First, Middle, and Last Impressions – February 2, 2022

I love taking a look at a book cover and description and then coming up with my own idea of what the book will be about. Sometimes I’m right, sometimes I’m so wrong it’s almost funny. So I’ve decided to launch myself off of WWW Wednesday, a bookish meme run by Sam@Taking on a World of Words, and write about my first, middle, and last impressions of each book I read.

The first impression is based solely on the cover and description. What do I think it will be about?

The middle impression is kind of a check-in on how the story is going about halfway through.

The last impression is my final thoughts on the book, what I’m left thinking.

I hope you have as much fun with this as I will!

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Muckrakers & Minotaurs by Rebecca Chastain – Fantasy

First Impression: This is the third in the trilogy and, considering I adored the first two books, I believe this will be another incredible story full of everything I love in this series: fantasy, mystery, magic, adorable creature companions, romance, and a heroine reminiscent of Nancy Drew.

Middle Impression: As I expected, this is an extremely enjoyable read. I love how Kylie’s personal and professional lives are colliding and how much is on the line for her, but my favorite part is just how much growth she’s being forced through.

Last Impression: Absolutely incredible! I don’t think it, both this book and the series, could end on a better note. Some things were expected, but others were delightful surprises.

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Butterfly Sisters by Jenny Hale – Women’s Fiction/Romance

First Impression: I’m expecting this to be a beautiful and heartwarming story of family and sisters.

Middle Impression: So far, I’m really finding myself identifying with Leigh. All of the character interactions really get to me in the best way possible and the way they dance around each other is brilliant and moving. I love the soft, sweet romance, but really enjoy how this story is focused on the family. Everything is perfectly balanced.

Last Impression: Absolute perfection! It’s my ideal women’s fiction kind of read, but the romance is never lost in the shuffle. It’s beautifully mature and showcases a truly honest story of family and sisterhood. This is sweet as honey and gorgeously Southern.

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The Masked City by Genevieve Cogman – Fantasy

First Impression: I’m not sure, but, based on the first and sixth books, I’m expecting a fairly fast-paced story with a mostly uncomplicated plot, but I think it’ll also be a lot of fun and maybe a little thrilling.

Middle Impression: As expected, it’s uncomplicated, but a lot of fun. I think I’m going to enjoy how Irene gets herself and Kai out of trouble.

Last Impression: A fun, if dangerous, romp through an alternate Venice. There was plenty of action to keep me engaged and the story moved quickly, which is what I’ve come to expect from this series, and I like how it keeps my attention as it’s not as complex and layered as my usual fantasy reads.

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Black Truffle & Spice by Mathis Bailey -Fiction, Romance

First Impression: I’m so excited for this one! It sounds like it’s full of diversity in so many ways and it has food AND it’s received praise from one of my new favorite women’s fiction authors who also writes books that make me seriously hungry and gets me into a cooking mood.

Middle Impression: It’s all about the food. There’s so much food. Even people are described using food terms, the way they smell, the way they move. I’m so hungry. This book has food, romance, and mystery, but all the story lines and character arcs are a little uneven with jumps that take my mind a minute to piece together and catch up on. I’m looking forward to how it’ll end, though.

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