I’m super late to the party, but better late than never right? I’m so excited to share all these wonderful books with y’all. I’d love to hear about what you’ve read thus far in 2019 and compare reads. Please feel free to respond in the comments and/or link up your compilation posts, and to let me know about any books I need to add to my reading list for the second half of 2019!
1. Best book you’ve read so far in 2019
From left to right: The Farseer Trilogy and the sequel series Tawny Man Trilogy. Not featured is the Liveship Traders Trilogy, which is actually the second series (both chronologically and in publishing history) in the Realm of the Elderlings, but I skipped it to go straight into Tawny Man. Yes, it’s the next Elderlings series I plan to read.
I will forever remember this year as the year I discovered the magic that is Robin Hobb’s Realm of the Elderlings.
I actually purchased a copy of Assassin’s Apprentice a couple years ago, but I confess that I left it to collect dust on my shelf while I read other goodies like The Name of the Wind and Mistborn. The me today would go back to my former self and tell her to get started on Assassin’s Apprentice right away—and purchase the rest of the series since I’ll want the next books on hand.
What I love most about this series is how it features ordinary humans on an epic journey. Sure, they become larger than life over the course of their journey, and sure, Fitz shoulders much of the responsibility for saving the Six Duchies; but we are never allowed to forget that he is an ordinary man and a flawed one at that, nor that he would much rather live a humble, unassuming life than become the hero that everyone expects him to be. The side characters and the world are just as complex as Fitz.
To learn more about why The Farseer Trilogy is my new favorite series, read my review of Assassin’s Apprentice here. I will explain why the sequels continue to astound me in my review of Royal Assassin, which is scheduled to go live on the blog on Monday.
Best of Nonfiction: Terry Brooks’ Sometimes the Magic Works and Stephen King’s On Writing.
I can relate to Terry Brooks’ experiences with daydreaming about fictional worlds and not being fully present in the company of others. I am famous among family and friends for being a distracted person. 🙈 This book was delightfully charming and led me to purchase his Word & the Void series.
Stephen King’s On Writing gives fantastic advice to writers while lending insight into his journey to becoming the writing sensation that he is today. I’m not into horror, but I did read summaries of several of his works that are mentioned in this book.
2. Best sequel you’ve read so far in 2019
The Wicked King (The Folk of the Air #2) by Holly Black
The Wicked King by Holly Black is all I want and more from a sequel. I love it even better than the first book. It builds upon the foundation that it established in The Cruel Prince while ensnaring readers deeper into the dark and dysfunctional world of Faerie. I thought I knew what it meant to be afraid for Jude, but I grew more and more anxious for her as she fights a losing battle to stay in control. I have hopes for the resolution to come in The Queen of Nothing, but I have no idea where Holly Black will take us before then.
You may also enjoy…
- [Review] The Cruel Prince (The Folk of the Air #1) by Holly Black
- [Review] The Wicked King (The Folk of the Air #2) by Holly Black
- [Book List] 33 Books to Read After The Cruel Prince
Assassin’s Quest (The Farseer Trilogy #3)
Robin Hobb really messed me up with The Farseer Trilogy. Whenever I thought things couldn’t get worse for Fitz, she punched me in my emotional guts. All the while, I kept wondering how someone so broken could save an entire country, and I asked why Fitz had to be the one to save them all. Somehow, Robin Hobb cleans up all of the messes, if not to Fitz or the reader’s satisfaction (in a good way), by the end of the book, and I felt reluctant to leave Fitz’s world behind. I’m so happy that this isn’t the end of the road for Fitz, even if it means he’ll be put through the grinder once again.
Best Sequel Series: Tawny Man Trilogy by Robin Hobb
Yes, Robin Hobb puts Fitz through the grinder again and with many more complications than The Farseer Trilogy. Complications that arise because of events from the first series. I’ll stop here because I don’t want to give spoilers.
3. New release you haven’t read yet, but want to
There are so many books that belong to this list! To name a few, I’m looking forward to Descendant of the Crane by Joan He and Wicked Fox by Kat Cho because they are asian-inspired fantasies by asian authors. I Love You So Mochi by Sarah Kuhn because it takes place in Japan. Crown of Feathers by Nicki Pau Preto because the premise looks epic, and it has rave reviews,. Sorcery of Thorns because I’ve heard great things about Margaret Rogerson’s work, and this book features a library!
You can learn about more new releases I haven’t read yet in my discussion on Goodreads’ YA Book Lists, which they released in celebration of YA Week!
4. Most anticipated release for the second half of the year
There are a lot of fantastic books coming out this year, but there are four in particular for which I’m counting down the days until I can purchase them.
