5 MORE Most-Anticipated Reads of 2019

Here it is: Part 2 of my most anticipated 2019 releases! I know barely any time’s passed since I posted the first part of this series, but so many good books are coming out next year. This blog would turn into a dissertation if I tried to include them all! Anyway, keep your eyes out for these future releases, because they're sure to be blow-your-mind, steal-your-breath good.
Without further ado:

6. Sorcery of Thorns by Margaret Rogerson

Sorcery of Thorns doesn't have a cover, or a detailed synopsis, but I can tell you this book will be damn good. I read Margaret Rogerson's 2017 debut, An Enchantment of Ravens, and fell absolutely in love. Few people can seamlessly craft character, world-building, and atmosphere the way she does. It doesn't help that her subject matter revolves around faeries, libraries, and sorcerers. I mean, it's like she reached inside my mind and plucked out three of my favorite things! Margaret Rogerson is just a gifted writer. You'll recognize that by the third page of Enchantment, if not sooner. I expect Sorcery will also don a beautiful cover, since the talented Charlie Bowater - who designed Enchantment's cover - is illustrating this release as well. Margaret Rogerson is one of my newest auto-buy authors, so it's no understatement to say I am dying for this book. And if Sorcery of Thorns isn't the coolest title ever, you can pinch my arm (okay not really, that hurts).

Release Date: May 14, 2019
Goodreads

7. The Wicked King by Holly Black

Honestly, how did I forget to include The Wicked King in the last round? I know the first book in this trilogy, The Cruel Prince, met with divided opinions when it released early in 2018, but I for one cannot get enough of this world's tricky fae politics. Not to mention the ungodly Jude-Cardan angst. I just finished reading an arc of this sequel, and trust me: IT DELIVERS. And, nonspoiler hint, Wicked King leaves off on another ending that will have you dying for more. I would blather on about how you should pick this book up when it comes out, but I'm pretty sure you don't need me to tell you that.

Release Date: January 8, 2019
Goodreads

8. Through the White Wood by Jessica Leake

The comp for this book is Katherine Arden's The Bear & the Nightingale meets Elly Blake's Frostblood. And seriously, say no more. I flew through Leake's YA fantasy, Beyond a Darkened Shore, but this book sounds hand-crafted just for me. Through the White Wood takes place in a fantasy Kiev, where Katya, a girl whose touch can freeze, must team up with an ill-rumored prince against an army of enemy magic users. I know that synopsis sounds super vague, but I only glanced at the official summary - I don't want to know too much going in. I'm already certain I'll be picking this book up as soon as it releases.

Release Date: April 9, 2019
Goodreads

[cover yet to be revealed]

9. Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo

Secret societies? A criminal student falling into occult activities? More importantly, Leigh Bardugo? I've waited for this book for what feels like decades. The premise of Ninth House definitely gives me The Secret History vibes, with its sinister ivy school setting. Beyond that, I know this is Leigh's first adult book, and that the protagonist's name is Alex Stern. I'm not complaining, though, because I know this story will be brilliant. If you've ever read any of Leigh Bardugo's books, I probably don't have to sell you on that.


Release Date: June 4, 2019
Goodreads

10. Chain of Gold by Cassandra Clare

Chain of Gold is the long-awaited first book in Cassandra Clare's forthcoming series called The Last Hours. Set in 1903, these books follow Tessa, Will, Jem, and the generation that comes after them. Cassandra Clare has also admitted that The Last Hours series will be a retelling of Great Expectations by Charles Dickens. While Goodreads has this first book listed as releasing in 2019, a solid date has yet to be given. The Infernal Devices trilogy is my absolute favorite of Clare's work, though, so I couldn't leave out this next installment.

Release Date: November 19, 2019
Goodreads



And that's 10! Honestly, I could list dozens of books coming out in 2019 that I'm counting down the seconds for. Maybe I'll do a Part 3 sometime (lol)? But for now, I hope you've enjoyed my most anticipated reads, and I hope you've found a few titles to add to your probably ever-growing tbr.

