Hi, fellow readers! It’s been so long, but it feels really nice to be able to write again on this blog. I have decided that due to my long break, I will make more than just my regular book reviews. These are my top 3 most anticipated releases of May 2023. Hope you enjoy this new style of post!
1. “The Isles of the Gods” by Amie Kaufman
Book synopsis (from Goodreads):
“When Selly's father leaves her high and dry in the port of Kirkpool, she has no intention of riding out the winter on land while he sails to adventure in the north seas. But any plans to follow him are dashed when a handsome stranger with tell-tale magician's marks on his arm boards her ship, presenting her and the crew with a dangerous mission: to cross the Crescent Sea without detection so he can complete a ritual on the sacred Isles of the Gods. What starts as a leisure cruise will lead to acts of treason and sheer terror on the high seas, bringing two countries to the brink of war, two strangers closer than they ever thought possible and stirring two dangerous gods from centuries of slumber... Magic, romance, and slumbering gods clash in the start of a riveting fantasy series that spans gangsters' dens, forgotten temples, and the high seas from the New York Times bestselling author of the Aurora Cycle.”
This recommendation post is starting off strong with a book by Amie Kaufman, one of the very few writers that managed to make science-fiction books enjoyable to me. She is one of the co-writers of the “Illuminae files” series and I will highly recommend those books to anyone that wants action-packed sci-fi novels written in a unique format. (I am not fully aware of the alleged anti-Semitic behavior of Jay Kristoff, the co-writer of that series, but I suggest you look into it before deciding to purchase his books. This article, I believe, pretty much sums it up: http://www.ramaponews.com/2021/04/12/literary-community-rocked-by-anti-asian-and-anti-semitic-allegations/ ). Amie is a talented writer and I think that this book won’t disappoint. Lately, I’ve been really looking for a book that had some pirate elements in it such as sailing and ships, and this book has them both. Also, from the synopsis, there are hints of a romance which I will obviously enjoy since I am the number 1 fan of a fantasy book with a romantic subplot.
2. The Sun and the Star” by Rick Riordan
Book synopsis (from Goodreads):
“Demigods Nico di Angelo and Will Solace must endure the terrors of Tartarus to rescue an old friend in this thrilling adventure co-written by New York Times #1 best-selling author Rick Riordan and award-winning author Mark Oshiro. As the son of Hades, Nico di Angelo has been through so much, from the premature deaths of his mother and sister, to being outed against his will, to losing his friend Jason during the trials of Apollo. But there is a ray of sunshine in his life–literally: his boyfriend, Will Solace, the son of Apollo. Together the two demigods can overcome any obstacle or foe. At least, that’s been the case so far... Now Nico is being plagued by a voice calling out to him from Tartarus, the lowest part of the Underworld. He thinks he knows who it is: a reformed Titan named Bob whom Percy and Annabeth had to leave behind when they escaped Hades’s realm. Nico’s dreams and Rachel Dare’s latest prophecy leave little doubt in Nico’s mind that Bob is in some kind of trouble. Nico has to go on this quest, whether Mr. D and Chiron like it or not. And of course Will insists on coming with. But can a being made of light survive in the darkest part of the world? and what does the prophecy mean that Nico will have to “leave something of equal value behind?” Nico will have to face demons both internal and external as his relationship with Will is tested to the core in this standalone adventure featuring two of the most popular characters in the Percy Jackson saga.”
Rick Riordan is probably the author that made me the reader that I am today. I still remember being 11 and picking up “Percy Jackson and the Lighting Thief” from a local bookstore and coming the second day to buy the entire series, because of how gripping the first few chapters were. While reading the books, I had a dislike-to-love relationship with Niko, but he is now one of my favorite characters in this fantasy universe, due to his misunderstood nature. He is a sweetheart under that tough exterior and deserves all the love. It was also really good to see that he was the first queer character that appeared in this series since I am sure that a lot of kids saw themselves in him and felt more represented and seen. The fact that they are back in Tartarus for this book is honestly great since my favorite book in the “Heroes of Olympus” series was the fourth one that also takes place in Tartarus. I am convinced that this book will not disappoint.
3. “Of Light and Shadow” by Tanaz Bhathena
Book synopsis (from Goodreads):
“When they don’t give us our birthright, we steal it. Roshan Chaya is out for justice. Abandoned by her parents at birth and adopted by the kingdom of Jwala's most notorious bandit before his brutal murder, she is now leader of the Shadow Clan, a gang of farmers-turned-bandits impoverished by the provincial governor’s atrocities and corruption. Roshan’s goal: to avenge her adoptive father and earn back rights and dignity for her people. Prince Navin has always felt like an outcast. Second in line for the throne, he has never been close to his grandmother, Queen Bhairavi of Jwala. When a night out drinking with friends leads to his capture by the infamous Shadow Clan, Navin schemes to befriend Roshan and use her as a means to escape. His ploy, however, brings Navin closer to the corruption and poverty at the heart of Roshan’s province, raising questions about its governor and Navin’s own family. To further complicate things, the closer Roshan and Navin get, the harder it becomes to fight their growing attraction. But how can they trust each other when the world as they know it starts to fall apart? Set in a magical world inspired by the badlands of 17th century India, this standalone epic fantasy novel by Tanaz Bhathena is packed with political tensions, dangerous schemes, and swoon-worthy romance that asks the age old question: can love conquer all?”
This is the first-ever book that I will read from her and I am beyond excited to dive right into this amazing book. There seems to be a strong female lead that takes action and doesn’t put her life and future in the hands of others, which is exactly the type of character that I want to read about her. Additionally, there is hinted that there will be an enemies-to-lovers plot line, so that is for sure exciting. I’ve never read a book about 17th-century India and I cannot wait to learn all about those times through a fantasy book.
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