Assassin’s Apprentice: The Illustrated Edition by Robin Hobb
I love this book and am looking forward to owning this hardcover edition of it! As much as I enjoyed reading it in Mass Market the first time around, hardcovers make the reading experience so much better for me. Plus, this book will feature 10 illustrations. I’m looking forward to seeing what they chose to illustrate and how they represent the characters and world.
Starsight (Skyward #2) by Brandon Sanderson
I could not put down Skyward (Skyward #1) once I started it. In fact, I brought with me when my family went out to eat and kept on turning the pages. (Please don’t judge 🙈) Skyward astounded me with its complex world and explosive plot twist at the end. I was not expecting that. It opens up so many possibilities for the future.
Plus, Spensa admires heroes like Beowulf. Which was super neat because I’d just finished teaching a unit on Beowulf when I picked up this book.
The Queen of Nothing (The Folk of the Air #3) by Holly Black
I already lauded The Wicked King as the best YA sequel I read this year, so you know why I’m looking forward to this book. If anything else, I’m looking forward to seeing what goodies will be included in the Barnes and Noble Exclusive Edition. The ones in TWK added more depth to Cardan and Madoc. (Note: I haven’t read the one in TCP because I haven’t finished Modern Faerie Tales Trilogy.)
Learn more about why I’m anticipating The Queen of Nothing in my reviews of the first two books in the series and the list I came up with after reading TCP.
- [Review] The Cruel Prince (The Folk of the Air #1) by Holly Black
- [Review] The Wicked King (The Folk of the Air #2) by Holly Black
- [Book List] 33 Books to Read After The Cruel Prince
The Secret Commonwealth (The Book of Dust #2) by Philip Pullman
His Dark Materials Trilogy was one of my favorite series in middle school. I was so very excited when he released La Belle Sauvage as the beginning to a new series set in Lyra’s world. I’m even more excited for The Secret Commonwealth because it’s going to feature a grown-up Lyra!!! 🤩🤩🤩
Where are the happy-screaming emojis when I need them?
Honorable Mention: The Harp of Kings (Warrior Bards #1) by Juliet Marillier
As far as I can remember, I’ve never read a book by Juliet Marillier, but I’ve heard a lot of great things about her works, and the plot to The Harp of Kings looks so good. Plus, the series is titled Warrior Bards. How neat is that?
If you’d like to read on, I decidcated na entire blog post on books I’m anticipating in the second half of 2019. I’d love to compare reads.
5. Biggest surprise
Girl Against the Universe by Paula Stokes
A series of coincidences led me to picking up this book. I saw Nicole @ Feed Your Fiction Addiction‘s review of it. It features a tennis court on the cover. Nicole’s review made me want to read it. A few days later, I saw it while shopping at Half Price Books and made an impulse purchase.
It surprised me because it wasn’t a book that I expected to read. I love it because of the storng family presence, the witty banter, and the friendship-to-lovers dynamic.
6. Favorite new author (Debut or new to you)
Robin Hobb. I know her name keeps popping up, and it’ll continue to pop up. I’ll do my best to address other book loves, but I have to mention her here. If anyone gives me the opportunity to recommend her books to them, I will. I love her work that much.
7. Newest fictional crush
The Fool
I love the Fool from Robin Hobb’s Elderlings books in a non-romantic way. He’s witty and adorable and oh-so vulnerable. I love best the moments when he lays his soul bare to Fitz. If I ever get a tawny cat, I might have to name it Fool or Beloved. I can’t imagine the Fool as a puppy, but I might name a puppy FitzChivalry (reference to Fool’s Fate). It would be a true demonstration of my love for the Fool because all my dogs’ names have started with an “S.” It started as an accident, then continued after I noticed the trend.
8. Newest favorite character
Nighteyes from The Farseer Trilogy and Tawny Man Trilogy by Robin Hobb
Besides the Fool, my newest favorite character would have to be Nighteyes. I love how he calls Fitz his “little brother” despite being younger than him, how he encourages Fitz through his times of hopelessness and helplessness, and how he stays true to Fitz even when it means living a life he can’t make sense of. (Us humans have to overcomplicate things so much.) Plus, he has a wicked sense of humor. To imagine Fitz without Nighteyes is like trying to imagine Fitz without the Fool. They’re so interwoven into the fabric of the other’s life.