Top 5 Anticipated Reads of 2019

I debated making this a Top 10 post, just because there are so many amazing books coming out in 2019! But I'll narrow it down and post a Part 2 later, if needed. For now, get your Goodreads tab ready, because here are - in no particular order - five of what I think are the best books releasing next year:

1. Wicked Saints by Emily Duncan

Originally titled Something Dark and Holy, this book has been on my radar since early 2018. From how it's described, Wicked Saints ticks all my boxes:

• a Russian-esque fantasy (with Polish influences)
• tantalizing love-to-hate relationship that's been compared to Darklina and Reylo (say no more)
• dark blood magic, priests, girls with knives, broken princes, and monster boys

Honestly, this one's #1 on my tbr. I'm fortunate enough to have received an early manuscript that I'm planning to review here closer to release date. Also, aren't those covers absolutely stunning?!

Release Date: April 2, 2019
Goodreads

2. The Tiger at Midnight by Swati Teerdhala

The Tiger at Midnight is about an assassin and a soldier who get caught up in a game of cat-and-mouse. Not only do I love the cat-and-mouse trope, but I've heard that this book has a fantastic enemies-to-lovers relationship (do you sense a trend?). Rebels, political fantasy, Hindu mythology - I'm here for it all. And what's that, another gorgeous cover?

Release Date: April 23, 2019
Goodreads

3. The Winter of the Witch by Katherine Arden

The Winter of the Witch is the third and final installment in Katherine Arden's Winternight trilogy. If you haven't read The Bear & the Nightingale yet, drop everything and read it immediately. Russian mythology, fantasy, historical fiction - this series contains everything I love. Not only are the setting and writing beautiful, but the characters are so real, and I love them so fiercely, I could immerse myself in this world forever and never return to reality. Dangerous priests, frost gods, magical horses...I cannot recommend this trilogy highly enough. This is one of my favorite series of all time.

Release Date: January 9, 2019
Goodreads

4. Defy Me by Tahereh Mafi

I'm sure you all know about this book. Defy Me is the latest installment in Tahereh Mafi's Shatter Me series, which follows Juliette as she struggles with her power, her identity, and who to trust in a world of ever-shifting politics. While I wasn't a huge fan of Restore Me, the first book in Tahereh's continuation of the once-trilogy, I am of course still looking forward to seeing where the story goes in this next book. The main relationship in this series is also top-notch in terms of angst and tension. A must-read series for sure.

Release Date: April 2, 2019
Goodreads

5. King of Scars by Leigh Bardugo

Nikolai. The Grishaverse. If you've read any of Leigh Bardugo's books, you know that Nikolai is without any doubt one of the greatest characters created, and he definitely deserves his own series. Behold, the first book in that series - King of Scars! Nikolai was arguably the best thing to come from Leigh's Shadow and Bone trilogy, and I can't wait to see where his story will go in this new duology. Honestly, the title doesn't bode well for the beloved prince. I know Stormhund will face some challenges in this new series, but as long as he finds happiness in the end, I'll be good.

Release Date: January 29, 2019
Goodreads


Okay, so I'm definitely making a Part 2 to this! There are just way too many releases to look forward to in 2019. My list is endless! Until then, feel free to let me know in the comments what books you're looking forward to picking up next year. :)

Unpopular Opinions Book Tag

You know this tag. It's fun, it's divisive, and it really speaks volumes about a person's reading tastes. Without further ado, here are my controversial bookish opinions. *curtain drop*

1. A Popular Book or Series You Didn't Like

Starting out with a bang: The Darkest Minds trilogy by Alexandra Bracken. I hate saying this, because Alexandra seems like such a lovely person, but the plot of the first book felt a little bland and the writing didn't engage me at all. Sadly, I ended up DNFing.

Runners Up: The Legend trilogy by Marie Lu, Caraval by Stephanie Garber, Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs, and The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern (I know, I know, blasphemy!)

