To Read or Not to Read…That is the Rating
Do you rate the books you read? If so, do you have a handwritten record, or do you use an online platform, like Goodreads or Fable (my personal favorites)? I never used to rate books beyond, “I liked/loved it!” or “Eh, not for me.” But, in 2022, I began recording my ratings on Goodreads and marking the number of books I read in a year. This change has been motivational for my reading journey and helpful in assessing my overall enjoyment of the books I read. If you are interested in trying an online platform, I have been charmed by Fable this year because of the ability to give a book rating in 0.25 increments. Goodreads users know the struggle of giving a book a 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5-star rating when a book is sometimes a 3.5 or 4.25! I am a bit stingy in my ratings, but looking back on my April reads, there are four books I have given a 3.5 and above star rating. Here are my top reads of April and a couple of bonus titles I look forward to reading soon.
“The House at the Edge of Magic” by Amy Sparkes (3.5 rating)
This children’s fiction novel, originally published in 2021, was republished with an exclusive edition just this year. The title of this book immediately caught my attention and I breezed through it in one day. The story is about a young orphan girl, Nine, whose thieving leads her to a magical house that has been cursed by a witch. There are thrills and surprises, such as walking toilets, enchanted cupboards, and dangerous bat droppings – yes, you read that right! While the plot fell a little flat, the whimsy and silly humor made this a worthy read and captured my interest enough to eventually read the other three books in the series.
“Iron & Embers” by Helen Scheuerer (3.75 rating)
When I read this book, I was unaware it was the first title in a new series, occurring after “The Legends of Thezmarr” series. While it was not completely necessary to first read the previous series, I was slightly lost in the beginning and at minor moments throughout the book. When a new threat seeks to end the royals, Torj is assigned to protect Wren – much to the frustration of both characters. They journey to Drevenor, a deadly academy where the students are out for themselves, the professors will try to poison you as a classroom exercise, and revealing the secrets of the school could cost you your memories. If you are a fan of romantasy, forced proximity, slow-burn/high tension, an academy setting, and dangerous trials, this is the book for you!
“Sunrise on the Reaping” by Suzanne Collins (4.25 rating)
This is the second prequel to the “Hunger Games” series, and it was not disappointing. Heartbreaking? Most definitely. This book covers Haymitch’s experience in the 50th annual Hunger Games in Panem. The formula and themes of the original trilogy are all present – a dramatic reaping, infuriating parading of the District kids in front of wealthy sponsors, training, and the bloody action and danger of the games themselves. While familiar, this method worked well the first time around and I would say it worked again in this book. The backstory of familiar characters from the other “Hunger Games” books gives valuable insight into their future motivations in terms of plotting to overthrow the Capitol’s dictator, Snow. I am very excited for the 2026 film release of this book and hope to re-watch the other movies this year.
“Vicious” by V.E. Schwab (4.5 rating)
I went into this book blind, but quite enjoyed it from beginning to end. I do not even think I read a synopsis beforehand. Schwab writes in such a captivating way and is skilled in providing character development and unique storytelling. This book, for example, jumped back and forth in time where it felt like two different stories were happening at once, with discoveries and suspense in both timelines. Victor and Eli, old college roommates and best friends, are now archnemeses. In a world where gaining superpowers does not automatically lead to heroism and a time when allegiances are called into question…who is the hero and who is the villain? Schwab will have you questioning your decision throughout the book.
Bonus: “Two Twisted Crowns” by Rachel Gillig
The second title in “The Shepherd King” duology, this book is a dark and atmospheric fantasy that continues the story of Elspeth and Ravyn as they confront ancient magic, political intrigue, and the growing threat of a corrupted kingdom. Bound by curses and secrets, they must navigate love, sacrifice, and power to challenge a fate written long before their time. I am curious how Gillig will bring this series to an end.
Bonus: “Before the Coffee Gets Cold” by Toshikazu Kawaguchi
Sometimes, I put a book on hold and forget all about it. This book is an example of one of those times. However, check out the tagline. “In a small back alley of Tokyo, there is a café that has been serving carefully brewed coffee for more than one hundred years. Local legend says that this shop offers something else besides coffee—the chance to travel back in time.” A heart-warming, poignant, and somewhat mystical exploration of human relationships, regrets, love, and the concept of time. Was it this summary that caught my interest or my love of coffee? Who knows. Either way, I cannot wait to listen to this book on Libby!
What have been your top reads of the year? Have there been any 5-star books you absolutely loved? If so, let me know the next time you visit the library because I am looking for my first 5-star read of 2025. Yes, that is right. So far, none of the 36 books I have read since January have been worthy of a 5-star rating. As I mentioned earlier, I am stingy! However, in the end, the best books are not always the highest rated—they are the ones whose words linger long after the final page is turned and make you say, ‘just one more chapter’,… until 2 a.m.
Krista Kugler is the Children’s Services Librarian at the Fergus Falls Public Library