Ok so honestly idk what I’m looking for, but I’m in a major slump and I can’t seem to stick with anything, so I do need something that grabs your attention early on. Also, I know that I’m NOT looking for literary fiction, horror, or anything too sad.
If I had to describe what I think would get me hooked right now, it would be books that are similar to The Cruel Prince by Holly Black—but I don’t mean the fae and fantasy stuff, I mean her writing style, the characters, and the romance level. I do like fantasy and fae, it just doesn’t have to be that, if that makes sense? I’m open to fantasy, sci fi, dystopian, Mystery, Magical Realism, and thrillers. I also would like a romance subplot & am also cool with humor too (the only 2 books I’ve been able to stick with recently have been short, funny fantasy romance books lol).
To be a bit more detailed about what I like in The Cruel Prince:
- Writing style: I see Holly Blacks writing style as quality YA. I’m not specifically asking for other YA books, but I do like how her writing is easy to follow without being simple, it’s descriptive without being too superfluous, and the fantasy world is well developed. Also, the fact that she hooks you immediately with that chaotic opening is a huge plus.
- Characters: I like how unique, complex, and well developed the characters are. In particular, I love how all the women have real flaws beyond “sassy”. Jude is probably one of my favorite MC’s ever because she’s not what a lot of people seem to expect out of a female character— she’s cunning, ambitious, ruthless, and she’s not at all emotionally available.
- Romance level: I think the series has the perfect romance:wider plot ratio.
- Other: I also like how the series itself is not super predictable.
Some other books I enjoyed for the same reasons:
– Stolen Heir duology by Holly Black
– Scholomance series by Naomi Novik (I also liked Uprooted, and Spinning Silver)
– Everything by T. Kingfisher
– Emily Wilde’s Encyclopedia of Faeries
With that said, I do have a couple of requirements:
1. Must have an audiobook
2. Must be written by a woman, as I’m only reading books written by women this year (trans and enby authors are also welcome).
I hope this all makes sense lol. Thanks in advance!
by petielvrrr