I know that the TBR is a forever struggle. Believe me. However I wanted to make you aware of some truly fantastic books that came out in 2019 and 2020. You know. In case you wanted to be all caught up for their sequels in 2021…I know the struggle to read the first one before the sequel AND THAT WAIT!
The Light at the Bottom of the World
If you’re looking for some diverse science fiction then look no further! One of the things I’ve loved about The Light at the Bottom of the World is the world building. Check out this quote from my review!
“I picked up The Light at the Bottom of the World for its stunning world building, but what ended up enchanting me was the questions about justice, conspiracy, and truth. Hidden in the depths of this book are questions about the control of history and perception. Of what we truly know about the people around us. It is a stunning debut and I cannot wait to see what the future holds”.
Find my full review & Goodreads, Amazon, Indiebound & The Book Depository.
Crown of Feathers & Heart of Flames
So this one will require a bit more work, because you have to read TWO books. BUT they are fantastic. If you love the idea of multiple POV books that have phoenix riding and VERY complicated sister relationships – this is for you. Also, think about this, you’ll have two books to tide you over until Wings of Shadow releases in July – not too much longer!
“It’s a book about sisterhood, about community, about history, and choice. And on top of all that, Crown of Feathers talks about power. Is it better to command power or coax respect? Whether that be with our soldiers, our animal bonds, or our friends and family. I haven’t even talked about how much I liked the character of Tristan, another point of view, or the side characters of Kade and Trix. Crown of Feathers has a ton to offer readers in terms of scale, characters, and world”.
Find my review & Goodreads, Amazon, Indiebound & The Book Depository.
Nocturna
Have you ever read a book about face changing magic? So this pick a bit cheeky because the sequel, Oculta, is already released…but the fact that this series doesn’t get enough love is so wrong. So I included it because the sequel just came out okay?? If I had my act together enough I’d have done this post earlier. But seriously, the world building and the ways it interrogates the long lasting effects of colonization is fantastic.
“I’m sure you’re tired of hearing me say, ‘These characters will pull at your heartstrings”, but it’s true again for Nocturna. Take, for example, Alfie. There’s such a quiet vulnerability about him – his raw grief, his hopeful optimism, but also his noble morals. We are rooting for Alfie because even though he has to make difficult decisions, there’s something so pure about his motivations, his love, and his desire to help”.
Find my review & Goodreads, Amazon, Indiebound & The Book Depository.
The Princess Saves Herself
Any Princess Bride fans here? Henning has a fabulous re-imagining that goes above and beyond. Seriously. I enjoyed the movie, but I love this series! Henning is an author that deserves so much love – I adored Sea Witch, so please check this one out! It has a fantastic cinnamon roll romance story line!
“The Princess Will Save You has a fabulous world of laws and back stabbings, provisions and clauses with not a shred of truth in sight. It’s a story that may begin like a familiar echo and takes off in a dazzling explosion of color and depth. I finished this book in one day because I couldn’t stop reading! There were so many of my notes that began with, “OMG” because Henning weaves a fabulously twisty plot”.
Find my review & Goodreads, Amazon, Indiebound, Bookshop.org & The Book Depository.
Girls of Paper and Fire & Girls of Storm and Shadow
And the last one is another trilogy – super sneaky Lili – and it’s one of my all time favorites. If you’ve been following me for a while, or anywhere on the internet, you will know how much I love Girls of Paper and Fire. Seriously. What an auto-buy author and series. The sequel is about trauma and healing
“They deal with their trauma in different ways and Ngan doesn’t shy away from this. There are the ways in which we cope, deny our feelings, and try to find meaning, some shred of happiness in a world beyond our control. Girls of Paper and Fire is about discovering your strength and fighting for meaning against a system that deems you inferior. The end sets the groundwork for a truly promising sequel that is sure to be as stunning as this one. I want to learn more about this world, really delve into the other castes”.
Find my review & Goodreads, Amazon, Indiebound, Bookshop.org & The Book Depository.
I’m caught up on Wicked As You Wish and St. Rosetta’s Academy! I’m super excited for Girls of Fate and Fury because I’ve been reading that series since freshman year of high school and now the last one is coming out during my last year of high school, which is very cool.
OMG that is perfect timing for GOFAF!!