#WyrdAndWonder Top Ten Tuesday | My recent fantasy reads

Posted on by Jess @ Jessticulates Posted in Top Ten Tuesday, Wyrd & WonderTagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
TTT-NEW

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly feature hosted at That Artsy Reader Girl. Each week you compile a list of ten books which coincide with that week’s theme. You can find everything you need to know about joining in here!

This week’s theme is ‘My Ten Most Recent Reads’ but, as May is Wyrd & Wonder time (woohoo!), all of my TTT posts this month will have a fantasy theme. Like I said last year, though, that’s not too different from how my TTT posts usually are anyway…

So today I’m going to talk about my last ten fantasy reads and, to be honest, I don’t think there will be any surprises here because my reading has been rubbish lately. I’ve read some brilliant books this year, but I’ve read quite a few books that have ultimately been ‘just fine’ and it’s sent me into a bit of a slump, which isn’t ideal when I want to read and review fantasy books throughout May. But we do what we can!

Girls of Paper and Fire by Natasha Ngan: This f/f Asian-inspired YA fantasy has been on my TBR ever since I heard of its release, but I’d been putting off reading it because it deals with sexual assault. I did ultimately enjoy it, and I thought the author handled everything well, but I didn’t love it and I have no interest in continuing with the series.

A Curse of Roses by Diana Pinguicha: I received a copy of this Portuguese-inspired historical fantasy from NetGalley and while there was a lot about it that really spoke to me, it still only ended up being a two star read for me.

How the King of Elfhame Learned to Hate Stories by Holly Black; narrated by Caitlin Kelly: I borrowed the audiobook of this follow-up to The Folk of the Air trilogy from my local library and I enjoyed it, but I was still left a little underwhelmed by it.

Jade City by Fonda Lee: Thank goodness, a five star read at last! This is not only one of the best books I’ve read so far this year, it’s one of the best fantasy books I’ve ever read and more people need to give this series a go.

The Witness for the Dead by Katherine Addison: I was lucky enough to be sent an early copy of this follow-up to The Goblin Emperor via NetGalley and I loved it. I didn’t love it as much as I still love The Goblin Emperor – but given that The Goblin Emperor is my all-time favourite novel, I didn’t expect to – but it was still such a lovely, quiet fantasy novel.

Fireheart Tiger by Aliette de Bodard: Another disappointing one for me! I don’t think I get along with de Bodard’s writing, which is a real shame, but I’m glad I gave this novella a try.

Incendiary by Zoraida Córdova: I thought I’d love this YA fantasy inspired by the Spanish Inquisition but, unfortunately, I ended up DNFing it!

Rule of Wolves by Leigh Bardugo: I have very mixed feelings around this Grishaverse grand finale. I enjoyed it – in fact, I had a great time with it! – but I think it was too full. Look out for my review this month!

Jade War by Fonda Lee: The second book in this wuxia meets The Godfather trilogy ended up being another five star read for me. I can’t wait to get my hands on Jade Legacy.

Nevermoor by Jessica Townsend; narrated by Gemma Whelan: Re-reading some of my favourite books via audiobook is something I tend to enjoy doing when I’m in a bit of a slump, so I decided to revisit the first Nevermoor book and I loved the audiobook. I’m planning to re-read Wundersmith and Hollowpox this way this year, too! I need something to tide my over until we have some book four news.

Which books made your list this week?

48 thoughts on “#WyrdAndWonder Top Ten Tuesday | My recent fantasy reads”

  1. Reply
    Rissi says:

    …and EVERY time I see a novel by Leigh Barduo, I’m reminded that I still need to try and read Shadow and Bone! 😀 Thanks so much for the visit to Finding Wonderland last week.

    Like

  8. Reply
    Dedra @ A Book Wanderer says:

    You’re not alone. I’ve hit a bit of a slump, too! I still need to read King of Scars, but I’m excited to get to Rule of Wolves eventually. Have you been watching the Shadow and Bone adaptation? I have a few episodes left, and I may need a rewatch to process it all. 😉

    Liked by 1 person

  13. Reply
    Jen at Introverted Reader says:

    Nevermoor keeps calling my name when I’m browsing my library’s website but that’s usually after I finish a different middle grade fantasy. I like to change genres up between one book and the next so I keep looking. I’m sure I’ll get to it soon though.

    I’m in a slump too and as I’m visiting blogs this morning, I see we aren’t the only ones. So weird. I hope you break out of yours soon!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Reply
      Jess @ Jessticulates says:

      Nevermoor is excellent, I hope you enjoy it when you get to it!

      Yeah I think a lot of readers were able to escape into books last year and now we’re all just a bit done. That’s certainly how I feel anyway! I hope you’re out of your slump really soon. 🙂

      Like

    1. Reply
      Jess @ Jessticulates says:

      I can’t recommend it enough! The third book’s out at the end of this year and I’d definitely recommend starting the series in plenty of time because I don’t think it’s a series you can binge. These stories need a bit more time to be savoured.

      Liked by 1 person

  22. Reply
    dianthaa says:

    Of that’s some tough luck. I keep seeing Jade City everywhere, it very much does not seem like my thing but it’s getting so much praise I might have to give in and try it

    Liked by 1 person

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