As many know, this year’s authors and the book community have been well fed. An estimated 500,000 to one million books have been estimated this year of the amount of books that have been published. All different types of worlds are ready to be read and brought to life by their own imagination. From fantasy to historical fiction, murder mystery, to the next rom-com, or an amazing young adult. There are countless stories and worlds that have been made this year; let’s see what top 6 stories of these different worlds were the best, based on the reporter’s decision and opinion.
5. Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros
“A dragon without its rider is a tragedy,
a rider without their dragon is dead.
Welcome to the fourth wing.”
This book has been flying off the shelves the moment it arrived. This wonderful fantasy of love, betrayal, self-finding, healing, growing and honesty has been an amazing read. The beauty of the world in Fourth Wing has been amazing. There was so much lore and diversity in this book, even nonfantasy readers had found this book wonderful.
Reporter’s opinion: It was a fun and easy read, some characters in the book did give me icks while reading it. It was NOT enemies to lovers as advertised within the book.
It was really one sided based on looks by that I mean how the characters looked at each other. One thought the other hated her because she seemed ‘weak’ and the other one thought that she hated him because of how mysterious he is, and got resolved by a kiss. Many scenes were either the main character complaining or the other characters telling the main character that they can’t do what the other characters are able to do. Such as flying a dragon or defeating an obstacle. Which many people would enjoy but in this instance it was honestly fanfiction based. The book is really huge on miscommunication; and it’s not even a good miscommunication trope. It is a simple problem that can be solved with a 10 minute conversation. The things I did enjoy were the dragons, the beauty of the world in the story, and the lore is amazing to read. If you are looking for a romance-fantasy book, and are looking for an easy fantasy read with a dabble of romance then this is the book for you.
4. Assistant to the Villian By Hannah Nicole Maehrer
“We’re all monsters in the end. At least mine lives in the light.”
This loveable, fun read is what you need if you enjoy an adventure of daring with a dash of forbidden secrets and a sprinkle of love as you read about these two characters. One is a morally gray villain while the other a sunshine that will have your hearts.
Reporter’s Opinion: Okay let’s be honest, who doesn’t enjoy morally gray characters? The Villain is the perfect mixture of “dont touch her or else” and a bunch of red roses (Only for her of course). Best part is that he doesn’t overshadow the main character Evie. With most fantasy romance novels or series the male lead always is trying to provide and help out the main character many, many, many times. Overshadowing the main character’s abilities, but The Villain doesn’t do that. He lets her slove and figure out in her own way and time, allowing more in depth with both of the characters’ stories. And honestly, it was such a fun and happy read with an amazing lore. Most of it hasn’t even been revealed!
3. Curious Tides by Pascale Lacelle
“Dreams are manifestations of our unconscious desires.”
This Endorsing dark fantasy book is often compared to the world’s most famously known book series Harry Potter. This beautifully written story is about betrayal, love, finding oneself, and trying to save their own world. Will definitely have you in a chokehold.
Reporter’s Opinion: When I first bought this book I purely didn’t know what I was expecting. Maybe some magic and fairy dust but not at all. This made me feel like I was in the story itself, I felt so many emotions while reading this book. Its funny, sorrowful, and beautiful storyline in the world of Ardryn. Magic of all different types, different housing and so, so,so,so much lore. Honestly it was a fantastic read, one that you definitely need if you are in a reading slump, or you just want a lore filled book. The romance in this was amazing. There is so much in depth of it, especially if you are into romatsry. You’d be guessing who is who, or what is what in it. Cheering for a team or another. Personality I’m on team Kai and Baz, but whatever the case maybe. This book deserves to be one of the books of the month.
2. Caraval Series by Stephanie Garber
“Every person has the power to change their fate if they are brave enough to fight for what they desire more than anything.”
When people say “I couldn’t sleep until they finish the book” they mean it. This top tier series of love; magic, fates and heartache is something that doesn’t have enough words to describe what is in this trilogy. You’ll feel everything and then nothing. Your heart will be filled or it can be emptied. The twists and turns of a magical experience that will leave you practically begging for more. The utterly irresistible experience of Caraval, Legendary, and Finale is something that you can think of until your time runs out. And you’ll be begging to Legend to send you another ticket.
Reporter’s Opinion: I couldn’t put this trilogy down. I couldn’t and I wouldn’t. You’ll have to pry it out of my hands and even then I wouldn’t let go. I don’t care if I lost sleep while reading this trilogy. I fell in love; I felt the heartache; I felt the power and the strength of each character. It’s so engrossing by the way it was written. The way I could scream or cry from the pain that is going on with them. Or how each beautifully made story intertwines with one another. How they grow into the things they needed to be, or how they developed a better sense and learn from their mistakes. You have no idea how much feelings and loss of time I thought while trying to keep this series from finishing. I procrastinated from finishing it off because I did not want it to end. The love I have for this series is more than I can grow. This series? Definitely a reread. I would reread this alone if I could. Inhale and exhale the magic, the characters (I’m talking about Legend and Jacks, but I can’t forget about the girl bosses, Scarlet and Tella <3) , the lore. Oh my goodness it just keeps getting better. I swear you will keep begging for the gamble to continue, but you must Remember, it’s only a game.
1. Shatter Me Series by Tahereh Mafi
“This is, after all, what we’re fighting for, isn’t it? A second chance at joy.”
“Hell is empty, and all the devils are here”
– William Shakespeare
When you think of destoption series or novels, your mind immediately goes to Hunger Games, or to Divergent. This lushful, powerful series along with matching novellas brings a whole new take in the category of dystopian. New worlds, dead worlds growing, people changing for the better or the worse. Everything Shatter, like glass of a broken mind and heart. Then it gets Unravel by the secrets and lies everyone has been keeping. Ignite a spark of justice and waves of courage as they try to Restore for a better tomorrow. Defy everything and everyone around them, in searching for oneself. All while Imagine the finale pieces finally come into place leaving all but a series of effects afterwards.
Reporter’s opinion: Powerful isn’t enough description of this book. Engrossing isn’t enough, beautiful isn’t enough. Staying up late at night trying to finish yet don’t want to at the same time. Sitting in a car reading it like there isn’t a care in the world. That was me, I spent every moment I could to read this book. I love it with a deep, burning passion. Nothing could make me put it down, and I’ll carry it with my tomb along with everything else. This series, and all of Stephanie Garber’s books.