Top 5 Tuesday is hosted by the wonderful Shanah @ Bionic Book Worm. This week’s topic was difficult for me because I am not a big fantasy reader. I tend to lean more towards Science Fiction. It is very rare that I read epic or high fantasy so a lot of the books I am going to talk about have a twist to them such as a historical or paranormal element! There are so many fantasy novels, like the Mistborn Trilogy, on my TBR but I never seem to be in the mood for them.
The Poppy War by R.F. Kuang
This size of this book and the fact that it is fantasy would normally make it a book that I would never even consider reading. However, I was seeing this book everywhere and the fact that it is written by a woman and was actually an Asian-inspired fantasy novel drew me to it. I am so glad that I pick it up because the characters are great, the world-building is fantastic, and I never felt that the writing was heavy handed. I can not wait for the next book!
Scythe by Neal Shusterman
Scythe is just as amazing as everyone says that it is and I now need to read everything the Neal Shusterman has ever written. This story was so unique, and I really love that is was set in a dystopian/utopian world. It was very dark and full of action, but also has memorable characters. You may know that I am not someone who completes a lot of series, but this is one I will definitely be continuing.
Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo
There was so much hype for Six of Crows that I avoided reading it for years! I am so happy that I picked it up this year because it really in wonderful. The cold and dark work that Leigh Bardugo creates is wonderful, but let’s be honest- this book is all about the characters. They are each flawed but completely amazing and I sort of fell in love with them all. I haven’t read Crooked Kingdom because I am so nervous to see what happens to them!
The Immortal Rules by Julie Kagawa
I talk about this book/series all the time, and it is more paranormal than fantasy, but it counts! If you read one vampire series in your entire life please make it this one. It has one of the best villains I have ever read and is a very unique take on the vampire trope.
Circe by Madeline Miller
Circe has been everywhere lately, and for good reason. I also love The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller, but I prefer Circe. I think it may just be because it is the one that I read first. It has made me fall in love with Miller’s writing and now I have such a great appreciation for Greek mythology and retellings. I need all of your recommendations!
OMG I totally forgot about The Poppy War! I read it last month and totally fell in love!
Thanks for participating – added you to the list 🙂
Thank you! I think you are one of the reasons that I picked it up. It was just so so good!
I seriously need to read Six of Crows 💕 Great list 💕
Yes you do! Thank you!
Great list! It took me awhile to read SOC too, but I couldn’t get enough of it when I did.
Me too! Have you read Crooked Kingdom? So nervous!
I ugly cried while reading it 🙃 I can’t touch that book without wanting to tear up. It’s one of the best sequels out there.
Ah that is good to know. I’ll have to emotionally prepare myself!
Bring Kleenex and chocolate.
The Poppy War sounds so good, I’ve added it to my TBR ☺️
Oh awesome! I really think you will love it!
Loved Circe so much!!! And I agree on Six of Crows, I finally bought it just last week!!
Circe is just so good! I am happy I am not the only one who put off Six of Crows for so long!
I could not agree more about The Poppy War and Circe! Both so incredible in their own ways. Have yet to read Scythe or The Immortal Rules, but might be reading Julie Kagawa’s new YA novel.
They are both so amazing. I am definitely going to read her new book. I love the worlds that she creates!
Great list! I have heard so much about all of these.
Thank you! They deserve all the hype that they get!
Love the list! I still need to read scythe and circe <3
Thank you! I think you will enjoy them both!
Great post! I keep hearing such good things about The Poppy War. I don’t often pick up big fantasy books either, but I really must give it a go!
Thank you! The Poppy War is a great one for someone who doesn’t normally like fantasy. It is a quicker read than I expected!
I seriously need to finish The Poppy War and read Circe. Such a good list! 💜
They are both so good! Thank you!
Circe looks like such a good read. I love Greek mythology, and I love getting to explore different takes on the tales. I’ve heard so much hype about The Poppy War. It sounds brutal and enchanting.
Oh I think you will really love Circe. Sounds perfect for you. That is the perfect way to describe The Poppy War!
I wholeheartedly agree with Six of Crows, and I’m so excited to read The Poppy War and Circe!
You’re going to love them!
I really enjoyed Scythe as well, it was so different to anything I’ve read before and I think that’s why I loved it so much. I really need to read Thunderhead soon before I see spoilers haha!
That is why I loved it as well. Such an original idea!
omg i’m about to reread Six of Crows and i am…so excited.
Awesome! I bet it is even better as a reread!
Six of Crows and Circe are high on my list to read, so I’m gad to hear you recommend them!
They are both excellent. I hope you enjoy them!
Great picks, Kristin! I never heard of The Immortal Rules *though I know Kagawa has a new book coming out) but vampires and interesting villains are my jam, so I’ll keep an eye out for it. 😀
Thank you!! The Immortal Rules is definitely underrated. It sounds like something you would enjoy!
Poppy War is all over blogging recs these days. The name and the cover is so intriguing tho. And these are some great recs! (I’m making a note so I don’t forget)
Awesome! I really think The Poppy War deserves all of the hype it has been getting!
I jumped on the Six Of Crows train too! And I haven’t read Crooked Kingdom either yet, I’m too excited and nervous to see what happens ( and I haven’t been able to find it in the bookshops near me either 😁😭 )
Great answers! ❤️
Thank you! I haven’t even looked for a copy yet! I am not ready!
I want to get my hands on a copy of The Poppy War and Circe so bad!!!!!
They are such great books! Beautiful covers too!
Circe is def on my list.. 💗
It is great one!
Girl, this list is fire. I’ll admit that I’ve read only three of these 5 (SoC, Scythe, and The Immortal Rules) but those three have been my top fantasy favorites these past few years. SoC is rich with character, Scythe is rich in theme, and Immortal Rules is rich in action. I recently ran across Poppy War in B&N and fell in love with the cover. I didn’t buy it but the synopsis and cover have me sold. Can’t wait to read it one day. And I have Circe but I have yet to read it. I know that I’ll love it though. The Song of Achilles is fantastic so I have faith in Miller’s writing! Again, wonderful list 😀
Haha thank you!! It makes me so happy to find other people who love The Immortal Rules because sometimes I feel like I am the only one who has read it! You are going to absolutely love The Poppy War and Circe!!
The Immortal Rules trilogy is really under the radar. But it’s soooo good. Glad we managed to stumble onto it though 😉 Can’t wait to read the both of them some day!
I love Scythe, and I might have to give the Six of Crows duology a try again sometime. Great list!
Thank you! I do think it is worth trying Six of Crows again!
Circe is so good!!!
It truly is!