Hello, lovelies! I thought, after my last post, it would be fitting to share a list of my favorite books. This list is honestly subject to change at any point depending on my mood, but this might give you some insight into my reading taste. Also, some of these are 100% on this list for nostalgia reasons.
Looking for Alaska by John Green This book will always make all of my favorite book lists because it came to me at a time in my life when I needed it. I believe this book had a part in saving my younger self. So, I will always read it with love.
For the Wolf by Hannah Whitten This is actually a new favorite. I read it last year and then again just before the sequel was released. I loved it even more after reading it a second time. For the Throne was, somehow, even better.
Skyward by Brandon Sanderson There’s something about this series that just gives me exactly the escapism that I’m searching for when diving into a story. Sanderson really brings you into the world and makes you love the characters.
Aru Shah and the End of Time by Roshani Chokshi I just really, really love this series. I cannot wait until my daughter is willing to read longer books with me so that we can read this series together.
The Gilded Wolves by Roshani Chokshi This whole series is my favorite. I love Chokshi’s writing. I would die for these characters.
King of Scars by Leigh Bardugo I’m total trash for the Grishaverse but the Nikolai duology is by far my favorite of all the books in this universe.
Red Rising by Pierce Brown There’s just something about this series and these characters that live in my brain every day.
All the Bad Apples by Moira Fowley-Doyle I feel like this book just really impacted me emotionally. It’s one of the first physical books I read in one sitting after having my first child. It also made me cry.
Beartown by Fredrik Backman Speaking of books that made me cry, this book destroyed me. I can’t wait to read it again.
The Demon King by Cinda Williams Chima I got into fantasy with this series. It also still holds up as an excellent YA fantasy series (plus there’s a four-book spin-off series. That’s eight new books to add to your tbr!)
Queen of Shadows by Sarah J. Maas I love this series with my whole heart, but this is my favorite book in the series.
The Bone Season by Samantha Shannon I don’t talk about this series nearly as much as I should. But every time I reread it, I’m reminded of how much I love these characters and their gritty world.
Almost Favorites
One Last Stop by Casey McQuiston Iron Widow by Xiran Jay Zhao A Psalm for the Wild-Built by Becky Chambers You Deserve Each Other by Sarah Hogle The Once and Future Witches by Alix E. Harrow The Ten Thousand Doors of January by Alix E. Harrow The Starless Sea by Erin Morgenstern Furyborn by Claire Legrand
I also have these books, listed above as my ‘almost favorites’. These are all books that I’ve only read once, but I think upon a reread they have high potential to move their way onto my favorites list. I do plan to reread a few of these in the next few months, so maybe I’ll do an update of this toward the end of the year.
Summary: Bryce Quinlan and Hunt Athalar are trying to get back to normal―they may have saved Crescent City, but with so much upheaval in their lives lately, they mostly want a chance to relax. Slow down. Figure out what the future holds. The Asteri have kept their word so far, leaving Bryce and Hunt alone. But with the rebels chipping away at the Asteri’s power, the threat the rulers pose is growing. As Bryce, Hunt, and their friends get pulled into the rebels’ plans, the choice becomes clear: stay silent while others are oppressed, or fight for what’s right. And they’ve never been very good at staying silent. In this sexy, action-packed sequel to the #1 bestseller House of Earth and Blood, Sarah J. Maas weaves a captivating story of a world about to explode―and the people who will do anything to save it.
Review: I’m genuinely not sure how I’m supposed to talk about my feelings regarding House of Sky and Breath outside of “holy fucking shit.” Normally, I would have powered through an exciting new release like this, pushing aside all other responsibilities. But I just had a baby, so my newborn obviously was my priority. Let me tell you, it’s not easy reading an 800-page book while feeding a baby. House of Sky and Breath follows the same characters we came to know and love from the first book, plus a few more that play a bigger role in this sequel. I really liked the way that it was written. It’s written in the third person, so we follow along with a few different characters getting to see a wider view than just the main character’s perspective. I think it really allowed the world to be opened up more. I really loved learning more about the world. I thought that the bits of history about Midgard that we learned were absolutely fascinating and definitely made certain mysterious plot lines more engaging. Also, I’m absolutely dying to know more about the gates and how they work after that big reveal at the end. The characters were absolutely what made this story for me. While I was engaged by the plot of the book and the adventures these characters went on, I was mostly here for the character development and the relationships. I would die for Bryce and Hunt. This book was pretty steamy when it came to the sex scenes. I actually really liked that Maas included more than just “traditional” sex. There were a lot of emotional challenges for both Bryce and Hunt in this book that I thought was really interesting. But most of all, I was excited to see more about Bryce’s other relationships. Her slowly healing relationship with her brother, Ruhn, especially. I loved seeing them train together and come to rely on one another. I also really liked that Ruhn got his own plot points for the book. I enjoyed his involvement in furthering the plot just as much as what Bryce and Hunt were doing. Overall, I loved this book. That’s it really. And it’s no big surprise that I loved it.
Summary: Nesta Archeron has always been prickly-proud, swift to anger, and slow to forgive. And ever since being forced into the Cauldron and becoming High Fae against her will, she’s struggled to find a place for herself within the strange, deadly world she inhabits. Worse, she can’t seem to move past the horrors of the war with Hybern and all she lost in it. The one person who ignites her temper more than any other is Cassian, the battle-scarred warrior whose position in Rhysand and Feyre’s Night Court keeps him constantly in Nesta’s orbit. But her temper isn’t the only thing Cassian ignites. The fire between them is undeniable, and only burns hotter as they are forced into close quarters with each other. Meanwhile, the treacherous human queens who returned to the Continent during the last war have forged a dangerous new alliance, threatening the fragile peace that has settled over the realms. And the key to halting them might very well rely on Cassian and Nesta facing their haunting pasts. Against the sweeping backdrop of a world seared by war and plagued with uncertainty, Nesta and Cassian battle monsters from within and without as they search for acceptance-and healing-in each other’s arms.
Review: Okay, after finishing this 700+ page book, I have so many thoughts and feelings. But I think that I am going to write this review similarly to how I reviewed Kingdom of Ash. I am going to break this up into sections of things I liked and didn’t like. Then maybe a few overall thoughts. I want to start that I read this entire book within 24 hours. Once I started, I just could not put it down. I also want to say that I rated this book 4 stars. The things that I didn’t like are specifically what made me lower my rating. So, lets get into it!
What I Liked:
I loved Nesta. I would 100% die for her. I want her to turn her gaze on me and say terribly mean things. I want to sit with her, Gwyn, and Emerie and read in the House of Wind. I think her character growth was really well done. She’s full of anger and self-loathing, but we get to see her pull herself out of that with some help from the other characters.
