with a 3-page chapter that makes you question literally everything you’ve just read. I gasped so loudly, I’m pretty sure my neighbors heard me. If you’re ready to be completely wrecked by a fantasy novel, this is the one lol.
Pure Innocent Fun by Ira Madison III
PURE INNOCENT FUN: ESSAYS by Ira Madison III
Rating: 3/5 stars
Summary: In this nostalgic and raucous collection of sixteen original essays, Ira Madison III—critic, television writer, and host of the beloved podcast "Keep It"—combines memoir and criticism to offer a brand-new pop-culture manifesto. You can recall the first TV show, movie, book, or song that made you feel understood—that shaped how you live, what you love, and who you would become. It gave you an entire worldview. For Ira Madison, that book was Chuck Klosterman's Sex, Drugs, and Cocoa Puffs, which cemented the idea that pop culture could be a rigorous subject—and that, for better or for worse, it shapes all of us. Here Madison explores the key cultural moments that inspired his career as a critic and guided his coming of age as a Black gay man in Milwaukee. In this hilarious, full throttle trip through the 1990s and 2000s, he recounts learning about sex from Buffy the Vampire Slayer and his mom's Lil' Kim CDs; facing the most heartbreaking election of his youth (not George W. Bush's 2004 re-election but Jennifer Hudson's losing American Idol); observing how Jerry Springer accidentally shaped queer representation; and how never getting his driver’s license in high school made him just like Cher Horowitz in Clueless: “A virgin who can’t drive.”
My Thoughts: This was fine! It’s a shorter essay collection that taps into some solid millennial nostalgia, especially around TV, music, and movies from the ’90s and early 2000s. I didn’t know who Ira Madison III was before picking this up, and honestly, I don’t feel like I know him that much better after reading, but I still enjoyed the anecdotes he wove into his memoir. The low-key tea on certain celebrities, behind-the-scenes tidbits from TV shows and movies, and the cultural references sprinkled throughout kept things entertaining. I especially liked stumbling across moments I hadn’t heard of before (like Tom Cruise introducing Katie Holmes as his girlfriend on Oprah), because it gave me an excuse to look them up. If you’re into pop culture or enjoy books that revisit staple media moments from the ’90s and early aughts, I think you’ll have fun with this one.
The Body Keeps The Score by Bessel van der Kolk
THE BODY KEEPS THE SCORE: BRAIN, MIND, AND BODY IN THE HEALING OF TRAUMA by Bessel van der Kolk
Rating: 5/5 stars
Summary: A pioneering researcher transforms our understanding of trauma and offers a bold new paradigm for healing. Trauma is a fact of life. Veterans and their families deal with the painful aftermath of combat; one in five Americans has been molested; one in four grew up with alcoholics; one in three couples have engaged in physical violence. Dr. Bessel van der Kolk, one of the world's foremost experts on trauma, has spent over three decades working with survivors. In The Body Keeps the Score, he uses recent scientific advances to show how trauma literally reshapes both body and brain, compromising sufferers' capacities for pleasure, engagement, self-control, and trust. He explores innovative treatments—from neurofeedback and meditation to sports, drama, and yoga—that offer new paths to recovery by activating the brain's natural neuroplasticity. Based on Dr. van der Kolk's own research and that of other leading specialists, The Body Keeps the Score exposes the tremendous power of our relationships both to hurt and to heal—and offers new hope for reclaiming lives.
My Thoughts: If this book hasn’t crossed your radar yet, it’s one you need to pick up. It dives deep into the connection between the brain, the body, and how both process trauma, and I found it absolutely fascinating. Dr. van der Kolk breaks down the science of the brain, explaining which areas are triggered during different experiences, how the body stores unprocessed emotions, and the surprising ways trauma can manifest physically, emotionally, and mentally. He also explores decades of research into treatments that have shown promising results for patients on their healing journeys. While it is research-heavy, the book is also intensely human. Through case studies and patient stories, Dr. van der Kolk adds an emotional weight that makes the science even more impactful. That said, I’d definitely recommend checking trigger warnings before diving in as some of the experiences described, especially those involving childhood trauma, are difficult to read. Still, this book was deeply eye-opening and one I think nearly everyone could take something valuable from.
Two Twisted Crowns by Rachel Gillig
TWO TWISTED CROWNS by Rachel Gillig (The Shepherd King #2)
Rating: 5/5 stars
Summary: Elspeth and Ravyn have gathered most of the twelve Providence Cards, but the last, and most important one remains to be found: The Twin Alders. If they are going to find it before the Solstice and cure the kingdom of the dark magic infecting it, they will need to journey beyond the dangerous mist-cloaked forest that surrounds their kingdom. And the only one who can lead them there is the monster that shares Elspeth's head. The Nightmare. And he's not eager to share any longer.
