tbr Archives | Tripping Over Books

Top Ten Tuesday | Top Ten Classic Fantasies I Want to Read in 2016

Dec 29

Top Ten Classic Fantasies I Want to Read in 2016

When I thought of this topic I got really excited. I LOVE reading classic fantasies and have a bunch that I’m really excited to read. Then, as I was putting together this list, I realized that some of these books aren’t as old as I thought they were. But! My list, my rules, right? So I figure that any book that was published more than 10 years ago is old enough. There is one that skates right under this rule, but just barely! Also, for the purposes of this list, 10 is actually 11.
I picked up a copy of THE BLACK SWAN when I was in Illinois with Alyssa visiting Brittany, and I’m really excited to read it. It’s the second book in a series, but I don’t think I need to read the first one to understand the second. Also, Swan Lake retelling. Ish. BRANG IT. I have never read anything by Guy Gavriel Kay and I feel that, as a fantasy fan, this is a big gap in my reading. He’s written so many well-liked books! Just reading the synopses of his books gets me excited, and THE SUMMER TREE, where a group of college friends get thrown into a fantasy realm, is no exception. Another author that I’ve never read, alas. I’m very much looking forward to reading BITTER GREENS, but I’ve also grabbed a few copies of Kate Forsyth’s older fantasy series on my used book store runs, and THE WITCHES OF EILEANAN sounds right up my alley: witches, prohibited magic, evil queens, dragons. The first book of Sharon Shinn’s that I heard about was ARCHANGEL, and I own it, but I’m also drawn to her more hard-core fantasies. I was lucky enough to have a Secret Santa this year who LOVES Sharon Shinn and gifted me SUMMERS AT AUBURN CASTLE! Actually, my secret sister from last round (hayy Lauren!) also gifted me Sharon Shinn fantasies. So I have a nice little pile to choose from! Ooooh, forgotten BEASTS you say? Fantastical beasts? YASSSS. This is the oldest book on my list and I’m stoked. Never read anything by Patricia A. McKillip either. I read UPROOTED this year with my girls, but I’d heard of Naomi Novik’s fantastical historical fiction about the Napoleonic Wars being fought with dragons long before. It’s so intriguing! Also, it combines two of my favorite things: fantasy and historical fiction. There are SO MANY books to choose from when you’re looking at Robin Hobb’s catalog. I have a few on my TBR, but this one sounds amazing. Mostly because the title–ASSASSIN’S APPRENTICE–hints at, well, assassins. I also love the way the synopsis describes the way nobility are named in this world: by their virtues. HOW AWESOME DOES THAT SOUND. I believe I actually have the first two books in this series on my Kindle (pretty sure Alyssa either gave or recommended them to me). CROWN DUEL just sounds like a great YA fantasy. I’m down. KUSHIEL’S DART is one of those series that seems to have a really vocal, devoted fandom. That alone tells me that, at the very least, reading this book will give me lots to ponder and talk about. I’ve heard great things about this whole series, so I can’t wait to dive in.
YAY TAMORA! I have a mission to read all of her books. Maybe not this year, but I want to do it. I picked up WILD MAGIC at The Book Barn and felt that anticipation! Her books are always a good time. Not gonna lie, I’ve had to restrain myself from buying HEART’S BLOOD a few times because I’m trying not to buy all the books on my secret sister wishlist. But man, I want it BAD. Juliet Marillier retells Beauty and the Beast?! SHUT YOUR MOUTH. Waaay back when our bff status was a lil’ baby, Alyssa gave me the entire boxed set of the Enchanted Forest Chronicles because when we she was wee, she loved them and they impacted her FO LYFE. I’m going to read at least DEALING WITH DRAGONS this year, but probably all of them because let’s be honest: They’re super short.

Filed Under: Top Ten Tuesday Tagged With: fantasy, tbr, top ten tuesday

Top Ten Tuesday | Top Ten Books on My Fall TBR

Sep 22

Top Ten Books on my Fall TBR

Ahh, fall. The time of cool air, pumpkin spice lattes, Halloween, and awesome new books. As with every season, I’m looking forward to more than 10 books, but these are the 10 I’m most DYING to read. They all sound amazing.

