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The Perpetual Page-Turner

The Perpetual Page-Turner

Book Recommendations and Book Lists For Adults And Kids

Home | most popular posts | Ten YA Fantasy Novels This Fantasy Newb Needs To Read

Ten YA Fantasy Novels This Fantasy Newb Needs To Read

February 3, 2015 - Updated May 7, 2019 // 107 Comments

Top Ten Tuesday, as  always, is hosted at my other blog — The Broke & the Bookish

This week’s topic: Top Ten Books I Can’t Believe I Have Read (or want to read) in X genre

I’m pretty new to the YA fantasy genre so there’s much schooling that needs to happen there so I wanted to talk about the 10 fantasy novels I feel like I need to read to start my fantasy education (I’ve read Sarah J. Maas, Marie Rutkoski, Leigh Bardugo and Rae Carson so no worries if you are wondering where they are). I’d love all you fantasy experts to weigh in and even add more suggestions!!

ten YA fantasy novels

Graceling by Kristin Cashore
Finnikin of the Rock by Melina Marchetta
The Demon King by Cinda Chima Williams
Falling Kingdoms by Morgan Rhodes
Seraphina by Rachel Hartman
Poison Study by Maria V. Snyder
The Thief by Megan Whalen Turner
Daughter of the Forest by Juliet Marillier
Scarlet by AC. Gaughen
The Burning Sky by Sherry Thomas

 

 

So tell me…what fantasy books are NOT on my list and should be in order to have a good YA fantasy diet? 😛   Also tell me the ONE on here that I MUST read before the others!

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Filed Under: most popular posts, Top Ten Tuesday Tagged With: lists, Top ten list, Top Ten Tuesday, YA fantasy

About Jamie

Jamie is a 32 year old married lady (with a new baby!!) who is in denial that she's actually that old to be a married lady and a mom. When she's not reading you can find her doing Pilates followed by eating ice cream, belting out Hamilton (loud and offkey) and having adventures with her husband, daughter and rescue dog.

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  1. Bonnie @ A Backwards Story says

    February 3, 2015 at 12:10 am

    GRACELING, I love that book so much!!! I need to read Finnikin, too, so you’re not alone! I read the first FALLING KINGDOMS and SCARLET book and need to catch up. I’ve heard FK has gotten REALLY good! DEMON KING is on my list this week, too! Juliet Marillier–LOVE!!! I actually like her book HEART’S BLOOD even more than DOTF b/c it’s Beauty and the Beast, but I love this, too. Ooh, I really enjoyed THE BURNING SKY. It reminds me of Tamora Pierce…um, who also needs to be on this list 😉 Especially her Alanna/Kel/Daine books! I can’t wait to finally read SERAPHINA now that the sequel is coming out! THE THIEF is on my list today, too! I’ve only read the first POISON STUDY book…we might be getting her to come sign soon, so keep an eye out! 😉 Great choices. All great books to read! So glad you love fantasy now!!!

    If you could only choose ONE? so hard! GRACELING 🙂

    Reply
    • Jamie says

      February 3, 2015 at 7:08 am

      NOTED. Will look into Tamora Pierce! Thanks! And yeah…Graceling seems like one of those “classics” to get into the genre that everyone must read!

      Reply
      • Bonnie @ A Backwards Story says

        February 3, 2015 at 5:54 pm

        Tamora Pierce was my favorite author for so long. I brought every one of her books to college and trekked them around each year from dorm to dorm. I still love her. If you read her, read her Alanna (Song of the Lioness) quartet first, then Daine (The Immortals), then Kel (Protector of the Small) because they come in order chronologically. It’s also nice seeing Alanna and Daine all grown up! 🙂 I love those books so much. Tamora Pierce made me pick up other authors such as Sherwood Smith (You can get e-book copies of Crown Duel/Court Duel together for $4.99. Otherwise it’s OOP, though I found a print copy at the used bookstore in Newtown once and bought it!), and newer authors in the genre such as Kristin Cashore and Rae Carson. And now I have a weakness for girls disguised as guys and will pick up books to read them such as The Burning Sky by Sherry Thomas or girl knight books (they’re rare) such as The Cadet of Tildor by Alex Lidell.

        OMG, I’m so jealous of the journey you’re going to embark on, Jamie!!!

        Reply
  2. Alyssa @ Swept Away By Books says

    February 3, 2015 at 12:10 am

    The Demon King is PHENOMENAL! I was completely blown away when I read it this summer and devoured the entire series after it. Have you read Rae Carson’s Girl of Fire and Thorns yet? If not, it should definitely be on your list too 🙂

    My Top Ten

    Reply
    • Jamie says

      February 3, 2015 at 7:09 am

      I’ve read the first book in that series but definitely need to continue on! It was a while ago that I read it and so now my brain just can’t even think of what happened so might need to reread it!

      Reply
      • Alyssa @ Swept Away By Books says

        February 3, 2015 at 11:36 am

        It’s even more worth it if you just binge the whole series because Crown of Embers is flawless and The Bitter Kingdom is freaking amazing too!

        Reply
        • Jamie says

          February 4, 2015 at 8:03 pm

          Oooh you are making me VERY VERY EXCITED.

          Reply
  3. Literary Feline says

    February 3, 2015 at 12:11 am

    I was just mentioning to another blogger that I want to read Poison Study. It’s been on my wish list forever. Graceling and Seraphina are both books I’ve wanted to read for awhile now too, but haven’t So many choices! Great list, Jamie!

    Reply
    • Jamie says

      February 3, 2015 at 7:09 am

      Hopefully we both will have some good fantasy reading in our future then since I’ve just heard rave things about all of them!! 🙂

      Reply
  4. SarahO. (Between Bookends) says

    February 3, 2015 at 12:21 am

    Great list! The Demon King is very good and I totally fangirl-ed while reading Scarlet! Sadly I was very disappointed with Graceling but I lot of people love it. Good reading!
    My TT: http://betweenyabookends.blogspot.com/2015/02/top-10-fantasy-classic-books-we-want-to.html

    Reply
  5. Savannah says

    February 3, 2015 at 12:25 am

    Poison Study is a defiant YES. I really like Howl’s Moving Castle and other books by Diana Wynne Jones. Gail Carson Levine books (Ella Enchanted) are great, too.

    Reply
    • Jamie says

      February 3, 2015 at 7:10 am

      Checking out those two authors! Thanks!!

      Reply
  6. Rachel Patrick says

    February 3, 2015 at 12:33 am

    I did fantasy too! It’s my new favorite genre and I want to read ALL THE BOOKS. The only one I’ve read from your list is SCARLET and oh my gosh, it is so good. Please read it soon. And I’ve heard many good things about Chima’s and Marchetta’s books, and THE THIEF and GRACELING.