2. A Popular Book or Series that Everyone Else Seems to Hate but You Love

The Falling Kingdoms series by Morgan Rhodes. This series isn't hated necessarily, but it certainly attracts divided opinions! I understand why some people have issues with these books. The story isn't rich, per say, but if you take it for what it is - a lite Game of Thrones type fantasy series - then I think these books are just fun and twisty and fast-paced. Also, there's an enemies-to-lovers relationship that is spot. on. The first four books are especially excellent.

3. A Love Triangle Where the Main Character Ended Up with the Person You Did NOT Want Them To OR an OTP You Don't Like

I have a few for this one, but I'm gonna go with Julie Kagawa's Iron Fey series. *spoilers ahead* I enjoyed this trilogy overall, but I found Ash to be the flattest, most uninteresting character ever. Which is strange, because dark broody fey princes are completely my thing! But Ash lacked any personality and I groaned when Meghan and him ended up together. Especially because I loved her relationship with Puck, her sarcastic best friend. Their precious few scenes of romantic tension just about killed me. Why Julie, why?? *end spoilers*

Runners Up: (No spoilers here - just pairings I don't love!) Elias/Laia, Yael/Luka, Alina/Mal

4. A Popular Book Genre You Don't Usually Reach For

Probably New Adult?

5. A Popular or Beloved Character that You Do Not Like

Oh man - Lila Bard from V.E. Schwab's A Darker Shade of Magic. It's been a while since I read the book, but I remember thinking she was so full of herself, and mouthy, and irritating for no actual purpose other than to show off in front other people. She was completely uncaring about what those around her were going through. Sorry if that sounds harsh, but I couldn't stand her character at all!

6. A Popular Author that You Can't Seem to Get Into

Hmm, I would say Marie Lu. I've tried reading two of her series and have failed to continue on. Her writing just isn't for me!

7. A Popular Book Trope that You're Tired of Seeing

Honestly, I think most tropes can be made new with the right perspective and story-telling. But I'm getting a little sick of hearing "fierce" or "kick-ass" female character when a book is being pitched to me, particularly in fantasy. It always comes off like that's the protagonist's defining quality, and I'm even more disappointed when the character turns out to be a carbon copy of other popular female protagonists. When calling girls "strong," I think it's important to remember that strength comes in many forms.

8. A Popular Series You Have No Interest in Reading

The Monsters of Verity duology by Victoria Schwab. (I don't hate all her books, I swear. Vicious is one of my favorite stand-alones!) Other than that, probably the Red Queen series by Victoria Aveyard. I've been vaguely spoiled for where things go in those books, and I don't think they're for me.

9. The saying goes the book is always better than the movie. But what movie or tv show do you prefer more than the book?

This is so hard! Maybe Pride & Prejudice by Jane Austen? I love the book, but the film with Kiera Knightley won my soul the minute I watched it. The music, the costumes, the atmosphere...it's just perfect. I also really enjoyed the recent Netflix adaptation of To All the Boys I've Loved Before by Jenny Han, but I feel like that's cheating since I haven't read the books!


FIN.
Thanks for reading! I hope I didn't hate on too many of your faves...

Review: A Reaper at the Gates by Sabaa Tahir

4.5 stars. There are few series that get progressively better with each book. Usually sequels stumble along the way, at least a little. That is not the case with this series - from Ember to Reaper, each book has outshone the last by jaw-dropping proportions. And that’s not to say that An Ember in the Ashes was a bad first book. The world was unique, the characters well-constructed, and I knew I wanted to continue on with the story. But I was taken aback by how much I loved A Torch Against the Night, and now...A Reaper at the Gates. A Reaper at the Gates is a masterpiece, and to call it anything short of that would be an insult.

Each of the four perspectives were fully engaging (though I had my favorites), and we get so much plot and character growth. The reveals left me shell-shocked and the writing. Sabaa Tahir is a born writer. She puts you in every scene. You feel every emotion, witnessing every event as if you’re there with the characters. I cannot praise this book highly enough. If I wasn’t so stingy with my 5-star ratings, Reaper would be first in line to get one. Just wow.