I am a VERY BIG fan of Rae Carson’s The Girl of Fire and Thorns series, so to say I’m also stoked about her newest–a fantasy wild west mash-up–is an understatement. CANNOT WAIT for this one, and thankfully, I don’t really have it! It comes out today. I’m diving into this one soon, guys (like, this week), and I’m just so excited to be back in this world again with new people. Leigh Bardugo does fantasy soooo well, and the world of the Grisha is one of the best around. Plus, THIEVES. GIMME IT. Paris is one of my FAVORITE cities on the planet. It’s so…magical. I can’t describe it, but I always gravitate towards books set there, and this one by Ann Jacobus really sounds dark and lovely, and is one of the only contemps on this list. In fact, it’s the ONLY straight contemp. Whoops.
DUH I NEED THIS SO BADLY EVEN THOUGH IT’S OVER 800 PAGES LONG. I’ve only read one book by Jennifer Donnelly, but it was a good one (REVOLUTION). This historical paranormal sounds amazing, what with the mysterious murder and whole morgue angle. I’ve yet to read the prequels to A Song of Ice and Fire by GRRM. Mostly because until this October, they’ve only been published in separate edited volumes of short stories, and I just didn’t want to buy those big books for essentially just one story. BUT. Now the first three prequel novellas are being published in one volume. I’ve had it preordered for over a year. SOON. I enjoyed THE YOUNG ELITES, mostly because it set up the rest of this series to be pretty excellent. Not that the first book wasn’t good–it had SO MUCH going on, and so many feels. I’m even more excited to see where it all leads. Rick Riordan is doing Norse mythology now? I DIE. I just cannot even. Percy Jackson is everything, so I’m confident that Magnus Chase will take up his mantle well. I have not heard a single bad thing about ILLUMINAE. Not anything. I don’t normally gravitate towards hard-core sci-fi, but this one sounds so twisty and different and I can’t wait to get to it.

What’s that? Romeo & Juliet meets Children of the Corn? WUUUT! Another book that comes out today that I’m excited for. It sounds perfect for the fall: creepy and intense.

Filed Under: Top Ten Tuesday Tagged With: anticipation!, fall, tbr, top ten tuesday

Top Ten Tuesday | Top Ten Hyped Books I’ve Never Read

Jul 7

Top Ten Hyped Books I’ve Never Read

I had a spot of trouble putting this list together because, one, there are so many books I haven’t read and, at least for books that are out already, they ALL have fanbases that spread the word; and two because I struggle with what hype means to me. Like, is it just a book that is popular with a smaller but very loud group, or THIS BOOK HAS TAKEN OVER THE INTERNETS HYPE MONSTER RAWR? I think I settled on books that were really popular among the people I follow and interact with on social media. I’ve got a pretty good slash embarrassing list here!

CHAOS WALKING series | So, I don’t think I’ll ever read this series, guys. I’m so sorry. I don’t think I’ve ever come into contact with someone who didn’t love these books, but there’s a THING that someone spoiled for me (I have no issues with spoilers, and I’m glad I was spoiled in this case) that I really have an incredibly hard time reading, and it happens in one of these books. It’s turned me right off ever since.

UNRAVEL ME & IGNITE ME | I enjoyed SHATTER ME, that’s true enough. But when UNRAVEL ME came out, I never felt the urge to grab it. I told myself, “Just wait for the last one and then read them both.” I never do that, though. If I want to read a book–hyped or not–in a series, I grab it when it comes out and suffer horribly until the next one is released. Then when IGNITE ME came out, I didn’t feel the urge to read either of them. I’m still kind of hovering around “meh” when it comes to finishing this series, despite all the hype.

UNTOLD & UNMADE | GIMME THESE THO. I was a big fan of UNSPOKEN; I just haven’t gotten around to getting copies of the next two installments in Sarah Rees Brennan’s series yet. This isn’t from any ambivalence on my part, though. I WANT to read these. Just haven’t gotten there yet.

SOMETHING STRANGE AND DEADLY | So…this is kind of zombie-ish, right? Man, that’s just not my jam. I know a lot of people who love these books, though, and I’ve always been super intrigued. Until I remember “zombies” and am all “ugh” again. Maybe one day.

THE FILL-IN BOYFRIEND & ON THE FENCE | I see so much love and hype for Kasie West, and I can dig it. I’ve read THE DISTANCE BETWEEN US but nothing else of hers yet. I am always down for a butterfly-inducing contemporary, though, so I know that I’ll be reading these two soon.

MORE HAPPY THAN NOT | I also almost put SIMON VS. THE HOMO SAPIENS AGENDA on this list, but went with MORE HAPPY THAN NOT because, well, I own it. They’ve both gotten some great hype and love from people I know, so that goes a looong way toward recommending them.

WE WERE LIARS | Do you guys remember the HUMONGOUS Twitter campaign that went with this book? I can’t remember the hashtag right now, but it was bananas and there was all of this “OMG OMG THIS BOOK IS A MIND FUCK” exclaiming everywhere. I need to be in the mood for that sometimes, though, so I haven’t picked up this hype monster yet.

