Have you ever wanted to be part of a great escape from the Pirate King? Or maybe witness the discord of releasing the Fates upon the world because of an insanity inducing game? Yes? Then this might interest you.
If you’re one of those coerced constantly by their parents to read but never did because you found it boring, try to stick around for a while. I believe that it’s just the matter of finding the right book, or in this case, the right fantasy or adventure.
These kinds of books, to me, are worlds to explore and journeys to go on. I get to travel to wondrous, magical places of my imagination. Sure, sometimes they could be boring and anticlimactic, leaving me to wonder when the next exciting moment will occur. But, I learned that if you just keep reading, it might just be worth it.
So here in this article, are a few books I’ve read that I think you might enjoy. I included my overall score, summary, personal thoughts, and what kind of person would like the book. However, keep in mind that these are all from my personal perspective.
The Ten Thousand Doors of January: 7.8/10
Summary:
January’s father never came back from his journey, and her caretaker isn’t all he turns out to be. She has to travel through Doors into worlds to escape the Society and find her true identity. With power from her home land, she travels far and wide to decipher the last note her father wrote to her.
Personal Thoughts:
This was one of the books that really got me into reading. I loved how she grew from start to finish, and the cliffhanger at the end just left me wanting more. Although, there were some parts where the plot did get a little slow, which made me want to skip ahead.
Who should read:
Those who like to travel, who stand firmly by what they believe in, who would love exploring a variety of alien places, who wish words would live and breathe off the page, and who would like to escape a caged society.
Cursed: 8/10 (Gore)
Summary:
Nimue is hated by her village. But when she tries to run away, the village is purged by the Red Paladins. Wielding the Sword of Power, she vows to protect all of the fae kind from these cruel humans. She battles heartbreaking loss and faces twisted history, all to keep her people safe.
Personal Thoughts:
I had that moment where you are so blood-lustingly furious at characters for tormenting another repeatedly while reading this book, but Nimue isn’t one to just take hits. It did have descriptive gore, which at times left me afraid to continue, but it kind of made the story better. I also absolutely adored the fae species! They were all so unique, and I can picture them being so magical and majestic.
Who should read:
Those who would like to lead a revolution, who believe in equality, who aren’t sensitive to blood and violence, who are in it for the feels, who are fond of nature and fairies, and who like a strong female lead who’s unafraid to get her hands dirty.
Caraval Trilogy:100/10
Summary:
Where do I start! Scarlett started out as a rule abider, and Donatella, a wild ride. They dream of participating in a magical game, Caraval, piloted by Legend, and is known worldwide as the most magical experience. However, masks beneath masks in a web of illusions make them second guess everything, every person, every place, and every experience. They exchange knowledge for time, time for life, love the lost, and lose the beloved. The events that unfold are enough to drive them mad. But remember: it’s only a game.
Personal Thoughts:
This is my favorite book series I’ve read so far. I love it so, so much! The story promises mystery, magic, and romance. The way things aren’t what they seem to be in the story left me anticipating the next unexpected turn of events. It was like Harry Potter and the Hunger Games had a baby! The way it was left on such an admittedly good cliffhanger is excruciatingly cruel! I’m still bummed that the story didn’t continue.
Who should read:
I’d say everyone should read this series at least once in their life. Generally though, it would be those who like Harry Potter and the Hunger Games, who like a little surprise, who love brain-wrecking mysteries, who want wonder, who like adventurous female leads, and who want a somewhat satisfying ending.
To Kill a Kingdom: 9/10
Summary:
Lira broke tradition, and now her mother is furious. To win back her mother’s approval, Lira must tear the heart out of prince Elian’s chest and present it to her. Deception and misunderstandings lead to a face-off between Lira, a siren who loves killing princes, and Elian, a prince who loves killing sirens. What a thrilling adventure, indeed.
Personal Thoughts:
3 words: Enemies. To. Lovers. I picked it up solely because it had the words siren and pirates and ended up loving it. This book got me hooked on the nautical genre. There were a few parts where I got secondhand embarrassment and where my mom told me to stop yelling ‘Just get together already! While shaking the book. Nevertheless, it made me feel like I was actually part of the story. I won’t give any spoilers, but I’ll just say that, in the end, one kingdom did end up with two queens.