    Rachel @ Beauty and the Bookshelf

    Reply
    • Jamie says

      February 4, 2015 at 8:04 pm

      I plan on starting it soon! The whole series is now out (well the last one is in ARC form at least) yes??

      Reply
  7. Chrissi Reads says

    February 3, 2015 at 12:37 am

    I’m also getting into fantasy and Graceling is certainly on my radar. I’ve heard great things! I hope you get to read these books soon!

    Reply
    • Jamie says

      February 4, 2015 at 8:05 pm

      Yes I’ve heard so much about Graceling that I know it will be read soon! And good luck into your fantasy foray as well!

      Reply
  8. Aj says

    February 3, 2015 at 12:39 am

    graceling is also on my list

    Reply
  9. Deyse says

    February 3, 2015 at 12:44 am

    Graceling is really good and there is a ship that seriously is just the best thing ever.
    I just recently read Scarlet and OHMYGOD SO GOOD! I didn’t really classified it as fantasy, it definitely more historical/retelling but so good, it’s extremely action packed and has a frenetic rhythm that makes you don’t want to put it down. And oh, has the most amazing ship too.
    But I’m also really behind on the general popular YA fantasy series, need to read all the other of these AND Marie Rutkoski, Leigh Bardugo and Rae Carson :O

    Reply
    • Jamie says

      February 4, 2015 at 8:06 pm

      Ooh you are making me more excited about those ones!! GOOD SHIPS IN MY FUTURE.

      Ahhh and yes MARIE RUTKOSKI. YOU MUST.

      Reply
  10. Alexa S. says

    February 3, 2015 at 12:54 am

    Am I allowed to book push the eff out of some of the series in this list? Because I totally will CONSTANTLY remind you to read them, read them, read them if you’ll let me 😉 But seriously, let me break it down for you:

    Finnikin of the Rock (+ Froi of the Exiles, Quintana of Charyn) – It’s Melina Marchetta, which means the writing is gorgeous. The story is also pretty epic, even though Finnikin does have a bit of a slow start.

    Seraphina (+ Shadow Scale) – DRAGON BOOK DRAGON BOOK DRAGON BOOK. Oops, my enthusiasm for dragons got the best of me there… But I loved Seraphina, and I’m super excited about the forthcoming sequel!

    Daughter of the Forest – Read it last year, LOVED it, intend to reread it this month and binge the rest of the series. Juliet Marillier catapulted herself into my favorite authors with ONE book. That’s definitely testament to how amazing her writing is.

    The Burning Sky (+The Perilous Sea, The Immortal Heights) – THIS SERIES IS AWESOME.

    As for other series you ought to check out, Harry Potter, the Inheritance Cycle + anything Tamora Pierce are the first ones that come to mind 😉

    Reply
    • Jamie says

      February 4, 2015 at 8:07 pm

      THIS COMMENT IS THE BEST. ( I WILL LET YOU). I love your breakdowns here!! YOU MAKE ME MORE EXCITEDDDDDD. And YES Tamora Pierce. I need to. Which series do you like best from her?

      Reply
  11. Jaya says

    February 3, 2015 at 1:17 am

    Daughter of the Forest is such a good book, I suggest starting with that!
    Graceling is great too. And in terms of books not on your list, the Kushiel series by Jacqueline Carey is epic.

    Reply
    • Jamie says

      February 4, 2015 at 8:09 pm

      Thank you for the rec!

      Reply
  12. Danielle says

    February 3, 2015 at 2:06 am

    GRACELING!!! You need to read this ASAP! It is one of my absolute favorites and I, much like you, am not well-versed in the fantasy genre. The only fantasy book I know of that can hold a candle to Graceling in YA is Throne of Glass and since you already like that one, I’m sure you’ll love Graceling, too!!

    Reply
    • Jamie says

      February 4, 2015 at 8:09 pm

      OOOOH this speaks volumes then! THANK YOU!!

      Reply
  13. booklife4life says

    February 3, 2015 at 4:03 am

    I haven’t read any of yours thou, but those covers are getting to me :]

    Reply
    • Jamie says

      February 4, 2015 at 8:10 pm

      I know! They all have such interesting covers!

      Reply
  14. Jess @ Curiouser and Curiouser says

    February 3, 2015 at 4:46 am

    I read Poison Study a couple of years ago and enjoyed, so I definitely recommend checking it out. I’d like to read Seraphina, too; I’ve heard some pretty wonderful things about it. Great list!

    Reply
    • Jamie says

      February 4, 2015 at 8:12 pm

      Thanks for your input!! 🙂

      Reply
  15. La La in the Library says

    February 3, 2015 at 6:22 am

    I have been convinced of Finnikin because of three other blogging buddies, and I nabbed Shadow Scale off Netgalley last week thinking I had the full ebook of Seraphina, but it was only a sampler. I guess I will get it from the library. 🙂

    Reply
    • Jamie says

      February 4, 2015 at 8:13 pm

      AHHH I hate when things are a sampler and you thought it was the real deal!! And yeah…I LOOOOVE Melina Marchetta so Finnikin was going to happen SOME time or another but def more and more excited now that I’m loving fantasy!

      Reply
  16. Cynthia says

    February 3, 2015 at 7:44 am

    I have read Poison Study and it is so good. I loved it!

    Reply
    • Jamie says

      February 4, 2015 at 8:16 pm

      I hope I love it too! Thanks for your input! 🙂

      Reply
  17. Cassie B says

    February 3, 2015 at 7:45 am

    You need to read Seraphina! It’s a really beautiful world, and book 2 comes out in March! You can never go wrong with dragons!

    Read my TTT: http://cbookbabblings.blogspot.com/2015/02/books-i-cant-believe-i-havent-read.html

    Reply
    • Jamie says

      February 4, 2015 at 8:16 pm

      I’m so excited for dragons!!!

      Reply
  18. Lakin says

    February 3, 2015 at 8:01 am

    Wow, this makes me look really bad. I haven’t read any of these, and the only author I’ve read from of the ones you have already read is Rae Carson. Maybe I should try to fix this?! So yeah, I’m definitely a fantasy littling!

    Reply
    • Jamie says

      February 4, 2015 at 8:19 pm

      We need a club to mend our ways!!! FANTASY DELINQUENTS WE ARE!

      Reply
  19. Jessica @ a GREAT read says

    February 3, 2015 at 8:12 am

    Seeing so much of Poison Study today! I LOVE that book! The entire series really! Basically I love Maria’s books! LOL!

    I still need to read Seraphina as well! And OMG Falling Kingdoms is sooooo good! Definitely my favorite fantasy YA, as I consider Maria adult fantasy since her books were always shelved over in that section! But I can see it being considered either or both!

    Here’s my Tuesday Post

    Have a GREAT day!