The House of Wind was my favorite character. As much as I loved Nesta in this one, the House takes the cake for me. I couldn’t help but smile and feel comforted every time the House did or didn’t listen to Nesta. I also loved the why behind the House’s behavior.
Gwym and Emerie are two women that, like Nesta, have been through some shit. But they don’t know all the details of Nesta’s past and they show her kindness when Nesta doesn’t feel like she deserves it. Seeing the blossoming friendship of these three was absolutely one of the best aspects of this story.
Along with the above point, I really liked that Nesta wasn’t just absorbed into the Inner Circle. She made her own friends, her own found family, her own inner circle. The love they had for one another was wholesome as fuck and I loved it.
The stairs. I feel like I have to mention the stairs. I don’t know who made 10k stairs to get into the House of Wind but it’s fucking illogical and I hate it. But I also couldn’t help but love what those stairs did for Nesta by the end of the book. They became more than the thing trapping her in the House of Wind. She made those stairs her bitch. She down them again and again, making more progress every time she tried. I think they were an interested outlet for her to not think, or to think, or to work out aggression. A friend said “Nest is the true stairmaster” and she’s damn right.
The worldbuilding was another thing I really enjoyed. We get to learn some new things about The Prison. We go back to the Middle and learn some history about that. We learn history about the creatures that were in power before they Fae. I thought all of this was done well and without just dumping new information on us.
Along with the worldbuilding, I was to specifically mention the Valkyrie. I loved the research that Gwyn was doing and how that research was incorporated into the girls’ training. I loved the idea and the history of the Valkyrie and I hope to see more about this.
Nesta’s backstory was filled in some. In the original trilogy, we learn about Nesta and Elain from Feyre’s perspective. But we don’t really learn much about what things were like before they were poor. With Nesta, we learn more about the Archeron’s mother and how horrible she was. I think this backstory for Nesta was so important to her character and really filled in details of why she behaved the way she has for so long.
I’m torn between liking and being disappointed by the fact that there wasn’t really a huge reconciliation between the three Archeron sisters. I liked that there wasn’t because that sort of forgiveness will take time to heal, time for them to figure out a new sort of relationship for them. But also, I just want everyone to love each other.
I also liked that while Feyre and Rhysand are obviously in this story, I feel like we got enough that the story didn’t feel like it was actually about them. (Aside from one thing that a friend pointed out which I will mention in the things that I didn’t like.) Their involvement in the story was mostly minimal, aside from a bit of pushing the plot forward. But these moments where they’re pushing the plot forward by giving orders and what not make sense because Nesta and Cassian are members of the Night Court, which makes Feyre and Rhysand their rulers. So, they obviously must follow the orders of their rulers.
I think the way that Maas showed Nesta struggling was done beautifully. At times, it was almost painful to read through the parts where Nesta is really struggling. At one point, her and Cassian are hiking through the woods and that scene had me sobbing for her. I think Nesta’s internal struggle was so powerful. Seeing her grow and work through all of those feelings was an honor.
Finally, Nesta and Cassian are the couple of my dreams. Maas really stepped up her game in terms of the sex scenes. I liked that they toyed with one another. I liked that at the same time, they were almost toying with themselves. They both were filled with so much lust for one another that they couldn’t control it. But despite that, they didn’t immediately have sex. The blowjob scene was excellent. There was build up to them finally having sex and I think that was done so well.
Things I Didn’t Like:
I didn’t like Rhysand. It breaks my heart to write that because I loved him with my whole heart in the first three books. But he was a bit reminiscent of Tamlin at times in this book and I really didn’t like it. There were medical concerns that he (and everyone else) kept from Feyre and that really upset me. The whole shield thing honestly just made me feel a little icky. I also think he was so horrible to Nesta for no good reason. He continues to be horrible even after he sees into her mind, experiences her trauma alongside her. I just didn’t like him and that was very upsetting.
The second thing I didn’t like had to do with the ending. Nesta does something to save someone and it was really reminiscent of another one of her characters. I didn’t like it in that book either. I’m trying not to spoil, so, I’ll just say that I didn’t think it was necessary for her to do this specific thing. I think the choice that Nesta made will have repercussions in the coming books and I’m interested to see what they are but mad about it still.
Nesta learned to train and all of that, but I feel like she never really learned about her magic. She’s filled with Silver Fire which means something but I feel like it was only briefly explained and we didn’t really get to delve into it. I sort of understand because Nesta didn’t want to use her magic. But she did lots of things she didn’t want to in this book. I would have liked to see a bit more exploration of her magic.
Now, I mentioned above about Feyre and Rhysand being involved in this book. I want to say that I didn’t like how they were essentially the only reason there was a plot. It makes sense because they’re the rulers. But I feel like it would have been better for Nesta to be doing all of the things she did for herself (after that initial push for her to train with Cassian and work in the library) but instead she only tried to scry again because Feyre and Rhysand needed her to. I feel like they were in control of everything Nesta did and I didn’t like that. The same friend that pointed this out also mentioned that it could be looked at like Nesta was doing this for her family, but at this point, Nesta didn’t give a shit about her family. She didn’t have the same motivations of protecting Elain because she felt like an outsider. So, I didn’t like that Feyre and Rhys were basically the reason that Nesta did most of the things that she did.
I also didn’t like how little we saw of Mor. Morrigan is one of my favorites and she was basically absent from this book with minimal explanation of what she was doing. I’m sure this was on purpose because I believe she’s getting her own book as well. But I need more Mor content in my life.
Overall Thoughts:
I enjoyed this book. I’ve been in a reading slump, so being able to devour this book in one day felt so good. But also, it made my reading slump worse because what the hell do I read after this that can compare? I think many people were disappointed that the plot in this book was minimal, but I actually liked that. I think it was a great way to build up to whatever is going to happen in the next books. I don’t know how I would place this in my order of favorites for the series, but I definitely would die for Nesta. I love her and understand her so much better after this book.
GoodReads Summary:
Bryce Quinlan had the perfect life—working hard all day and partying all night—until a demon murdered her closest friends, leaving her bereft, wounded, and alone. When the accused is behind bars but the crimes start up again, Bryce finds herself at the heart of the investigation. She’ll do whatever it takes to avenge their deaths.
Hunt Athalar is a notorious Fallen angel, now enslaved to the Archangels he once attempted to overthrow. His brutal skills and incredible strength have been set to one purpose—to assassinate his boss’s enemies, no questions asked. But with a demon wreaking havoc in the city, he’s offered an irresistible deal: help Bryce find the murderer, and his freedom will be within reach.
As Bryce and Hunt dig deep into Crescent City’s underbelly, they discover a dark power that threatens everything and everyone they hold dear, and they find, in each other, a blazing passion—one that could set them both free, if they’d only let it. Review:
How do I even talk about this book? I’m undecided about whether or not I want to talk spoilers, so I shall start off spoiler-free and if I feel like I can’t get my thoughts across well enough I will clearly label when/if I start to talk about spoilers.
