Recommended Reads: Spring

In the spring I like to read light, happy books - things like romantic classics, fairy tales or anything with a happy ending and a touch of fantasy! These are just a few of my favourite reads that I think are perfect for spring.

Classics

Anything by Jane Austen
To me, Jane Austen just screams spring. Whether it's because the stories take place in the English countryside, or because the book covers themselves are always light and floral and pretty - I just love me some Jane Austen in the spring. My personal favourites are Pride and Prejudice and Persuasion - both are beautiful love stories, one about discovering new love from dislike and one about rediscovering old love. Mansfield Park and Emma (the two books shown above) are the two Jane Austen classics I hope to get too this spring. 

The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
A lovely children's book about a secret garden (it's in the title, so no spoilers). The book itself explores childhood neglect and the healing powers of friendship, love and the outdoors. It's all about new beginnings and rejuvenation, and that seems like a very appropriate spring theme to read about. While the children are some of the biggest spoiled brats I've ever read about - I did enjoy this book and think it's a quick spring read!

Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte 
Another book by a classic female author - Jane Eyre is, arguably, one of the first truly feminist novels. The primary character, Jane Eyre, is an independent woman - who does not not compromise her beliefs or herself in the pursuit of love. While a long, and sometimes slow novel, it is a book about the power of one woman over the trials and tribulations she faces in her life. Jane is an amazing heroine - and her journey of self-discovery, self-reflection and love seems like a great book of discovery for this season that celebrates new beginnings. 

Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll
Alice's Adventures in Wonderland - this weird and zany story by Lewis Carroll has enough of the mad and fantasy to be a wonderful book to read while sitting in a park. It's a short novel, and it's full of madcap characters and crazy riddles and poems. 

YA

Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine 
Yet another fairy tale retelling, this one perhaps one of the most famous. Though it was butchered by the movie (which I enjoy but realize is NOTHING like the book) the book Ella Enchanted is amazing - it is about a strong young woman discovering her inner strength in a very cruel and trying situation. In particular, the romance with Prince Char is so well done, sweet, and truly well-developed and believable - it is not well replicated in the movie at all. Seriously, the book this time is so much better - a story full of magic, romance and strong heroines and all about discovering your inner power!

The Secret Countess by Eva Ibbotson 
Or pretty much anything by Eva Ibbotson. Ibbotson's books are historical fiction stories usually set between the 1920s and 1940s. The Secret Countess follows the story of a refugee Russian duchess who takes work as a scullery maid at an English manor. The story is light and sweet, the characters are enchanting, and the romance is more romantic than fiery - definitely the sweet sort of love story I enjoy reading in the spring. 

Adult

The Shadow Reader trilogy by Sandy Williams 
This is one of my favourite faerie urban-fantasy series I've ever read. The series explores the adventures of McKenzie, a shadow reader, who can read between the dimensions of our world and the world of faeries, and can see the fair folk. For me, faeries always see to make me think of springtime and this is a wonderful adult faerie novel for people looking to expand beyond YA-faeries. The books have adventure, love triangles and a badass female heroine and for the most part they are fairly YA-friendly - with little of the erotica elements common in many other urban-fantasy novels. 

Troubled Waters by Sharon Shinn 
This is probably the most underrated fantasy series I've ever read. It has such a complex and wonderfully built world - with it's own well laid out religion and magic system that is both well-explained without being an info-dump. Furthermore the stories focus on strong female characters and try to create strong female friendships, and while romance exists it is never the central focus of the series. The first book, Troubled Waters, is a necessary read to introduce yourself to this wonderful world by Sharon Shinn. With it's strong ties to "elemental magic" the magic of the book talks a lot about the earth and the elements, and discusses land and nature in a way that, to me, is very reminiscent of spring. 

Uprooted by Naomi Novik
While this is not my favourite stand-alone fantasy, I can't deny its popularity, or that it is a fantastic spring read. This book deals with an evil dark forest that is slowly taking over the countryside, and has earth magic that is so well described you can imagine the taste of the magic at certain points. It is earthy, and well-written, and is highly popular - the characters just weren't my cup of tea. However; I believe that most people would enjoy this book more than I, and I believe it makes a great darker read for spring, with a sinister forest that takes over - perfect for when the world is waking up from winter.