    Old Follower 🙂

    Reply
  20. Emily says

    February 3, 2015 at 8:13 am

    As it seems there are a lot I need to read too. I’ve definitely been on a fantasy kick lately and I always hear so much about these.
    Of course…there are a few of these I have to push. I got so lost in the world of Graceling in the best way possible. I adored that book and that world. Its large in size but I flew through it. Poison Study was also pretty darn good. I loved the main character and all that she learns and discovers about herself (my favorite kind of book to read I guess). And Scarlet…what can I say about that series. I am in love with it. I got so wrapped up in that world and the characters that it destroyed me in the best way possible. I laughed, cried, swooned. Ah, so perfect. I feel like if you have access to all 3 then get on that, because the wait for the last one is KILLING me.
    I’ll definitely be adding some of this list to my TBR.

    Reply
    • Jamie says

      February 4, 2015 at 8:20 pm

      Eee I love getting lost in worlds like that so you just made me even more excited for Graceling!! And that is so my fave kind of book to read tooooo re: Poison Study so THAT has me written all over it then!!

      Hope the 3rd in the Scarlet series lives up to your expectations!!! Thanks for all your input…it was infectious!!

      Reply
  21. Krista says

    February 3, 2015 at 8:27 am

    Finnikin of the Rock changed my life! It completely open my eyes to the world of fantasy. Then graceling added to that love. So those two first for sure’

    Reply
    • Jamie says

      February 4, 2015 at 8:22 pm

      Thank you for your input!! Curious…have you read Marchetta’s contemps??? THEY ARE MY FAVORITES. Like I knew naturally I would read the fantasy bc I love her but I’m getting super duper excited about it now that I’m into fantasy!

      Reply
  22. Brandy says

    February 3, 2015 at 8:31 am

    The Thief should be your top priority so you can then read the second book in the series. The Queen of Attolia is my favorite book of all time.

    Other fantasies you may want to try are Chime by Franny Billingsley and anything by Rachel Neumeier.

    Reply
    • Jamie says

      February 4, 2015 at 8:25 pm

      I just got Chime out at the library but had to take it back because I SUCK at reading my library books haha. Never heard of Neumeier! Thanks for the rec!

      Reply
  23. Cassi @ My Thoughts Literally says

    February 3, 2015 at 9:01 am

    All of these books either are on my list this week or should be on my list this week. I need to read all of these and I cannot believe I haven’t read them either. Great list!

    Reply
    • Jamie says

      February 4, 2015 at 8:27 pm

      Looks like we have some fantastic reading ahead of us!!

      Reply
  24. Daisy says

    February 3, 2015 at 9:18 am

    I fully support pretty much all of the books on your list, but if you’re asking what you should read first, I’m gonna say The Demon King, because that series is AMAZING! It gets better with every book and it’s one that even my boyfriend who doesn’t read loved (he kept bugging me till I finished the last book so he could read it). Graceling, Scarlett, The Burning Sky and Poison Study are SO good as well!
    If you haven’t read them, I’d also recommend The Kiss of Deception by Mary E. Pearson, Half a King by Joe Abercrombie, Cruel Beauty by Rosamund Hodge, Splintered by A.G. Howard, Poison by Bridget Zinn and The Cadet of Tildor by Alex Lidell. I could pretty much go on and on 😉

    Reply
    • Daisy says

      February 3, 2015 at 9:19 am

      Oh, and Finnik is awesome as well 🙂

      Reply
    • Jamie says

      February 4, 2015 at 8:28 pm

      I love series that just keep getting better and better!! And that is impressive that your boyfriend is obsessed with it!!

      Thanks for all the other awesome recs, lady!! xoxo

      Reply
  25. Brittany Joy says

    February 3, 2015 at 9:27 am

    These are all excellent! I have to suggest that you absolutely add the MISTBORN trilogy by Brandon Sanderson. It is my favorite fantasy of all time! You can never have enough kick ass female protags, incredible world building, or ingeniously creative magic systems.

    Reply
  26. Lori says

    February 3, 2015 at 9:28 am

    I’d definitely say Graceling from the ones on your list! And I LOVE Scarlet so much but it can be hard for some people to get through. But if you do read Scarlet, you NEED to read the whole series. I haven’t started Lion Heart yet but the end of Lady Thief is brutal. I love them! And a YA fantasy that isn’t on your list that I’d recommend (though you may have read it already) is Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor. It’s just really beautiful.

    Reply
    • Jamie says

      February 4, 2015 at 8:30 pm

      Oooh noted re: the Scarlet series! I will wait then! And okay I was going to put DoSaB on my list but I wasn’t sure if it was fantasy or not haha. I never can tell sometimes before I read a book! SO wanting to read that soon!

      Reply
  27. Frannie Pan @ In Clouds of Pages says

    February 3, 2015 at 9:43 am

    I didn’t love Seraphina though it was okay. I really want to read Falling Kingdoms and The burning sky!! *-*

    My Top Ten Tuesday: http://frannieinthepages.blogspot.it/2015/02/top-ten-tuesday-ten-books-i-cant.html

    Reply
    • Jamie says

      February 4, 2015 at 8:31 pm

      Out of all the books I’ve listed I’ve heard the most mixed about Seraphina. Will be curious to see where I fall!

      Reply
  28. Claire says

    February 3, 2015 at 9:50 am

    1. Graceling is amazing.
    2. Seraphina is also amazing.

    I have to read the rest as well.

    Reply
  29. Nadia says

    February 3, 2015 at 9:54 am

    You HAVE to read Graceling first. Definitely 😀

    Reply
    • Jamie says

      February 4, 2015 at 8:32 pm

      This seems to be the consensus! Thanks for you input! <3

      Reply
  30. Emma @ Miss Print says

    February 3, 2015 at 10:32 am

    Jamie! Go reserve The Thief and Seraphina from your library right this second! Aside from The Thief being fantasy canon at this point it is a really brilliant series starter. And my love for Seraphina simply knows now bounds. And Finnikin is also brilliant.

    Beyond these you need to read some Diana Wynne Jones as soon as possible. I’d say either Fire and Hemlock or Howl’s Moving Castle.

    Also Enchanted by Alethea Kontis and some of Sarah Beth Durst’s books (like Vessel!). I’ll stop now before I write a whole novel here. But seriously, if you EVER want to talk fantasy, you know where I am on Twitter 🙂

    Reply
    • Jamie says

      February 4, 2015 at 8:33 pm

      Teheh I like when you yell at me to do things! I WILL DO IT. And yes I’ve heard good things about DWJ as well so I should add her to my list. She is kind of like “classic” fantasy yes? Thanks for all the recs, lady!!

      Reply
  31. looloolooweez says

    February 3, 2015 at 10:38 am

    OK, these are some fantastic choices! I’m working on a library programming project with The Burning Sky right now, and not only is the book really great, the author is absolutely awesome too.