My Thoughts: To be clear, I’m rating this book entirely on vibes lol. I first read One Dark Window back in January and then, for some reason, put off picking up this sequel - even though I loved the first one. I’d heard mixed things about Two Twisted Crowns, but after two trusted fantasy friends recently recommended it, I finally dove in. And honestly? I freaking loved that this one shifted into a multiple-POV format instead of sticking mainly with Elspeth again. Don’t get me wrong, she’s likable, but this book gave some of the side characters from the first installment the space to truly shine. Elm – the spare prince whose brother (aka the spawn of Satan) is currently in a coma. He’s suddenly forced to step up as heir while also helping Elspeth’s cousin, Ione, track down her Maiden card. Ravyn – Elspeth’s lover boy and captain of the guard, determined to reunite all the Providence cards to save his dying little brother and free Elspeth from the monster possessing her body. The Shepherd King – the guy responsible for basically everyone’s problems, but also the character we know the least about. The plot was solid, even with the story spread across different characters’ individual missions that eventually wove into the bigger picture. But what really hooked me was the character development—especially the messy, layered, and heartfelt relationships between everyone. Was it the perfect second book in this duology? For me, absolutely. For everyone? Probably not. But I 100000% think it’s worth picking up so you can form your own opinion.
Oathbound by Tracy Deonn
OATHBOUND by Tracy Deonn (The Legend Born Cycle #3)
Rating: 3.5/5 stars
Summary: Severed from the Legendborn. Oathbound to a monster. Bree Matthews is alone. She exiled herself from the Legendborn Order, cut her ancestral connections, and turned away from the friends who can’t understand the impossible cost of her powers. This is the only way to keep herself—and those she loves—safe. But Bree’s decision has come with a terrible price: an unbreakable bargain with the Shadow King himself, a shapeshifter who can move between humanity, the demon underworld, and the Legendborn secret society. In exchange for training to wield her unprecedented abilities, Bree has put her future in the Shadow King’s hands—and unwittingly bound herself to do his bidding as his new protégé. Meanwhile, the other Scions must face war with their Round Table fractured, leaderless, and missing its Kingsmage, as Selwyn has also disappeared. When Nick is detained by the Order’s Merlins, he invokes an ancient law that requires the High Council of Regents to convene at the Northern Keep and grant him an audience. No one knows what he will demand of them...or what secrets he has kept hidden from the Table. As a string of mysterious kidnappings escalates and Merlins are found dead, it becomes clear that no matter how hard Bree runs from who she is, the past will always find her.
My Thoughts: This hurts to admit, but this is the only fantasy book that left me wanting more this month. Don’t get me wrong, I still loved diving back into The Legendborn Cycle world and spending time with these dynamic characters. Plus, after the massive cliffhanger in Bloodmarked, I was desperate to see what would happen next. To my surprise (and delight), this book is told from multiple POVs: Bree, William <3, Mariah, Selwyn’s mom, and more. That format was so refreshing because while I adore Bree, I’ve also grown attached to so many of the other characters in this series. Getting to see their individual journeys and perspectives made the story more engaging and interesting. That said, the plot itself felt a little messy. Somehow, both a lot happened and not much happened at all lol. This installment leaned heavily into the rootcrafter side of Bree’s magic, which was great for diving deeper into who the Shadow King really is and what his goals are with the Legendborn. But by the end, it didn’t feel like much had actually been resolved. I know this series was originally planned as a trilogy and later expanded into four books, so I think some of that shows here. This one ended up feeling more like a “bridging book.” And at 656 pages, the juice wasn’t totally worth the squeeze. Still, if you love this series as much as I do, it’s definitely worth the read. I just don’t know if I’ll have it in me to reread before book four drops lol.
