a new love for books
I have always loved books. We had a hiatus in high school, but the love for stories and imagination and alternate realities has always been there. My taste has always been all over the place. I’ve read fiction, biographies, short stories, poetry. In college, I went through a phase of reading World War II stories.
I am also a big fan of reading goals. The past few years my goal has been 25 books per year and I usually fall short a little bit, getting to 18 or so every year. (Goodreads is by far the most superior social media) When I set my goal for this year, I did what I usually do, 25 books, a few books a month. I had no idea of the frenzy that was soon to be released inside me.
My first book of the year was Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros. I finished it in a matter of days and then read its sequel Iron Flame in one day. one day. this book is like 640 pages. I loved the series so much, I immediately read them again.
These little fantasy books lit a fire in me. A love for fantasy books I never knew I had. I have always loved fantasy but nothing on this level. After my second read through, the book hangover hit hard. I didn’t want to leave this world. I just wanted to exist in it. Luckily, many of my friends also love fantasy books and gave me many recommendations.
I then went on to finish my read goal for the year by mid march. As of today (March 28, 2024) I have read 30 books. All being fantasy/romantasy.
Some things I have learned that I love:
a good book boyfriend - if he is morally gray and has magic the better
enemies to lovers
unique worldbuilding
a shadow wielder (wink wink if you know you know)
slow building relationships
Take aways:
Sarah J Maas writes too many books
you won’t enjoy every book
it’s okay to shelf a book
some books are very poorly written
The following is all the books I have read:
Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros
Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros
Fourth Wing (again) by Rebecca Yarros
Iron Flame (again) by Rebecca Yarros
Court of Dragons and Crowns by G. Bailey
Court of Dragons and Vows by G. Bailey
The Serpent and the wings of night
Caraval by Stephanie Garber
Legendary by Stephanie Garber
Finale by Stephanie Garber
A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas
A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas
Court of Dragons and Ashes by G. Bailey
A Court of Wings and Ruin by Sarah J. Maas
The Ballad of Never after by Stephanie Garber
Once Upon a Broken Heart by Stephanie Garber
A Curse for True Love by Stephanie Garber
A Court of Frost and Starlight by Sarah J. Maas
One Dark Window by Rachel Gillig
Two Twisted Crowns by Rachel Gillig
A Court of Silver Flames by Sarah J. Maas
The Cruel Prince by Holly Black (reread)
The Wicked King by Holly Black (reread)
The Queen of Nothing by Holly Black (reread)
Lightlark by Alex Aster
Nightbane by Alex Aster
Powerless by Lauren Roberts
Stolen Heir by Holly Black
Prisoner’s Throne by Holly Black
The Veiled Kingdom by Holly Renee
Current Favorites:
Fourth Wing and Iron Flame
Powerless
Caraval series & Once Upon a Broken Heart Series
One Dark Window & Two Twisted Crowns