And because I made a promise to venture forth from the Realm of the Elderlings…
Wayne from Mistborn: Era 2 by Brandon Sanderson
I mentioned before that character friendships go a long way to making a book for me. Well, Wayne is the salt that adds flavor to the uptight lawman that is Wax of the Mistborn: Era 2 books. Wayne is an outlaw gone good, thanks to Wax, but he hasn’t fully departed from his old ways. Wax has a problem with kleptomania, which he justifies by swapping out items instead of simply taking an item, and he as a talent for adopting the voices and mannerisms of any people group you could think of. He only needs to listen to someone speak to steal their accents. If I could have any bookish character’s talent, I would want Wayne’s talent for acting.
9. Book that made you cry
Any book in which an animal is killed in cold blood, which include a few of the Realm of the Elderlings books. I shan’t name them here since at least one would be a major spoiler.
Record of a Fallen Vampire, vol. 9
The ending gets me very time. I love this series because it features a tragic hero who could have been a legendary hero but who personally put an end to his kingdom. All anyone knows is that it has to do with love for his queen, but there’s so much more to the story as we learn over the course of this manga series.
Honorable Mention (only because it’s not a book): Toy Story 3
I recently watched Toy Story 3 for the first time. That ending ❤️❤️❤️😭😭😭
10. Book that made you happy
Sailor Moon: Eternal Edition 2
Sailor Moon is one of my favorite books to read when I want something light and heart-warming. It’s also one of my favorite romances. Usagi and Mamoru have a strong supportive relationship, and it doesn’t overtake the plot or her friendships with the other Sailor Senshi.
Plus, the artwork is so pretty! The cover to this second volume is my favorite of the five that have been released thus far (in the States ). It’s even prettier in person because of the holographic effects. ❤️
Fool’s Fate (Tawny Man #3) by Robin Hobb
This book wraps up a complex stage in Fitz’s life, and he finally gets a taste of the happiness for which he’s yearned since the original Farseer Trilogy. It feels even better because of all the hardships and heartbreak he has had to endure first.
11. Most beautiful book you’ve bought so far this year
Sailor Moon: Eternal Edition, vol. 3 and 4
The covers are even prettier in person. ❤️❤️❤️
12. What books do you need to read by the end of the year?
In addition to the books that I’m anticipating in the second half of 2019, I need to finish Robin Hobb’s Liveship Traders Trilogy and hopefully the Rain Wild Chronicles, so I can continue with Fitz’s adventures. Terry Goodkind’s Sword of Truth #2-3 because I just finished Wizard’s First Rule and loved it. The Eye of the World by Robert Jordan because the adaptation is in the works. The Lies of Locke Lamora because I’ve heard great things about it, and I’ve checked it out from the library.
Hopefully, I can also read Phoenix Unbound by Grace Draven and Way of Kings by Brandon Sanderson. We’ll see how much reading I get in once the school year starts!
13. Underrated Gem
The Things She’s Seen by Ambelin Kwaymullina and Ezekiel Kwaymullina
The Things She’s Seen is a supernatural mystery/crime novel written by an Australian brother-sister duo that features Aboriginal Australian culture. It’s a quick read that I recommend to readers looking for a diverse book, and not just because of that. The Things She’s Seen explores some tough issues in a manner that is suitable for the YA audience. Much of it is given to us ambiguously through verse and uncovered over the course of the novel so that we’re slowly eased into the heart of the matter. Furthermore, the girls aren’t left to figure out everything on their own. Beth’s father is there to help them through their respective conflicts.
The Cobalt Prince by Mark Siegel, Alexis Siegel, Xanthe Bouma, Matt Rockefeller, and Boya Sun
This is one of my favorite middle-grade graphic novels. It features creative world building, political intricacies, and an interesting cast of characters. I love how this second book continues to develop the characters and world and to bring us reliable allies (the kids don’t do everything on their own). Plus, the full-color illustrations are beautiful. I look forward to seeing where the team takes us next!
- [Review] The Sand Warrior (5 Worlds #1)
- [Review] The Cobalt Prince (5 Worlds #2)
14. Books Read in the First Half of 2019
114 books: you can see my reading progress in the Goodreads reading challenge.
Let’s Discuss
What have you read thus far in 2019? Do we share any books in common? What books do you recommend to me?
Nicole @ Feed Your Fiction Addiction says
I’m so glad I could lead you to read Girl Against the Universe and help you find a book that you ended up loving! And you already know how I feel about Robin Hobb—I’m right there with you about her books. 🙂
Crystal says
Thanks, Nicole! I’m so glad that I had the chance to read Girl Against the Universe! Yes, Robin Hobb is a fantastic writer. I had to try really hard to talk about other books (that I also loved) when writing this post!