To start off, the world this is set in was a little confusing. It was unclear if it was supposed to be Earth in 15k years, and if it is Earth, are all of the continents in the same place? I was just a bit confused with the combination of fantasy with modern elements. Despite this, I really enjoyed the combination of fantasy and modern society. I thought it was really interesting to see modern technology within this fantasy world.
Let’s get into the characters. I loved Bryce. She’s a girl that presents herself in one way, a party girl. Everyone so easily believes that of her, underestimates her and I loved it. I loved her proving them all wrong. She loved fiercely and having lost her best friend, she’s just not okay. I adored her relationship with Danika. I loved the fledgling relationship with Connor and was totally devastated at their outcome. I loved how Danika’s journey was brought full circle.
Now, Hunt. He’s an interesting one. I feel like we didn’t get all of his history. We learned about his role in the Angel rebellion and I’m totally here for a man that fights for the right thing. I liked that he’s not perfect. Maas manages to write wonderfully damaged men that are so easy to love. I really enjoyed Bryce and Hunt getting to know one another past the party girl and the governor’s henchman.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book and I have a feeling the series is only going to get better (it seems to be the trend with Maas’s books.) I’m hoping she doesn’t follow the trend of changing the love interest because I really like Hunt and Bryce together. I thought the world was interesting and I’m excited to learn more about it.
Summary:
The Final Battle is here.
Aelin Galathynius has vowed to save her people-but at a tremendous cost. Locked within an iron coffin by the Queen of the Fae, Aelin must draw upon her fiery will as she endures months of torture. The knowledge that yielding to Maeve will doom those she loves keeps her from breaking, but her resolve is unraveling with each passing day…
With Aelin captured, friends and allies are scattered to different fates. Some bonds will grow even deeper, while others will be severed forever. As destinies weave together, at last, all must fight is Erilea is to have any hope of salvation.
Years in the making, Sarah J. Maas’s New York Times bestselling Throne of Glass series draws to an explosive conclusion as Aelin fights to save herself-and the promise of a better world. Review:
If you’re looking for a series to completely and utterly destroy your soul, look no further. This conclusion to the Throne of Glass series was one of the most emotional rollercoasters I’ve ever ridden. This 900+ page BRICK had me laughing, crying, yelling, whirling through all of the emotions ever. I honestly am not even sure how I’m going to write this review. I think I’m just going to keep it short and to the point. There were things I liked, things I loved and things I didn’t like.
Things I liked:
The alternating perspectives. I liked getting to see everything that was happening all over the world. All of the pieces we’d seen put in motion were coming together little by little and it was great. I’m a huge fan of having multiple perspectives in fantasy stories. While many thought it was too many perspectives, I liked it. I liked following the story from all the different characters I’ve come to love so much.
The pacing. I think the story was paced in a realistic way. All too often crazy things happen in stories and somehow it all takes place in one day or week. Months have gone by since the ending of Empire of Storms/ Tower of Dawn and many more go by before the ending of the book. I liked this because it’s realistic and makes sense. It takes time for armies to move across oceans and continents. Wars aren’t won or lost overnight.
Things I loved:
Aelin, the whole time. She was strong when she needed to stay strong and she broke down when it was (mostly) a good time for her to lose her shit. And yes, it was absolutely heartbreaking seeing her lose her shit in the way that she did. I loved that she was suffering from PTSD and sorting through her emotions and mostly just kind of trying to keep her shit together. This was realistic and it’s (thankfully) becoming more common to talk about and show the characters dealing with their trauma instead of just suddenly being okay again. Aelin has grown so much throughout this series. It was interesting seeing her (mostly) fully developed character making the tough decisions, doing what’s best not for herself but for her kingdom.
Fenrys. I loved getting to know him further. I adored his relationship with Aelin. They supported one another through their own versions of the same trauma. We see him go through some really hard shit at the same time that Aelin is going through her own really hard shit, but they do their best to support one another through it in whatever way they can. They also support each other after they’ve escaped because they know what happened and don’t need to talk about it to support the other.
Rowan was another character that I love. It was almost just as hard to see him dealing with losing Aelin than it was to see Aelin going through what Maeve did to her. After they find one another again I liked that he didn’t push her. He knows she’s been through something unimaginable and he gives her space to process but makes sure she knows that he’s here when she’s ready.
Dorian was an actual savage. He’s changed probably the most in these books. He was a (mostly) carefree Prince that slept with girls and did whatever he wanted to in the first book and now he’s a King with the weight of the world on his shoulders. He really goes above and beyond to do his part in this book. I’m happy we got so many Dorian chapters. There were definitely a few places that had me yelling at him. (Or texting The Bookish Chick saying shit like, “EW DORIAN,” and “OH SHIT DORIAN. SLICK AF.”) But I loved Dorian the most in this final book.
Things I didn’t like:
Okay, I’m going to try to be intentionally super vague because I don’t want to give too much away about specific events. There were several characters that cared for another in previous books and still love them, but due to one action or choice made by the one, they love there is conflict. There is more than one character that tells their love interest that they’ve done something unforgivable, ending their fledgling relationship. This happened with more than one couple. Various characters are harsh and mean, sometimes too harsh in my opinion, to their love interest until said love interest finds themselves in serious danger. Suddenly the characters realize that the unforgivable action might actually be forgivable because they actually do still love their love interest. I hope this makes sense. It likely will to those that have already finished reading Kingdom of Ash, but I’m sorry if it’s confusing. I didn’t like this because it seemed like a cop-out. the character that did something wrong didn’t earn trust back, they did nothing to deserve forgiveness. It was a fast way to have some resolution before the big climax before the end of the book.
I also am very very sad to say that I didn’t like Aedion in this final book. He was mostly an asshole until close to the end of the story and I didn’t like his chapters. I liked him a little bit by the end, but only because of his actions during the war. Honestly, I’m super salty that I didn’t like him so I don’t even want to talk about it anymore.
The really really heartbreaking parts. They were horrible. I can understand some heartbreak that has a point. Like, sure destroy me, but do it with a purpose. The heartbreak that occurred in this book I feel was weak. I’m not sure how to explain why without spoilers so I’m not going to. I’m just going to say that I think what Sarah did to us was NOT needed and could have been avoided.
Finally, I didn’t like the very end. Again, I’m going to be vague so I don’t give too much away. There wasn’t anything wrong with the ending perse. I just would have preferred an epilogue with a ‘ten years later’ kind of idea. I want to know where our characters end up instead of the ending we were left with. It was an okay ending, left us with a sense of everyone getting ready to heal themselves and rebuild the world, but I’m a girl that wants a ‘ten years later’ blurb.