ANYTHING BY JULIET MARILLIER
Books: Shadowfell Trilogy, Daughter of the Forest, Deerskin, Wildwood Dancing, Heart's Blood

While I was making this list, one name kept popping up to me - Juliet Marillier. All of her books just scream "spring" to me - I think because most of the ones I've read are fairy tale retellings, and often deal with self-discovery and new beginnings. Furthermore, so many of them deal with dark, lush forests and leafy green settings that simply seem spring-y. The above listed books are just a few of my favourites by this amazing author - but pretty much anything by her you can't go wrong. While I do place warnings on some of these books (Daughter of the Forest and Deerskin) for rape and abuse, Wildwood Dancing and the Shadowfell Trilogy are YA novels and are less dark in the plot without sacrificing the emotional punch Marillier's stories. Heart's Blood and Wildwood Dancing are, in particular, two of my favourite fairy tale retellings ever - they are magical, but with such real and understandable characters who tear out your heart. Just go read Marillier because she is so underrated in the blogging community!

Badass Lady Heroines

Today is International Women's Day and in honour of this wonderful day to celebrate women and their achievements, and to discuss women and their role in society I thought I would highlight some of my favourite female characters. For me, a badass heroine doesn't necessarily mean someone who is physically badass - it is a woman who is her own person, who breaks barriers and boundaries, who fights for her beliefs. There are so many different types of women and types of female characters in novels that I want to highlight all the badass ladies I can! So here are just a few of the female book heroines I love and admire. 

Jim Kay's Illustration of McGonagall

1. Minerva McGonagall from the Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling
I mean I could pretty much put any female Harry Potter character here - I love both Hermione Granger and Luna Lovegood to bits and think they are amazing role models for young girls and women as they embrace themselves and never act different to fit in. But I wanted to highlight another female character in the Harry Potter series and that is Minerva McGonagall. McGonagall initially comes off as a rather strict school marm persona - but you soon learn that underneath she is a kind and courageous woman with a heart of gold. McGonnagall has such a tragic back story (go read it on Pottermore if you haven't had a chance) and is an example of a strong woman who rose above her tragedy, who is both powerful and smart and unashamed of this. So few stories feature strong older women, and McGonnagall's portrayal has stayed with me. She is exactly the kind of woman I want to be when I get older.  I love the fact that she is unapologetic about her beliefs and her loyalties, that she is strict but fair, and that it is never in doubt or hidden how absolutely brilliant she is (hello, she's one of nine registered animagus - she is brilliant!). Professor McGonnagall is much admired by Hermione, and so you know she's a badass when another paragon of female awesomeness looks up to her. 

Keria Knightley as Lizzie Bennet in the 2005 adaptation

2. Elizabeth Bennet from Pride & Prejudice by Jane Austen
So as everyone should probably know by now my favourite book of all time is Pride & Prejudice. I know some people dislike the romance heavy marriage-focused style of Austen's books, but I find that her female characters are still strong and engaging. Elizabeth Bennett in particular stands out as a heroine unafraid to speak her mind, even to men, and to stand up both for herself and her sisters. She is loyal (look how she is with Jane), and intelligent with a quick wit and a sharp tongue. And she absolutely loves to read (something I related to so much when I first read the novel and it really stuck with me). Furthermore, Elizabeth has flaws - she easily judges others (prejudice) and must learn to overcome her quick opinions in order to grow as a person. Every person has flaws and to see this protrayed as a point of growth in a novel is refreshing in a world where so many female heorines are simply empty foils for readers to place themselves into. 

3. Fire from Fire by Kristin Cashore
Fire is proof that you don't have to be an assassin to be a badass. Fire is a monster, a beautiful creature with the ability to control and influence the minds of others. However; despite this immense power, Fire uses her gift rarely and only for the greater good. While I've heard some say Fire is meek compared to Katsa from Graceling, I think Fire is simply another way of being a strong female character. She is physically strong (and good with a bow and arrow) but what is emphasised more is her compassion and kindness and her strength. Fire doesn't overpower people unless necessary and instead tries to understand others and help them. She is an excellent example of someone who is diplomatic and chooses words over swords - and for that I think she is an excellent heroine, one that is very different from the usual fantasy heroines we read about. And if that isn't enough, she's also a badass woman of colour (don't let the book cover mislead you - it's mentioned specifcally in the novel) and that is still so rare in high fantasy. 