    How about some classic YA fantasy? Tamora Pierce, Garth Nix, Dianna Wynne Jones — have you read their stuff yet?

    Reply
    • Jamie says

      February 4, 2015 at 8:35 pm

      Noted!! I will add the classic fantasy to my list!! Thank you! Esp Garth Nix. Funny story: at a party I went to during BEA I met Garth Nix and my friend is a HUGE fan of him so I asked him to take a selfie which was hilarious. He was such a cool, fun guy so now I feel like I PROBABLY should read his books since I took a selfie with him haha And esp since fantasy fans I knew were like YOU DID WHAT?!?!? So I guess he is a big deal?? (I HAD NO IDEA)

      Reply
  32. Katie says

    February 3, 2015 at 11:01 am

    Oh, I can’t believe you haven’t read SCARLET yet! It seems like a book you’d love. 🙂

    Reply
    • Jamie says

      February 4, 2015 at 8:40 pm

      Oooh those words are like music to my ear ALWAYS — “seems like a book you’d love”. YAY then. Soon I shall start that series!

      Reply
  33. Lena Marsteller says

    February 3, 2015 at 11:54 am

    I just finished Graceling in January…. it was amazing!!!! I definitely recommend it! I also recommend Stormdancer by Jay Kristoff, this one is fantasy/dystopian/ science fiction but its so unique with its Japanese folklore mixed in!!! I also need to read Falling Kingdoms, and The Burning Sky series.

    Reply
    • Jamie says

      February 4, 2015 at 8:41 pm

      Oh I’m so glad to hear you loved Graceling!! And ooh I was curious about Stormdancer so you’ve sufficiently piqued my interest!

      Reply
  34. Elizabeth says

    February 3, 2015 at 1:00 pm

    I read Daughter of the Forest last summer and it has become one of my all-time favorite books. I will definitely reread it sometime down the road. It’s SO GOOD!

    Reply
    • Jamie says

      February 4, 2015 at 8:42 pm

      Oooh all time fave AND reread status?? Marks of an amazing book!!

      Reply
  35. Maraia says

    February 3, 2015 at 1:05 pm

    Daughter of the Forest is one of the most beautiful and heartbreaking fantasies, so I hope you read it soon!

    The Graceling series and the Seven Realms series are both easy-to-love fantasies, even for people who are new to the genre. Seraphina is extremely slow-paced, so it might not be the best place to start. The Thief is actually quite boring, but the following books are well worth the rough start!

    Reply
    • Jamie says

      February 4, 2015 at 8:43 pm

      Thank you for your input!! I really appreciate it because you’ve given me insight in where to start and maybe which books to wait a little bit on until I get further in my fantasy journey! Thanks!!

      Reply
  36. Stephanie B says

    February 3, 2015 at 1:15 pm

    Poison Study has been on my TBR for a while now but I just haven’t read it yet. I need to grab Seraphina next time I’m at the library, if only because The Book Rat recommends it so highly. I tried Falling Kingdoms but I really just didn’t enjoy it. Hated everyone – didn’t make it past the first 100 pages (give or take a few).

    Reply
    • Jamie says

      February 4, 2015 at 8:47 pm

      I’ve heard that about Falling Kingdoms actually! Will be curious to see how I feel!

      Reply
  37. Megan Mc Dade says

    February 3, 2015 at 1:44 pm

    I am not much of a fantasy reader and the only one I have read is The Winners Crime which you have read. I like some of your picks especially The Burning Sky and falling kingdoms.

    My top 10 Tuesday: http://readingawaythedays.blogspot.co.uk/2015/02/top-ten-tuesday-1.html

    Reply
  38. Tamara @ Tamaraniac says

    February 3, 2015 at 1:46 pm

    I’m not sure if it’s any sort of staple- I don’t read that much fantasy myself, but I really like Brandon Sanderson’s fantasy stuff.

    Reply
  39. Amy @ Pages of Starlight says

    February 3, 2015 at 1:55 pm

    Ooh, I love fantasy books and hope you have a lot of fun in the genre.

    Of the books you’ve got up there, I think my favorite was Falling Kingdoms, (I’m starting to love that series) although Graceling was quite fun as well. (You’ve got about four books on that list that I want to read but haven’t gotten to yet.) If you really want suggestions… I do second Tamora Pierce. I’ve just gotten started with her, reading the Beka Cooper series and it’s really good. I also loved Poison by Bridget Zinn. If you’re interested in a fantasy story that is very, very heavy on the romance, I adore Cruel Beauty. (Hmm, I guess I’ve not read as many YA fantasy books as I thought I had.)

    Reply
  40. Hannah says

    February 3, 2015 at 1:56 pm

    FINNIKIN! FINNIKIN ALL THE WAY! The series is utterly exquisite, and well, well worth the hype. I can’t rave about Melina Marchetta enough.

    Graceling is also a staple in the YA fantasy genre – and for good reason. So those are my two recs!

    Reply
    • Jamie says

      February 4, 2015 at 8:48 pm

      LOOOOOOVE MARCHETTA. Her contemps are my all time faves!! I have VERY high expectations for this series because of that!! EEEP. Graceling has been the most recced on here so DEFINITELY going to be my first from this list then!!

      Reply
  41. Irish says

    February 3, 2015 at 2:01 pm

    OMG so much yes with so many of these!!! I still need to read Daughter of the Forest and Seraphina but I have heard good things about both. The rest are all some of my favorite fantasy reads with the exception of Falling Kingdoms which I couldn’t finish….but I love the covers so might give it another shot at some point as maybe it was a timing/mood thing for me.

    My TTT is here.

    Reply
    • Jamie says

      February 4, 2015 at 8:50 pm

      I have a feeling that I’ll love a lot of these if you do too esp bc we have a lot of the same fave contemp loves!!

      Reply
  42. Sara says

    February 3, 2015 at 2:03 pm

    Finnikin of the Rock is one of my favourite books, genre aside. It’s just so beautiful. And both Seraphina and Graceling are fabulous! After these, if your appetite is ever whetted for some non-YA fantasy fiction, Scott Lynch’s The Lies of Locke Lamora and Patrick Rothfuss’ The Name of the Wind are personal favourites.

    Enjoy!

    Reply
    • Jamie says

      February 4, 2015 at 8:54 pm

      I’m so happy to hear that. I love Marchetta’s contemporary so I am SOOOO excited!! And thank you for the non YA recs!! Excited to check these out!

      Reply
  43. Shannon N. says

    February 3, 2015 at 2:16 pm

    A few of these were not my favorites (but I am in the minority about that), but I definitely recommend Seraphina and Graceling and The Thief. Each are definitely aspects of YA fantasy.