LADY THIEF & LION HEART | You guys are getting a good glimpse at a theme of my TBR right now: unfinished series. I have so many. This is one. LION HEART got lots of hype when it came out recently, but I’m still behind. I liked SCARLET, but it wasn’t an all-time favorite, so I didn’t rush to read any more. I do want to, though. Because Robin Hood.

TO ALL THE BOYS I’VE LOVED BEFORE | I do love Jenny Han, friends. Her Summer series is both swoony and really serious, and really heart-wrenching and -fixing. This new series gets lots of hype, and thanks to my OTSP Secret Sister, I own this book! YAY! Definitely looking forward to reading it soon.

JELLICOE ROAD | Sigh. One day. I want to so badly!! I feel like I NEED Jonah Griggs in my life, but I’m also sooo wary. I tried reading this once and COULD NOT HACK IT through the beginning. I think this has become my white whale. Maybe. As soon as I decide to dive back in, you guys will be the first to know.

Filed Under: Top Ten Tuesday Tagged With: hype, tbr, top ten tuesday

Top Ten Tuesday | Top Ten Books on my Summer TBR

Jun 16

Top Ten Books on my Summer TBR

Reading during the summer is one of my favorite things to do. Well, I love reading ALL THE TIME LITERALLY, but there’s something extra fun about spending the day sitting outside, working on my tan, deep in a good book. These 10 books are just a few of the ones I’m most excited to bring outside with me this summer! I’m just now realizing that there’s lots of fantasies here. Not usually my go-to summer reading fare (that would be contemporaries), but I’ll go with it.

THE ROYAL WE | I’ve been seeing lots of people reading this and enjoying it, so it’s been on a few of my lists about books I’m looking forward to reading soon. Because HELLO, a princess romance. Who doesn’t want this.

ARCHANGEL | Guys, I don’t know if you can see it in this smallish image, but I don’t know WHAT is going on with this girl’s facial expression. What does it mean? It’s like…ecstasy? And a feather? *is puzzled* But I found a copy at The Book Barn a few weeks ago when I was visiting Alyssa and I’ve heard great things about it and about Sharon Shinn.

BETTER WHEN HE’S BRAVE | Jay Crownover. ‘Nuff said. Although I will add that I like her Marked Men series a little better than Welcome to the Point. It hardly signifies. I’ve had this one preordered for months in two different formats, so….

THE BOY MOST LIKELY TO | DYING to read about Tim. SO MUCH DYING. I’m planning on doing a little reread of Huntley Fitzpatrick’s books before this one comes out, and I’m dying for that, too.

REPUBLIC OF THIEVES | I’m a little ways into this third book in the Gentlemen Bastards series and will probably be reading it in small bits for a few months. I like to take my time with these.

THE CURIOUS WORLD OF CALPURNIA TATE | Have I mentioned lately how refreshing and admirable and incorrigible Calpurnia Tate is? I loved her in her first book, THE EVOLUTION OF CALPURNIA TATE, and was BESIDE myself when I found out there was going to be a sequel. One of my favorite middle grades, friends.

COURT OF FIVES | Kate Elliott is an author that I am just fidgety with excitement to read. I’ve never read any of her books, but am so excited to dive into her catalog.

REBEL MECHANICS | Umm, did you say Revolutionary War? You did? Oh, ok. *grabs book instantly* But also, spies? *trips over self to get to book faster* God, I hope this book lives up to my expectations, even a little bit. PRETTY PLEASE, BOOK.

HOWL’S MOVING CASTLE | This is one of our summer On the Same Page books, and I. AM. STOKED. Never read any Dianna Wynne Jones, but this one just sounds so magical and imaginative. Can’t wait.

THE HEART OF BETRAYAL | Book one in this series was (well, is) legit. I should probably reread it so I can get all up in the vibe before I pick up book 2. But I definitely remember the ending and the jaw-drop and the world-building.

What books are you guys reading this summer?

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish. It’s awesome. Every Tuesday, the lovely folks over at The Broke and the Bookish post a top ten list topic so that book lovers like you and me can pour over our shelves and make our own lists. You can check out all the other Top Ten Tuesday‘s on their site!

Filed Under: Top Ten Tuesday Tagged With: summer, tbr, top ten tuesday

April TBR

Apr 1

What I’m Reading in April

So, apparently I’m going to have a TON of time to read this month because I’ve got Big Plans that involve reading an INSANE number of books. We shall see, friends. We shall see. My April TBR is towering.

