Ronit J

June 2024 Reading Wrap Up! We’re halfway through 2024, and I can’t believe I’ve already read more books than my annual average for the past couple of years! I know it’s partly due to r/Fantasy’s Fantasy Bingo, and partly because I started reviewing for SFF Insiders.

So, what did I read in June 2024, and what did I think of them?

Let’s dive in!

Here’s my June 2024 reading wrap up!

Die Young by Morgan Shank – ★★★3/4

I signed up to receive a free eARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

This was my first foray into Morgan Shank’s writing. I did not expect this book to be a character-driven dark fantasy, but that was the highlight of my reading experience. Every single character was unique, with Itula’s arc shining beyond everyone else’s. The world came alive with Shank’s intricate descriptions—which is a given since he’s a landscape photographer—presenting to the readers a world that is fully realised, complex, and dark.

I’m going to try and squeeze in Shank’s Low Country trilogy into my TBR while I wait for book 2 of Runeborn.

Read my full review on SFF Insiders!

Dawnshard by Brandon Sanderson – ★★★★★

Need I really expound on the sheer brilliance of Sanderson’s writing?

I guess so, since that’s what I promised. Dawnshard is so far my second favourite Sanderson novella (favourite being The Emperor’s Soul). It is everything you would expect from a Stormlight Archive entry, and that alone sets massive expectations. Yet, not only does Sanderson deliver, but also goes above and beyond to expand on both Roshar and the Cosmere!

Read my full review on SFF Insiders!

Fleet Champions by Rob J Hayes – ★★★★1/2

Book 3 of Hayes’ rather underrated Titan Hoppers series. I don’t know why not enough people talk about this series, but this one’s been a TBR breaker since the day I read book 1. Every entry has been a thrilling ride with break-neck pacing, and Fleet Champions is no exception.

A tournament of champions, with the survival of an entire fleet at stake. But that barely even scratches the surface of the epic scale of world-building and character development that happens throughout. Plus, the ending… oh man I really need book 4 in my hands right now!

Read my full review on SFF Insiders!

The Knight by Will Wight – ★★★1/2

Will Wight’s current main series (I’m guessing, since Cradle is complete). He’s released three books in the span of one year, and holy moly I don’t know how he does it.

This one focuses on Raion, who is my favourite character in the series—really, he’s a fan favourite. Raion himself is a gem, and to get a whole novel focused on his arc was—admittedly worrying cause characters like these are typically best suited for side roles. Was that the problem with this book, or did Wight spin his magic and make a brilliant experience as with the earlier entries? I can’t say without diving into spoilers…

Read my full review on SFF Insiders.

The Wrong Stop: A SciFi Caper – ★★★

I signed up to receive a free eARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

I first discovered this book through the SFF Insiders Discord Server. The plot and the nods to 90s/00s comedies is what made me pick this up, and it was a really comforting read. If you liked Euro Trip, Paul, or any such buddy comedies/road trip comedy films, you’ll love The Wrong Stop!

Read my full review on SFF Insiders.

Current Read as of 30 June 2024:

I did mention a few times that I’m making my way through the last of the Cosmere books in preparation for Stormlight 5. And after the last two books, I really wanted something comforting that I was sure I was going to enjoy. Rhythm of War was the obvious choice, and so far I’m really enjoying it. If I finish this on time, I’m sure I’ll be done with all the Cosmere books before Wind and Truth is released!

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Finally,

If you’ve made it this far, thank you for reading! I hope my reviews and thoughts help you decide your next read. Writing these reviews (both the short versions as well as the longer posts) has been a very rewarding experience, especially since I’m working on my own.

Speaking of, my latest book, Abandoned by the Gods is OUT NOW!

The ebook is FREE to all my newsletter subscribers, so if you’d like to read it, subscribe to my newsletter! (I only send out one a month, unless I have any other major announcements to make.)

What did you read in June 2024? Let me know in the comments below!

Thank you, and have a great day!