Top Ten Tuesday was created by The Broke and the Bookish and was moved to That Artsy Reader Girl. Each Tuesday is assigned a topic.
This weeks topic: Is a cover freebie where we can make up a topic realted to covers, or choose one from past Top Ten Tuesdays. I went with Books with my Favourite Color on their covers – my favourite colour being purple.
Title: Scales of Sun & Storm
Author: Emily Schneider
Published: November 29, 2022
Genre: Fantasy, Romance
Series: Ash & Smoke
Synopsis:
I will bow to nothing and no one.
Not even the fear in my own mind.
Defeated and exhausted after an attack that almost claimed her life, Kaida’s world has been turned upside down. Now, Eklos’s army is advancing in the wake of the Remnant, forcing her deeper into hiding.
When Kaida and her allies are attacked and separated, each of them must resort to desperate measures in order to survive. Meanwhile, Kaida’s magic begins to manifest in strange ways, giving her a glimpse into a future she must race to avert.
With the total destruction of Elysia looming over their heads, the greatest enemy may not be the one they can see, but the battle within their minds as they face down every fear and piece of darkness inside themselves.
Can Kaida and Prince Tarrin finally overcome Eklos’s tyranny in the war for Elysia’s future?
Or will their inner demons defeat them before the war has even begun?
This is the third book of the Ash & Smoke series. I enjoyed reading this series. It was different than a lot of books I had read up until that point. It wasn’t perfect, there were a few things that didn’t make sense to me, but a very enjoyable read.
Title: The Crown
Author: Kiera Cass
Published: May 3, 2016
Genre: Fantasy, Romance, YA
Series: The Selection
Synopsis:
In The Heir, a new era dawned in the world of The Selection. Twenty years have passed since America Singer and Prince Maxon fell in love, and their daughter is the first princess to hold a Selection of her own.
Eadlyn didn’t think she would find a real partner among the Selection’s thirty-five suitors, let alone true love. But sometimes the heart has a way of surprising you…and now Eadlyn must make a choice that feels more difficult—and more important—than she ever expected.
This is book 5 of the The Selection series. I devoured this series. I had heard of it in passing over the years and finally read them a few years ago.
Title: The Silver Chair
Author: C. S. Lewis
Narrated by: Jeremy Northam
Published: September 7, 1953 (Originally)
May 24, 2005 (this edition)
Genre: Fantasy
Series: The Chronicles of Narnia
Synopsis:
Deep underground, a web of evil magic holds a prince in captivity.
Narnia … where owls speak, where evil weaves a spell … where sorcery enslaves the land.
Narnia is in peril, and only Eustace and Jill can help. Along with Puddleglum, a gloomy but valiant Marsh-wiggle, they are sent by the mighty lion Aslan to find Prince Rilian, heir to the throne. Their quest leads them past hungry people-eating Giants, and deep into the dark underground. But the true test for this noble band of friends comes when they face an evil witch and her deadly enchantments.
This is book four of the Chronicles of Narnia series. This is one of my childhood favourite series. One of the first fantasy series I ever read.
Title: These Twisted Bonds
Author: Lexi Ryan
Published: July 19, 2022
Genre: Fantasy, Romance, YA
Series: These Hollow Vows
Synopsis:
#1 New York Times bestseller! In this thrilling conclusion to These Hollow Vows—the sexy, action-packed fantasy that started it all—Brie finds herself caught between two princes and two destinies while the future of the fae realm hangs in the balance.
After Abriella’s sister was sold to the fae, she thought life couldn’t get any worse. But when she suddenly finds herself caught in a web of lies of her own making–loving two princes and trusting neither–things are not quite as clear as she once thought.
As civil war wages in the Unseelie Court, Brie finds herself unable to choose a side. How can she know where she stands when she doesn’t even know herself anymore? In this darkly romantic thrill ride, the more Faerie is torn apart from the inside, the clearer it becomes that prophecies don’t lie and Brie has a role to play in the fate of this magical realm–whether she likes it or not.
This is the second book of the These Hollow Vows series. It was such a good duology but I remember wanting more. I need to add this one to my re-read pile.
Title: Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
Author: J. K. Rowling
Narrated By: Jim Dale
Published: July 8, 1999 (original),
November 20, 2015 (this edition)
Genre: Fantasy, YA
Series: Harry Potter
Synopsis:
“‘Welcome to the Knight Bus, emergency transport for the stranded witch or wizard. Just stick out your wand hand, step on board and we can take you anywhere you want to go.’”
When the Knight Bus crashes through the darkness and screeches to a halt in front of him, it’s the start of another far from ordinary year at Hogwarts for Harry Potter. Sirius Black, escaped mass-murderer and follower of Lord Voldemort, is on the run – and they say he is coming after Harry. In his first ever Divination class, Professor Trelawney sees an omen of death in Harry’s tea leaves…. But perhaps most terrifying of all are the Dementors patrolling the school grounds, with their soul-sucking kiss….
The Harry Potter series will always be among my recommended books. The Audiobooks narrated by Jim Dale are superb, the voices he does for each character is amazing. Of the entire series this one is probably my favourite.
