The Cruel Prince by Holly Black
I have to confess that I love Holly Black. I have read almost every single one of her books and none have disappointed. The Cruel Prince trilogy is no exception. This series is full of dark plot twists and insane worldbuilding. It’s a universe of Fae who smudge the line between mischievous and truly evil. This series will make you reconsider everything you thought you knew about Faeries, magic, and the lure of Elfhame.
Not to mention, Jude Duarte is one of my favorite female main characters ever because of her grit, strength, and the honest way her trauma changed her. (Plus Jude and Cardan’s enemies to lovers romance is also one of my favorites!) Holly Black’s writing is engaging and fast paced but still has all the tension and depth you could ever need.
I will always always always recommend this series to anyone who loves when darkness and magic are combined in a truly glittering display.
“What could I become if I stopped worrying about death, about pain, about anything? If I stopped trying to belong? Instead of being afraid, I could become something to fear.”
The Powerless Series by Lauren Roberts
If you’ve been in the book world at all you’ve probably heard of this series. Its a trilogy with two novellas and though this series has gotten some hate I still loved it so much! (You will cry in Powerful and in Fearless… I may have shed a lot of tears in those books.) Its a truly perfect entry to fantasy with Elites and Ordinaries, adventure and a fast paced plot. But to be honest the best part is Paedyn and Kai’s incredible romance. An enemies to lovers with so many plot twists and world renowned banter, Lauren definitely knew what she was doing.
Lauren Roberts herself is so so amazing. She is only 22 years old and was only 19 when she published powerless! I’m proud to say I’ve supported this incredible young writer and I know you guys will love this series as much as I did!
“If I am to be her enemy, I want it to be because she loathes herself for wanting me.”
The Lunar Chronicles by Marrisa Meyer
This is by far the best twist on the princesses I’ve ever read. Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, Rapunzel, Snow White. This series has four main books and two novellas! The plot and worldbuilding are fun and light and they really immerse you in the fairytale.
Each book focuses on an individual character but Marissa connects them all seamlessly. The themes of friendship, found family, heroism, and good vs evil make this a must read series! (Plus the banter, of course!)
I would definitely recommend this to my younger readers or anyone who loves a good fairytale story.
"Maybe there isn't such a thing as fate. Maybe it's just the opportunities we're given, and what we do with them,"
The Red Queen series by Victoria Aveyard
Now, this series was an incredible experience. This book has some themes similar to Powerless (such as the Elites vs Ordinaries/Silvers vs Reds) but its essence is completely different. This series is deeper, less romance more war and politics.
Its characters are more troubled, with themes of inequality, death, and what makes a person truly evil? Victoria’s detail and depictions of a fantasy war impacted my perception of what truly goes on behind the scenes and how everyone involved is impacted.
10/10 Plot twist!!!!
This series will leave you staring at a wall in the best way possible.
“Rise, red as the dawn.”
These four series will always hold a special place in my heart! The characters, relationships, journeys, and endings were all full of magic and written by some amazing authors! I hope one of these four incredible series caught your eye!!
May your ‘To-Be-Read’ list always be long and your books well loved.
Happy Reading, everyone!!!!
— Leila Sloan