The year is almost at its end, and what a year it has been! In my life outside the books I graduated for my Associates Degree and transferred to a four-year university! This was quite a change, but I’m loving every moment of it. Okay, maybe not so much the studying and the homework.
In terms of reading, I had a really good reading year. I received my working permit, which allowed me to actually get paid for my work, which in turn allowed me to buy more books, yay! Aside from that, I also had a ridiculous amount of free time. I only had three classes and then a four-month summer vacation! I set my Goodreads reading goal on 50 books, and actually read more than that, so I’m not going into the details of everything I read. I will be typing for the rest of the year, haha.
Anyway, I think my most anticipated release of 2017 was A Court of Wings and Ruin. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, evidenced by the fact that I read it in like a day. However, I was kind of surprised by the lack of death. Not that I wanted characters to die, but I thought there would be more.. dying. Maybe I have read too much Game of Thrones, haha.
Sticking with the SJM books, another highly anticipated book for me was Tower of Dawn. I really enjoyed this one as well, but am now scared for TOG 7.
Two books that have also become favorites now are Three Dark Crowns and One Dark Throne. I always left it on the shelves because from the synopsis it didn’t seem like something I would enjoy very much. Boy was I wrong. As soon as #3 comes out I will be picking up my copy.
I can’t even say “two books” without also thinking of the Six of Crows duology. These books were so good that they actually made me want to join a gang and organize a heist myself. Which is a terrible idea.
I have also regained my love for high fantasy fiction. I finally finished The Name of the Wind, followed by The Wise Man’s Fear. These books are pretty large, but so worth it. I love the characters and the world building is really well done. Now I just hope that Mr. Rothfuss will actually finish the third installment soon..
My other favorite adult fantasy reads were Uprooted, Dreamer’s Pool, and The Queen of Blood. But what really topped it all was the Mistborn Trilogy. I don’t think I have ever felt so heartbroken and so satisfied at the same time. Fun story: one of the guys working at my local Barnes & Noble has basically been shoving these books in my hands, waiting for me to finally read them. He will be pleased to know that I finally did.
A genre I also enjoy sometimes is middle grade fantasy. As a teacher I try to be a little up to date, so I can recommend things. And also because middle grade books are just fun, quick reads. My favorite of this year was York, which is the first installment in The Shadow Cipher series by Laura Ruby. It involves three children and their (overly large) cat that go on a scavenger hunt to save their apartment building that is set for demolition. Honestly, if it involves a scavenger hunt, I will read it. I love scavenger hunt books.
These books have pretty much been my highlights of the year, but some other honorable mentions go to Wonderwoman: Warbringer, Lord of Shadows, Invictus, Strange the Dreamer, and The Bone Season.
I hope that despite being a full-time student again, I can find the time to read as many amazing books as I did this year. And also that I finally start reducing my huge TBR pile, because as you know from my last post.. this pile is kind of huge.
I hope all of you have a very happy new year, and that 2018 may be filled with books! 🙂