Megan Fellows (Canadian Queen) as Anne Shirley in the 1985 TV series 

4. Anne Shirley from Anne of Green Gables by Lucy Maud Montgomery
I fell in love with the Anne Shirley character when I was 8 yrs old and went to PEI for the first time and saw the Anne of Green Gables musical. She just seemed so amazing and fearless - and I related to her so hard when she smashed her slate over Gilbert's head after he teased her (I had wanted to do that to so many boys). While I wasn't always a huge fan of the Anne novels (I am now thankfully), I always was fascinated and drawn in by Anne the character - as were many people in the world. Anne is a force of nature - she is passionate and intelligent, with a temper as red as her hair. I love her faults and her tantrums, and how through the novels we see her grow and mature from this. I loved that she was top of her class with Gilbert and that she NEVER dumbed herself down (which I can't thank Lucy Maud Montgomery enough for - a celebration of smart women in the early 1900s is no joke). Anne is a character so many children can relate to, and her journey through the Anne novels is a delight to witness. 

5. Kestrel from The Winner's Trilogy by Marie Rutkowski
Kestrel is one of my favourite female heroines in YA. She is such a complex character - someone who is smart, cunning and fearless. She uses her brain to outwit her opponents, and through The Winners Trilogy is the brain behind so many operations. Even her own father is aware of her intelligence and wishes to use it for military advantage. Kestrel is also a character with faults - she is addicted to winning at all costs and commits some pretty atrocious acts throughout the novels. She is certainly flawed, and in the second book is almost an anti-hero in a way. And yet her struggles are relatable, and she never changes her core self, even after the heart breaking last novel she remains true to who she is as a person. It takes a lot to stand up for your beliefs, particularly against your country when you think they are wrong - but Kestrel does it with strength poise and cunning.

Fan Art of BFFs Inej and Nina **

6. Inej Ghafa and Nina Zenik from the Six of Crows duology by Leigh Bardugo
Inej and Nina are AMAZING. They are absolutely wonderful female characters who are both separate and distinct in their personalities and yet portray such amazing role models. Inej is such a strong character - who is clearly suffering from trauma over sexual abuse - and is also a skilled thief. She is strong, yet surprisingly vulnerable and she inspires even the darkest of souls (Kaz Brekker) to care for her with her pure heart and core of steel. And then we have Nina, my sweet waffle Nina, who I love more than any other character in Six of Crows. Nina is the kind of person who can make any situation light hearted - she is funny and intense and flirtatious and throws off all the men around her. And on top of that she can stop your heart with a flick of her fingers. I love that Nina embraces her appearance and uses it to her advantage - and isn't shamed for doing so. And the thing I love both about these women is how much they love each other, and what good friends they are to each other. I hope in future novels we see an Inej and Nina reunion because they are BFF goals. 
** ALSO - if anyone knows the artist for this fanart PLEASE LET ME KNOW. I would love to credit them properly, as I just had it pinned from a tumblr page that had no mention of the artist

Mia Wasikowska as Jane Eyre in the 2011 adaptation

7. Jane Eyre from Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte
Finally, we have another classic heroine from English literature - Jane Eyre. Jane Eyre is a feminist icon pretty much. Her story is filled with tragedy and yet Jane is unwavering in who she is and what she is about. Jane is aware of her strengths and weaknesses, and embraces every aspect of herself. She does not compromise herself for a man (Mr. Rochester is the worst I'm sorry), nor does she fall swooning into his arms. When the twist of the novel comes, Jane remains strong and does what she needs to for herself - without the help of any of the men in her life. And at the end of the novel, Jane does as she chooses and as she wishes (even though some readers like myself, may hate the choice) and you have to respect her for that. Jane is an individual who knows her self and her worth and never accepts anything less than that. And what could be more badass than that amount of confidence? 

So those are 8 badass ladies from books that I admire and look up to! This list should have been harder to make because there are so many awesome female characters out there, but surprisingly these were the ones which first popped into my head and which stuck there while I was writing this post. 

Books I'm Excited for in 2018

I didn't have a ton of anticipated releases for 2017 for some reason - only a few here or there. I discovered some amazing new series in 2017 though, and can happily say that I now have quite a long list of anticipated releases for 2018! Most of the books I am anticipating are continuations of series I've started, but there are a few standalones. There are also quite a few retellings coming out this year, which is amazing because I absolutely adore retellings! While most of this list is YA, I am still hoping to discover some new adult and non-fiction works this year - and will happily take any recommendations on up and coming books!

