after the bees

Your TBR is about to get bigger

Hello lovely book angels (and demons)!

I apologize for the significant hiatus that I have been on these last couple of months. Life has been throwing me one curve ball after the other, but I think I’ve finally learned how to juggle. I’ve been dealing with car problems, pet issues, and a big move that made me downsize my book collection. It broke my heart, but when moving into a smaller space, I had to make a few tough choices and ended up severing ties with newly 120 books…and there’s still more to be culled!

In the midst of all of this, I have been reading like a maniac. I want to read the books before actually getting rid of them so I have been devouring one after the next.

Here are a select few that have made an impression on me thus far:

  • Godkiller. An epic fantasy that is inclusive, gripping, relatable, and one of the most beautiful reads I have come across in a while. In this books, gods are real, both big and small, and our main character is on a mission to sever the bond between one young girl and a little god. There is so much more to this story, but believe me when I tell you, you’re going to love it.

  • Dark Water Daughter. If you know me, you know I am obsessed with HM Long’s work. Dark Water Daughter is her newest release that I had the privilege to read as an ARC and get an advanced copy of the audiobook. Both were absolutely exceptional. Long does an incredible job of creating her own lore and I was obsessed with this pirate fantasy that is going to give those similar in the genre, a run for their money!

  • Knot So Lucky. This spicy romance is well outside of my genre, and yet I ate it up. This book is red hot that will make even the most experienced smut readers blush. Not only that, but this book is funny as hell! I found myself laughing out loud multiple times as Elenor found herself in wild situations. I highly recommend this if you’re looking for something new and fun to read. #knotyourmomsvegastrip

  • The Fall of Souls. Easily my favorite indie read so far. Not just of the year, but in general. This is a beautiful Nubian romance that had me hooked from the very first page. I’ve always had an obsession with Egyptian mythology and their gods, but this took it all to the next level. I’m looking forward to Moreau’s next book.

  • One Dark Window. What I loved most about this book was the unique magic system. I haven’t come across a book yet that uses cards and the way certain elements came to life was brilliant. I enjoyed each of the characters, though the Nightmare was probably my favorite.

  • Fourth Wing. I think it is safe to say that this has been everyone’s favorite read of the year. While it is not my five, it was a lot of fun. What I enjoyed most about this book is the nostalgia that came with it. As a little girl, I was obsessed with dragons. I drew about them, I read about them, and soon I started writing my own stories with them. I understand this is Yarro’s first fantasy, and I think that is another thing that makes it so easy for readers to enjoy. This isn’t your typical epic fantasy that will turn readers off because of the world building and odd character names- this is a book for everyone! While the Scottish Gaelic names can be a bit hard to pronounce (there are plenty of Youtube videos to guide you), the world building is limited, and the characters and their choices are easy to follow.

Let me know below if you have read any of these or intend to. I would love to hear your thoughts!