Genesis @ Whispering Chapters says
I want to read Sorcery of Thorns so bad! I just won a giveaway with that book and I can’t wait to get it!! I hadn’t heard of most of the ones you feature here. I need to read Holly Black’s novel! Those covers are just gorgeous and the hype is unreal!
Genesis @ Whispering Chapters
Crystal says
That’s so exciting, Genesis!! I hope you enjoy Sorcery of Thorns and The Folk of the Air Trilogy! The covers for The Folk of the Air Trilogy are amazing, and the books lived up to the hype for me.
Aj @ Read All The Things! says
I really need to read The Cruel Prince. That book was everywhere last year, and people are still going on about it. I need to see what I’m missing.
Crystal says
It’s fantastic. I was afraid to read The Cruel Prince because of all the rave reviews, but it lived up to the hype for me. I hope that you enjoy it, Aj!
Dani @ Perspective of a Writer says
I’m scared of 500+ page books so Robin Hobb scares me. Though I have another blogger friend who adores all her books too that makes me want to read them. You’ve piled on the pressure Crystal!! ❤️ I would love to read The Things She’s Seen. I remember your review and hope that I can convince my library to get it. I didn’t enjoy Descendant of the Crane as much as I hoped, I hope its better for you. However I loved Wicked Fox!! I also want to read Sorcery of Thorns and am waiting to get it from the library.
Crystal says
I totally understand how you feel about 500+ books. It’s why I procrastinate on reading so many epic fantasies that I’m sure I’ll love. Once I started reading The Farseer Trilogy (and then the Tawny Man Trilogy), however, 500+ pages flew by. I couldn’t make myself stop reading; they were so good! ❤️ I hope you get the chance to read The Things She’s Seen, Dani, and that you enjoy Sorcery of Thorns! I’m currently reading Wicked Fox and am enjoying it thus far. The first few chapters gave me Oh My Ghost vibes. I’ll let you know about Descendant of the Crane when I get to it! (I have it checked out and waiting for me to finish my current reads.)
ShootingStarsMag says
I totally cried watching Toy Story 3, so I understand! I have Sorcery of Thorns to hopefully read soon too. It sounds awesome.
-Lauren
Crystal says
Toy Story 3 is so beautiful. ❤️ I hope you enjoy Sorcery of Thorns, Lauren! I agree that it sounds awesome 🙂
Cam @ Camillea Reads says
Ooooh so much love for Robin Hobb! I am yet to read her books but my partner has copies of The Farseer Trilogy, so I’m going to have to hop on that soon 🙂
Crystal says
She’s fantastic. I hope you love The Farseer Trilogy, Cam! 🙂
Sam@wlabb says
I am the actual worst. I bought GATU eons ago, and I love Paula Stokes. I need to push this up the TBR. Everyone seems to really enjoy the book too.
Crystal says
I sometimes (read:often) buy books and let them sit on the shelves for a few years before I pick them up. I get distracted by other books 🙈 I hope you enjoy GATU, Sam!
Kelly | Another Book in the Wall says
Wonderful post! I fully agree with what you said about the Wicked King! It shocked me how much more the story, scheming, characters, and romance develops in this installment! I cannot wait for The Queen of Nothing! I still have to read Wicked Fox, Descendant of the Crane, and I Love You So Mochi as well! They all seem like they’ll be my cup of tea! <3
Crystal says
Thanks so much, Kelly! I agree with all that you said about The Wicked King! These are all reasons that I’m looking forward to The Queen of Nothing! I hope you enjoy Wicked Fox, Descendant of the Crane, and I Love You So Mochi. They look so good! ❤️
theorangutanlibrarian says
I also became obsessed with the Elderling series a couple of years ago (skipping the liveship traders too- which I still plan to go back to) and I had a great time with it!! Wicked king was a great sequel! And I really want to read descendent of the crane and wicked fox! Looking forward to starsight, book of dust 2 and queen of nothing as well! Awesome answers 😀
Crystal says
Elderlings is fantastic. I’ve been hearing great things about Liveship Traders, so I’m really looking forward to it. I hope you enjoy these YA Fantasies that you have on your TBR!
Marie @ Drizzle & Hurricane Books says
Ahh I’m so glad you read and loved Girl Against The Universe! It is such a lovely little gem and deserves all of the love <3
I hope you'll love Wicked Fox, I really enjoyed it! And I can't wait to read I Love You so Mochi, it seems amazing 😀
Crystal says
Yes, Girl Against the Universe is fantastic! I’m so glad I stumbled upon it ❤️ I just started Wicked Fox. I’m really enjoying it so far. I hope you enjoy I Love You So Mochi 🙂