... Read moreWe've all been there, right? You finish an incredible book – maybe it was the intense dragons and epic romance of 'Fourth Wing,' the whimsical charm of 'The Wren in the Holly Library,' or perhaps you just wrapped up an emotional journey with 'A Court of Thorns and Roses.' And now you're left staring at your bookshelf, wondering, 'What book should I read next???' That book hangover is real, and finding the perfect follow-up can feel like a quest in itself!
For me, the key to unlocking my next great read is to pinpoint what I loved most about the last story I devoured. Was it the strong, resilient female lead? The intricate, magical world-building? The irresistible enemies-to-lovers trope? The thrilling plot twists that kept me up all night? Or maybe the cozy, comforting vibes that felt like a warm hug? Once I identify those core elements, it's so much easier to narrow down the endless possibilities.
So, based on some of my recent faves and what I hear other bookworms are loving, here are my personal recommendations for what to read after some popular hits:
If you loved 'Fourth Wing' and are craving more dragons, high stakes, and sizzling romance:
From Blood and Ash series by Jennifer L. Armentrout: If you're looking for another epic fantasy world with a strong heroine, ancient mysteries, and plenty of spice, this series is a must-read. The world-building is expansive, and the romance is front and center.
The Serpent and the Wings of Night by Carissa Broadbent: This book, the first in the Crowns of Nyaxia series, offers a thrilling vampire-centric competition, high stakes, and a compelling slow-burn romance that fans of Violet Sorrengail will likely appreciate.
If 'A Court of Thorns and Roses' (ACOTAR) had you enchanted with fae courts, powerful magic, and steamy romance:
Throne of Glass series by Sarah J. Maas: If you adored ACOTAR, diving into Maas's other massive series is a no-brainer. It starts with assassins and goes full epic fantasy with fae, witches, and incredible character development over many books. It's a journey!
The Cruel Prince by Holly Black: For those who loved the political intrigue and enemies-to-lovers dynamic of the fae courts, this Young Adult series offers a captivating dive into the treacherous world of Faerie, with a cunning human heroine trying to survive among powerful fae.
And for lovers of 'The Wren in the Holly Library' who appreciate cozy magical settings, unique characters, and heartwarming stories:
Legends & Lattes by Travis Baldree: This book is the epitome of cozy fantasy. It's about an orc warrior who retires to open a coffee shop, focusing on found family, community, and the simple joys of life. It’s pure comfort.
The House in the Cerulean Sea by T.J. Klune: Whimsical, heartwarming, and full of unique magical children, this story is about a caseworker who must determine if six dangerous magical children are a threat. It’s a beautiful tale of acceptance and finding where you belong.
Beyond specific book recommendations, don't forget to explore different subgenres! Are you into dark academia? Historical fantasy? Urban fantasy? Sometimes, finding a new favorite means trying a fresh trope or a genre you haven't explored much. And seriously, book communities are an amazing resource! Asking 'what book should I read next?' on Lemon8, Goodreads, or BookTok can lead you to personalized gems you might never discover otherwise. I often scroll through reviews of books similar to my recent reads to see what others are recommending.
The journey to your next favorite book is an adventure in itself! Don't be afraid to try something new, or revisit an old favorite genre. What's on your 'to be read' pile? Share your current book hangover and what you're thinking of picking up next – I'd love to hear your thoughts and recommendations too!