Who should Read:
Everyone. Those who like pirates, sirens, and sailing, who like freeing a country from tyranny, who like two lovers fighting side by side in battle, and who like the enemies-to-lovers trope.
Daughter of the Pirate King Duology: 9/10
Summary:
Alosa is tasked to steal a piece of a map off of a ship. Being the daughter of the Pirate King, she is trained harshly. However, a certain first mate brought to light how her father isn’t all she thinks he is. Switching sides, she and Riden make the daddy issues duo of the story. The crew travels the lands and sails the seas, trying to shake Alosa’s father off their trail while seeking her mother. Along the way, they face cannibals, researchers, and a whole lot of pirates.
Personal Thoughts:
These books paired with To Kill a Kingdom propelled me into my nautical phase. With how they were written, I couldn’t help but dream of sailing on the beautiful oceans underneath colorful skies with cool winds pulling my hair. Also, this story features another enemies-to-lovers trope! The way their love blossoms is just so sweet! You can really see how they depend on each other. The story is so thrilling that I’d probably read it again one day.
Who should read:
If you’re intrigued by To Kill a Kingdom, I’d recommend these books, too. Also to those who like a little adventurous chase, who like lovers so caring and sweet it makes your teeth rot, and who appreciate a little family quarrel.
Dance of Thieves: 99/10
Summary:
Kazi of Brightmist finds herself in quite the predicament with Jase Balenger. In a quest to prevent war from arising, she juggles politics, relationships, and internal conflict like she would a couple of oranges. But, once another tyrant rises, she and Jase have to work together even when they’re apart. Juggle, Kazi. Pivot. Breathe. Blink last. She can do it. She’s called Ten for a reason, after all.
Personal Thoughts:
Not going to lie… I found the beginning to be pretty boring. It took a while for me to make it past the first few chapters, but it was immensely worth it. This rivals Caraval for the title of my favorite book series (well, duology). While reading, I flapped my hands in anticipation and excitement. I closed the book, inhaled, screamed, and opened it again. I took pictures of wholesome parts of the story. I screamed so loudly at the characters one time that my mom scolded me. I even threw the book across the room once; and I’m sure you will, too, if you give this book a chance. Also, this strengthened my love for oranges greatly.
Who should read:
Everyone. Those who live for enemies to lovers, who want the main character (and others) to stab their enemies in the back like they deserve, who like children acting like wholesome children, family feuds, strong females and female leads, spy missions, angst, and a funny wedding.
The Firebird Series: 9.2/10
Summary:
Marguerite is the artistic daughter of two great inventors. Her parents, along with multiple other assistant scientists, fashioned a device that altered the world of science forever: the Firebird. The Firebird allows the user to transport their conscience into the body of another version of themselves. However, there are others across the universes that are attracted to its power, and they are willing to kill, destroy, and erase anyone who dares to rebel against them. Marguerite takes the safety of the multiverse into her own hands. No matter how many mistakes she makes, how much pain she feels, or how many people leave, she must save them all. But… is she enough?
Personal Thoughts:
I was really confused while reading the first few pages. I kept checking if it was really the first book or not, but it all made sense in time. I am in love with the Caines’ family dynamic! They’re such a chaotic bunch that would take in stray kids with tragic background stories. It wasn’t as fast-paced as most of the books I’ve read in the past, but its memorable moments are going to live in my mind rent-free. The idea of there being multiple versions of myself and meeting them—it drew me in with every page I turned.
Who should read: Those who like the idea of multiverses, who love a strong family bond, who adore chaotic love lives, who like a friends-to-lovers dynamic, who live for adventure with endless possibilities, and who are interested in sci-fi.
I was never much of a reader when I was younger, but these books dragged me into the thrill of pages laced with ink. I thrived in the glorious wonders of these stories, and I hope you will too.
Please keep in mind that the books I mentioned may not be for you. As you may have noticed, my preferences tend to lead towards the more fantastical, adventurous genres. Perhaps you would favor others, such as historical fiction, game-inspired plotlines, more mystery and complexity, or even nonfiction. There are so many to choose from! It’s highly improbable for there to not be a book for you.
So, just keep looking. Let your mind wander. Let your soul explore. And let the stories you encounter lead you on journeys to worlds across.
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