1. The Cruel Prince by Holly Black - January 02 2018 
Holly Black's The Darkest Part of the Forest was one of the best books I read in 2017 (Link) and apparently  this book about faeries that is somehow related to that book, so when I heard that rumour this book jumped up to my must reads of 2018. This book follows the story of Jude, whose family was murdered and she and her sisters stolen away to live with the fey. A decade later, Jude wants nothing more to live with the fey, many of whom hate humans - especially Prince Cardan. So we have fey court politics and what is shaping up to be a forbidden romance and I am so in.  My hopes for this book keep getting higher as I keep reading so many rave reviews on Goodreads, and I'm very stoked to go pick this up and read it. I love faeries, I love faerie romances and I love dark faerie romances so this sounds like it ticks off all the boxes. 

2. Everless by Sara Holland - January 02 2018
This book wasn't on my radar for ages, but after reading some reviews on Goodreads about how surprisingly good it is I've decided to add it to my anticipated reads. Everless takes place in the Kingdom of Sempera - where blood is currency and the rich have it in spades, while the poor - like our main character Jude - are forced to suffer and give their lives away. This premise alone sounds intriguing, but it sounds like there will also be some soap-y drama (like a love triangle, and a manor house full of secrets) that may make this a guilty pleasure read I may love. 

3. A Treacherous Curse by Deanna Rayburn (Veronica Speedwell #3) - January 16 2018
This is the third book in the Veronica Speedwell series, which follows the aforementioned Veronica Speedwell, a scientist, and adventuress in 1888 London - who just so happens to have a penchant for getting entangled and solving mysteries. This third book promises to delve more into past of Veronica's colleague Stoker - and I need to find out more about them. This book as so much built up romantic tension between its two main characters that I am dying to see what happens after the last book. The sexual tension you can cut with a knife and I just really want them to get it on in the next book because I will scream FINALLY!

4. The Hazel Wood by Melissa Albert - January 30 2018 
This books sounds like a dark and twisty fairy tale-esque stories. The book follows Alice, whose grandmother is a famous author of dark fairy-tales that take place in The Hazel Wood. After the woman's death, Alice's mother is taken by what appears to be characters from her grandmother's famous stories. It sounds dark and forboding and the sort of dark fairy story I love. Plus, LOOK AT THE COVER. Even in a photo one can see that it's gorgeous. 

5. Reign the Earth by A.C. Gaughen- January 30 2018
Shaila, a princess of the desert, sacrifices her happiness to become the Queen of the Bone Lands - a land where elemental magic is forbidden. Before she is even crowned however, Shaila discovers her inherent earth magic abilities - and must deal with hiding these abilities from her elemental-hating husband, while dealing with the politics of her kingdom. I love the idea of elemental magic so I really hope this book is good! I am a bit nervous though that it will be like Roar by Cora Carmack, which I didn't like because it was just so derivative of every other YA fantasy novel. But I'm praying this one is good! 

6. Daughter of the Siren Queen by Tricia Levenseller (Daughter of the Pirate King #2) - February 27 2018 
I can't give much away about this book without spoiling the first one (which the title already where Daughter of the Pirate King left off. IN the first novel, we followed Alosa as she was captured - purposely- onto a pirate ship by the orders of her father, the Pirate King, on a dangerous mission to find a legendary map. Along the way she flirts, and fights and snarks her way into the hearts of readers. The first book took me by surprise with how much I enjoyed it - and with how much I couldn't put it down because I needed to see what happened next. I'm excited to see where the story continues, especially because Alosa is just the right amount of snark and spunk I like in a female character without being insufferable. 

7. To Kill a Kingdom by Alexandra Christo - March 6 2018
This is a dark re-telling of the Little Mermaid. Now to be honest, The Little Mermaid, and mermaids and general are probably my least favourite folklore and fairy tales - I always find them so disappointing and the Little Mermaid story (both the original fairy tale and the Disney Movie) have always bothered me to know end. However; this retelling - which follows Princess Lira - a lethal siren who has the hearts of seventeen men - sounds promising. The story gets even darker when you find out that the next heart Princess Lira must steal is that of a siren-hunting prince. It sounds dark and twisted and exactly like my kind of fairy tale. 

