Kickin’ It is a feature at The Bucket List where I round-up the whole month in one post, bringing you reviews you may have missed, other awesome bookish things, and even what I’m currently obsessed with in other media besides books. July was okay for me. I went out and did quite a few things this month, including seeing Anastasia on Broadway which was magnificent! However, as far as reading goes, it was my worst month this year I think. I read 8 books in total but none were mind-blowing; however, I did come across a few gems that made me smile. Here's my wrap-up:


Jackaby by William Ritter: I actually wasn't planning on reading this book for awhile. However, I seemed to be focusing more on shorter reads this month because I could feel a slump coming on. Jackaby brings some fun entertainment in a small package, totaling at 299 pages. It was just what I needed to get back in the swing of things. Jackaby can be closely compared to Sherlock who works on supernatural cases. Filled with action and fun, this book will leave you in laughing fits.



Heir to the Sky by Amanda Sun (4 stars): Amanda Sun’s Heir to the Sky was beautifully-written and wonderfully romantic. Fans of Soundless by Richelle Mead and Sun’s previous series will be sure to fall off the edge of the floating continents to experience the journey with Kali and Griffin.

The Bone Queen by Alison Croggon (3 stars): If you love classic high fantasy like Lord of the Rings and The Chronicles of Narnia, you will love this series.

And I Darken by Kiersten White (2 stars): And I Darken was, unfortunately, not the book for me. The beautiful writing paired with elaborate world building seamlessly carved a place inside my heart. However, the unlikable characters and endless talk of politics made it impossible to love.

Run by Kody Keplinger (3 stars): Despite the fantastic writing, the slow plot which only flows through character development does not make for an awesome read. I recommend skipping this one and giving The DUFF another reread.



Beastly Bones by William Ritter (9/22/15): Jackaby was my favorite book this month. And I knew it was a series but I didn't know it was ongoing. The fourth book in the series releases soon so I definitely want to catch up on all Jackaby's adventures, starting with this sequel, Beastly Bones.

The Gentleman's Guide to Vice and Virtue by Mackenzi Lee (6/27/17): I've been hearing a lot of amazing things about this one. I received it in my first-ever OwlCrate box and I cannot wait to read it. The book sounds like a fun, hilarious read about a year-long trip abroad and the misadventures that ensue. If you are curious what else came in the fabulous OwlCrate box, my unboxing is below.

Tell Me Three Things by Julie Buxbaum (4/5/16): I've decided that I don't read nearly enough contemporary during the summer and what better way to change that by picking out a few that sound interesting. Jessie is struggling through high school but when she receives a message online from a mysterious screen name who offers to help her out, she accepts.



Reunited by Colleen Houck (8/8/17): Colleen Houck wowed me with Reawakened, a girl finds a lost Egyptian Prince in the middle of New York City and must help him find his brothers to save the world from the pending darkness. The sequel that followed could have been so much better but I still have high hopes for the third and final book in the series, Reunited.

The Dire King by William Ritter (8/22/17): I realize that much of this wrap-up is me gushing over this series. Jackaby was such a short and thrilling book. The forth and final book in the series releases soon and I hope the detective's adventures just keep getting better with each book.

Sparks of Light by Janet B. Taylor (8/1/17): I've read this one already so it isn't an anticipated read for me. However, it definitely should be on your TBR because it is fantastic. This is the sequel to Taylor's 2016 debut, Into the Dim, a time traveling adventure set in Scotland *swoon*.




I started the month off right with much-awaited tickets to the Broadway show, Anastasia which turned out to be as magnificent as I knew it would be. In movies, I was able to see the new Despicable Me movie which was super cute but the first one still remains my favorite. And I watched Kong: Skull Island which I found star-studded and incredibly action packed. I had plans to watch the TV series about William Shakespeare on TNT, titled Will but kept missing it so hopefully, I can find it somewhere.