For whatever reason, spring always ends up being my worst reading season. It’s the time of year where I somehow keep picking up books that I end up DNF’ing, which definitely slows things down. Even so, I still read 9 novels and 2 comic book series this season—better than last year, when I barely read anything at all.
So today I go through everything I read this spring, sharing my thoughts, what worked (and what didn’t), and whether I’d actually recommend these books.
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- The Locked Door by Freida McFadden
- The Poppy War by R.F. Kuang
- Iron Gold by Pierce Brown
- A Wizard of Earthsea by Ursula K. le Guin
- The Maze Runner by James Dashner
- An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir
- Superman: Birthright #1-12by Mark Waid
- The Legend of Wonder Woman #1-5by Renae De Liz
- The Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren
- Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card
- Can You Keep a Secret by Sophie Kinsella
Thoughts: This was my first Frieda McFadden book, and I picked up The Locked Door during a reading slump, looking for something fast-paced and easy to get into… and that’s exactly what I got.
The twist was definitely the highlight for me. I didn’t see it coming, which made it great. That said, it felt more plot-driven than character-focused, so I never fully connected with the characters or felt deeply invested in them. It’s not something I’d revisit, but it was an entertaining, quick read that did its job.
Thoughts: I liked this book but I didn’t love it. There was something about it that didn’t fully click with me and I’m not sure what that was.
That said, I really appreciated the main character. I liked how ambitious, driven, and unapologetic she is about wanting power, even when she makes morally questionable choices. Her complexity and refusal to be traditionally likable made her feel refreshingly real, even when I wasn’t fully invested in the story itself.
Thoughts: Iron Gold took me two years to finally pick up, and I regret waiting so long because I loved it. The multiple POVs expand the story beyond the original trilogy, and makes it so much more intriguing seeing how these four separate characters lives intertwine.
It starts a little slow, but once it gets going, it’s hard to put down. The world feels bigger, the stakes feel higher, and I’m definitely not waiting another two years to read the next book.
Thoughts: A Wizard of Earthsea was a book I admired more than I enjoyed. Its introspective, character-focused approach didn’t fully click with me, as I tend to prefer more plot-driven fantasy. That said, the writing is beautiful and thoughtful, and I can absolutely see why it’s considered a classic.
Thoughts: The Maze Runner was a fun read, but I may be in the minority of preferring the movie adaptation. The characters felt less distinct than their film counterparts, and their constant frustration, while understandable, made it harder for me to connect with them. I also found some dialogue and scenes repetitive. Still, it’s easy to see why this became such a popular YA dystopian series, and I’m glad I finally read the original story.
Thoughts: I was hooked within the first few chapters of this book. It starts off intensely and throws you straight into the conflict. The world is dark, brutal, and unforgiving. You get two different POVs: one from a girl living under a ruthless regime, and another from a boy who serves it.
Thoughts: Superman: Birthright was my first comic, and while I went in expecting something closer to Smallville, I ended up really enjoying it on its own terms. As an introduction to Superman and comics in general, it was really easy to get into.
Thoughts: The Legend of Wonder Woman was the second superhero comics I picked up, and I really loved it. I love how it blends superhero storytelling with Greek mythology, giving the story a rich, mythic feel, and the artwork makes it even more enjoyable. It hooked me almost immediately, and it’s made Wonder Woman my favorite superhero to read about so far.
Thoughts: The Unhoneymooners has a fun premise, but I ultimately didn’t enjoy it. I struggle with the character dynamics, especially how often people dismiss Olive without much accountability.
Ethan also avoids dealing with his issues, brushing things off instead of confronting them, which creates a lot of unnecessary tension and frustration in their relationship. By the end of it, I was hoping for the characters to not get together, which is not usually something I think of while reading a romance novel.
Thoughts: This sci-fi classic was one I knew I had to read at least once. Going in, I expected something closer to a children’s novel, but it ended up being far more impactful than I anticipated. What surprised me most was how philosophical it is, exploring morality, manipulation, and the cost of war alongside its action-packed premise.
Beyond the Battle School training and military strategy, it digs into the emotional consequences of forcing children into violence and shaping them into weapons. Watching the characters grapple with what they’ve done and realize how deeply they’ve been manipulated made the story especially powerful.
Thoughts: I’ve been on a journey trying to find a romance book that I didn’t hate, and this was finally the one that converted me into a romance reader. I’ve always loved early 2000s rom-com movies, and I wanted to read something with similar vibes.
It has a funny premise, witty dialogue, and over-the-top messy situations that leave you wondering how the FMC is going to get out of this one.