stars above

Happy Tuesday, everyone!

How’s your week been going? I’ve been struggling to come up with a good list since I don’t read a lot of these stories or novellas. I typically stick with larger books. But for this week’s topic of Top Ten Tuesday, I want to talk about some of the novellas and short stories I have read and want to read. So let’s get to the post, shall we?

Ayama and the Thorn Wood and When Water Sang Fire from The Language of Thorns

It’s hard to pick which stories I love the most from this book. But the two that have stuck with me are these. Both are the first and the last, and yet they complement each other beautifully. However, the siren story may be my favourite out of all them.

A Court of Frost and Starlight

Yes, I’ve complained plenty about this novella. However, I love going back to Velaris and seeing what my favourite characters are up to. And the tension between Nesta and Cassian make up for some of my disappointment.

Queen Song from Cruel Crown

This short story revolves around the first wife of King Tiberius, Queen Coriane. She has intrigued me since Red Queen. And when I read her story, I couldn’t help but feel sorry for her. You know she’s dead. You know she lost her battle, and yet her story is nonetheless compelling.

Hidden

When I heard about this novella, I nearly screamed. I’ve followed the Women of the Otherworld series since I was 13. So when I heard Kelley wrote a story about Clay and Elena taking the twins on a holiday vacation, I knew I had to read it.

I’ve finally finished Winter, and I just need the next dose of this series. When I found out Marissa wrote a collection of Lunar Chronicle stories, I knew there was no way I could pass up this book. No way. I can’t wait to get back into Marissa’s world.

Queens of Fennbirn

I’ve been meaning to catch up on this series. However, I haven’t read the second book, and I spoiled myself on the third, and clearly, I haven’t read this one as well. So I truly need to tackle my TBR pile, stat. I have a love-hate relationship with this series. I’m not sure if I hate it, but I do know I love some aspects of it. Kendare creates a magical yet dangerous world that you can’t help but fall for. This book combines The Young Queens and The Oracle Queen.

Tales from the Shadowhunter Academy

I know, I know, I’m behind on my Shadowhunter books. Okay, one book doesn’t necessarily count as behind. But you get what I mean. I should have read this book before transitioning to the Dark Artifices series. I’ve been wanting to see how Simon transforms from a teenager who can’t remember the love of his life and his best friend to a Shadowhunter.

Seriously?! June is over? I cannot believe it is. I’m kind of freaking out at how fast this year is going. So I needed to take some time away from blogging. My life has been too hectic. And just for the sake of doing so, I didn’t want to publish something half ass. But you’ll be seeing me around much more though!

Let me know how your June has gone! I’d love to check up with all of you.

Yeah, last month, reading took a back seat. I couldn’t decide which book to read, which one to hold off on, and which one to finish. I went back and forth from one book to the next. Don’t you hate you that? I know I do. I can’t stand it when indecisiveness rules my every choice.

But with the books I did read, I enjoyed. And I was finally able to read two of my most anticipated reads of this year!

Legendary by Stephanie Garber

⭐⭐⭐⭐½

I need to find my fellow Dantella groupies because I need to squee about this book. Caraval is one book that snuck on me when I didn’t expect it. And I’ve been eagerly waiting to read Legendary. But like other readers, I was hesitant to read a book solely on Tella’s POV. Tella is a tricky character for me. She bothered me in Stephanie’s debut novel, but I loved her in this one. Stephanie blends magic, intrigue, and politics and creates an enchanting experience.

I cannot wait to read Finale.

Smoke in the Sun by Renée Ahdieh

⭐⭐⭐⭐

This book is GORGEOUS. It rivals Flame in the Mist, and I thought that book was too beautiful for words. Smoke brings on a rollercoaster of emotions for me. Going in, I knew my favourite characters, Mariko and Okami, would suffer, but I was not anticipating the need to punch a wall and scream, “don’t hurt my babies!” at 2 in the morning.

Renée beautifully crafts a historical fantasy you’ve been hoping to read. And while the book is a slow burn, it will satisfy her dedicated readers. I’m hooked.

Winter by Marissa Meyer

This book is BEAST. I haven’t finished it yet, but I’m enjoying it. Even though I’m late to the game, I don’t want this series to end. Finally, the entire crew joins forces to take down the evil bitch queen we call Levana (bless my swearing skills). I feel the story starts off slow and then builds off of that. I enjoy seeing how each character interacts, and I hope to finish this monster off shortly.

I cannot wait to find more sci-fi books. I don’t want to miss any great series. So shoot me some of your favourite picks! I’d love to discover more!

Give it to me to buy more books than I read for the month. Okay, I can’t put the blame on that. I had several pre-orders, so don’t judge. What am I saying?! I’m talking to fellow book nerds.

I wanted to keep my book haul short for June since I wasn’t sure if I’d read this all (I’m glad I decided ahead of time, or I’d be kicking my butt right now). But I was able to pick up books I’ve been dying to read. And hopefully, I’ll get to them soon.

Who am I kidding? I’ll just keep adding to my pile. 😂