Hello! I know I've seen a lot of posts over the years about this, but I am looking for some options that are actually good. I've found that there are so many over-hyped books with terrible writing and inconsistent magic systems. I've listed below books that I've like and disliked and those that I got through it just for the plot.
I am reading this one in between Brandon Sanderson books before I start college again in March, so preferably not longer than a trilogy and not more than 500ish pages. (I really want to read Alchemised by SenLinYu, but it is definitely a read I have to pay close attention to and the book is over 1000 pages).
Books I've Liked:
- Feathers So Vicious duology by Liv Zander
*I absolutely tore through this one. I loved the writing and the exploration of dealing with psychological trauma. I normally don't love books that contain so much smut because I feel like it detracts from the plot, but I didn't find me feeling that way at all. This duology truly explored the highs and lows of human nature and I absolutely loved it.*
- Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Mass
*This was so good I read it multiple times. It was recently surpassed as my favorite fantasy romance series by Feathers so Vicious but still a favorite. I love Aelin, I love Rowan and I really liked Prince Damien's(?) and the Witch's character arcs. Aelin's depression felt so real to me, I am pretty sure I cried both times I read it. I did read the prequel first, which I think heavily influenced my perception of the series as there would have been too many "Where did these alliances come from?" for me otherwise. I was happy with the ending, particularly because Aelin had to lose something significant and the people suffered pretty immense casualties. It was realistic, at least fantasy wise.*
- The Nevernight Chronicles by Jay Kristoff
*Loved. It's been a long time since I've read it, but I really liked the realism of the magic system. It truly felt like everything was equally balanced and Mia wasn't just straight OP. I don't mind a character who is OP, but there needs to be a downside…psychological trauma preventing them from reaching their full potential, severe injuries, some sort of really intense journey…I didn't mind the lesbian action, and I do think I could do a gay fanatasy romance novel but I would be VERY picky.
Honorable mentions-
Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros – *Generally good*
The Plated Prisoner by Raven Kennedy – *Issues with the magic system and ending*
**Didn't Like**
- The Ever King by L.J. Andrews
*I remember really liking the first novel, but the second novel kind of lost me. I didn't hate it, but I didn't care to finish the series. I read it almost two years ago, so the details are kind of hazy.*
- ACOTAR by Sarah J. Mass
*I did finish this one, and I wasn't sure what category to put it in, like or dislike, but ultimately decided on dislike. I felt like most of the characters felt flat, Nesta, Tamlin, the monsters they visited to help in their quest.. etc. I did like the writing, but the ending is what really destroyed the book for me. They won, but what was the cost? Nothing? They live totally happy ever after? I didn't read four-five novels for them to have their perfect happily ever after.*
- An Heir Comes to Rise by C.C. Penaranda
*Made it through most of the books because I liked the plot, didn't like the writing. It felt too juvenile.*
**Did Not Finish**
(I recently started keeping track of this, so I am missing several)
- The Unseelie Prince by Kathryn Ann Kingsley
*I hated the writing so much I don't even know how I feel about the plot.*
- Quicksilver by Callie Hart
*My goodness, I felt like I was reading something written by someone still in high school. She's written several books before this one, she should be better imo.*
- Crescent City by Sarah J. Mass
*Bryce annoyed me. I liked the headstrong, combative character Aelin but feel like SJM has leaned way to hard into that trope for me to find her books good anymore. I didn't even finish the first book. Also, while I don't mind multi-species books (I think), this didn't feel cohesive at all.*
*Fantasy Authors I like*
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Brandon Sanderson
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Brent Weeks
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Rita Chang-Eppig
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Michael J. Sullivan
by twill2013