haha this list is everything

Thalia wrote: "haha this list is everything"

I want to add more books but I keep forgetting 😩😩😩

So basically my tbr

Anisa wrote: "So basically my tbr"

Basically. These be all my guilty pleasures :>

I dont know if these are too tame for this list but I think Elise Kova's Air Awakens should be on here and Kelly St Clares The Tainted Accords. Both series are intense reads (pace and angst) but not particularly explicit and I love a number of the books on this list. Also have to say, I havent read Sarah J Maas so cant make a certain comparison.

You forgot toxic masculinity :)

Nicola wrote: "I dont know if these are too tame for this list but I think Elise Kova's Air Awakens should be on here and Kelly St Clares The Tainted Accords. Both series are intense reads (pace and angst) but no..."

Nicola, I haven't read those series so could you tell me which boxes they check off the list for each?

*

Allison wrote: "You forgot toxic masculinity :)"

See blurb on Elize Kova's Air Awakens Series
All Vhalla wanted for her seventeenth birthday was a book... What she got was the attention of a dark and fiery prince and a rare elemental magic.

After unknowingly saving the life of the crown prince with powers she's not supposed to have, Vhalla must make a choice:

Embrace her sorcery and leave the quiet life she's known, or eradicate her magic entirely.

But the choice isn't hers alone. Powerful forces who want to use her magic for their own gain lurk in the shadows, and the only ally Vhalla may have is the cut-throat Crown Prince Aldrik. He's everything she's been taught to fear — a sorcerer and royalty — but beneath his harsh exterior is the heart of a tortured man she finds herself dangerously drawn to.

He may be the last person she ever wanted. But he's the one person she needs. And, with his training, she'll show the Empire what a quiet library girl is truly capable of.

This complete series set contains all five books in the Air Awakens series by USA Today bestselling author Elise Kova:

1. Air Awakens
2. Fire Falling
3. Earth's End
4. Water's Wrath
5. Crystal Crowned

It is almost 1,200 pages of magic, slow-burn romance, and fantasy adventures. It is perfect for fans of Throne of Glass and Avatar the Last Airbender and is filled with forbidden romance with broody princes, adventures in elemental sorcery, coming of age, and hope prevailing over all hardships.

IMO, this is an absolute powerhouse and the best series KOVA has written IMO. Its been a while since I read it and I actually dont understand all of your points entirely. 1, 2, 4, 5, 6 and 11, maybe some of the others but I read it 3 - 4 years ago. Has stayed with me because it was fast paced and chock full of drama and struggle but relatively PC by today's standards. You'll need a hankie to get through it though. Kelly St Clare's Tainted Accords is very similar but she did a spin off sexy times series for each of the secondary Hot characters for those who want to spice it up a bit more. The Tainted Accords has more of an identity politics feel to it and is so pacey its on steroids.' And again another drama packed tear jerker. Tainted Kingdoms reminds me a lot of it but a less strong series, its possibly a little less dark and both are more 2017 YA, than 2021 YA. But seriously brilliant reads. I didnt finish "A deal with the Elf King' because it was a clone of another book I had read and not as good but also because compared to earlier series, Kova was not delivering at the level I'd come to expect. If that gives you any context. Also both series have fantastic world building but not bogged down in it like some do. I get bored quickly.

Nicola wrote: "See blurb on Elize Kova's Air Awakens Series"

Hmm well... based on that, I don't think those series can qualify for this list. You see, every book here is kinda awful in the way you enjoy junk food: there's momentary pleasure, but it's ultimately bad for you and a waste of your time. But don't let that stop you from enjoying it!

Edit: nevermind, I'll add them now. My mind somehow skipped the points you added lol

Which points are you having trouble with? I'll try explaining in a different way!

No need to add them. Just thought I'd make others aware.

The Selection was published several months before SJM's first novel - I don't think it can count as a clone if it came out at basically the same time. (Selection: April 2012; Throne of Glass: August 2012). It may hit a few of the criterion points (it has been a while since I've read either a Cass or SJM book), but can you really call something a clone if they only came out within months of each other?

Also Dark Lover came out 2005, and is a whole different genre (Adult paranormal romance as opposed to YA/NA fantasy romance). That one really doesn't belong.

[this is just my opinion, not trying to start an argument :) ]

Caleigh wrote: "The Selection was published several months before SJM's first novel - I don't think it can count as a clone if it came out at basically the same time. (Selection: April 2012; Throne of Glass: Augus..."

I've asked to remove them and have clarified the rules so that adult paranormal romance works are not eligible. Thanks for the heads up :3

this is honestly my go to list for new fantasy books, my goal is to eventually read every single one on this list lol

This list is literally my tbr, best list ever

I wonder if we can make an argument for a focus on fairies/the fae, especially if it portrays the non-human characters as superior to the humans?

I laughed until I saw NK Jemisin on this list which might actually be one of the more insane takes I have seen in the book world.

how. do. i. save. this. entire. list.

Removed "Shadow and Bone". Published in 2012, same year as Throne of Glass

my new TBR list !!

Thanks now I know which books to avoid lol

No way someone put N. K. Jemisin in there that's crazyy AND 3 people voted whattt

But also what's Haunting Adeline doing in here?

Hahaha not too much on Fourth Wing

I actually like SJM books but this list is so funny lol I love it