Kindle

ALL FALL DOWN • This is a holdover from March. I’m hoping to get into it soon because spies etc.

AN EMBER IN THE ASHES • I can’t decide if I want to read my ARC or listen to the audiobook when it comes out because it’s the same two narrators who did THE SCORPIO RACES (which I’ll also probably be reading this month with Alyssa). Decisions, decisions! But I’m definitely looking forward to this one.

ASA • DUH I’m DEAR-ing this.

Physical Books/ARCs

HEIR TO SEVENWATERS • Continuing with my buddy read with Alyssa! Book 4, I am ready!

SHADOW SCALE • Now that I’ve reread SERAPHINA and am all caught up, I’m pretty stoked to read this one. Am I the only one who’s really excited that it’s so huge? Yes? Ok.

EVERY MOVE • April won’t be too far gone before I start this. I’M DYING FOR MY LOVES. I need them.

EMMY & OLIVER • A loaner from Sarah, for which I’m ENORMOUSLY grateful. I don’t want to hold her ARC hostage too much longer, so I want to get to this one soon!

THE WITCH HUNTER • A loaner from Morgan, for which I’m ENORMOUSLY grateful! Ditto Sarah’s ARC. Excited for this!

THE START OF ME AND YOU • SOO excited to read some super cute contemps with swoony boys and awesome girlfriends.

THE QUEEN OF BRIGHT AND SHINY THINGS • More contemp goodness, but a little more serious. I’m down.

Audiobooks

THE BURNING SKY • I’m listening to this one right now as a reread before I start book 2. It’s not bad so far! I remembered more than I realized, but also forgot stuff, too of course.

PETER AND THE STARCATCHERS • Our April OTSP book! I’ve never listened to an audio by Tim Curry before, so I’m STOKED for this.

What are you guys reading this month?

Filed Under: Monthly TBR Tagged With: anticipation!, april, tbr

Top Ten Tuesday | Ten Books I Recently Added to My TBR

Mar 31

Top Ten Books I Recently Added to My TBR

Like most of you, I’m sure, I’m CONSTANTLY adding books to my TBR. It’s the number one reason why I’ll never finish reading all the books on it. These aren’t the ten books I JUST added, but I’ve added all of these books in the last two weeks, and I’m STOKED to read all of them.

The Tsar’s Game | Evelyn Skye • Not too much info on this one, friends, except that the deal announcement mentioned Tsarist Russia–STOP IT LOVE THIS–magic, and star-crossed lovers. I CANNOT. Too bad I have to wait at least a year for it to come out.

Mystic and Rider (Twelve Houses #1) | Sharon Shinn • Sharon Shinn is one of my NEED TO READ fantasy authors. I’ve had other books of hers on my TBR for a long time, but I just found this one, the first in a series about a land experiencing some trouble because of perceived dangers of magic.

Saga, Volume 4 | Brian K. Vaughan • DUH, I need to keep reading about Marko, Alana, and their bebe, Hazel. Not to mention the intergalactic wars that are going on. Need this one real bad.

Romancing the Dark in the City of Light | Ann Jacobus • Do you know what book this reminds me of a little bit? REVOLUTION. But only the contemporary parts of that book. Something about the way this makes living in Paris and falling in love seem dark and troubled. I’m a little wary of the two guys business, but I’m still going to give this one a go.

The Hanged Man (Her Majesty’s Psychic Service #1) | P.N. Elrod • WHOA, you guys. THIS BOOK sounds amazing. Historical paranormal about a forensic psychic in London in 1879 who’s brought into a murder investigation to help suss out whether or not the death was suicide or murder-by-magic. The psychic? Queen Victoria’s goddaughter. PS this psychic lives on Baker Street. PPS there’s a handsome lieutenant and an enigmatic lord.

The Bride of Dusk and Glass | Roshani Chokshi • I’m noticing a new trend in YA, friends, and it involves Indian mythology. I can’t wait to delve into this vibrant culture! This one is a retelling of the Hades and Persephone myth, so it’s like two mythologies. I AM READY.

First & Then | Emma Mills • First of all, this cover is just so colorful and happy-making. Second of all, CUTE CONTEMP ALERT! There’s a best friend crush and a cocky boy crush, and it just sounds delightful and adorable.

Starborn (The Worldmaker Trilogy #1) | Lucy Hounsom • Not sure when this is coming out in the States, but it sounds like a super fantasy. There’s unnatural storms, betrayal, ancient ceremonies, visions, war, and “powers fueled by the sun and the moon.” WUTTTTT.