So overall, I loved this book. As I mentioned above, it a 900+ page BRICK and I somehow read it in TWO DAYS. I FLEW through the story. I just couldn’t get enough. Because I put off reading this conclusion for a month when I finally decided I was ready for Sarah to destroy my soul I just couldn’t stop reading until I was completely deceased. Part of me is really glad this series is finally over, so these characters can come to a close but also so Sarah can write other things and destroy us in other ways. But I’m sad because my journey with these characters that I’ve become so invested in and grew to love so much (even the ones I didn’t love) is really actually finally coming to an end.
Keep on reading lovelies, Amanda
*Want to buy this book? Just click the image of the book cover! As Amazon Affiliates we will get a percentage of any purchase, feel free to support us.
Summary:
Chaol Westfall and Nesryn Faliq have arrived in the shining city of Antica to forge an alliance with the Khagan of the Southern Continent, whose vast armies are Erelia’s last hope. But they have also come to Antica for another purpose: to seek healing at the famed Torre Cesme for the wounds Chaol received in Rifthold.
After enduring unspeakable horrors as a child, Irene Towers has no desire to help the young lord from Ararlan, let alone heal him. Yet she has sworn an oath to assist those in need-and will honor it. But Lord Westfall carries shadows from his own past, and Irene soon comes to realize they could engulf them both.
In the sweeping parallel novel to the New York Times bestselling Empire of Storms, Chaol, Nesryn, and Irene will have to draw on every scrap of their resilience if they wish to save their friends. But while they become entangled in the political webs of the khaganate, deep in the shadows of the mighty mountains where warriors soar on legendary runs, long awaited answers slumber. Answers that might offer their world a chance at survival-or doom them all… Review:
Once again, Sarah J. Maas has completely blown me away. As I’ve mentioned in my previous reviews, I am rereading this series because the final book, Kingdom of Ash has recently been released and once a series is complete I really like to read the whole series over so I’m not forgetting any details. I’m super glad I chose to do this because there were SO many things that surprised me in Tower of Dawn that I had completely forgotten about. Like HUGE details and plot twists that I didn’t remember in the least.
“I stood on the the wrong side of the line for too damn long, and it cost me everything.”
So, I loved this book. It honestly makes me sad that there are so many negative opinions about this book because I really just loved it so much. I understand that Chaol is not the most well loved character in this series, but I still love him. He may have not reacted to some things with Aelin in the best ways, but he’s only human and people make mistakes. This book had so much character development for Chaol. He really started to realize that he’s kind of been a jackass and maybe he should have done things a little differently. He is still always trying to be the honorable Chaol that we knew in the first book, but doesn’t always succeed. I think that was the only thing I didn’t like about this book. He made promised to Nesryn and didn’t follow through with them and I didn’t care for that.
“And I am as much of a man in that chair, or with that cane, as I am standing on my feet.”
Nesryn was excellent in Tower of Dawn. I adored getting to see her with her relatives. It was clear how happy she was to be in Antica. I loved seeing her get to know and experience all of the things that are different from the life she’s used to, especially her adventures with Sartaq. I’m very interested to see where her story ends up at the end of this series.
“You must enter where you fear to tread.”
There were so many new things introduced in this book. It takes place on the Southern Continent, Antica. So we’re reading about a completely new place with a host of new faces. I loved Antica. Its traditions and customs are so different from life in the North so it was really interesting to learn about how life on the Southern Continent works and how life came to be that way. Antica is rich with history and I really loved the stories of how the khaganate became what it is today.
“But I also told him that the woman I love now plans to head into war. And I intend to follow her.”
Along with this new place were the new faces. First, Irene Towers (only sort of a new face) I was super excited to see her story mix with the characters we already knew. I am so satisfied with where Yrene was at the end of Tower of Dawn. I really couldn’t think of a better way for her story to end. I also cannot wait to see what’s going to happen with her in Kingdom of Ash.
“For wherever you need to go-and then some. The world needs more healers.”
The royal family was an interesting one. I don’t know how much I liked them because I love close knit families and I wouldn’t qualify them as one. Because of the way that succession works, it really doesn’t allow for the siblings to be close to one another. Don’t get me wrong, its clear that they love one another, just maybe not in the most traditional way. Again, I’m interested to see these characters interact with the characters we love that were absent from this story. I think the siblings each played an interesting part in this story, some more than others, and I’m still not totally sure if I liked them or not.
“Nothing valuable comes without a cost, boy.”
The story itself was great, full of character development. The characters learned much about themselves but they also learned much about the impending fight. The plot twists were super crazy. We learned some really important things and I’m amazed that I didn’t pick up the final book and stay up all night reading it. I don’t want to say anything else for fear of spoilers, but some of the things we learned had my jaw dropping even though I’ve read Tower of Dawn before. So, to those haters of Chaol, this book is still important to the series and you might just find yourself liking him by the last pages, so give it a try.
Keep on reading lovelies, Amanda.
*Want to buy this book? Just click the image of the book cover! As Amazon Affiliates we will get a percentage of any purchase, feel free to support us.
Summary:
Kingdoms will collide.
The long path to the throne has only just begun for Aelin Galathynius as war looms on the horizon. Loyalties have been broken and bought, friends have been lost as gained, and those who possess magic find themselves at off with those who don’t.
With her heart sworn to the warrior-prince by her side, and her fealty pledged to the people she’s determined to save, Aelin will delve into the depths of her power to protects those she loves. But as monsters emerge from the horrors of the past, and dark forces become poised to claim her world, the only chance for salvation will lie in a desperate quest that may mark the end of everything Aelin holds dear.
In the breathtaking fifth installment of the New York Times bestselling Throne of Glass series, Aelin will have to choose what-and who-to sacrifice if she’s to keep the world of Erilea from breaking apart. Review:
Way to rip my heart out of my chest Sarah J. Maas. As I’ve mentioned in my reviews of the previous books in this series, this is a reread for me. I’m reading the whole series again because apparently, I like the emotional pain that Maas puts us through. Check out my review for the last book, Queen of Shadows, HERE.
This book is killer and part of me just wants to skip rereading Tower of Dawn so I can finally get to Kingdom of Ash. The way Empire of Storms ended really just broke my heart, talk about a freaking plot twist.
I think my favorite part of this book was definitely getting to see the characters really develop their relationships with one another. There’s not so much development on themselves, but on their interactions with one another.
“She was not a rebel princess, shattering enemy castles and killing kings. She was a force of nature. She was a calamity and a commander of immortal warriors of legend.”
Aelin and Rowan went so much further into the seriousness of their relationship. I still adore both of the characters. Aelin is really filling in the role of Queen. She always has plans going on, even if she’s the only one that knows that plan. We get to know a bit more about Rowan in this story. But overall we see them develop more as one, together.
“Even when this world is a forgotten whisper of dust between the stars, I will love you.”
