DECEMBER 2022 Monthly Spotlight

‘Tis the season to celebrate our 2022 reading achievements! Whether you have surpassed your reading goals or have not read a single book, there is always something to celebrate. Celebrate the great reads, the books you never finished, the many books added to your To Be Read (TBR) shelf – everything! For more to celebrate, below are some promising new releases to add to your reading challenge or TBR:

THE BRIDGE KINGDOM by Danielle L. Jensen

The world-building is undeniably unique. The kingdoms, the bridge, the politics – all these are not only fascinating but are all presented relatively simply. Through this, Danielle smoothly avoids the dreaded info dump often seen in fantasy books while still creating a vivid world. I must also acknowledge the large amount of tension that builds gradually throughout the story. Although I was frustrated with the events driving this tension, it did keep me invested in the story and eager for the inevitable train wreck.

A PHO LOVE STORY by Loan Le

The simple writing is easy to follow and enjoyable, but it is not hugely striking or engaging. Even the alternating points of view between the two main characters fail to add much to the story as information is often summarised and repeated with each narrative switch. What I loved was the slight integration of the Vietnamese language. This is just one of the many ways Loan Le shows that she is unapologetically proud of her culture, and I was here for it!