Books I Read • July 2025
Nothing but bangers after June's disasters. Dove deep into brutal war fantasy, enjoyed a debut with fresh takes on familiar tropes, and found books that gave me actual book hangovers. Six books, all winners.
July was a solid reading month with all 4- and 5-star reads! After June's brutal slog through mediocre series, I needed some quality books to restore my faith in fiction. I dove deep into R.F. Kuang's devastating war trilogy, discovered some new romantasy authors, and found a few hidden gems that reminded me why I love this genre. Sometimes the reading gods smile on you and deliver nothing but bangers. This was one of those months.
“The Poppy War” by R. F. Kuang (The Poppy War #1) ★★★★★
This whole series was 5 stars for me. Rin's evolution from war school student to shaman was brutal and compelling. Magic system came with brutal trade-offs. Sino-Japanese war parallels sometimes too literal but I enjoyed the non-Western fantasy setting.“The Dragon Republic” by R. F. Kuang (The Poppy War #2) ★★★★★
Rin becomes a war criminal, facing impossible choices. Political complexity deepens as Republic fragments. Gods and addiction intertwine in devastating ways. Characters stay true to their motivations. Brutal. Couldn't put it down.“The Burning God” by R. F. Kuang (The Poppy War #3) ★★★★★
Trilogy's devastating conclusion. Rin's final choices between genocide and defeat felt inevitable given her character arc. Historical elements are better balanced with fantasy in this book. This is fantasy at its best, conveying logic and truth, heartbreak and hope.“Psycho Shifters” by Jasmine Mas (Cruel Shifterverse #1) ★★★★
Same Jasmine Mas formula as Blood of Hercules: abused girl thrust into sexually charged training with gigantic violent men as mentors/love interests. I thought the formula worked better here. Not high literature but dark, twisted, page-turning. Does what it sets out to do.“Metal Slinger” by Rachel Schneider (Fire & Metal #1) ★★★★
Solid debut novel. Brynn discovers magic when she touches land for the first time, forbidden romance follows. This one plays with expectations, lulls you with familiar tropes then throws a curveball. Enjoyed it, will read the next one.“Shield of Sparrows” by Denver Perry (Shield of Sparrows #1) ★★★★★
The "wrong princess" Odessa is thrust into arranged marriage and political intrigue. Perfect world-building balance. Flawed but genuine FMC. Mix of predictable and blindsiding twists was perfect.