Rose in Chains by Julie Soto
ROSE IN CHAINS by Julie Soto
Rating: 4.75/5 stars
Summary: The war is over, the dark forces have won, and the hero who was supposed to save them is dead. Captured as her castle is overrun by the enemy, Briony Rosewood knows that the world as she knows it is changed forever. The dark forces of Bomard have won and her people, the Eversuns, face imminent servitude, imprisonment or death. Her brother, fated to be heir twice over and unite the warring kingdoms, is dead. Stripped of her Mind Magic and her freedom, Briony and the other survivors are quickly auctioned off to the highest bidders in an auction – and as the heir-apparent’s sister, she fetches the highest price. After a fierce bidding war, she’s sold to none other than Toven a high ranking Bomardsun – and her long-time and ill-fated infatuation. Scion of a family known for their cruel control of Heart Magic, the Hearsts are ruthlessly ambitious, and Briony knows they will use her however they can to further their own interests. Yet despite the horrors of her new world and the role she must learn to play within it, all is not lost. Help – and hope – may yet arise in the most unlikely of places…
My Thoughts: OKAY SO. If you’ve been around here this year, you know I’ve been deep in my Dramione era. This book is another one that started as fanfiction and blew up so much it landed a traditional publishing deal—with the story reimagined outside the HP world. To my surprise, it turned out to be the brilliant brain of Julie Soto behind it all lol. So when I found out she wrote a fantasy inspired by her OG Draco/Hermione fanfic, I freaking JUMPED on it. This was a one-sit read for me…or it would’ve been if real life (work, obligations, etc.) didn’t get in the way. I was OBSESSED. It’s one of those stories that pulls you in so quickly you look up at 80% and can’t believe you’re almost done. Sure, there are parallels you can pick out between this and the HP world, but never in a way that made it feel unoriginal. This book is entirely its own. The story follows Briony Rosewood, princess of the fallen kingdom of the Eversuns. Her people, masters of Mind Magic, were overtaken by the Bromards, who wield Heart Magic and, after the siege, auction off captured Eversuns to their ruling houses. Briony ends up in the house of Toven Hearst – her former school rival and the only one who knows the secret behind her twin brother’s rise to become king. The world-building? Rich. The magic system? Easy to grasp but layered with clever nuances. The politics? Sharp yet perfectly messy. The romance? A slow burn of the highest order. I was an absolute SIMP for every word. I cannot wait for the sequel, even though there’s not even a projected publish date yet 🥲. Either way, I cannot recommend this one enough!
Direbound by Sable Sorensen
DIREBOUND by Sable Sorensen (The Wolves of Ruin #1)
Rating: 4.5/5 stars
Summary: Only the worthy survive the Bonding Trials. She’ll risk her life—and her heart—to be one of them. Meryn Cooper has always hated the Bonded, elite warriors who form mental links with the massive, vicious direwolves they ride. While they live in luxury, Meryn struggles to keep her family out of poverty. When her little sister, Saela, is kidnapped—stolen across the border by the immortal monsters her country has spent centuries fighting—Meryn’s world falls apart. Desperate to cross the front and save her sister, Meryn enlists in the army and is thrown into the deadly Bonding Trials, where any mistake will cost her life. Now Meryn must survive four months of training at the castle. She is bound to a feral direwolf who refuses to communicate. The other trainees would love to spill her common blood. And her cold and beautiful instructor, Stark Therion, is eager to punish any weakness. Everything is a competition, and everyone is out to get her—everyone except the dangerously handsome crown prince, whose attention adds another target to her back. In the castle, every smile hides a knife…and the halls hide dark secrets. It’s bond or bleed. Duel or die. Failure is ruin.
My Thoughts: HOT. DAMN. Another Kindle Unlimited banger, and I’m so freaking happy with how much I loved this one. Full disclosure: I’m rating this strictly the fact that it had me in such a chokehold. I could barely focus on anything else, just counting down the minutes until I could dive back in. The overall vibes? Think Fourth Wing meets Quicksilver meets The Hunger Games. But don’t get me wrong, it still felt unique and fresh. Meryn Cooper is a commoner doing whatever it takes to keep her family afloat—street fighting, odd jobs, anything to stay out of poverty. When her little sister is kidnapped by the Siphons (basically vampires), Meryn enlists in the army to get to the front lines as quickly as possible. The caveat? This year also happens to be a Bonding Trials year, where soldiers have the chance to bond with direwolves. Despite her best efforts to avoid it, Meryn ends up connected to one who refuses to communicate with her. Cue her being thrown into brutal, high-stakes trials designed to cull the weakest bonds from the pack. I was hooked watching Meryn struggle to survive as a commoner among elites who’ve trained for this their whole lives. Was she SO stubborn and INCREDIBLY impulsive? Absolutely. But honestly, those flaws made her character arc that much more rewarding. On top of the action-packed trials, there are so many mysteries unfolding that had me speculating nonstop lol. Between the grief of losing her sister, the growing friendships with her packmates, and the slow-burn tension with her broody instructor, this book had everything I crave in fantasy. And THAT CLIFFHANGER? Shut up. So rude. Anyway, if you’re looking for a fantasy read that’ll grab you and not let go, I definitely recommend checking this one out.
That’s it for August!
I’m hoping to kick off the fall with some great books, so if you have any recommendations, I’m all ears.
2025 Book Count: 101
Add me on Goodreads if you haven’t already.
YOUR TURN! What is one of your favorite reads of the summer?