8. Obsidio by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff (Illuminae Files #3) - March 13 2018 
I absolutely loved the Illuminae Files in 2017 - I read both Illuminae and Gemina in one sitting and ADORED them. They were so addicted, and had such heart-pounding, have to turn-the-page action. The Illuminae Files are told in a unique manner - told through "found" documents and photos (hence the name files), rather than a traditional narration. While I was sceptical, I found the story-telling style completely captivating in the first two books - which follows the action and adventures following the invasion of a planet by a greedy inter-galactic corporation. I can't give more detail without spoiling the books. Anyways, I NEED THIS BOOK NOW. I am totally anticipating once again staying up all night to read this.

9. The Queens of Innis Lear by Tessa Gratton - March 27th 2018 
IT'S A KING LEAR RETELLING AHHHHHHHHHH!!!! That is all I need to know - anything Shakespeare and I AM IN. 

10. Circe by Madeline Miller - April 10th 2018
Look it's an adult book! This book follows the bestselling The Song of Achilles, which I recently read and really enjoyed. The writing was poetic and epic and a delight to read - so I am very excited to see how the next re-telling of a Greek myth goes! This is a re-telling of the greek myth of Circe - which is horribly tragic. Circe is always depicted as a cruel and selfish woman and I am looking forward to seeing how the author captures her dual nature of mother and monster - and whether she will entice sympathy from the reader.  I love Greek Mythology, and I love re-tellings and I LOVE this cover so I am really excited to see how this book is. 

11. A Reaper at the Gates by Sabaa Tahir (Ember in the Ashes #3) - April 24 2018
I love love love this series so far and I have been DYING for this third book for so long - the second book came out in 2016! The first two books in this trilogy were completely addictive. The first book An Ember in the Ashes follows the tale of Elias and Laia - a boy and a girl on opposite ends of a struggle in a a conquered kingdom. Elias is a Martial, one of the powerful Roman-like ruling Elite, while Laia is a Scholar - a dominated peoples, essentially slaves in their own empire. The book is riveting, as is the sequel A Torch Against the Night, which follows the events of the first novel (and thus I can't give you more detail without spoiling it). Both are filled with politics and violence and bloodshed - and very much remind me of like a fantasy version of the TV show Rome. I will be buying this the day it comes out - and I can only hope that the fourth and final book doesn't take two years to come out like this one did! Because I will die, as Sabaa Tahir always ends each book in the most heart-wrenching ways.

12. The Queen of Sorrow by Sarah Beth Durst (Queens of Renthia #3) - May 15 2018
This is the third book in the Queens of Renthia series - so I can't give much of a synopsis without spoiling the first two books. This series takes place in the land of Renthia, where everything has a spirit - everything is alive - and unfortunately, everything in nature pretty much wants to kill all the humans and turn the land wild. To prevent this, a Queen is chosen from a select group of girls - skilled in the power to control the wild nature spirits. The first book in this series was brutal and pulled no punches and I loved it. It was a great fantasy - and it was actually a fantasy with only a bit of romance. I plan to read the second book in the series this year - and I'm sure it will be equally unforgiving and amazing. This series is really underrated so I hope this year more people pick it up - it is well thought out, well written and the world is something you get lost in - and don't get attached to any characters. 

13. Sweet Black Waves by Kristin Perez - June 05 2018 
This is yet another re-telling on the list! This is a Tristan and Isolde re-telling - but instead of following Isolde, we follow her lady-in-waiting Branwen - who also loves Tristan. Yes, this has a love triangle (I think) - but given the nature of the Tristan and Isolde myth I am intrigued to see how the "love potion" aspect of the story plays out. It says to aspect star-crossed lovers so I am expecting all the angsty romance, and hopefully a tragic tale (in keeping with the legend). I also clearly have a thing for retellings. Plus, there aren't enough Celtic retellings so this is definitely something new to look forward too!

14. My Plain Jane by Brodi Ashton, Cynthia Hand and Jodi Meadows (The Lady Janies #2) - June 26 2018 
My Lady Jane was one of the biggest surprises of 2016 for me and I reread it in 2017, and I can just categorically say that I love it. And I'm even more excited to see the twists that the authors will make on this retelling of Jane Eyre - I absolutely loved Jane Eyre so I am both apprehensive but equally excited. This Jane Eyre retelling will have a supernatural twist (as stated on the cover - Jane sees dead people) just like My Lady Jane, and hopefully it will be as funny and charming as the supernatural twist in of shape-shifters in My Lady Jane.