Aedion is still excellent. I really liked seeing him come to terms with certain things and find his proper place in Aelin’s court. I loved watching his friendship grow with Lysandra. I love that they’re both sassy and seeing that sass collide was always great. I enjoyed watching Lysandra grow and figure out who she is and her confidence in herself was excellent.
I’m happy that Dorian played a bigger part in this book, but I feel like he was still mostly in the background. Though he was trying to learn about himself and his abilities and he definitely was spending time trying to figure out who he was now that he had this new role to fill. His interactions with Manon were my absolute favorite.
“It’s not such a hard thing, is it-to die for your friends.”
Manon definitely changed the most in these pages. Her whole world changed and she did her best to just go along with it, though she did cause a fair bit of that change. I loved her and Dorian talking because Dorian really comes out of his shell and seems like his old self. Manon challenges him in ways that I love. I also absolutely adore her relationship with Abraxsos. He’s the cutest but also pretty scary. I love the changes he’s sort of inspired in Manon.
“You and me,” she promised him. “From now until the Darkness claims us.”
I really really loved Elide in this book. She shows us her claws. She doesn’t take shit from anyone. She has a backbone and isn’t afraid to show it, even to those who she really just has no chance against fighting. She finds herself in some not so great situations but manages to get out of them. She shows that she’s loyal and honorable until the very end.
“I have no lands, no money, no army to offer Aelin Galathynius. But I will find her-and help her in whatever way I can.”
I really liked Empire of Storms even though it shattered my heart into a million pieces. So far, Queen of Shadows is still my favorite, but Empire of Storms finally answered so many of the questions that have been building up throughout the first four books. We got to meet lots of great side characters as well as seeing some old friends that we weren’t expecting. I loved that I was surprised again while reading this. I remembered the big twists but there were still things that I’d forgotten. I can’t wait to finally read the final book to see how this wonderful world is brought to an end.
Keep on reading lovelies, Amanda.
*Want to buy this book? Just click the image of the book cover! As Amazon Affiliates we will get a percentage of any purchase, feel free to support us.
Summary:
Celaena Sardothien has survived deadly contests and shattering heartbreak but at an unspeakable cost. Now she must travel to a new land to confront her darkest truth…a truth about her heritage that could change her life-and her future-forever.
Meanwhile, brutal and monstrous forces are gathering on the horizon, intent on enslaving her world. To defeat them, Celaena must find the strength not only to fight her inner demons but to battle the evil that is about to be unleashed.
The king’s assassin takes on an even greater destiny and burns brighter than ever before in this third book in the New York Times bestselling Throne of Glass series. Review:
There was so much to this story. The chapters alternate between a few different characters that are critical to the story. Now that these characters are spread out all over the world, each playing their own important part of the story, we get to follow each of them instead of just Celaena. I really am a fan of multiple perspective books as long as they’re done in the right way. Heir of Fire does it the right way. Right as things are getting exciting or intense for one character we get a cool down period and check on another. I just like this up and down of the story. I also like the idea that all of this is happening at the same time, so we get to know everything. I was really happy to get to see more of this world with the varying perspectives and the traveling characters. Maas has built an incredible and complex world.
My lovely wonderful Celaena. She’s just as crazy as ever. She’s finally doing the right thing, even if it’s only to keep a promise she made to Nehmia. I’ve noticed that she tends to avoid her problems until she just can’t avoid them anymore. This was interesting because she does her best to avoid things until the last minute and then at the last minute she comes up with a plan so insane it just might work. I also noticed in this book that she is just so desperate for a friend, for someone to love her. I think this is because that she has had her family taken from her, been betrayed by so many that she thought cared for her. I feel back for her, but it was actually a little annoying once I realized this. She dated TWO of our main characters in the first book. Continued dating one in the second before turning on him and ruining that. And now this new character (who I’m totally here for and it my absolute fav.) I definitely think she developed so much in this book. She’s finally accepted who she is and the responsibilities that includes. I’m proud of her for stepping up to the plate instead of running again.
“She would not let that light go out. She would fill the world with it, with her light-her gift. She would light up the darkness, so brightly that all who were lost or wounded or broken would find their way to it, a beacon for those who still dwelled in that abyss. It would not take a monster to destroy a mother-but light, light to drive out the darkness.”
Rowan. The ultimate book boyfriend. But only at the end of the book. As this was a reread for me, I didn’t realize how much I had forgotten. What I mean by this is how I forgot just how vicious and aggressive he was toward Celaena at first. I think this is due to the world he lives in. Maeve’s fae are just that. They’re trained to be vicious and lethal. I really enjoyed watching his relationship with Celaena change as they both decided to open up and become friends.
“For a long moment, he said nothing. But his brows narrowed slightly. “To whatever end?””
Chaol, oh Chaol. He’s still just a really good dude. He fights the good fight for Celaena since he sent her away. He does what he can to help her and her mission even though he’s still undecided about who he’s really fighting for and what side he’s going to end up on. This next quote is one I think perfectly sums up Chaol.
“”Damn,” the general said, then shook his head. “I didn’t think that kind of honor still existed in Adarlan.””
Dorian really gets the shit end of the stick in this series. He keeps losing girl after girl, all because he’s the Crown Prince. You would think that would give him an advantage, but it doesn’t. He has a really hard time throughout this book, but toward the end finally had a handle on his problems and has found a girl that accepts him for who he is, problems, crown, and all.
“When Dorian had spoken, it hadn’t been a prince who looked at him. It had been a king.”
Aedion is super smart and clever. He has been deceiving the king for years and really just impressed me. His loyalty to Aelin is unlike any other. I honestly feel bad for the surprise that he gets in the next book. I love his dedication and determination to do what he can to get Aelin supporters.
“Cousin-that had been his most beloved title. Cousin, kin, protector. Those were the secret names he harbored deep within, the names he whispered to himself when the northern wind was shrieking through the Staghorns.”
Manon. I literally wrote “MANON SLAAAY.” in my notes for this book. I loved her. Even though she’s kind of psychotic and might actually be a serial killer. I’m totally here for it. She is totally HBIC (head bitch in charge) even if she technically isn’t. She takes no shit from anyone other than her grandmother (who is actually HBIC). She makes sure that everyone knows their place. She just really doesn’t fuck around, she will absolutely claw your frigging eyes out. Her relationship with her wyvern is probably my favorite part of this book. She ends up picking Abraxos, a former bait beast that shows he’s a survivor. The extreme opposites that they are, make for some excellent entertainment. Claw your eyes out, eat your children Manon picks bait beast Abraxos who literally rolled around on the ground sniffing and playing with flowers instead of hunting. It was excellent and I loved it.
“Abraxos continued to lie in the sun, vain and indulgent as a cat, “Warrior heart indeed.””