The Unquiet | Mikaela Everett • So I can’t lie: One of the things that drew me to this book is the name of the main character–Lirael. But what kept me interested is the awesomely weird things going on. A girl has been trained to go to a parallel universe and kill other herself, except things are not really what they seem. It’s described as unsettling, but it also still sounds potentially awesome.

Silver in the Blood | Jessica Day George • I’ve never read any books by Jessica Day George, but this one about young girls from turn-of-the-2oth-century New York go back to their ancestral home in Romania and come into contact with some dark things there sounds wonderful.

A Thousand Nights | E.K. Johnston • Ok, so first thing I noticed about this synopsis? The MC isn’t named. She’s only “she.” It sounds like “she” is some spin on Sheherezade, though, and I can get behind that 100%.

Filed Under: Top Ten Tuesday Tagged With: tbr, top ten tuesday

Top Ten Tuesday | Top Ten Books on My Spring TBR

Mar 17

Top Ten Book on My Spring TBR

I LOOOOVE putting together these Top Ten Tuesdays, guys. There are so many books each season that I can’t WAIT to read and I just love being able to shine the spotlight on some of my more eagerly anticipated titles. This spring is a DOOZY, guys. SO many great books to look forward to! As usual, these are in no particular order.

CRIMSON BOUND | ROSAMUND HODGE. I know that some people didn’t LOVE CRUEL BEAUTY, but I did, so I’m pretty excited about this take on Little Red Riding Hood. Rosamund Hodge makes things darkly beautiful. (May 5, Balzer + Bray)

THE WRATH AND THE DAWN | RENÉE AHDIEH. I’m, like, beyond stoked for this book. I’ve heard literally maybe one bad thing about it. I’m not sure I’m going to care though because A Thousand and One Nights is such a great jumping off point for a retelling. GIMME IT. (May 12, Putnam Juvenile)

TANGLED WEBS | LEE BROSS. First of all, THIS COVER. I die. Second of all, a historical fiction in mid-18th century England about blackmail and scandal and secret lives. It just sounds so fun and addictive. (June 23, Disney Hyperion)

A COURT OF THORNS AND ROSES | SARAH J. MAAS. Yes, I’ve already read this book. Yes, I’m still looking forward to it. I can’t get enough of Sarah’s books right now. The faeries and the fantasies and all of it–I just love them all. This book was outstanding. (May 5, Bloomsbury Children’s)

THE NOVICE | TARAN MATHARU. I’m sorry, did someone say debut fantasy? About a young apprentice who can summon DEMONS? And also war, orcs, etc.? I’m so in with this. (May 5, Feiwel & Friends)

THE PENDERWICKS IN SPRING | JEANNE BIRDSALL. OMG you guys know how much I love the Penderwicks, right? I can’t even with how much I love them and their loveable, funny family. This book takes place after a time jump and is told from Batty’s point of view. BATTY. Adorable. (March 25, Knopf Books for Young Readers)

AN EMBER IN THE ASHES | SABAA TAHIR. So I just found out yesterday that the audio of this book is narrated by Fiona Hardingham and Steve West, the amazing pair behind THE SCORPIO RACES. So that’s a plus. But I was looking forward to this debut long before yesterday. A fantasy in a Roman-esque world is always going to pique my interest. Plus I’m hearing great things. (April 28, Razorbill)

ASA | JAY CROWNOVER. ASAAAAAA. Guys, if you like reading adult contemporary with a little grit and a good heap of drama and some major sexytimes, you NEED to read this series. I’m a little bummed that Asa’s is the last book, but I know that Jay Crownover has some great things up her half-sleeve. (April 21, William Morrow)

THE DEVIL YOU KNOW | TRISH DOLLER. I love Trish’s books. They’re all complex and emotional. This one sounds a little different with the whole road trip (YAY!) gone horribly wrong (NOO!). I have faith that Trish will bring the awesome once again. (June 2, Bloomsbury Children’s)

THE WITCH HUNTER | VIRGINIA BOECKER. I die every time I look at this cover because it has an ouroboros on it, and I’ve always loved the symbolism of something that eats its own tail and regenerates. But I’m also excited because this book sounds excellent: A young girl who hunts witches is accused of being a witch herself and then meets up with wizards and deals with curses and all kinds of awesome stuff. CANNOT WAIT. (June 2, Little Brown BFYR)

Filed Under: Top Ten Tuesday Tagged With: anticipation!, spring tbr, tbr, top ten tuesday, WANT

March TBR

Mar 1

What I’m Reading in March

Couple of carryovers from last month, friends! But at least we know that I’ll never run out of things to read, amirite? My March TBR is packed with goodies!