    Reply
    • Jamie says

      February 4, 2015 at 8:55 pm

      Thanks for your honest input!!

      Reply
  44. Kayla @ The Thousand Lives says

    February 3, 2015 at 3:44 pm

    Now that I’m looking at this list, I realize that I haven’t read many of them either! But I AM starting Falling Kingdoms today, so I’m very excited about that. I also plan on reading Scarlet within the next month or so.

    The two that I recommend most would be The Demon King and The Burning Sky, although Chima’s books are the ones I’d go for first 🙂

    Reply
    • Jamie says

      February 4, 2015 at 8:56 pm

      We should have a Scarlet series readalong since the last book is coming out!! And thanks for your input! The Demon King has been getting a lot of “YES YOU MUST” in the comments here!

      Reply
  45. Jade @ Bedtime Bookworm says

    February 3, 2015 at 4:04 pm

    I haven’t read most of these either! I recently read Finnikin and honestly wasn’t that impressed, but that might have been because I read a lot of hype about it before. I don’t know most of these new fantasy novels, but I know a lot of older ones! The Bartamaeus Trilogy by Jonathan Stroud is a great one about Jinn, The Lost Years of Merlin by TA Barron is good (but I did literally read that in Middle school, so not sure what I would think now), and the Ann McCaffrey books Dragonriders of Pern is a great dragon series. And how could I almost-forget! I love Diana Wynne Jones very much – especially her Chronicles of Chrestomanci books (which involve parallel universes, which is something that I just eat up!). Now to add these in your post to my TBR!!

    Reply
    • Jamie says

      February 4, 2015 at 8:57 pm

      Have you read Marchetta’s contemps?? I love those soo much! I’m hoping I love Finnikin but, like you said. SO MUCH HYPE FOR IT and also my own expectations bc I love this author!

      Thank you so much for all these recs!! *runs to Goodreads*

      Reply
  46. Violet says

    February 3, 2015 at 4:46 pm

    I need to read more fantasy as well. I joined the Flights of Fantasy challenge, and I’m really excited to read some more. Of these, I’ve read Graceling, Scarlet, Seraphina, and Poison Study. I really enjoyed them all.

    Reply
    • Jamie says

      February 4, 2015 at 8:58 pm

      I didn’t do any challenges this year but if I did one it would have been Flights of fantasy! How fun! Looks like we have some EXCELLENT fantasy reading ahead of us!! Good luck w the challenge!

      Reply
  47. Chachic says

    February 3, 2015 at 6:45 pm

    Yay, that’s awesome that you want to read more fantasy! I say yes to Kristin Cashore, Megan Whalen Turner and Juliet Marillier. They’re three of my favorite fantasy authors. With Melina Marchetta, I love her contemps more than her fantasy.

    Other titles I’d recommend:

    Beauty and The Blue Sword by Robin McKinley
    Howl’s Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones
    Crown Duel by Sherwood Smith
    The Goose Girl by Shannon Hale
    Medair by Andrea K. Host
    Sabriel by Garth Nix

    Reply
    • Jamie says

      February 4, 2015 at 8:59 pm

      OOOOH girl thank you for all these recs! Really appreciate it!!

      Also, I’m nervous about the Melina Marchetta because you KNOW how much I love her contemps as well!!

      Reply
  48. Yazzi says

    February 3, 2015 at 8:03 pm

    From your list I’ve only read Seraphina and Graceling – both which I thought were really good. I’d reccommend reading Seraphina first because DRAGONS but that’s just me. 🙂

    Reply
  49. Jennifer @ YA Book Nerd says

    February 3, 2015 at 8:52 pm

    I loved Graceling and Poison Study
    Have you read Alanna or Eon yet? Those were awesome too.

    Reply
    • Jamie says

      February 4, 2015 at 8:59 pm

      I haven’t! Going to check those out!!

      Reply
  50. Katie says

    February 4, 2015 at 12:00 am

    I am also super new to fantasy! Quite a few of these are on my TBR as well.

    Reply
    • Jamie says

      February 4, 2015 at 9:00 pm

      Hopefully these will be wins for us! I’m just LOVING this genre so much!

      Reply
  51. Elizabeth says

    February 4, 2015 at 10:04 am

    There are some books on this list I need to read too haha!! Here is my Top Ten Tuesday if you wanna check it out 🙂 http://bookbabble.weebly.com/blog/top-ten-tuesday1

    Reply
  52. Mallory @ The Leaning Tower of Tomes says

    February 4, 2015 at 2:10 pm

    As a huge fantasy lover, I am quite embarrassed to admit that I have only read Graceling from your list… I do own Finnikin of the Rock, though I haven’t gotten around to reading it yet… Well. In that case, to answer your question, you need to read Graceling ASAP! So good! And some recommendations for the fantasy genre I have are: anything by Robin McKinley, but specifically The Hero and the Crown and Chalice.

    Reply
    • Jamie says

      February 4, 2015 at 9:00 pm

      Graceling has gotten the most nods here in the comments so I think I’m going to start there! And thanks for the rec!!

      Reply
  53. Angie F. says

    February 4, 2015 at 3:29 pm

    I really liked Graceling, but I still haven’t read the other two even though it’s been about three years! The Study Series is really great, too, and I’m excited that there’s going to be more coming!

    The only other one of these I’ve read was Finnikin of the Rock which I liked just fine, but it’s really not as good as the following two books and didn’t really fit to me.

    Reply
    • Jamie says

      February 4, 2015 at 9:02 pm

      Okay so I feel like I heard Graceling series isn’t like a traditionally series? Is this true or am I thinking of another series that the books are just loosely connected?

      Thanks for your input!

      Reply
      • Angie F. says

        February 4, 2015 at 9:04 pm

        The books are suppose to be more like companion novels set in the same world rather than straight continuations.

        Reply
  54. Emma says

    February 4, 2015 at 6:18 pm

    The Demon King is SO amazing. I read the whole quartet last May, and I was blown out of the water. And the last book was by far the best in the series in my opinion! As for books that I need to read that are on that list… Graceling, Seraphina, and the Falling Kingdoms for sure. Those all have been on my TBR for awhile. Even better, I’ve heard that Falling Kingdoms is a six book series, and I love long Fantasy series, so I can’t wait to get my mittens on a copy.

    Reply
    • Jamie says

      February 4, 2015 at 9:04 pm

      OOOh I didn’t know Falling Kingdoms was 6 books! That’s even more delightful then! I’m so into the Throne of Glass series for that reason.

      Also your enthusiasm for The Demon King is infectious!!!