Title: Finale
Author: Stephanie Garber
Published: May 7, 2019
Genre: Fantasy, YA
Series: Caraval
Synopsis:
Welcome, welcome to Finale, the third and final book in the #1 New York Times bestselling Caraval series! A ll games must come to an end…
It’s been two months since the last Caraval concluded, two months since the Fates were freed from an enchanted deck of cards, two months since Tella saw Legend, and two months since Legend claimed the empire’s throne as his own. Now, Legend is preparing for his official coronation and Tella is determined to stop it. She believes her own mother, who still remains in an enchanted sleep, is the rightful heir to the throne.
Meanwhile, Scarlett has started a game of her own. She’s challenged Julian and her former fiancé, Count Nicolas d’Arcy, to a competition where the winner will receive her hand in marriage. Finally, Scarlett feels as if she is in complete control over her life and future. She is unaware that her mother’s past has put her in the greatest danger of all.
Caraval is over, but perhaps the greatest game of all has begun—with lives, empires, and hearts all at stake. There are no spectators this time: only those who will win…and those who will lose everything.
Caraval will always be a recommended series. Absolutely loved this series. This is book 3 of the series.
Title: Broken Throne
Author: Victoria Aveyard
Published: May 7, 2019
Genre: Fantasy, YA
Series: Red Queen
Synopsis:
Return once more to the deadly and dazzling world of Red Queen in Broken Throne, a beautifully designed, must-have companion to the chart-topping series from #1 New York Times bestselling author Victoria Aveyard.
The perfect addition to the #1 New York Times bestselling Red Queen series, this gorgeously designed package features three brand-new novellas, two previously published novellas, Steel Scars and Queen Song, and never-before-seen maps, flags, bonus scenes, journal entries, and much more exclusive content.
Fans will be delighted to catch up with beloved characters after the drama of War Storm and be excited to hear from brand-new voices as well. This stunning collection is not to be missed!
This is Book 4.5 of the Red Queen series. It’s a collection of short stories/novellas for various characters that appear or are mentioned throughout the series. While not necessary to enjoy the main series. This has some stories that provide more insight into some of the characters.
Title: Defy the Night
Author: Brigid Kemmerer
Published: September 14, 2021
Genre: Fantasy, YA
Series: Defy the Night
Synopsis:
The kingdom of Kandala is on the brink of disaster. Rifts between sectors have only worsened since a sickness began ravaging the land, and within the Royal Palace, the king holds a tenuous peace with a ruthless hand.
King Harristan was thrust into power after his parents’ shocking assassination, leaving the younger Prince Corrick to take on the brutal role of the King’s Justice. The brothers have learned to react mercilessly to any sign of rebellion–it’s the only way to maintain order when the sickness can strike anywhere, and the only known cure, an elixir made from delicate Moonflower petals, is severely limited.
Out in the Wilds, apothecary apprentice Tessa Cade is tired of seeing her neighbors die, their suffering ignored by the unyielding royals. Every night, she and her best friend Wes risk their lives to steal Moonflower petals and distribute the elixir to those who need it most–but it’s still not enough.
As rumors spread that the cure no longer works and sparks of rebellion begin to flare, a particularly cruel act from the King’s Justice makes Tessa desperate enough to try the impossible: sneaking into the palace. But what she finds upon her arrival makes her wonder if it’s even possible to fix Kandala without destroying it first.
This is the first book in the Defy the Night series. I’ve only read the first two books so far. I finally acquired the third book, but I’ll need to re-read the first two before reading the last one. I really enjoyed the premise for this one and the dynamics between our two main characters.
Title: Sunrise on the Reaping
Author: Suzanne Collins
Published: March 18, 2025
Genre: Fantasy, YA
Series: The Hunger Games
Synopsis:
When you’ve been set up to lose everything you love, what is there left to fight for?
As the day dawns on the fiftieth annual Hunger Games, fear grips the districts of Panem. This year, in honor of the Quarter Quell, twice as many tributes will be taken from their homes.
Back in District 12, Haymitch Abernathy is trying not to think too hard about his chances. All he cares about is making it through the day and being with the girl he loves.
When Haymitch’s name is called, he can feel all his dreams break. He’s torn from his family and his love, shuttled to the Capitol with the three other District 12 tributes: a young friend who’s nearly a sister to him, a compulsive oddsmaker, and the most stuck-up girl in town. As the Games begin, Haymitch understands he’s been set up to fail. But there’s something in him that wants to fight . . . and have that fight reverberate far beyond the deadly arena.
Love it or hate it, I enjoyed this insight into Haymitch and his story, How he became the way he did.
Title: Half-Blood
Author: Jennifer L. Armentrout
Published: October 18, 2011
Genre: Fantasy, Romance, YA
Series: Covenant
Synopsis:
The Hematoi descend from the unions of gods and mortals, and the children of two Hematoi-pure-bloods-have godlike powers. Children of Hematoi and mortals-well, not so much. Half-bloods only have two options: Become trained Sentinels who hunt and kill daimons or become servants in the homes of the pures. Seventeen-year-old Alexandria would rather risk her life fighting than waste it scrubbing toilets, but she may end up slumming it anyway.
I still haven’t finished this series. What I have read was interesting. Entertaining for sure. but definitely formulatic in how things happen. I’ve read a few other series by this author that I enjoyed more.
Thanks for reading!
Have you read any of these?
What did you choose for your Book cover freebie topic if you participated in TTT this week?
Leave a comment below and let me know!
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