I have been having a hard time finding books that make me want to read. Do you guys have suggestions ? I like fantasy (though not really dragon-elves-dwarfs fantasy) but I can do pretty much all types of fiction, and I am open to YA and romance as a subplot. I prefer fun reads that are still well thought-out and logically sound, and I don't like airheaded characters. Romantasy tends to really not work for me.
My last loved series is The Scholomance series by Naomi Novik. I read it two years ago and it has been pain ever since because I can't seem to find anything as good. Last year, I have liked and read in one go all the currently out Apothecary diaries light novels. Some of my all-time favorites (all genders) are the Hunger Games and Pride and Prejudice. I sometimes read cozy mysteries and historical fiction. I was super into the dystopia era ten plus years ago, and I would love it to come back, but, like, grown-up a little.
Some books I read/tried recently that I should have liked based on what I know of my tastes but were disappointing:
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Red Rising (DNFed very fast as I found the main character insufferable and his wife's fridging mediocre writing)
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the Raven Scholar by Antonia Hodgson (very juvenile characters, story that does not make sense when you take a step back)
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Uprooted by Naomi Novik (I guess I don't like fairytale stuff very much)
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the Strength of the Few by James Islington (weak editing mostly, the idea was great but the execution clumsy and the characters underdeveloped), even though I did like the Will of the Many a lot (slightly too trope-y, but I can let that go)
I guess I need to accept I now actually care for the writing quality and not just for the story, lmao. What growing up does to you.
Currently "reading": the First Fifteen Lives of Harry August by Claire North. Been standing at 50% for a few weeks, and it's good but does not make me want to pick it up.
Stuff I have been told I should try but I am not fully convinced by the blurb: the Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, the Murderbot Diaries, Dungeon Crawler Carl.
by PinParasol
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Hz by Damien Holloway. Actually not completed this book, but quite an interesting techno thriller concept.
Have you tried reading something… way different? I only ask bc I was DNFing just about everything recently after finishing some really heavy and upsetting books and then, bc it was “available now”, I read Max Brook’s Devolution, which is so silly and ridiculous and not something I’d normally pick up but it totally snapped me out of my rut. It’s like my brain just needed a reset 😂
I really enjoyed Wheel of Time! It was well written, some of the characters are a little clueless starting out but they all have their own stories and arcs.
I’ve also heard a lot of love for Gideon the Nineth
Small Miracles by Olivia Atwater
Give Murderbot a try.
I too was unsure I wanted to read it, but people who’s taste I trust kept telling me I needed to, I’d love it.
I finally got the kindle sample and was hooked in the first few pages.
It’s witty, endearing, and very fun.
Plus if you like All Systems Red, there are many more books to read!