      Reply
  55. Hana says

    February 5, 2015 at 10:29 am

    You really can’t go wrong with any of the books you listed! They are all so good (I haven’t read them all but close). Of the ones you listed my top 3 would be Graceling, The Thief, and then Seraphina. But also love The Burning Sky and just read its sequel yesterday! I can’t wait for you to read more of these because you are in for such a good time 🙂

    Reply
  56. Ash @ Typing Tiara says

    February 6, 2015 at 2:04 pm

    I nominate Poison Study as the MUST READ. It’s one of my favorites and it’s just SO GOOD. I love the characters, the plot, and the world. All fantastic.

    Reply
  57. Francis Hamm says

    February 7, 2015 at 6:24 pm

    Some nice choices in that list. I think you should add a recent David Kuklis fantasy novel to that list. Escape from Netherworld was my top pick from 2014 and actually one of the better fantasy books I have ever owned.
    The author writes epic battles and action really beautifully and the whole concept of the story is so much fun to read. Well worth taking a moment to check out some of the reviews for this one.
    http://www.escapefromnetherworld.com/

    Reply
  58. Stephanie Allen says

    February 11, 2015 at 10:52 pm

    I was SO OBSESSED with the Cinda Williams Chima series you’ve got on this list. I was so glad I waited until all of the books were out before I read it, because I ended up reading all four of them in a single summer. SO GOOD. (The first book starts off slow, but stick with it because it’s definitely worth it, and all of the things that happen end up being really important later on in the series.)

    Reply

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“Why is it so hard to pick my next read?” — “Why is it so hard to pick my next read?” — she says as she is surrounded by piles on piles of books on the floor and desk and packed on her bookshelf and book cart. (Partner @berkleypub - thanks for the review copy).⁣
⁣
I managed to pick my next read, as chronicled in these photos, but it was not easy with so many options! 

Decided to go with a most anticipated book of 2022 for me from an author who has written books I’ve really enjoyed.
⁣
I am about halfway through and cruising along because I NEED to figure out if Joseph is the worst or what really is going on here in this story that starts with 3 women being stood up by the same guy on Valentine’s Day.  I feel like there is something more to this one but I can’t quite put my finger on it yet! ⁣
⁣
Hoping to finish it this weekend! What are you reading this weekend? And do you have trouble picking your next read? How do you choose amongst all the options?
Sunshine on my face and a mass market fitting perf Sunshine on my face and a mass market fitting perfectly in my hands.⁣…
⁣
Truly felt like there were zero things more joyful than the warm sun on my face after colder, dreary days and remembering how much I love the feel of reading a mass market paperback. It’s probably a very specific little joy of mine and I definitely reveled in it today.⁣
⁣
But the real big joy has been rereading this book and experiencing it all over again before @bridgertonnetflix season 2 — especially the Pall Mall scene. And something to do with a 🐝 😅 iykyk⁣
⁣
With all the joy I’m getting out of this reread it makes me wonder why I don’t prioritize rereading like I used to before I started blogging 10 years ago.⁣
⁣
In my head I just want to experience all the new stories and try to make a dent in my TBR but I forget, until I do it, the genuine pleasure in revisiting old companions and how it’s a different side of reading one can experience — the nostalgia, the person I’ve become since reading the book and the way I approach a book already knowing what happens. Well the general sense of what happens because my memory is 💩!⁣
⁣
Anyways that’s what I’m up to currently. Trying to finish this up so I can pack my books for a short trip I’m going on later this week. My first ✈️ since 2019!⁣
⁣
Whatcha reading? Do you reread often? And tell me a little teeny tiny joy from your day.
If I was a person who made Reels I would somehow m If I was a person who made Reels I would somehow mash up the “screaming, crying”  Blank Space clip with the “emotional damage” refrain to the Bastille’s Pompeii to let you know how I feel after the last few chapters of #TheGildedCage !!⁣
⁣
And if you don’t understand what that means, I’m sorry 😅⁣
⁣
But woo boy do I need the third installment of this series!!! But I also think I’m going to be even more emotional damaged after that one soooo.⁣ 
⁣
Seriously, one of the best simple joys of my life is the feeling of being so wholly and totally invested in a series that you have to remind yourself it’s fiction lest you spend all day in bed crying about the devastated look a character had on their face — a face you didn’t even see with your own two eyes but you are so invested that you feel nauseous and gutted like you sure did.⁣
⁣
Just me orrrrrr?⁣
⁣
No but for real. If you love YA fantasy, go start #theprisonhealer so you can be caught up when The Blood Traitor comes out in June (and be my emotional support person for the duration of reading it). I love these characters and I dying to see what happens next. 

Have you read this series yet? Last book series that had you SCREAMING CRYING THROWING UP because of the EMOTIONAL DAMAGE it inflicted?
A real life reading photo because I couldn’t be A real life reading photo because I couldn’t be bothered to make it pretty — mismatching fuzzy sucks, coffee almost gone and Christmas pajama pants that are super old.⁣
⁣
But y’all Black Cake is so good!! I’m almost halfway through and I know it’s A Choice to declare it one of the best books I’ve read all year but I’m feeling bold based on how it’s going.⁣
⁣
I love a good family story (especially one with a family secret!) and this is top notch. The writing is 👌🏻 and I know I’m going to be screaming when the pieces come together!⁣
⁣
In other news, I’m 65% of the way through The Dry by Jane Harper and I’m enjoying it so much that I ended up staying on the treadmill twice this weekend after my allotted time was over just so I could keep listening.⁣
⁣
Will and I FINALLY started Ted Lasso this weekend. It is a damn delight!! For all the hype and praise, it has overdelivered for me which is kind of shocking because normally hype is scary. I told Will that I feel like all the praise hasn’t even come close to how much I could love it. We are only 7 episodes in so no spoilers!⁣
⁣
I’m kinda mad we sat on starting it for so long but at the same time I think the timing is right to help me see my way out of this February funk I have found myself in the past couple weeks.⁣
⁣
Anyways, hope everyone is having a good weekend! Have you read Black Cake or The Dry? Where are my Ted Lasso fans at? I’m happy to join your ranks! Also please tell me your fave character bc I am finding it impossible to pick this far!
No but seriously every year I contemplate organizi No but seriously every year I contemplate organizing a search party for one Katjay Millay who wrote one beautiful and amazing book and then...vanished.

Like for real. She wrote a tweet in 2015 that she was taking a few weeks off and then.... no tweets, no new books. Radio silence.

I hope she’s okay, for real, and that she knows I obsessively stalk Goodreads/Twitter/the internet to make sure I haven’t missed new book news from her at least twice a year. 🥺

Is there any author who you’ve been waiting forever for a new release from??