Overall, I loved this book. The further into this series I get the more involved it is. There is SO much to this plot and to these characters. If you’re going to read these books prepare yourself to get complete invested and have your soul thoroughly punched. I really loved getting to explore this world further. It’s created to intricately and in enough detail to allow the reader to see what’s going on but not so much detail that it bogs the story down. I absolutely adore these characters and though they’ve been beaten down and seemingly defeated I’m so excited to see where the next book goes. (Though I already know because I’ve read them all but the final book.)
Keep on reading lovelies, Amanda.
*Please be aware that the book cover on this post is a link to purchase this book through Amazon. Feel free to purchase with our affiliate link (just click on the book cover) to support us!
Summary:
Assassin Celaena Sardothien won a brutal contest to become the King’s Champion. But she is far from loyal to the crown. Though she hides her secret vigilantly, her deadly charade becomes difficult when she realizes she is not the only one seeking justice. No one is above questioning her allegiance-not the Crown Prince Dorian; not Chaol, the Captian of the Guard; not even her best friend Nehemia, a foreign princess with a rebel heart.
Then, one terrible night, the secrets they have all been keeping lead to an unspeakable tragedy. As Celaena’s world shatters, she will be forced to decide once and for all where her true loyalties lie…and whom she is willing to fight for. Review:
I always forget how much I really enjoy these books until I’m toward the end of each one. Each book begins with so much build up and drama that when the base drops (plot twists) it’s mind-blowing and heartbreaking but you just beg for more with the next book. This is a reread for me, of the series before I get to the conclusion, Kingdom of Ash (that finally came in the mail!) check out my review for the last book here.
The plot twists in this book were excellent. While I knew they were coming because this was a reread for me I still remember the first time I read the series and how utterly shocked I was to learn certain things revealed to us in Crown of Midnight. The plot twists still totally hit me in the feels like a punch in the stomach. I just really enjoyed this book. It’s not my favorite of the series, but I definitely liked it more than Throne of Glass.There is action and drama and romance and betrayal. Really it’s everything you could ever want.
Celaena is still kick ass. Doesn’t take anything from anyone. She’s a very independent individual. She definitely lets the readers see that she has a heart more and more. She does things that could get her killed because not doing them would weigh on her conscience. She has a short fuse when it comes to her temper and it kind of hurts her more than anything. She doesn’t sit around to listen to the whole story. She just gets pissed and goes off in a rage. I love her though. She’s doing so much in this book and I’m so excited for all the things she’ll do in the next one.
“She had a flicker of a memory from a time when, just for a moment, she’d been free; when the world has been wide open and she’s been about to enter it with Sam at her side. It was a freedom that she was still working for because even though she’d tasted it for only a heartbeat, it had been the most exquisite heartbeat she’d ever experienced.”
Dorian honestly just annoyed me the first half of this book. Jealous Dorian is super annoying. I was glad when he finally decided to move on. I liked that Dorian got his own side story as well. He has his own struggles that sort of meet up at the end. But he’s alone in this struggle. I like that he bad Celaena become friends again because they need one another.
“Dorian nodded, looking at her with kindness she couldn’t stand. “Then you will always have a place here.”
Chaol is just as honorable as ever. Always with his duty to the king and the crown. Always doing his job, loyalty and all that. Chaol has a few moments that just show his humanity, that he’s vulnerable. I really liked this because with everything going on with everyone else it was nice to see just how human Chaol is.
“He took a step toward her, but she held her ground. “Believe me Celaena,” he snarled, his eyes flashing, “I know you can look after yourself. But I worry because I care. Gods help me, I know I shouldn’t, but I do. So I will always tell you to be careful because I will always care what happens.”
Nehemia is still one of my favorite characters. Thought I wish she had put more trust in Celaena and told her more of the story. I understand why she didn’t because it probably would have backfired but still. I loved her. She was a great friend to Celaena when she wasn’t hiding things.
“I promise,” she whispered again. “On my name, on my life, even if it takes until my last breath, I promise I will see Eyllwe freed.”
Mort is one of my absolute favorite parts of this story. He should totally get a little novella – the life and creation of Mort.
Overall the story really heated up in this book. Filled with betrayal and murder, love and romance, action and adventure – and of course a quest. I love all the characters. Even the ones I didn’t like. I’m going to stop writing now because I’m dying to start Heir of Fire.
Keep on reading lovelies, Amanda.
*Please be aware that the book cover on this post is a link to purchase this book through Amazon. Feel free to purchase with our affiliate link (just click on the book cover) to support us!
Summary:
In a world without magic, an assassin is summoned to the castle. She comes not to kill the vicious king who rules from his throne of glass but to win her freedom. If she defeats twenty-three killers, thieves, and warriors in a competition, she will be released from prison to serve s the King’s Champion. Her name is Celaena Sardothien.
The Crown Prince will provoke her. The Captian of the Guard will protect her. And a princess from a faraway land will befriend her. But something evil dwells in the castle-it’s there to kill. When her competitors start dying one by one, Celaena’s fight for freedom becomes a fight for survival-and a desperate quest to root out the evil before it destroys her world. Review:
Laying in bed, trying to gather my thoughts and form them into words, sentences, opinions about this story – I don’t want to tell you how much I loved this book, I just want to continue on with the series and pick up the second book. After (FINALLY) getting around to reading The Assassin’s Blade – reviewed here – I couldn’t help myself but pick up Throne of Glass for the third (fourth?) time and reread the whole series in anticipation of the final book’s release. Kingdom of Ash is being released today (today – the day I wrote this review, not the day the review posted.) But I likely won’t get my preordered copy until Thursday (the 25th). So what better way to get hyped for this 900+ page conclusion then to reread the first seven books in the series.
“Libraries were full of ideas-perhaps the most dangerous and powerful of all weapons.”
So because this is a reread, but a new review, I’m going to try to mostly write it like a new review. Let’s start with the characters.
Celaena Sardothien; kick-ass, sassy af, a girl that could kill you a hundred different ways before you even knew what hit you. But she’s a multifaceted kind of girl. She loves her some pretty underthings and fancy dresses. She is easily excited by a bag full of candy the morning of Yulemas. She’s been through so much but is still able to be happy about the little things. It’s so pure. She’s also loyal to the death. She has a soft side that she doesn’t want to admit that she has, but it pushes her to do the right thing even when it may not be the easy thing. Also, she spends SO much of her time in this book reading. What bookworm doesn’t like to read about another bookworm?
“Elena took a step toward her. “You could rattle the stars,” she whispered. “You could do anything, if only you dared. And deep down, you know it too. That’s what scares you more.””
Chaol Westfall; All the best friend feels. I don’t ship him and Celaena (mostly because I already know who she ends up with later on) but also because they’re great friends. They have excellent banter that is hilarious and so entertaining. And I don’t want to see that ruined by things getting weird and lovey. Chaol is a stand-up guy. Loyal to his friends and other loved ones. Will sacrifice anything for those he feels deserve it. Loves with his whole heart. Duty over everything, he really tries to play by the rules. He may not be totally okay with the status quo, but what can he do about it? I’m excited to read his backstory (again) because we only got a few bits and pieces in Throne of Glass.
