Being a bit of a bibliophile, it’s no surprise that I have more books than I’ve read— oftentimes ignoring the new novels I’ve accumulated in favor of rereading my favorites. However, I can feel the animosity of these inanimate novels as they beg me to give them a chance. So, here is me outing myself with all the amazing novels I own that I have yet to devour.
#1— Serpent & Dove by Shelby Mahurin
This new young adult series is one I have seen a lot but haven’t heard much about. When I walked into Barnes & Noble it starred on the end cap for the Young Adult section. This book was rated the “Amazon Best Book of 2019” and was recommended by one of my favorite authors, Sarah J. Maas. This book includes witches, which always peaks my interest, as they fight against the fantastical corruption of the church. On top of that, it also appears to have a bit of ‘enemies to lovers’ which always is an easy sell for me in the book realm. Honestly, who wants any book romance that doesn’t have any struggle or strife? Sounds boring to me. Ultimately, I have a good feeling that the author, Shelby Mahurin, creates a beautiful dystopian world in this novel— it starts out with a fictional map on the first page, an immediate indicator that the world building is unique and intriguing.
#2— The Invisible Life of Addie Larue by V.E Schwab
This book made its rounds on Booktok (Book TikTok) as one of the most heartachingly books to be written as of recent. Addie Larue is an immortal who has been born cursed; the second someone turns around after meeting her, they forget her. She’s used to living her life alone until one day someone remembers her. This book feels very “Age of Adaline” esque to me— The movie where Blake Lively was struck by lightning and never ages again until the same freak accident occurs decades later. My old boss actually recommended this book to me, he basically put it in my hands and told me I would love it. This book has been optioned for both film and television, something that can sky-rocket any author’s career. I haven’t read a book outside the vein of young-adult high fantasy in awhile, so I am excited to see how the different time periods of Addie Larue’s life are navigated alongside the happenings of present time. This book has been on my radar for a minute now, and I’m absolutely ready to dig deep into it.
#3— They Both Die At The End by Adam Silvera
Not surprisingly, in this book I suspect both of the characters die at the end. This stand alone novel has gained notoriety as one of the “The Fault In Our Stars” moments of the new young-adult world. Naturally, I’m thrilled to sink my teeth into this book. It’s only a short 384 pages and I feel it could be read in one sitting. I may jump this book to the top of my list so I can nurse the expected book-hangover with one of the other incredible options on this list. The story follows Mateo and Rufus, two young men who discover they only have one day left to live. Through and app called “Last Days”, the two undergo one last adventure together. I fully expect this book to hurt me in ways I thought I’d grown out of, but I also hope that it reminds me that life is precious and not promised.
#4— Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller
It’s no secret that Greek Mythology includes a plethora of LGBTQ+ relationships throughout its endless sea of famous stories. From Apollo to Narcissus, there wasn’t an abundance of “seemingly straight” Greeks. Honestly, I’m slapping myself on the wrist for waiting as long as I have to get this book; it has been recommended to me countless times. One of the most tragic, heart achingly beautiful retellings of our time, I have never met a single person who read the “Song of Achilles” that was not instantly enraptured with Miller’s adaptation. Told from the perspective of Patrocolus, the story follows the relationship between the awkward young prince and his beloved, Achilles. Set in the time of the Trojan War, I expect there to be ample heart break present in this book— after all, I have heard that this novel is a complete tear-jerker. I’m excited to read another novel set in one of the worlds I admire the most, greek mythology.
#5— All The Stars and Teeth by Adalyn Grace
I love any novel that includes the ocean and any of the myths that come from this massive hotspot of inspiration and lore. Knowing that this book is not only a part of a duology, but that it includes themes from the ocean within its main plot, AND that it has been named one of Entertainment Weekly’s most anticipated books of 2020— I think it’s clear why this is on my list. Following the story of a princess who needs to flee her underwater kingdom when she can’t do what her position requires of her, Amora becomes unlikely allies with another named Bastian. Together, they undergo adventures that are reminiscent of the odyssey and mermaid lore alike to save the kingdom she had to flee, and magic itself. After finishing the “Seafire” trilogy the other week, I’m definitely on the prowl for a new ocean fantasy book that will make me both fear the ocean and romanticize it in equal parts.
The Beat @APU 