I’d also like to add YA author Sarah Ockler to this list! Last release was 2015 😭😭
Ahhh some of my absolute OG young adult faves are Ahhh some of my absolute OG young adult faves are becoming movies/tv shows soon! And one of them is out TODAY!⁣
⁣
The Sky is Everywhere — it’s out today on AppleTV+ and I can’t wait to sob my brains out. One of my absolute most favorite books ever by one of my all time favorite authors. It’s gorgeous and heartbreaking in its poignant depiction of grief, first love and healing — all woven together in Jandy’s signature gorgeous, lyrical writing.⁣
⁣
Along For The Ride (out April 22) — one of a handful upcoming @sdessen books being adapted in the near future and I can’t wait! These books are so near and dear to my heart.⁣
⁣
No release dates yet for The Summer I Turned Pretty tv series (the ultimate coming of age summertime story!) or The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight (the cutest meet cute of all meet cutes all set in 24 hours) but I am HYPED and have all my fingers crossed for 2022 🤞🤞

Have you read any of these? Anyone else hyped for these adaptations.

Also, for the past few years, I’ve kept a running list of books becoming movies/tv shows for the year. Head to my bio to check out the list! I try to update it weekly and keep on top of it all but life ya know 😆 but I try!
Is this a book club? I think we just started a boo Is this a book club? I think we just started a book club. Or maybe just a @jenniferesmith appreciation club?? (partner @randomhouse )⁣
⁣
Either way, after loving Jennifer E. Smith's YA books for years, it's been a real treat to also read her debut picture book with Riley (we loved!!) as well as her adult debut out in 3 weeks!⁣
⁣
⁣So let me tell you about that adult debut — The Unsinkable Great James!!

This one just was the perfect warm-hearted read for a cold and gloomy January.

A perfect setting to escape into (Alaska), a tender-hearted meet cute and a poignant look at the shared grieving experience of those left behind.

I was initially drawn, like I always am, to the daughter losing a mother storyline and an exploration of that grief but I was so taken by the father/daughter relationship between two people who were left untethered by losing the person who held their family together.

Greta and her father don't see eye-to-eye on basically anything when they are thrown together on this Alaskan cruise, a trip Greta's father and mother were supposed to take, and you can feel the tension of their long-standing tumultuous and fractured relationship -- a relationship that feels like its hanging in a balance and could not recover.

The two are both hurting so much from this loss  and it took my breath away at times in how true it rang to be in your own grief bubble and feeling like the loss is yours and yours alone while forgetting about the others shouldering their own piece of this loss. I loved watching them very slowly SEE one another.

I can't say enough good things about this one -- great setting, Greta's music, the meet-cute, the messy and imperfect nature of family and love. Definitely recommend!⁣
I was on a hot reading streak and now for the past I was on a hot reading streak and now for the past few days I get all cozy in bed to read at night and am asleep by 4 pages in. Will got a kick out of waking up to me basically spooning my kindle. Ebbs and flows, y’all.⁣
⁣
Let’s do a little reading update with an edition of Last, Current & Next.⁣
⁣
Last - The Girl With the Louding Voice: Adunni is by far one of the most memorable voices I’ve read in a book in a very long time. Her hope and resilience in the face of some awful situations kept me turning the pages and rooting for her. I can’t believe it took me so long to finally read it. Highly recommend!⁣
⁣
Now - Deep in Providence (thank you @fiercereads ): I’m about halfway through after I carved out some time to read early this morning and I’m enjoying this story of grief, love and magic. I’m nervous about these girls trying to resurrect their dead friend though! When I put it down today I was getting a little creeped by some things happening.⁣
⁣
Next - The Kiss of Deception: I’m rereading the first book in this YA fantasy series because it’s been forever and I really wanna finish the trilogy. I’ve been really wanting to go through series I’ve left unfinished for years (not for lack of interest but because I suck at juggling all the series I start) so this is one of them. I remember loving it so I’m excited to dive in and binge. 

Whatcha reading? Have you read any of these? Anyone else on the struggle train with reading at night right now?
Braved the downpour to get my library holds. I hop Braved the downpour to get my library holds. I hope they are worth it! Please tell me they are!⁣
⁣
This is also, before I get to the stack,  an appreciation post for my tiny library and wonderful librarians.⁣
⁣
They normally open at 9am during the week —except Fridays. Did I remember that? Nope. So I was I was SO proud of Riley and I for getting our butts in gear to be for around opening time to drop off a stack and get my new ones.⁣
⁣
And alas, I go to open the door and it’s locked. Now I’m holding Riley’s hand, two tote bags full of books, an umbrella that I’m trying to keep over the both of us, mind you. I’m thoroughly confused until it hits me that it’s Friday.⁣
⁣
So I’m like, welp, guess we are just dropping off in the bin so I try to grab my books out and put them in one-handed while juggling the umbrella and less than enthused Riley.⁣
⁣
Mercifully the door opens and  our children’s librarian takes pity on us and lets us in to drop off and pick up the holds.⁣
⁣
Is this what being a VIP as a celebrity feels like?? Sure feels like it to me 😆 for real though, it pays to be a regular and have a cute kid in tow who is being pelted with rain.⁣
⁣
Anyways excited about this stack but especially Wahala, Daughter of the Moon Goddess and How High We Go In The Dark the most.⁣
⁣
Also have been meaning to snag The World Gives Way after @jordys.book.club recommendation!⁣
⁣
Have you read any of these? Any that you think were definitely worth the rain-soaked journey for??⁣
⁣
Alright now I’m off to curl up and read on this rainy, dreary day which is really what I think a day like this is meant for.
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Jamie is a 32 year old married lady (with a new baby!!) who is in denial that she's actually that old to be a married lady and a mom. When she's not reading you can find her doing Pilates followed by eating ice cream, belting out Hamilton (loud and offkey) and having adventures with her husband, daughter and rescue dog.

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“Why is it so hard to pick my next read?” — “Why is it so hard to pick my next read?” — she says as she is surrounded by piles on piles of books on the floor and desk and packed on her bookshelf and book cart. (Partner @berkleypub - thanks for the review copy).⁣
⁣
I managed to pick my next read, as chronicled in these photos, but it was not easy with so many options! 

