As the weather is finally starting to warm and Spring is finally upon us I thought I’d share my first ever reading list, and what better season to start with than spring.
Now, I‘m a little late in posting as Spring did officially begin back in March (on my bday no less) but you still have plenty of time to make your way through this list before summer arrives.
So, without further ado here are some of best books to read during this season of renewal.
Looking for an atmospheric YA fantasy that serves up gothic, The Secret Garden meets Coraline vibes? Then look no further as V.E Schwab‘s Gallant serves an enchantingly gothic vibe with a setting that truly does take on a life of it’s own—and in the best, most atmospheric way possible.
Gallant tells the story of Olivia Prior, an orphaned non-verbal girl raised at Merilance School for girls with only the buildings’ ghouls and her mother’s old Journal (whose passages unravel into madness) for companionship. Until, one day a letter arrives inviting Olivia to come home—to Gallant , the place her mother warns of in her journal. Yet when she arrives, no one is expecting her…
Despite her cousin’s hostility and the ghouls haunting the hallways, Olivia has no plans to leave the only place that feels like home. But Gallant has secrets and Olivia is determined to uncover them. When she crosses a ruined wall at the right moment Olivia finds herself in a place like gallant—but not. A darker version where the ghouls are solid and a mysterious figure rules over it.
Now Olivia sees what has unravelled several generations of Priors, and where her father may have come from. Having always wanted a place to belong, Olivia now has a choice; to take up the mantle of past Priors to protect the world from the not Gallant’s master or to take her rightful place beside him…
This is an utterly enchanting and beautifully crafted, East Asian fairytale retelling of The Six Swans that I think is absolutely perfect for Spring.
After losing control of the forbidden magic she has always kept hidden (and inadvertently ruining her betrothal ceremony) Shiori’anma the only Princess Of Kiata thinks she’s in luck.But postponing the wedding she didn’t ask for is the least of her problems,for her actions have drawn the attention of her stepmother, Raikama.
A powerful Sorceress, Raikama curses the princess and her six brothers, turning them into Cranes and warning Shiori never to speak a word of it to anyone—for every word she speaks, one of her brothers will die.
Voiceless, destitute and alone.Shiori searches for her brothers and uncovers a dark plot to seize the throne. In order to save her brothers and their kingdom she must put her trust in an enchanted paper bird, a mercurial dragon and the boy she was formerly betrothed to. Now she must embrace the magic she’s been taught to conceal— no matter the cost.
A wonderously immersive and magical read that‘s full of gorgeous prose and expansive cast of intriguing characters that fans of Caraval or The Night Circus are certain to fall in love with.
Hotel Magnifique is a hotel like no other: it’s bursting with magic, of enchanting soirées and champagnes filled fountains, a hotel soo exclusive that only the extremely wealthly or extremely lucky have experienced a stay. It changes location every night, stopping in each place only once a decade. But when the Magnifique stops in her hometown, seventeen year old Jani hatches a plan to secure jobs there for herself and her younger sister—in hopes to escape their dreary life.
Luck is on their side and with a single signature each the sisters are swept into a life of opulence, adventure and magic. But Jani begins to notice the sinister goings on beneath the hotel’s decadent facade. Who is the shadowy maître who runs the hotel? And can Jani uncover the true price paid by those who reside there—before it’s too late?
Vanessa Len’s phenomenal debut, which masterfully blurs the lines of good and evil in this vividly immersive YA Fantasy is the perfect read for the warmer months, particularly if you love to read outdoors. In fact, with Kensington Gardens as one of the locations in the book I highly recommend checking it out (if you ever find yourself in London.) When sixteen year old Joan stays with her mother’s eccentric family in London she’s determined to enjoy herself. With a nerdy job at the historic Holland House and a date with the boy she’s been crushing on all summer, things feel like their falling into place…
But when her attempt at a good deed reveals her mother’s family secret her life quickly starts to unravel. For the Hunts aren’t just eccentric: they’re monsters with terrifying, hidden powers. To make matters worse, Nick (the boy she likes) is a monster slayer whose sole purpose is to hunt her people to extinction.
Forced on the run Joan begrudgingly teams up with the beautiful and ruthless Aaron Oliver, heir to a rival monster family who hates her own.
If she’s to save herself and her family Joan will have to embrace her own monstrousness. Because in this story…she is not the hero.
Another uniquely magical YA fantasy that I highly recommend you check out, Blood To Poison is rooted in South African History and is a brilliantly wrought and breathtakingly powerful tale of family curses, veilwitches and justifiably angry girls you can’t help but root for!
Seventeen year old Savannah is cursed—a blood curse which has plagued her family for centuries, causing an all-consuming anger in one woman every generation. A woman destined to die young. ‘Hella’s girls’ they’re called, named for their ancestor Hella, the enslaved woman with whom it all began.
