Favorite Summer 2023 Reads From the BAMTP Community
As our BAMTP Summer Reading Challenge comes to a close this month, I thought it’d be fun to ask YOU, the BAMTP community members, to share some of your favorite reads from this summer and what you’d recommend. These submissions definitely added to my already impossibly long TBR list. You’ll find their recommendations below, as well as links to their preferred Booktok or Bookstagram if they shared them, so you can find some new people to connect with! What’s your favorite read this summer? Drop it in the comments.
Starling House by Alix E. Harrow
Publication Date: October 3rd, 2023
Recommended by Kameryn F. (Follow her on TikTok)
What she has to say about this ARC:
“I know it’s not officially out yet, but I read it in summer and beyond Fourth Wing and Divine Rivals it sits at the top of my list. The writing is masterful, and the story is riveting. From the eery small-town gothic fairytale to the richness of our main characters, Starling House captivated me fully. To carry such a weight as this story does, Alix does a great job of balancing deep grief, haunting tragedy, and down right snarky humor. I hope readers this Fall choose to join Opal and Arthur in Starling House and unveil the curse-ridden town of Eden, Kentucky. P.S. It’s a HOUSE BOOK, shenanigans will commence!”
The Stardust Thief by Chelsea Abdullah
Recommended by Maddie M.
What she has to say about this book:
“I loved the setting (Middle-Eastern inspired) and the magic relics. The characters were very compelling and interesting. Some fun tropes are secret royalty and secret identities.”
Yumi and the Nightmare Painter by Brandon Sanderson
Regular Publication Date: October 3rd, 2023
Recommended by Lauren S. (Follow her on TikTok)
What she has to say about this book:
“Absolutely devoured the third secret project; between Cosmere fan-favorite character cameos, creativity as the driving force behind the magic, the artwork, and the adorable forced proximity star crossed lovers romance arc I literally have not shut up about this book.”
Red, White and Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston
Recommended by Kristen B. (Follow her on Instagram)
What she has to say about this book:
“I love the story didn’t shy away from a main characters had a mental health and it was not the only thing about them. Also dealt with expectations that are placed on a person and what they actually want.”
The Ninth Rain by Jen Williams
Recommended by Leesa J. (Follow them on TikTok)
What they have to say about this book:
“The characters are absolutely amazing and the world building is great. Strong female characters who feel relatable. A crazy mix of elements which shouldn't work but absolutely do!”
A Strange and Stubborn Endurance by Foz Meadows
Recommended by Kristen B. (Follow her on Instagram)
What she has to say about this book:
“I loved the arrange marriage trop in this.
It's a book about healing after a trauma.
There is mystery, politics and there are characters that fall in love fast and hard.
It will make you smile and cry and believe in love and trust, and self worth.”
Divine Rivals by Rebecca Ross
Recommended by Ashley W. (hey, that’s me!)
What I have to say about this book:
“I am BEGGING everyone to read this gorgeous book. The beautiful writing, the slow burn romance, and magical typewriters. I completely fell in love with this story, and it’s one of my top reads of the entire year. You can check my full spoiler free review here.”
Nettle & Bone by T. Kingfisher
Recommended by YEP, me again! :)
What I have to say about this book:
“If you like a fairytale retelling that’s a little in the vein of Ishiguro, T.H. White, Katherine Arden, and Margaret Owen (but not quite as snarky), read this! Bone dog is my fave. That is all. Ok, but honestly this has the best band of misfits, and such lovable characters.”
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P.S. If you end up getting a copy of any books through an Amazon affiliate link above, you’ll be helping me support this site and newsletter. Thanks in advance for supporting a fellow bookworm! BTW, I will always disclose affiliate links when they’re present. :) Happy reading!