5-4-3-2-1
5 books I loved
The scent keeper: This book is just so refreshing and such an interesting idea behind it all! I cried, I laughed. It’s just very different from so many other books I’ve read
The mysterious Benedict society: This series is so fun! The adventures are wild, the kids are genius, it’s overall such a comfort book🥰
Circe: I looooove Greek mythology and to read a story all about Circe was so interesting. As a mother myself it did tug on my heart strings once her son was born. This is just so beautifully written and intriguing
Hooked: The never after series has me HOOKED! They’re smutty, they’re insane and they’re villain based. My favorite part is that they draw inspiration from childhood stories (NOT a retelling) Hooked is inspired by Peter Pan!
City of bones: I read this years ago when I was in like 4th grade lol but it has always stuck with me! I literally could not put it down and read all 496 pages in 1 day.
Honorable mentions: the red pyramid by Rick riordan (I like almost all of his books even if they are a simple read, they are compelling) and a thousand ships by Natalie Haynes, you never hear much about the women of the Trojan war and that is this books focus! And I have to mention Ellen Hopkins. All her books are raw and real and her style of writing is so interesting. Love love love her books.
4 books on my tbr
The fine print: this has been on my tbr for a while and I’ve always heard great things about this series! I plan to read this when I finish the never after series.
Know my name: I love a memoir and this has been sitting in my tbr because I know this will be a heavy read, but I look forward to reading it
The last letter: no notes! My mother in law got me this book for Christmas and it sounds interesting! I think she picked a good one
Clytemnestra: Again I love Greek mythology and from the bit I read of Clytemnestra in A Thousand Ships I cannot wait to read a book all about her
3 books I always recommend
Song of Achilles: if you asked me what my favorite book is I would say this one which is funny because I started it over twice before I fully got through it! It starts slow but the story is wonderfully written and it’s just cozy. It’s sad and it’s beautiful. I can’t put into words how much I love this book and this version of Achilles and Patroclus story
7 husbands of Evelyn Hugo: I could not put this book down, was always “just one more chapter” Evelyn’s life is so interesting, sad and lovely. There are major unpredictable plot twists. Everything about this book is a 10/10
Divine rivals: A little bit of magic, enemies to lovers, gods at war. This book was so fun to read and I loved every minute of it!
2 books I read recently
Scarred: Second book in the never after series, inspired by lion king/hamlet. Slow burn, gruesome, kept me on my toes.
Ruthless vows: the duo to divine rivals! This was the perfect extension to divine rivals. And even though I loved divine rivals I didn’t have high hopes for this, I thought what could possibly fill out a whole other book. Boy was I wrong, this book was just as good as the first.
My current read
Wretched: The third book in the never after series, inspired by the wizard of oz. She’s the wicked daughter of a drug lord, he’s an undercover cop. So far I am loving it and I’m excited to read the rest of this series as well
As an avid reader deeply invested in diverse genres, I found that exploring books inspired by childhood tales or mythology adds an enriching layer to reading experiences. For instance, the Never After series, including titles like Hooked, Scarred, and Wretched, creatively blend dark themes with familiar stories such as Peter Pan, Lion King/Hamlet, and The Wizard of Oz — offering a fresh, mature take that can captivate readers who appreciate complexity and emotional depth. Greek mythology, particularly, has always been a passion of mine, which is why books like Circe and Clytemnestra resonate profoundly. These narratives humanize mythological figures, revealing personal struggles alongside legendary adventures, which makes their stories both relatable and captivating. Reading A Thousand Ships, with its focus on the women involved in the Trojan War, also opened my eyes to lesser-known perspectives that enrich classical tales. Memoirs such as Know My Name are not only heavy reads but also offer valuable insights into real-life challenges and triumphs. They provide a break from fictional realms, grounding us in authentic human experiences. In contrast, fantasy novels like Divine Rivals and Ruthless Vows, with their magic and enemies-to-lovers theme, provide thrilling escapism and complex character dynamics that keep me hooked chapter after chapter. I also appreciate books that become quick page-turners, such as City of Bones, which I read years ago but still vividly recall for its fast-paced storytelling and immersive world-building. Similarly, The 7 Husbands of Evelyn Hugo is a masterclass in storytelling with its dramatic and unexpected plot twists that keep you completely absorbed. Overall, diversifying my reading list to include both heartfelt memoirs and inventive fantasy series not only broadens my literary horizons but also enhances my enjoyment. Whether you’re seeking comfort books like The Mysterious Benedict Society or craving intense, emotionally charged narratives, my curated lists are meant to inspire your next great read. Happy reading!