But Savannah doesn’t plan to die like the countless women before her, instead she plans to break the curse—and sets out on a journey which leads her into a world of secrets, hidden magic, and a war between witch factions— and the veil witches, who’ve been waiting for just such a girl…
Blending West African mythology with one of histories’ darkest chapters to create a powerfully poignant and thought provoking tale of love, courage and resistance, Natasha Bowen‘s unforgettable debut is the perfect book club pick for all the fantasy and mythology lovers out there—also if you need any more convincing there‘s mermaids.
Simidele is a Mami Wata, a mermaid duty bound to collect the souls of those who die at sea, blessing heir journeys back to the supreme creator, Olodumare.
But when a living boy is thrown from a slave ship, Simi saves his life which goes against an ancient decree bringing danger to the Mami Wata. Now, Simi must journey to Olodumare to make amends—a journey of vengeful gods, dangerous lands and legendary creatures. If she fails she risks not only the fate of the Mami Wata, but also the world as she know it...
Fierce, feminist and powerfully relevant, Kelly Barnhill’s heartfelt storytelling is not to be missed in this complex coming of age fantasy.
Set in an alternate 1950s America, where in a single day thousands of women and girls spontaneously transform into Dragons—so shocking an event that it’s literally forbidden to talk about.
Alex was a child when the day known only as The Mass Dragoning took place and her aunt sprouted wings and took to the skies, but her mother is determined to forget. Forced into silence Alex now must live with the consequences; a mother more protective than ever, a father growing increasingly distant, a dragon obsessed cousin she must now call sister and an aunt she must forget ever existed…
If you‘re looking for something action-packed, bloody and exceptionally plot-twisty then you simply must check out N.E Davenport’s deliciously gritty and vengeance filled Sci-fi fantasy debut.
In a battle decades before Ikenna’s birth, the Republic of Mareen beat back and defeated and the armies of The Blood Emperor- ending all blood magic.
Now there’s peace in the republic—but there’s also a strict class system, rampant misogyny and racism. Her world isn’t perfect but Ikenna’s managed to survive in it. Until now. With the murder of her grandfather, she begins to spiral out of control. For though Ikenna’s an initiate into the Republic‘s deadly elite military force, she also harbours a dangerous secret, one only her grandfather knew: she possesses the blood magic of the Republic’s enemies.
Throwing herself into the gladitorial-like training that will make or break her; these deadly trials will lead her closer to her grandfather’s killers. Subjecting herself to abuse from a society that doesn’t value her,that cherishes lineage over talent. If Ilenna is caught using her gifts she’ll face execution or worse… but she’s willing to risk it all to find the murderers . So she can end them.
Looking for more high stakes action and escapism in your YA fantasy? Look no further than this phenomenal fantasy rom-com full of magic,
Twin Crowns follows two twin Princesses Wren and Rose who are separated at birth—one raised as the Crown Princess and the other taken from the palace and raised to kidnap her own sister, steal the crown and avenge the murder of their parents all those years ago.
With all the beautifully detailed (and ocassionally deadly) plant life woven into this magically gripping and empowering coming-of-age contemporary fantasy, it’s the perfect read to get stuck into this season, just in time for it’s sequel which releases this summer
Briseis was born with a gift, she can grow plants with a single touch. They bloom in her presence and follow her wherever she goes. It’s a secret she and her adoptive mothers have always kept, helping her to learn about and control her gift at their flower shop in Brooklyn.
But when Briseis inherits an old house with rambling gardens from her birth mother’s family, she finally has the space and privacy to test the limits of her powers. In bringing the house back to life, Briseis uncovers a trove of secrets and an ancient legacy of goddesses,witchcraft and a secret (poison) garden.
Her ancestors won’t rest until she finally accepts her gifts and her place as the keeper of the terrible power contained at the heart of the Poison Garden.
Joya Goffney’s refreshingly funny and inspirational second novel hits shelves 3 May. Heartfelt, humorous and full of family intrigue , this inspiring journey about body (and sex) positivity and unapologetically loving yourself is an absolut must read for Contemporary YA fans.
Monique lives a perfect life - a preacher's daughter and the girlfriend of the town's golden boy. But it's not that simple. She's torn between her parents who want the pure virginal daughter, and her boyfriend, Dom, who wants to explore the more intimate side of their relationship.
Tired of waiting, her boyfriend breaks up with her, spurring Monique to discover she has a medical condition that makes her far from perfect and she concocts a plan to fix her body and win him back.
With the help of her frenemy, Sasha, the overly zealous church girl Monique's mum pushes her to hang out with, and Reggie, the town's not-so-good boy, Monique must go on trips to unknown and uncomfortable places to find the treatment that will help her. But in doing so, she must face some home truths: maybe she shouldn't be fixing her body to please a boy, maybe Sasha is the friend she needed all along and maybe Reggie isn't so bad at all.
An utterly breathtaking debut, filled with relatable characters and the beautifully immersive Celestial Kingdom that will literally sweep you into a world of magic, romance and betrayal. Definitely the perfect book to devour whilst enjoying nature and the warmer weather.
It’s Inspired by the legend of the Chinese moon goddess, Chang'e and follows a young woman whose quest to free her mother sets her against the most powerful immortal in the realm.
