I love series, but I’m terrible at continuing them. This year I want to make it a priority to at least finish some of the ones I’m halfway through as well as not starting so many. I want to be more invested in a few select series rather than half interested in many. It has also come to my attention that I have quite a lot of last books in series on my shelves, which will make it very easy for me to finish a sizeable portion of the ones I am currently reading. I’m terrible at following any kind of plan, but these are just some of the series that I hope to complete this year.
The Winternight Trilogy by Katherine Arden
Last year I read the first two books in this series pretty close together, and I really enjoyed them, but for some reason I just never finished the third one. I think at one point I had read a chapter of it, but got distracted and put it down. I really like this series and seeing as I’m so close to finishing it (I literally started the last book, come on!), I would like to do that sooner rather than later (before I completely forget everything that has happened). This series is based in medieval Russia and explores the arrival of Christianity as the central religion, as well as the waning of the power of the old gods. Vasya, the protagonist, is branded a witch by her village, and the series follows her experiences and adventures. It is quite slow moving, but the writing and atmosphere is incredible and I would really like to know how this series will end.
Iron Heart by Nina Varela
Crier’s War was one of my favourite books of last year; I adored the romance and the world and it was just so much fun. It’s literally only a duology, not that much of a commitment, so I don’t know why I haven’t read this yet. To be fair to myself, I haven’t owned the physical book for that long, but I would really like to get to this as soon as possible. I think one of the reasons I am putting it off is because I really don’t remember much of what happened in the first book, because I read it right at the beginning of last year, so I’m afraid that if I start this it will be too confusing for me to enjoy. If so I might conduct a speedy reread of the first book. Either way, I really hope I will love this one as much, if not more than the first one, because I feel it could be another favourite book. I really loved the world and the conflict between the humans and the Automae was extremely interesting in the first book, so hopefully that will continue in its sequel.
Lightbringer by Claire Legrand
This book scares me. The ending of the last book was so incredibly intense and also so confusing and I have no idea how anything will be resolved. I did start this book, but laid it aside because my mood shifted and I wanted to read something else. Kingsbane was my second favourite book last year, and I’m honestly so invested in these characters and their relationships. I applaud Claire Legrand’s writing, her world building and characterisation, because these are so epic and emotional. Do not recommend listening to angsty music whilst reading book two, it might break you. If you like elemental magic, romance and emotional pain, I would suggest you try this series.
One True King by Soman Chainani
Reading this book will be the end of an era for me. I grew up with this series, it meant everything to me as a child (the second book was literally the first I ever preordered), and although I definitely prefer the first trilogy over the continuation, reading these new books has been a lot of fun and I will be sad to see the series end. I hope my girls Sophie and Agatha get a happy ending because I love them a lot and they deserve it. This series is such a magical blend of magical schools and fairytales and female friendships and subverting tradition, and I think it is a perfect series for kids and adults alike. I am actually currently reading this book, so hopefully this will be one of the first series I will be able to cross off my list.
Bright Raven Skies by Kristina Perez
This is a Celtic inspired fantasy series with a main character that I personally feel is reminiscent of Rielle from the Furyborn series. I really, really enjoyed the first two books and how they felt a little fresh compared to some of the tropes and ideas that currently circulate the YA fantasy genre. I really hope this will prove to be my favourite in the series because the first two have been great but not favourites. The cover of this is such a stunning colour too! What do I want from this book? For the characters to communicate. Properly. Logically. Because otherwise this is never going to get resolved. Nevertheless, I am excited.
Fierce Like A Firestorm by Lana Popovic
Another duology that would be easy to finish yet for some reason I haven’t. Again, I think part of me putting off this book (which I have, for quite a while) is that I read the first book a couple of years ago now, and I remember nothing except the writing was flowery and beautiful, and the vague concept and vaguely the ending. Oh and the romances. Roughly. Kind of. I’m hoping I will be able to work everything out from context (I did start this book at one point and it didn’t seem too bad but at the same time I was very lost). But I know its told from the perspective of another character, whom I actually preferred in the first book, so yay for me. I will definitely read this when I want some pretty magic and pretty writing. (This cover is also so beautiful!)
Those are all the series I would like to complete this year. It should be easy…right? (wrong. I should learn from experience that once I make a list something about me will take every opportunity to avoid following it). Hopefully I won’t be disappointed by any of these finales. Let me know if you’ve finished (or started) any of these series! What were your thoughts?
The Bookish Courtier 