Books I NEED to read by the end of the year!📚

Okay, so like many of you, I've got a mountain of books I need to devour before the year ends, and let me tell you, it's a mix of pure excitement and a little bit of anxiety! I've seen so many glowing reviews and high Goodreads ratings for some of these, but also enough mixed feedback to make me pause. First up, Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros. This one has been on my mind ever since I finished its predecessor. The hype is real, and honestly, the thought of continuing that epic journey is both thrilling and a little terrifying, especially with all the talk about plot twists. It's truly one of those books that everyone seems to have an opinion on, and I'm eager to form my own. I mean, to get such high average ratings on Goodreads means it must be doing something right for a lot of readers, even if it sparks debate! Then there's the much-talked-about duology: Divine Rivals and Ruthless Vows by Rebecca Ross. The covers alone are stunning, and I've heard such beautiful things about the writing and the romance. Many have hailed Divine Rivals as a standout from last year, and I’m ready to dive into that world of warring gods and poignant love stories. Following it up with Ruthless Vows means I'll be fully immersed, and I'm hoping it lives up to the incredible buzz. These are the kind of books that promise to sweep you away, and after some heavier reads, I'm definitely in the mood for that kind of magic. I'm also incredibly excited for A Fate Inked in Blood by Danielle L. Jensen and When the Moon Hatched by Sarah A. Parker. Both have been popping up on "best of" lists and come with some seriously impressive predicted ratings. I'm always on the hunt for new fantasy series to get lost in, and the unique premises of these two have really caught my eye. A Fate Inked in Blood sounds like it has all the elements of a gripping Norse-inspired fantasy with a strong heroine, while When the Moon Hatched promises a darker, more intricate world-building. It's always a gamble starting a new series, but when so many readers are giving it 4.5 stars and above on Goodreads, it feels like a pretty safe bet for a captivating experience. My strategy for tackling these highly-anticipated yet sometimes daunting reads? First, I try to go in with an open mind, despite the mixed reviews. Everyone's reading journey is different, and what one person dislikes, another might adore. Second, I plan to set aside dedicated reading time. These aren't quick reads you can rush through; they deserve proper attention. And finally, I try to avoid spoilers like the plague – especially for books like Iron Flame where every twist seems to be a major talking point! Reading challenges or joining a book club (like a #lemon8bookclub!) can also be great motivators to finally pick up those books that have been staring at you from your shelf. Wish me luck as I dive into these incredible stories and hopefully discover some new all-time favorites!