Xingyin is used to solitude growing up on the moon, with no idea she’s been hidden from the powerful Celestial Emperor who exiled her mother for stealing his elixir of immortality. But when her magic flares and her existence is discovered Xingyin is forced to flee her home, leaving her mother behind.
Alone and scared she finally makes her way to the Celestial Kingdom—a land of wonder and secrets. Disguising her true identity, she seized the change to train with the kingdom’s Crown Prince learning to master archery and her magic (as well as the attraction that blossoms between them.)
To save her mother she’ll embark on a dangerous quest, facing legendary creatures and vicious enemies.
But when treachery looms and forbidden magic threatens the kingdom, Xingyin must challenge the ruthless Emperor for a change at her dream and striking a dangerous bargain—torn between losing everything (and everyone) she loves or plunging the realm into chaos…
Full of rich imagery this deeply evocative and timely tale of resilience and the immigrant experience, of loss, hope, family and belonging is be sure to be the perfect bookclub pick this spring, and will no doubt inspire some pretty great discussions.
It starts in 1938, China and follows the lives of Meilin a young widow and her son Renshu who’s lives are uprooted by war. They flee to protect themselves but the danger never seems to be too far behind them. Eventually, Renshu now grown heads to America with a new name to start a new life.
Years later, Renshu, now Henry Dao has the life he’s always envisioned. But with his daughter (Lilly), desperate to learn about her heritage, Henry refuses to talk about his childhood—fearing the past will threaten the safe and peaceful life he’s made for his self and his family. Yet, how can Lily learn who she is if she can never know her family’s story?
Beautifully immersive and undeniably moving, Lizzie Pook’s Australian centred, historical debut was an absolutely breathtaking read! With an endearingly feminist protagonist, vivid prose and exquisitely detailed storytelling —we are treated to an unflinchingly honest (and well researched) glimpse into the lucrative, but dangerous world of 19th C pearl hunting.
It’s set in 1880s Bannin Bay, Western Australia and follows the headstrong Eliza Brightwell (daughter of the town’s most prolific pearl catcher) as she hunts for answers behind her father’s disappearance. The townsfolk suggest mutiny and murder but Eliza refuses to believe her father is dead and knows there’s more to the story than anyone is letting on. But, in a town teeming with corruption Eliza soon learns that the truth may cost more than she’s willing to pay—and must decide just how far she’s willing to go(or what she’s willing to do) to find it…
One of the most hotly anticipated releases of the year, Holly Black’s frighteningly delicious adult fantasy debut tells the story of shadow thieves, secret societies and a whole lot of magic.
Charlie Hall has never found a lock she couldn't pick, a book she couldn't steal, or a bad decision she wouldn't make. She's spent years working for gloamists (magicians who manipulate shadows for all sorts of nefarious purposes.) And they guard their secrets greedily, creating an underground economy of grimoires. But in order to rob their fellow magicians, they need Charlie.
Now, she's trying to distance herself from past mistakes, but going straight isn't easy. Bartending at a dive, she's still entirely too close to the corrupt underbelly of the Berkshires. Not to mention that her sister Posey is desperate for magic, and that her shadowless and possibly soulless boyfriend has been keeping secrets from her.
When a terrible figure from her past returns, Charlie descends back into the shadowy world of murder and lies. Determined to survive, she's up against a cast of doppelgängers, mercurial billionaires, and gloamists- all trying to steal a secret that will give them control of the shadow world.
Another hugely anticipated book for 2022, the bestselling sequel to Sarah J. Maas’ Adult debut is absolutely action-packed with even more plot twists than it predecessor.
Following Bryce and Hunt as they try to get back to normal after the events of House of Earth and Blood— to relax, slow down and figure out what their future holds.
The Asteri have kept their word so far and left them both alone. But, with the rebels chipping away at the Asteri’s power, the threat the rulers pose is growing. As Bryce, Hunt, and Co. get pulled into the rebels’ plans, the choice becomes clear: stay silent while others are oppressed, or fight for what’s right.
And they’ve never been very good at staying silent.
If Spring is all about the rom-coms for you then I highly recommend Tessa Bailey’s follow up to the bestselling It Happened One Summer.
King Crab fisherman Fox Thornton has a bit of a reputation as a player, he’s great fun in and out of the bedroom but for a night—and that’s how Fox likes it. Until he meets Hannah Bellinger who’s immune to his charm (and looks) but really enjoys his… personality? She only wants to be friends and as he likes her too much to risk a fling, friends it is.
Now Hannah’s in town for work and crashing in his spare room and with Fox’s romance expertise plans to catch her co-worker and long time crush’s eye. But the more time she spends with Fox the more she wants him instead. But she knows he’s a player and refuses to be another notch on his bedpost.
Living with his bestie should’ve been easy, but spending time with and helping Hannah flirt with another guy, Fox has fallen for her— Hook,line and Sinker. If he can tackle his inner demons and shows Hannah he’s all in, maybe she’ll chose him instead?
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