april wrap-up

It’s that time of the month…

As you’ll see if you continue reading any further through this post (heck, even if you just take a look at the picture of my reads for April), you’ll notice I was rather single-minded this month. *coughs embarrassedly* Yes, every book but ONE that I read this month was written by Brandon Sanderson. I just couldn’t help myself! I can be incredibly indulgent at times, and discovering a new favorite author is one of those times I don’t feel the need to hold back.

So, the bookish section of this wrap-up might be a bit of overkill. BUT! At least take away a glowing recommendation from me to get yourself some Sanderson books and start reading. I have loved him THAT MUCH. Seriously. You might as well just walk away from this post and read one of his books instead, you’ll be much better off.

But, if you insist on staying…read on for my April wrap-up!

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bookish things

stats

• Total books: 7 books and 2 novellas read, 1 DNF
• Total pages: 4,544 pages
• Longest book: Words of Radiance by Brandon Sanderson
• Shortest book: The Eleventh Metal by Brandon Sanderson (novella)
• Favorite book: The Way of Kings by Brandon Sanderson
• Least favorite book: Wintersong by S. Jae-Jones

batch mini reviews

Mistborn Era 2 (Alloy Era) by Brandon Sanderon: ★★★★

Overall, I enjoyed this series (so far), but I did have some problems with relationship developments in the later books. I thought this era started off really strong, but books 2 and 3 just didn’t quite hit the mark for me. Still good reads, especially for the simple fact that the Mistborn world feels so familiar and wonderful to go back to.

The Eleventh Metal and Secret History by Brandon Sanderson: ★★★★★

I read these two novellas in the Arcanum Unbounded bind-up (if that’s what it’s considered, not really sure). I don’t usually bother with novellas, but Secret History in particular was AMAZING and so worth it. Sanderson is so indulgent with his stories sometimes (but I’m not complaining), and this was definitely, 1000% one of those times, but Secret History was also just so fascinating! And just a good read, too. After being slightly disappointed by the Era 2 books, I was so relieved and happy to feel at home again with these Mistborn novellas.

Wintersong by S. Jae-Jones: ★★★

I bought this book a while back and finally got around to reading it (as I attempted a break from Brandon Sanderson…ha). This book was dark and creepy yet fascinating. In the end, it didn’t quite work for me but it was still an intriguing read. For more of my thoughts, you can read my full review here.

Warbreaker by Brandon Sanderson: ★★★★★

I LOVED THIS BOOK. As a standalone book, this one would be a great way to break into Brandon Sanderson’s writing without too much pressure. I found the romance and slightly less complex magic system to be really approachable and enjoyable! Plus, I’m just coming to adore the way Sanderson creates these fantasy worlds with gods and magic and religion and real characters. Highly recommend this one. Read more of my gushy thoughts here.

The Stormlight Archive (books 1 & 2) by Brandon Sanderson: ★★★★★

WHAT TO SAY about this epic series. OH my goodness. I only just finished book two after a whirlwind of reading; these books were utterly unputdownable. This is the epitome of an epic series, and it’s so easy to get sucked into the epicness of it all. As always, Sanderson writes each book in a way that it can stand on its own, with its own arcs, and the characters he crafts are completely irresistible. With each book at about 1,000 pages each, SO MUCH happens yet in the grand scope of things, this story has only just begun. I cannot wait for the third book to come out in November. Keep an eye out for a full review on these soon (if I can manage to get my thoughts straight at all).

DNFed

Strange the Dreamer by Laini Taylor

Everyone was gushing so much about this one that I picked it up from the library and got about 100 pages into it, but it just wasn’t jiving with me. Perhaps I’m not a huge fan of flowery writing? I just wanted to skim to the ending, and not because I was excited to know what was going to happen. I liked Lazlo, but I just didn’t care about the story being told. So far, at least. I’d like to try and pick this one up again, but I now have mixed feelings on it.

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crafty things

I was a little lazy this month with my crafting. I was so sucked into reading that I often had to force myself to take a break and make some headway on my projects…but I also let myself get lazy and start new things instead of working on WIPs. But productivity is productivity, right?! I think so.

I’ve started thinking about opening an Etsy shop, but a whole host of concerns comes along with that, namely: my lack of self-confidence, my lack of original patterns, and–most important–my lack of an amazing store name! I’m still considering it, but it’s not something I’m expecting to start up anytime soon.

My first completed baby blanket!

completed

• a (second) set of 4 dahlia coasters
• gray baby blanket (see above!)

in progress

• peachy ripple baby blanket — almost complete (you can catch a peek in my April reads picture!)
• hexagon blanket — haven’t touched at all lately
• more coasters — attempting to design a decent original pattern
• body pillow cover — not yet started, ideas only so far!

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bloggish things

• top 5 wednesday – top sff books on my tbr
• book review | wintersong
• accidentally participating in tome topple
• book review | warbreaker
• top 5 wednesday – authors i want to read more from

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How was your month of April? Read any Sanderson? If not, let me know so I can natter on at you about why you should. 😉

Until next time,
Brianne