Okay, I’m going to play nice for this week’s Top Ten Tuesday, hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl. I want to talk about books that surprised me for the good. I can rant about books I can’t stand, but I don’t see the point right now. So here’s my list of the books that pleasantly surprised me:
Warcross by Marie Lu
Rainbow hair, virtual reality, plot twists. I’M IN HEAVEN. I’m not a huge sci-fi reader, but Marie makes me want to be one. I’m still thinking about this book. And that cliffhanger is killing me right. I adore Emika. She’s one of my favourite characters!
If the sequel isn’t called Darkcross, I’ll be salty. Salty, people.
Everless by Sara Holland
Okay, I’ve read this book only once, but I want to read it again…and again. I adore the main character, Jules, who fights for the people she loves. She understands and knows of poverty, hunger, and a resentment of people who want nothing more than to push the poor down further. But Sara builds in twists that surprise you. I know I’ll read this book again.
The Cruel Prince by Holly Black
Court intrigue, politics, dark romance, and21 trickery all rolled up into one beautiful book. Can I fangirl any harder? No, I need to buy candles to reach that level (don’t tempt me; I’ll buy them). I know Holly from Cassie Clare, but I wish I found her work much sooner though. Her dark writing is gorgeous.
And can we talk about a certain male character having a tail? π He. Has. A. Tail. I’ve seen it all, apparently.
A Darker Shade of Magic by V. E. Schwab
Grey London. Red London. White London. Black London. ALL THE LONDONS. Okay, maybe not the Black. I loved this book. It’s been on my TBR list for years, but I didn’t read it until last year though. The way Victoria blends in fantasy and sci-fi just makes me love those genres more. I’m all for a time travel story, but she takes it to a different dimension.
Wintersong by S. Jae-Jones
This book is whimsical and enchanting. And it took me a while to get over the story and that ending. I am a huge fan of the Goblin King, Bowie’s and the original version. So I had a high expectation for Wintersong. I didn’t know what to expect or what I’d love, but Sarah didn’t disappoint. Her writing and storytelling for a debut author are superb, and I cannot wait to read Shadowsong.
Love your taste in books! I want to read just about all of these — except for Warcross, which I want to read ten million times more because UGH PERFECTION ππ
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Thanks!! βΊοΈ
Agreed. I need the sequel in my life.
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All the love for The Cruel Prince and Warcross.
I’m seriously considering buying TCP-candles. I think I kind of need them in my life.
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Bless. Theyβre my faves for sure.
I definitely need to go on a huge candle buying spree.
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You and me both. Now where’s that extra money when you need it.. :’)
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Sell a kidney?
A legit question, mind you π
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It might come to that eventually, haha!
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Shades of Magic definitely surprised me too. Such a great setting and so incredibly detailed. I loved it!
Great TTT π
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Thanks! π I couldn’t agree more. I’m so excited Victoria is expanding that series.
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A Darker Shade of Magic… Think you’ve sold me on that that one.
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Yassss. I’m so glad. I couldn’t recommend more. I adore it.
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π
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I love Holy Black and Schwab is an author that I haven’t yet read but intend to do so soon – I’ve already bought a couple of her books in preparation.
Lynn π
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I hope you like both of the authors. Cruel Prince is a great first Holly book! I hope to get more of her books soon.
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I love this list. Ugh, why didn’t I remember to include A Darker Shade of Magic?! That book was a pleasant surprise for me as well. I also loved Warcross.
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Why thank you. π
ADSOM is just a perfect for any book list. It honestly is. I need to get caught up in this series though.
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YES! Every one of these! We are pretty much in the same boat! Plus I laugh so hard in Cruel Prince about the tail and him asking if she wanted to see it. It was gold. I so didn’t remember to include a Darker Shade of Magic. I love the first book and need to read the second book soon! If the second book too Warcross isn’t Darkcross I will be disappointed because now that is all I can think of to call it. No matter what I shall forever be calling it Darkcross.
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I DIED at that scene. My snorting was horrendous π€£
Iβm the same as you. I bought book 2 and 3 and havenβt gotten around to them, which I regret.
If the pub doesnβt, the fandom will freak.
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The Cruel Prince is also on my list! I loved that book so much and Cardan’s tail is so intriguing, lol.
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If his tail doesnβt make an appearance in TWK, Iβm be mad. π
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DITTO! LOL
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I still [regrettably] haven’t finished A Conjuring of Light. I’ve started it, but maybe I’m deferring finishing it because I don’t want it to end (???).
Cheers,
Joey @ Thoughts and Afterthoughts
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I havenβt even started on it. I have the two sequels but have no time to finish the series.
Wholeheartedly agree with you. Thankfully, Victoria is making a new series in the world. I screamed when I found out.
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Yeah, very happy for the world that it’s getting expanded but omg what does this mean for my TBR if it releases before I even finish ACOL π
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LOL donβt say that. Youβll jinx us now π
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So many of these are on my TBR, including A Darker Shade of Magic and Everless so I’m really glad you enjoyed them! I also loved The Cruel Prince, and was definitely surprised by how much I ended up enjoying it π
My TTT
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A Darker Shade of Magic is one of my favourite books, so glad you enjoyed it!
My TTT: https://jjbookblog.wordpress.com/2018/03/13/top-ten-tuesday-150/
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I love Schwab – she’s quickly become one of my favorites!
Lauren @ Always Me
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Oh, I know! I canβt get enough of her books now!!
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I still have to read the third ADSOM book, but I love the series so much! + I can’t wait for the sequel to Warcross π
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I still have to read the second. Iβm so behind on my TBR list right now
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I swear we have the EXACT same reading tastes and this makes me so happy ππ
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