Decided to go with a most anticipated book of 2022 for me from an author who has written books I’ve really enjoyed.
⁣
I am about halfway through and cruising along because I NEED to figure out if Joseph is the worst or what really is going on here in this story that starts with 3 women being stood up by the same guy on Valentine’s Day.  I feel like there is something more to this one but I can’t quite put my finger on it yet! ⁣
⁣
Hoping to finish it this weekend! What are you reading this weekend? And do you have trouble picking your next read? How do you choose amongst all the options?
Sunshine on my face and a mass market fitting perf Sunshine on my face and a mass market fitting perfectly in my hands.⁣…
⁣
Truly felt like there were zero things more joyful than the warm sun on my face after colder, dreary days and remembering how much I love the feel of reading a mass market paperback. It’s probably a very specific little joy of mine and I definitely reveled in it today.⁣
⁣
But the real big joy has been rereading this book and experiencing it all over again before @bridgertonnetflix season 2 — especially the Pall Mall scene. And something to do with a 🐝 😅 iykyk⁣
⁣
With all the joy I’m getting out of this reread it makes me wonder why I don’t prioritize rereading like I used to before I started blogging 10 years ago.⁣
⁣
In my head I just want to experience all the new stories and try to make a dent in my TBR but I forget, until I do it, the genuine pleasure in revisiting old companions and how it’s a different side of reading one can experience — the nostalgia, the person I’ve become since reading the book and the way I approach a book already knowing what happens. Well the general sense of what happens because my memory is 💩!⁣
⁣
Anyways that’s what I’m up to currently. Trying to finish this up so I can pack my books for a short trip I’m going on later this week. My first ✈️ since 2019!⁣
⁣
Whatcha reading? Do you reread often? And tell me a little teeny tiny joy from your day.
If I was a person who made Reels I would somehow m If I was a person who made Reels I would somehow mash up the “screaming, crying”  Blank Space clip with the “emotional damage” refrain to the Bastille’s Pompeii to let you know how I feel after the last few chapters of #TheGildedCage !!⁣
⁣
And if you don’t understand what that means, I’m sorry 😅⁣
⁣
But woo boy do I need the third installment of this series!!! But I also think I’m going to be even more emotional damaged after that one soooo.⁣ 
⁣
Seriously, one of the best simple joys of my life is the feeling of being so wholly and totally invested in a series that you have to remind yourself it’s fiction lest you spend all day in bed crying about the devastated look a character had on their face — a face you didn’t even see with your own two eyes but you are so invested that you feel nauseous and gutted like you sure did.⁣
⁣
Just me orrrrrr?⁣
⁣
No but for real. If you love YA fantasy, go start #theprisonhealer so you can be caught up when The Blood Traitor comes out in June (and be my emotional support person for the duration of reading it). I love these characters and I dying to see what happens next. 

Have you read this series yet? Last book series that had you SCREAMING CRYING THROWING UP because of the EMOTIONAL DAMAGE it inflicted?
A real life reading photo because I couldn’t be A real life reading photo because I couldn’t be bothered to make it pretty — mismatching fuzzy sucks, coffee almost gone and Christmas pajama pants that are super old.⁣
⁣
But y’all Black Cake is so good!! I’m almost halfway through and I know it’s A Choice to declare it one of the best books I’ve read all year but I’m feeling bold based on how it’s going.⁣
⁣
I love a good family story (especially one with a family secret!) and this is top notch. The writing is 👌🏻 and I know I’m going to be screaming when the pieces come together!⁣
⁣
In other news, I’m 65% of the way through The Dry by Jane Harper and I’m enjoying it so much that I ended up staying on the treadmill twice this weekend after my allotted time was over just so I could keep listening.⁣
⁣
Will and I FINALLY started Ted Lasso this weekend. It is a damn delight!! For all the hype and praise, it has overdelivered for me which is kind of shocking because normally hype is scary. I told Will that I feel like all the praise hasn’t even come close to how much I could love it. We are only 7 episodes in so no spoilers!⁣
⁣
I’m kinda mad we sat on starting it for so long but at the same time I think the timing is right to help me see my way out of this February funk I have found myself in the past couple weeks.⁣
⁣
Anyways, hope everyone is having a good weekend! Have you read Black Cake or The Dry? Where are my Ted Lasso fans at? I’m happy to join your ranks! Also please tell me your fave character bc I am finding it impossible to pick this far!
No but seriously every year I contemplate organizi No but seriously every year I contemplate organizing a search party for one Katjay Millay who wrote one beautiful and amazing book and then...vanished.

Like for real. She wrote a tweet in 2015 that she was taking a few weeks off and then.... no tweets, no new books. Radio silence.

I hope she’s okay, for real, and that she knows I obsessively stalk Goodreads/Twitter/the internet to make sure I haven’t missed new book news from her at least twice a year. 🥺

Is there any author who you’ve been waiting forever for a new release from??

I’d also like to add YA author Sarah Ockler to this list! Last release was 2015 😭😭
Ahhh some of my absolute OG young adult faves are Ahhh some of my absolute OG young adult faves are becoming movies/tv shows soon! And one of them is out TODAY!⁣
⁣
The Sky is Everywhere — it’s out today on AppleTV+ and I can’t wait to sob my brains out. One of my absolute most favorite books ever by one of my all time favorite authors. It’s gorgeous and heartbreaking in its poignant depiction of grief, first love and healing — all woven together in Jandy’s signature gorgeous, lyrical writing.⁣
⁣
Along For The Ride (out April 22) — one of a handful upcoming @sdessen books being adapted in the near future and I can’t wait! These books are so near and dear to my heart.⁣
⁣
No release dates yet for The Summer I Turned Pretty tv series (the ultimate coming of age summertime story!) or The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight (the cutest meet cute of all meet cutes all set in 24 hours) but I am HYPED and have all my fingers crossed for 2022 🤞🤞

Have you read any of these? Anyone else hyped for these adaptations.

Also, for the past few years, I’ve kept a running list of books becoming movies/tv shows for the year. Head to my bio to check out the list! I try to update it weekly and keep on top of it all but life ya know 😆 but I try!
Is this a book club? I think we just started a boo Is this a book club? I think we just started a book club. Or maybe just a @jenniferesmith appreciation club?? (partner @randomhouse )⁣
⁣
Either way, after loving Jennifer E. Smith's YA books for years, it's been a real treat to also read her debut picture book with Riley (we loved!!) as well as her adult debut out in 3 weeks!⁣
⁣
⁣So let me tell you about that adult debut — The Unsinkable Great James!!

This one just was the perfect warm-hearted read for a cold and gloomy January.

A perfect setting to escape into (Alaska), a tender-hearted meet cute and a poignant look at the shared grieving experience of those left behind.

I was initially drawn, like I always am, to the daughter losing a mother storyline and an exploration of that grief but I was so taken by the father/daughter relationship between two people who were left untethered by losing the person who held their family together.

Greta and her father don't see eye-to-eye on basically anything when they are thrown together on this Alaskan cruise, a trip Greta's father and mother were supposed to take, and you can feel the tension of their long-standing tumultuous and fractured relationship -- a relationship that feels like its hanging in a balance and could not recover.

The two are both hurting so much from this loss  and it took my breath away at times in how true it rang to be in your own grief bubble and feeling like the loss is yours and yours alone while forgetting about the others shouldering their own piece of this loss. I loved watching them very slowly SEE one another.

I can't say enough good things about this one -- great setting, Greta's music, the meet-cute, the messy and imperfect nature of family and love. Definitely recommend!⁣

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