15. Mary B  by Katherine J. Chen - July 2018
This is a Pride and Prejudice retelling following the perspective of poor overlooked, plain middle sister Mary. And I am HERE FOR IT. I don't know why I keep trying to read Pride and Prejudice retellings or continuations or adaptations when I pretty much hate them all but I can't help but hope that one day I will find one that is amazing and captures the original magic of the stories. If not, at least this is another book to add to my ever growing Pride and Prejudice shelf. 

16. Dance of Thieves by Mary E. Pearson - August 07 2018 
I enjoyed the Remnant Chronicles series by Mary E. Pearson enough that I'm excited to see how this story about a thief and an emperor and forbidden love set in the same universe. It sounds like pretty standard YA but will hopefully be addictive. 

17. Lady Helen #3 by Alison Goodman - September 2018 
I just finished the second book in the Lady Helen Series, The Dark Days Pact - and while not as good as the first - I still need this third book because it ENDED ON A CLIFFHANGER and I need to see what happens - I predict the angst will be high in this book and I am going to love it. 

18. Final Throne of Glass Book by Sarah J Mass - September 04 2018 
I have yet to read Empire of Storms  or Tower of Dawn, but I really want to finish the Throne of Glass series. Even though I have such a love-hate relationship with the series, I am hoping it ends on a high note. I probably won't buy it right away, I'll wait until reviews come out. But I will probably hated read this just to see how everything ends.  

19. The Lady's Guide to Petticoats and Piracy by Mackenzi Lee (Guides #2) - October 02 2018 
This is the sequel to The Gentleman's Guide to Vice and Virtue except this time we are following Monty's sister, Felicity, who was a badass in the first book. And because of the mention of Pirates I do so hope that means my favourite pirate characters will be returning! And I want to see how Monty and Percy are faring after the first novel! The first book was so surprisingly funny and fun that I can't wait for another joyous romp with this series. 

20. Queen of Air and Darkness by Cassandra Clare (The Dark Artifices #3) - December 04 2018  
The story of Emma Carstairs and the Blackthorn family concludes in this final book of the Dark Artifices trilogy. I've really been enjoying this trilogy - much more so than The Mortal Instruments (but not as much as The Infernal Devices). The angst-y romance between Emma and Julian is my life, and the ending to the last book gutted me and ended on such a cliffhanger that I need to know!

18 Books I Want to Read in 2018

If you look at my Bookish Resolutions for 2018 there is one big one that I am hoping to follow - to buy less books! I am hoping that by buying less books I will have time to make a dent in my backlog of to-be-read books which are simply PILING UP, just LOOK:  

My TBR pile is getting a bit ridiculous

And that is just my physical TBR pile! It doesn't include the hundreds of books on my kindle, or the dozens of audiobooks I have on my phone. Basically, I have way too many books to read and too little time! (Isn't that the universal problem?) I'm hoping by buying less books I will be able to focus more on my backlog, and prioritise some of the books I want to read this year. Below are are just some of the backlog books I'm hoping to get to this year (at least the ones which I own physical copies of - so many others are on my Kindle). 

Just some of the books I want to read in 2018 - so many more on the Kindle!

 As you can see by the pile, I have quite a bit to get to this year! Following some of my other Bookish Resolutions (LINK), most of these are non-YA, as I am trying to read less YA this year. I think it is a good mixture of genres, although I am lacking in contemporaries (any suggestions?). Most of these books have been in my TBR pile for over a year, and I've decided if I don't read them this year I probably won't get to them ever, and should give them away. Hopefully it doesn't come to that - I always feel so bad giving away books I've never read - it's like I've disappointed the author, or the book itself. Anyways, these are the 18 books (or series in some cases) that I want to finally get to in 2018. 

1. The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy by James Adams 
One of my friends at work gave this to me ages ago and told me it was the perfect thing for someone who loves geeky stuff. I honestly don't know much about it, but I want to read it this year because she, and everyone else I know, apparently loves this book (But not the movie - I've been told to not watch it!). I also feel terrible it's taken me so long to get too so this year for sure!