If you’re iffy about picking up or continuing on with this series, please do it. I promise you won't regret your choice.

P.S. - I know he’s the “villain”, but I absolutely love the Nightbringer.

Goodreads

Review: Illusions of Fate by Kiersten White

4 stars. This book is so severely underrated that it makes me want to toss copies down from rooftops. Illusions of Fate is possibly the best standalone fantasy I have ever read. It has a Howl's Moving Castle vibe, complete with quirky magic and warring wizards. The story follows a girl named Jessa, who is studying in a foreign country somewhat reminiscent to England. She sticks out due to the fact that she's from an island country and has darker skin. The prejudice and racial stereotyping she faces was handled so well, I thought, and realistically. Along with "fate", the theme of stereotypes actually plays a prominent role in the main plot, which was refreshing to read in a fantasy. 

The story kicks off when Jessa runs into a magician and gets tangled up in magical and political warfare. First off, I loved Jessa as a protagonist. She's witty and level-headed, and I immediately grew attached to her. The magician she encounters is charming and mysterious, and I just love him to death. There's also a magical blackbird, who Jessa names Sir Bird and who completely stole my heart. He is the purest soul. 

The only qualm I had with Illusions of Fate was with the villain, who was interesting but lacking in cohesiveness. He is dang scary though - let's just say there's a scene involving fingers and a hammer that scarred me a bit. In comparison to Kiersten White's other books, I thought this novel was leagues above her Paranormalcy trilogy, which I enjoyed enough when I was younger but did not love. I was especially impressed with her writing and characterization this time around.

To wrap up, Illusions of Fate is now an instant favorite that I'll be revisiting for sure. Though the story felt complete, I almost wish there were a sequel.

Goodreads

Quick Review: Love & Luck by Jenna Evans Welch

A ballpark three stars. Jenna Welch's writing is as humorous, clever, and insightful as ever in this follow-up. Love & Luck follows Addie, the best friend of Lina from Love & Gelato, as she's on vacation in Ireland after undergoing a heartbreak back home. She's fighting with her brother, Ian, and decides to follow the instructions of an Irish guidebook on how to heal a broken heart. The author's descriptions of Ireland are vivid and beautiful, and I ended up enjoying Addie's character a lot more than I thought I would. 

The story is a road-trip adventure of sorts, which I always have fun reading. I will say, though, that I didn't enjoy this book as much as the first one. The plot wasn't as solid, and some things that happened felt rushed and were beyond my bandwidth of belief. We do get to hear from Lina and Ren again, which I loved, but even their appearances felt a little shoved in. Overall, I'm still glad I read Love & Luck, even if it didn't quite live up to its predecessor.

Goodreads

Rapid Fire Book Tag

Hi guys! To switch things up, I thought I'd try a book tag. (No one's tagged me...but I've seen people tag "whoever's watching" on Youtube, so I'm running with that. 🤷) This is called the Rapid Fire Book Tag. The speed element is obviously a tad difficult to translate into writing, so I'm just going to be as concise with my answers as possible. Hopefully you'll get to know my reading tastes better this way, and you can see how much we have in common! But enough with all the chatter, let's get to the questions.

1. E-book or physical book?

Physical book all the way. I'm a tangible reader - I need to hold the story in my hands.

2. Paperback or hardback?

I'm a sentimental creature, so whichever copy I read first. But I prefer hardcovers.

3. Online or in-store book shopping?

Gah. I prefer the in-store shopping experience, but pre-order incentives have really pushed me toward online shopping lately. (Sorry, B&N.)

4. Trilogies or series?

BOTH. But I like the neatness of trilogies, as it keeps the story from running off-pace. I would say trilogies, because they leave room for the author to continue with a prequel/spin-off series, that's maybe set in the same world but following different characters.