“What’s the point in having a mind if you don’t use it to make judgments? What’s the point in having a heart if you don’t use it to spare others the harsh judgments of your mind?”
Dorian Havilliard; Our lovely crown prince. I’m trying to stay impartial here with the things I already know happen in the future. But I really just, ugh. Dorian is a fun loving prince that craves adventure and chaos. He wants to do better for his kingdom than what his father is doing but also knows better than to push his father too far. It was interesting to see him press those boundaries. His relationship with Celaena was one of those pushes. He befriended her and spent more time than was proper with her ensuring the jealousy of other girls. Dorian is a little naive (thesaurus this). He wants the best, but I don’t think he really understands the seriousness of a lot of things going on around him.
“We all bear scars, Dorian. Mine just happen to be more visible than most.”
Nehemiah; She’s probably my favorite character of all. Intelligent and mischievous. She fools everyone around her into thinking she’s something she isn’t. She becomes a good friend to Celaena which I loved. I love the relationship between these two girls. I think they make the best of friends.
The King & Duke Perrington; I hate them both. They’re excellent villains. I love to hate them because they’re so clearly awful. They care for nothing but their own agendas time and time again.
Kaltain; Celaena said it perfectly the first time she met Kaltain. Why do girls have to be so desperate for the attention of men that they feel the need to betray other females? This is so true and something so relevant even in today’s world. Us females should be sticking together, not fighting one another.
As for the story itself, I loved every page. While it wasn’t an overly complex book to read there was definitely a lot to the plot and story. With a few different things going on all at once (this gets even worse in the later books) it was interesting to see them all unfold together. I like the creativity of making this assassin a hero of sorts. The story wasn’t boring or too slow or rushed. It was paced nicely, giving us information when and as we needed it. I’m excited to see things speed up just a little bit in the next books.
The last thing I want to mention is the writing. While I did say that it wasn’t overly complicated it is beautiful. There are tons and tons of imagery that I could picture easily and well. For example, when Celaena meets the king, “It was a voice she had heard before, deep and raspy. It made her bones crack and splinter, made her feel the astonishing cold of a winter long since last.” I feel as if I could experience what she’s feeling in this moment. It’s all just written so well.
As a whole, I loved this book. Not a huge surprise with the excellent characters we were given and the interesting, in-depth, chaotic story that the characters go through in these pages. Maas really knows how to give us some characters that we can’t get enough of. Go read these now!
Keep on reading lovelies, Amanda.
*Please be aware that the book cover on this post is a link to purchase this book through Amazon. Feel free to purchase with our affiliate link (just click on the book cover) to support us!
Summary:
Celaena Sardothien is her kingdom’s most feared assassin. Though she works for the powerful and ruthless Assassins’ Guild, she yields to no one and trusts only her fellow killer-for-hire, Sam.
When Celaena’s scheming master, Arobynn Hamel, dispatches her on missions that take her from remote islands to hostile deserts, she finds herself acting independently of his wishes-and questioning her own allegiance. Along the way, she makes friends and enemies alike and discovers that she feels far more for Sam than just friendship. But by defying Arobynn’s orders, Celaena risks unimaginable punishment, and with Sam by her side, he is in danger too. They will have to risk it all if they hope to escape Arobynn’s clutches-and if they fail, they’ll lose not just a chance at freedom but their lives…
A prequel to Throne of Glass, this collection of five novellas offers readers a deeper look into the history of this cunning assassin and her enthralling-and deadly-world. Review:
I am actually deceased after reading this collection of novellas. In case you don’t already know I am a die hard fan of Sarah J. Maas. So it should be a surprise that I haven’t managed to find time to read The Assassin’s Blade yet. (READ: I have indeed read the rest of the Throne of Glass series, I just hadn’t gotten around to reading this book of novellas.) Mostly I was just waiting for the right opportunity. That right time being four days before the final book in the series, Kingdom of Ash, is released. I am planning to spend the next four days doing nothing but reading (rereading) the Throne of Glass series. Usually, this would be no problem to accomplish, but I’ve become a mother and caring for my two-month-old baby takes priority. Good thing she’s a great baby and sleeps A LOT still.
“That girl wasn’t like wildfire-she was wildfire. Deadly and uncontrollable. And slightly out of her wits.”
So, The Assassin’s Blade actually just ripped my heart out, stomped on it a bunch and then said, here have it back so we can do it again in a few more books. I loved everything about these novellas. I think The Assassin and The Desert was my favorite. I really enjoyed everything about the Silent Assassins. I thought it was a super cool place and I enjoyed watching Celaena learn about herself. It was honestly just really nice to get to see her be happy for once. Even if it didn’t last that long.
“And for that one heartbeat, when there was nothing more to it than that, she tasted bliss so complete that she tipped her head back to the sky and laughed.”
I loved how the novellas were all leading up to something. I liked that they all kind of tied into one another and also tied into the later books in the series. I enjoyed reading about characters that I know we’re going to meet (again) in the later books. It made me just that much more excited to continue rereading these books. I really just loved being back in this book universe. I liked getting to know more about Celaena before she went into the salt mines. Also, getting to see how her relationship with Sam developed was GREAT. I love him, he’s adorable. He definitely didn’t deserve the fate that he got, but yaknow everything happens for a reason.
“He brushed his lips against hers. “I love you,” he breathed against her mouth. “And from today onward, I want to never be separated from you. Wherever you go, I go. Even if that means going to Hell itself, wherever you are, that’s where I want to be. Forever.”
I’m interested to see if we’re going to meet other characters from these novellas in the final book, Kingdom of Ash. Specifically, the friend she made in the desert. I really liked seeing all of the things that happened to create who Celaena was in the first book. I also totally enjoyed all of the little hints that were left for us about who she really is. Nothing that’s obvious unless you already know who she is. I love how fierce and kickass she was in this book, even after she’s been completely broken and given what’s essentially a death sentence.
“She was fire, she was darkness, she was dust and blood and shadow.”
Once again, I love ALL of these characters, even the ones that I actually hate. They’re just written so well. The villain (yes, you know who I mean) is one that’s hard to hate. You want to love him for Celaena’s sake because he’s been there for her for so long, but he’s actually a giant shitbag. This book gave me ALL THE FEELS and I’m totally not over it yet. But I really just want to dive into Throne of Glass, so I’m going to end this here. Also, my baby just woke up, so I have to feed her and I’m not skilled at feeing baby and typing at the same time. So, if you haven’t read anything by Maas go buy them ALL now and read them so you can love her characters as much as I do. Until next time bookdragons.
Keep on reading lovelies, Amanda.