2. The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood
As a feminist I am ashamed I haven't read this. I haven’t even watched the show yet, because I felt I needed to read the book first before I did! I've been meaning to read this for over a year, but - I'm not going to lie - I was having trouble getting into the mood to read such a bleak book when the news stories out in the world seemed depressing enough. I hope to get to it soon - but even now, I feel hard-pressed to read something I know is going to depress me. But as a Canadian I have to read something of Margaret Atwood's eventually, and given the currently political climate this seems the best option!

3. Discovery of Witches Trilogy by Deborah Harkness (Books #2 and #3)
I read the first book in this series ages ago and loved it. I loved the mix of paranormal and history, all set in modern-day Oxford. With the new movie in production I figured I best get going on completing the series! I recently bought the second and third book of this trilogy for super cheap at a discount bookstore, so now I have no excuse not to read them now. 

4. Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy
Unlike most people, I actually really like the movie adaptation of this book with Keria Knightly in it (I think partially because the soundtrack is AMAZING). Anyways, it really sparked my interest in reading the book but the size of this novel has continually kept me from reading it. It is huge. I am hoping that with the extra spare time I now have because I am done law school that I can finally get to reading this massive tome.

5. Shadow Scale by Rachel Hartman (Seraphina #2)
I adored Seraphina when I read it the year it came out - which was 2012. I bought Shadow Scale as soon as it came out... and then proceeded to never read it. I really did love the first book - I thought the world was something completely unique to anything I had ever read, and that Rachel Hartman had a wonderful writing style which captured the magic of the dragons she wrote about - humanising them while still making them intimidating. I've heard mixed reviews of Shadow Scale, but I would like to determine for myself what I think. I'll probably have to re-read Seraphina thought because at this point it's been almost 6 years!

6. Invasion of the Tearling by Erika Johansson (Tearling #2)
Another example where I loved the first book, and then proceeded to put off reading the sequel. I recommended Queen of the Tearling to one of my best friends a year ago and she has officially finished the trilogy while I am still here having not completed the second and third books. I own the second book and I want to finish the trilogy this year, if possible! I loved the blend of fantasy and dystopian of the first novel, I adored Kelsea as a realistically flawed heroine, and I can't wait to see how Kelsea grows into her role as Queen. I've heard the next book is amazing, if pretty dark, but I'm excited to read it!

7. Snow like Ashes Trilogy by Sara Raasch
Yet another book series where I have put off reading the sequel! I read Snow Like Ashes shortly after its release and really enjoyed it - I loved the magic world based around the seasons, and I actually liked the love triangle! It's one of the few books where I was okay with the love triangle - which is pretty rare. However; I've heard such mixed things about the second and third book that I've put off continuing the series. I've hear, sadly, that the author destroys my favourite character in the novel for the sake of the love triangle - which I am really not looking forward to reading! I do think though that I should read the next book, Ice like Fire in the series to judge for myself how the series progresses - I am really hoping it holds up. 

8. Raven Cycle by Maggie Stefivater (Books #3 and 4)
I know, I know - I haven't finished The Raven Cycle yet, go ahead and shame me. I like these books, but I don't seem to love them the way everyone else does. I really liked the first one, was meh on the second book (I know I don't love Ronan - again come at me) - but I own signed copies of the third and fourth book so I feel like I should probably read them! I think I just need to be in the right mood to be as engrossed in Maggie Stefivater's writing - its absolutely beautiful and captivating, but definitely not something you casually read - it's the kind of writing you have to take time to appreciate and work through for the nuances. I think this summer I will re-read the first two books of this series and finally complete this quartet. 

9. The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss 
I just need to read this. I've only heard good things and I want to become as addicted as everyone else. 

10. The Hangman's Daughter Series by Oliver Potzsch (Books #2-5)
I own the first five books in this series, and I've only read the first one... so yeah clearly I have a lot to get through! This series is set in 18th Century Germany, and follows Jakob Kuisl, the local hangman and town outcast, and his family - including beautiful daughter Magdalena, as they team up with the local physician to solve a variety of mysteries that pop up in the area. I absolutely devoured the first book in this series, where Jakob tries to prove the innocence of a local medicine woman accused of witchcraft. It was gruesome in some areas, but excellent. And then I picked up the rest of the series... and never read them. I really liked the first one so I think it's about time I finish them (since I own five)!