5. Heroes or villains?

Look, I'm both Team Peeta (from THG) and Team Darkling (from S&B), so I'm split halfway. If I were to conduct a poll, though, I think more villains have stolen my heart. I'm one of those suckers for the antagonist with a tragic backstory, who has the potential to be redeemed. Kylo Ren/Ben Solo owns my entire soul. And as a kid, I rooted for the predator in every wildlife documentary (Yes, I know, I'm horrible).

6. A book you want everyone to read?

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak. It's beautiful and tragic, and will change your life. But it's also pretty well-known, so I'll offer two more recommendations: Maus by Art Spiegelman, a nonfiction graphic memoir about the Holocaust, and 1984 by George Orwell, which is bleak but incredibly timely. Both offer important insights that I think everyone needs to reflect on.

7. Recommend an underrated book?

Going with a contemporary, which is not my preferred genre. Fracture by Megan Miranda. It's where I was first introduced to Les Miserables. The story follows a girl struggling with grief, death, meaning, and love, after she suffers a traumatic brain injury. Just, please look up the synopsis. You won't be sorry.

8. Last book you finished?

The Light Between Worlds by Laura E. Wemouth. It was beautiful and utterly destroyed my life. You can find my review here on my blog.

9. Last book you bought?

It's actually sitting next to me here on the couch as I'm typing, and it's Love & Gelato by Jenna Evans Welch. I was lucky enough to pick up an advance copy of the book's follow-up, Love & Luck, which was recently released, and I wanted to read the first one before diving into the sequel. I believe these books follow a girl and the adventures she has while traveling to different countries (AKA my dream AU life...).

10. Weirdest thing you've used as a bookmark?

Maybe a *clean* piece of laundry? Like a sock? I generally use receipts because they're thin, unobtrusive, and found in abundance.

11. Used books: yes or no?

Heck yes! Unless they're severely damaged/gross/unkempt. I tend to be choosier with my used copies, but I like that they have history.

12. Top three favorite genres?

Fantasy (YA and adult). Historical fiction. Literary fiction.

13. Borrow or buy?

Buy. 😬

14. Characters or plot?

Characters, 100%. If you don't have complex and well-developed characters, I don't care if the plot is as intricate as Pan's Labyrinth. I won't care. I need to be attached to the characters to be invested. Plus, it's my belief that if you have well-written characters, they'll produce good plots on their own.

15. Long or short books?

Uh...don't care? I guess long, assuming the book is good.

16. Long or short chapters?

Without any given context (are there different perspectives?), I would say short.

17. Name the first three books you think of. 

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. (<3) Uglies by Scott Westerfeld. The Cruel Prince by Holly Black.

18. Books that make you laugh or cry?

Cry. I live to suffer.

19. Our world or fictional worlds?

Fictional worlds. Escapism is my primary coping mechanism.

20. Audiobooks: yes or no?

As a kid, my family and I rented audiobooks from the library to listen to during road trips. (Anyone else grow up with Hank the Cowdog?) But we usually owned the physical copy as well. So, sadly, while I have nothing against audiobooks, I rarely ever listen to them. I'm such a visual person that my mind will wander if I just hear the story.

21. Do you ever judge a book by its cover?

Judge? Yes, unfortunately. But I do try to give the blurb a chance if the book is in my favorite genre.

Book-to-movie or book-to-tv adaptations?

I think this is a bit of an unpopular opinion, but...book-to-movie. I think the production costs force higher quality effects/writing/standards in a movie than in a tv show. And if a movie is bad, I can erase it from my mind and just write it off as an unfortunate flop. TV show adaptations, though, generally have lower budgets and can ping-pong around wildly in terms of quality. And I don't like being strung along for moments that look promising and moments of utter disappointment. Not sure if I'm conveying my thoughts effectively, but I just don't like the feeling of being dragged along with tv adaptations that stir up the online wasps and are not a one-occurrence thing. They zap the strength out of me.

Series or standalones?

Overall? Series.


And, that's it! If you made it this far, thanks! And please let me know your answers to these questions in the comments. <3

Credit: I believe the original tag was created by GirlReading on YouTube.