*Want to buy this book? Just click the image of the book cover! As Amazon Affiliates we will get a percentage of any purchase, feel free to support us.
Top Ten Tuesday was created by The Broke and the Bookish in June of 2010 and was moved to That Artsy Reader Girl in January of 2018. It was born of a love of lists, a love of books, and a desire to bring bookish friends together. Each week we talk about our top ten with a different topic provided by Jana. This week’s topic is top ten – Villains (favorite, best, worst, lovable, creepiest, most evil, etc.) I’m going to go with a combination of all the options. This list will include some of my favorite villains, who are the best and the worst at the same time, but also loveable. Some will be the evilest and maybe a little creepy too. Villains are some of my favorite and a great Spooktober topic!
1. The Darkling, Grisha Verse by Leigh Bardugo – Anyone that knows me knows that I miiiight be a little obsessed with this series and the Darkling. He’s such an excellent villain. Attractive and mysterious, he lures you in before pulling you into the dark side. A backstory that gives him a human side. He’s excellently developed and I just love him. 2. Lord Voldemort, Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling – Creepy, downright evil, this guy is just the worst in all the best ways. He’s a character that I love to hate. 3. Maven Calore, Red Queen series by Victoria Aveyard – A loveable villain in the first book. Before we’re blindsided by the fact that he’s actually the villain for this series. I loved him in Red Queen and HATED him the rest of the series. Aveyard made him loveable and personable and I still love him a little even though he’s pure evil. 4. Tea, The Bone Witch by Rin Chupeco – Tea is made out to be the villain in this story but as we read we find out that she’s doing what she really believes in, despite the fact that she knows it will upset pretty much everyone. The minute she finds out she’s a bone witch she’s already given a stigma of being bad. 5. BeiTech, The Illuminae Files by Aime Kaufman & Jay Kristoff – I think this interesting twist of making a corporation the villain of the story is really cool. Though there’s more to this villain I won’t spoil anything. I think this was a well thought out and well-executed villain. 6. Empress Celestine, The Shattered Realms series by Cinda Williams Chima – There’s still much to learn about this particular villain, but so far she’s very intriguing. She’s the worst, but I find myself liking her more as we get deeper into the series. 7. Nova/Insomnia, Renegades by Marissa Meyer – The main character who is a villain, but seems to start to have conflicting feelings about being a villain once she finds herself surrounded by heroes. 8. Martin Chatwin, The Magicians by Lev Grossman – Martin is just the worst. He’s basically psychotic on top of being pure evil. 9. Adelina Amouteru, The Young Elites by Marie Lu – Adelina was one of the first characters that made me realize I might like villains more than I thought. 10. King of Hybern, ACOTAR by Sarah J. Maas – This guy sucked. He was actually the worst and I hated everything about him. Greedy and selfish, not satisfied with what he already has so he has to stir up all kinds of drama.
Who are your favorite, best, worst, most evil villains?
Top Ten Tuesday was created by The Broke and the Bookish in June of 2010 and was moved to That Artsy Reader Girl in January of 2018. It was born of a love of lists, a love of books, and a desire to bring bookish friends together. Each week we talk about our top ten with a different topic provided by Jana. This week’s topic is top ten – longest books I’ve ever read.
Drums of Autumn by Diana Gabaldon
880 pages
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix by J.K. Rowling
Top Ten Tuesday was created by The Broke and the Bookish in June of 2010 and was moved to That Artsy Reader Girl in January of 2018. It was born of a love of lists, a love of books, and a desire to bring bookish friends together. Each week we talk about our top ten with a different topic provided by Jana. This week’s topic is top ten – authors I’d love to meet. 1. John Green – I’ve seen him on tour but didn’t actually get the chance to meet him face to face. I’m basically obsessed with him. I’ve seen all his youtube videos and own all his books, several copies of a few of them too. 2. Sarah J. Maas – ACOTAR is one of my favorite series and I definitely loved the Throne of Glass series too. I would love to meet the incredible writer that brought these amazing books into the world. 3. Leigh Bardugo – Again, I totally love all of the books she’s written. I have the special edition of Six of Crows preordered along with King of Scars. I’d love to meet her and fangirl a little. 4. Nora Roberts – Nora has been such a staple in my reading life that she totally deserves a place on this list. 5. Janet Evanovich – I would like to meet her even though I haven’t heard the best things about her interacting with her readers. 6. Cinda Williams Chima – I would love an autograph from her. Her stories are incredible and she’s totally tweeted at me before (yes I squealed.) 7. Cassandra Clare – I feel like I have to meet her just for all of the time I spent agonizing over TMI and waiting for each book to come out. 8. Richelle Mead – All I have to say is thank you for the Vampire Academy. 9. Stephanie Meyer – The fifteen-year-old in me is making me put this on the list. 10. Ellen Hopkins – The things I would do to see inside her creative mind. She’s such an incredible writer. I’d kill for even a quarter of her talent.
Top Ten Tuesday was created by The Broke and the Bookish in June of 2010 and was moved to That Artsy Reader Girl in January of 2018. It was born of a love of lists, a love of books, and a desire to bring bookish friends together. Each week we talk about our top ten with a different topic provided by Jana. This week’s topic is top ten – Books By My Favorite Authors That I Still Haven’t Read. 1. The Assassins Blade by Sarah J. Maas – I’m not ready to submit myself to the heartbreak I know this book will cause. 2. The Language of Thorns by Leigh Bardugo – I just haven’t gotten to this yet. 3. Collateral by Ellen Hopkins – This book is forever getting pushed back on my TBR list. I’ll read it eventually. 4. Catwoman by Sarah J. Maas – I just bought this one legit only because it’s written by Maas. I haven’t read any of the other DC superhero books. 5. Fox and O’Hare series by Janet Evanovich – I’ll get around to these eventually, maybe. 6. The Casual Vacancy by J.K. Rowling – I love Rowling’s other adult books but I really just don’t have a whole lot of interest in reading this one. 7. Naked in Death by J.D. Robb – Another series I’ll get around to reading, eventually, maybe. 8. The Child Thief by Bella Forrest – Forrest’s newest series. I have to finish a few other books before I can get to this one. 9. Wonder Woman: Warbringer by Leigh Bardugo – Again, I only want to read this because it’s by Bardugo and I love her. 10. Love Lies Beneath by Ellen Hopkins – Highly rated by my favorite author. I’m not sure how I haven’t read this yet.
Who are your favorite authors and which of their books haven’t you read yet?
Summary:
Review:
Summary:
Review:
Summary:
Review:
Review:
Review:
Review: 
Review:
and maybe a little creepy too. Villains are some of my favorite and a great Spooktober topic!
1. The Assassins Blade by Sarah J. Maas – I’m not ready to submit myself to the heartbreak I know this book will cause.
classyxbookreviews.wordpress.com 