11. Falling Kingdoms Series by Morgan Rhodes (Books #1-4)
This is yet another series where I own the majority of the books in the series and haven't read any of them. There was a kindle sale one day and the first four books were $1.99 so I went a bit crazy and bought them all. Right now this is looking like a waste of money because I haven't read any of them but I really want to! I hear they are addictive trashy fantasy and they might be good for some binge-read one day! I've been told they are YA Game of Thrones - with multiple perspectives, and warring kingdoms - all of which sounds amazing. I'm hoping to maybe do a 24hr reading marathon one snowy (or rainy) day in the coming months and just hunker down and read these. 

12. Mansfield Park by Jane Austen
The only Jane Austen novel I have yet to read and I absolutely need to finish it so that I can say I have read Austen's complete works. I haven't read this in part because it's my least favourite BBC mini-series, so I am expecting it to be my least favourite book. However, I was expecting to love Northanger Abbey and didn't so maybe this book will surprise me! It's on my Classics to Read in 2018 list, so I will definitely be getting to it this spring. I can't be a true Janeite without reading it.  

13. Green Rider by Kristen Britain
This book has been on pause on my Kindle for AGES (like 2+ years). I stopped at 25% and never picked it up again. It wasn't bad at all, I just wasn't in the mood for epic fantasy - but this is a fantasy series sounds EPIC with a female protagonist taking up the mantle of one of the king's legendary "Green Rider" Messengers with a life or death message. I just need to pick it up and finish it already or GIVE UP. 

14. American Gods by Neil Gaiman
I keep saying I need to read more Neil Gaiman. That's pretty much the only reason this is on the list - it's the most well-known of his works. 

15. The Goose Girl by Shannon Hale  
I adore fairy-tales and fairy tale retellings, and so many of my friends have told me to pick up Shannon Hale. This book is a retelling of the famous Goose Girl fairy tale, which I've always found a very cute story. I tried reading Hale's Book of a Thousand Days and really didn't like the writing style, but I've owned The Goose Girl for a few years now, and I am hoping this book has a different style of writing that I enjoy more. I've been saying "Next year" to this book for so long (8 years?) that if I don't read it this year I think it is finally time to give up. On the plus side, if I do like it this is the first in the Books of Bayern series so I will have three more books to enjoy!

16. A Court of Wings and Ruin by Sara J. Maas (ACOTAR #3) 
I bought this book the day it came out but I just haven't been in the mood to finish the ACOTAR trilogy. I have a very love/hate relationship with Sarah J. Maas and so I just don't find myself eager to reach for this series, plus I have heard very mixed reviews. I really did enjoy ACOTAR and ACOWAR when they came out - I loved the world Maas had built, I love dark faerie stories and the chemistry between Rhysand and Feyre was electric. However; there are so many things about this series that irks me, and even concerns me upon further re-reads (I promise to one day write a blog post about my love/hate relationship with Sarah J. Maas novels). However; I do want to finish the trilogy, and remain cautiously optimistic that the book ends well! I just need to push through and finish it - and hopefully I will actually be in the mood this year to pick it up! 

17. Finnikin of the Rock by Melina Marchetta 
Last year I read a fantasy quartet that I had been putting off for years after seeing so many bloggers talk about it - and that series was The Demon KIng. I've decided to give another fantasy series I've never read a try this year (despite the awful cover) because I ended up loving The Demon King so much - and this year it is The Lumatere Chroinciles by Melina Marchetta. This book follows Finnikin and his guardian, Sir Topher, 10 years after the destruction of their kingdom who go on a quest to possibly find the missing heir to their kingdom's throne. I know very little beyond this, but everyone who loves Cinda Williams Chima seems to love Melina Marchetta as well so I am really looking forward to getting to this series this year. 

18. Poison Study Trilogy by Maria V. Snyder 
Poison Study is one of my favourite books of all time - it follows the story of Yelena, a prisoner who is given the chance of her freedom if she becomes the King's new poison tester for a year and survives. It is absolutely magical - Yelena is an amazing depiction of a strong survivor, and Valek is one of my top book crushes of all time! However I've never actually read the second or third books in the trilogy because I was so nervous they wouldn't live up to the very high expectations set by the first one. I think 2018 is the year to see if they live up to the first one and finish this series - and hopefully discover some new all time favourites in the process! 

As you can see, 2018 is the year I am going to finish quite a few series I own! 2018 is the year of finishing series you've started! What books (or series) are you planning to get to in 2018?