Books I've Read Recently
Mistborn (series)
by Brandon Sanderson
There is no doubt recency bias at play here, but the first book of this series in particular might be the best book I've read to date. This was my first novel of Brandon Sanderson's, and it was extremely captivating. The characters are very real and easy to root for, the plot is complex and hard to predict while still being easy to follow, and the worldbuilding is immaculate. Absolutely loved the magic system of this novel. It was highly enjoyable from the start of the series to the end of it. Looking forward to reading more of Sanderson's works like the Stormlight Archive when I get a chance!
Babel (an arcane history)
by R.F. Kuang
You will either really like this book or not at all in my opinion. I happened to fall in the really like category. This is one of the only books I know where not only are you engaged by a very interesting and certainly unique plot (historical fantasy is always nice in this way), but you also learn a ton about linguistics and colonial history. I found the overt real-life political messaging pretty provoking; even if I didn't agree with all of it it still made me stop and think. Really enjoyed this book and made me realize how much I love the historical fantasy genre as well as books that actually also teach you something.
Crown of Bones (series)
by A.K. Wilder
This had a unique plot with very captivating prose and nice world building that made it easy to understand the universe of the book. I was very much rooting for the narrator character as well as hooked by the plot to see what would happen next. My only critique was that the romance felt too forced and fake, but I enjoyed reading the novel and hope to finish the rest of the series at some point.
The Once and Future Queen (series)
by Clara O'Connor
Book 1 of this 3-part series was actually very engaging. The entire concept of a 1984 totalitarian-esque modern day Roman Empire versus magical Britons is something I definitely haven't seen before! (sometimes I wonder how an author can even think of something this unique). I was intrigued by the plot developments and twists, but unfortunately after I continued on the series, the plot just seemed to drag on and on without going anywhere. All of that capped off in an unsatisfying ending, at least for me.
Gideon the Ninth
by Tamsyn Muir
This is a very unique book because of its constantly irreverent tone which is in odds with its darker setting. I found the worldbuilding fantastic, as it had adequate depth while still being easy to understand. I also thought the character growth was pretty complex and I really enjoyed the plot as well as the many twists throughout the story. Highly enjoyed it, the only comment I had was that at times the irreverent tone felt overdone. Hoping to find the time to read the sequel at some point.
The Institute
by Stephen King
First Stephen King novel I ever read! I would say it's the scariest book I've ever read as well. Very much disturbing, in a way that got me engaged really well. It was interesting because I have never truly enjoyed a horror novel up to this point, but I think this one has made me a fan of the genre.
Five Total Strangers
by Natalie D. Richards
The premise is fairly basic as it's very much in the real world, and honestly the book is written fine. I just personally was never ever engaged because I was looking for a more interesting plot which never developed, but this is likely just because the book wasn't for me.
Reap: The Harvest Saga (series)
by Casey L Bond
The post-apocalyptic setting had a lot of potential, but the writing just felt incredibly clunky. I wasn't prepared for the undercurrent of anti-vax messaging as well which was very unexpected and strange. Seemed to be trying to argue a political message. 1 dimensional characters as well just generally brought down the book. This was only book 1 of the 3 part series, but I didn't continue it since this part 1 was not enjoyable.