As I approach a year of when I embarked on my writing journey, I thought I would give you a list of some of my favorite reads. Books that I could read over and over again. Books that developed my creative mind and whispered in my ear, a journey I too could have. If you haven't read any of these, I encourage you to add them to you list. Who knows, maybe they will become one of your favorites too!
1.) Wizards First Rule by Terry Goodkind.
The first book to an adult fantasy book series (Sword of Truth). It follows the story of a woods guide, who encounters a mysterious, powerful woman he comes to love. Learning his true identity, he must accept his destiny. Hands down my all time favorite read. Terry Goodkind is brilliant with painting pictures inside your mind, and convincing you these characters are real. It’s the toasted toads truth.
2.) Harry Potter Books by J.K. Rowling.
Do I need to explain this one? I mean, there is a theme park built on these books!
3.) Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas
A 19 year old human girl, taken by force to a magical land to discover her captor is a lethal, immortal fae. Her icy hostility eventually turns into fiery passion and must help save him and his world from a wicked shadow. Believe it or not, the second book to this series is my favorite. A read that I find my cheeks turning red from after the steamy scenes. Sarah J. Maas puts her words together beautifully, placing the characters passion inside of you.
4.) Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo
A convict with a thirst for revenge. A sharpshooter who can’t walk away from a wager. A runaway with a privileged past. A spy known as the Wraith. A heartrender using her magic to survive the slums. A thief with a gift for unlikely escapes. Put all these outcast together for one impossible heist, and it calls for an action packed story. Love love love the dark and dinginess of this telling.
5.) Assassin’s Apprentice by Robin Hobb
Fitz, a bastard son of the noble Prince Chilvary, raised in shadow. Treated by an outcast except for the devious King Shrewd, who has him trained as an assassin. For in Fitz’s blood runs the magic Skill—and a darker magic, forbidden by all. You can’t help feel sorry this boy, and you will root for him time and time again.
6.) A Thread in the Tangle by Sabrina Flynn
A nymph in a realm of humans. Coveted by men, she is destined to be sold when she comes of age. Her formidable guardian flees with her to the Isle of Wise Ones beseeching refuge. Three powerful kingdoms vie to own her, the fire in her blood however awakens, sparking a cataclysm that spirals into disaster. This read is in depth, another adult fantasy book that paints an in depth world of beauty. The author also happens to be my mentor and I adore her. Never would I have thought to ever become friends from an author I loved.
7.) The Kiss of Deception by Mary E. Pearson
Princess Lia’s is supposed to marry a prince she has never met. On the morning of wedding, she flees to a distant village. Two mysterious handsome men show up, and she is unaware that one of them is the jilted prince and the other an assassin. A great heroine story of a girl determined to be herself, and not let the rules of a kingdom dictate her life.
8.) The Tea Girl of Hummingbird Lane by Lisa See
A book I discovered from a book club, I fell in love with the richness found in another culture. Li-yan and her family are tea farmers, ensconced in ritual and routine. Until a stranger appears, bringing the modern world in their lives. Having a baby out of wedlock, she leaves the baby near an orphanage. The story follows both the mom and the daughter growing up countries apart, and their trials in tribulation to one day reunite.
9.) Twilight by Stephanie Meyers
Another one I do not need to explain. I am not a fan of vampires and werewolves, but I did love this series.
10.) Divergent by Veronica Roth
Even though I hated how this series ended, I still find myself in love with Tris and Tobias. A society with five factions where at the age of sixteen, you get to choose which one to be a part of. Holding on to a secret, she is determined to keep it hidden, because what makes you different makes you dangerous.
What are some of YOUR favorite reads??