Embarking on a journey into the uncharted realms of fantasy literature is akin to stepping through a portal into a world of endless possibilities. What could be more exhilarating than scouting out new fantasy series for the coming year? Which ones will captivate my imagination, and which might fall short? Rest assured, I’m on a quest to unearth only the crème de la crème, the literary treasures that will transport me to realms beyond imagination.
As the clock ticks towards a new chapter, I’ve set my sights on not only discovering captivating new series but also on conquering the challenge of completing more sagas than ever before. Join me as I forge ahead into a fresh year of reading, armed with the determination to explore uncharted literary landscapes. Here’s to a new year of reading adventures!
When the medieval boredom strikes and I need a break from dragons and knights, I’ll dive into Rook & Rose series that promises more laughs than sword fights!
Nightmares are creeping through the city of dreams . . .
Renata Virdaux is a con artist who has come to the sparkling city of Nadezra — the city of dreams — with one goal: to trick her way into a noble house and secure her fortune and her sister’s future.
But as she’s drawn into the aristocratic world of House Traementis, she realises her masquerade is just one of many surrounding her. And as corrupted magic begins to weave its way through Nadezra, the poisonous feuds of its aristocrats and the shadowy dangers of its impoverished underbelly become tangled — with Ren at their heart.
The prospect of stepping into a realm where the art of deception is an intricate dance and every word uttered could be a carefully crafted ruse is immensely appealing. First and foremost, the allure of con artists navigating a complex web of schemes and plots sets the stage for a thrilling reading experience. The anticipation of being led through a tapestry of cons, where the line between truth and fiction blurs, taps into my fascination with characters who are masters of the art of manipulation. Furthermore, the promise of strong and complex female main characters adds a layer of excitement to my interest. In a genre where women are often portrayed in stereotypical roles, the prospect of encountering protagonists who are cunning, multifaceted, and unapologetically bold is a refreshing departure. Lastly, the theme of lies and hidden identities creates an atmosphere of suspense that beckons me to unravel the intricacies of the plot. The idea that every character might be wearing a metaphorical mask, concealing their true intentions and past, heightens the sense of mystery and ensures that the journey through the pages will be filled with unexpected twists and turns. The prospect of being immersed in a world where deception is an art form and the characters are as elusive as the plots they devise makes this novel an irresistible and eagerly anticipated addition to my reading list.
The Journey I Started Ages Ago, will be finally finished with a Bang !
In a world shaped by rebellion’s aftermath, a warrior, assassin, and princess grapple with shattered alliances, shocking betrayals, and impending war in a gripping tale of ambition and survival. Princess Miko dreams of reclaiming her empire, assassin Cassandra seeks a cure through a perilous contract, and Captain Rah e’Torin faces exile or war on the volatile border between nations. The visceral narrative explores the cost of power and the inexorable pull of fate in a war-torn Kisian Empire.
We Ride the Storm marked a significant milestone for me as the first English book I ever read. Its lasting impact on my memory, however, goes beyond this mere fact—it has secured a permanent place among my all-time favorite books. Often described as the Asian lighter version of Game of Thrones, the novel offers a compelling blend of fascinating magic that gradually unfolds throughout the narrative. As a devoted fan of the grimdark genre, the prospect of delving into a story that not only encompasses grimdark elements but also weaves intricate political contexts in an Asian-inspired world was too enticing to resist. The allure of being emotionally wrecked and compelled to reflect on the darker facets of humanity is precisely what draws me to grimdark tales, and We Ride the Storm promised just that. The discovery of this gem occurred in a Facebook group, where the striking cover immediately caught my eye. The fact that it was published by Orbit, a publisher renowned for delivering exceptional books, further fueled my excitement. Before Devin Madson embarks on her new series, I felt an urgent need to conclude this emotional journey, to let my heart catch up and process the intricate layers of the narrative. Because in the realm of grimdark literature, where the unexpected thrives, every page turned is a step further into a realm of emotional turmoil and gripping storytelling that I, as a reader, am always eager to embrace.
Bought for the Cover, Staying hopefully for the Story!
A usurped prince prepares to take up the mantle of a deadly assassin and reclaim his kingdom, his people, and his slain gods in this epic fantasy from a USA Today bestselling author. Cyrus was only twelve years old when his gods were slain, his country invaded, and his parents—the king and queen—beheaded in front of him. Held prisoner in the invader’s court for years, Cyrus is suddenly given a chance to escape and claim his revenge when a mysterious group of revolutionaries comes looking for a figurehead. They need a hero to strike fear into the hearts of the imperial and to inspire and unite the people. They need someone to take up the skull mask and swords and to become the legendary “Vagrant”—an unparalleled hero and assassin of otherworldly skill. But all is not as it seems. Creating the illusion of a hero is the work of many, and Cyrus will soon discover the true price of his vengeance.
Once again, I find myself drawn to a series solely based on its captivating cover. Have I thoroughly read the blurb? No. Do I even know what it’s about? Nope. And have I ever read anything by this author? Also no. But this book has been so prominently featured on Book Twitter, with glowing endorsements from Nick Borrelli and Holly Hearts Books, that it feels like I should jump on the bandwagon of love. I’m aware that the final instalment is set to release in January, so I’ve decided to dive head first into binge-reading this series. Fingers crossed that it lives up to the hype!
Unleashing a Demonish Female Protagonist in a High Fantasy Realm – I want to dive into the Escape immediately
This Child is not the chosen one. She is a demon to be destroyed. Born of magic, Nerana is labeled a demon and forced into hiding by the Order of Saro. Living with a curse that binds her to their leader, Nerana seeks to free herself from their hold and soon learns that the path to redemption may prove more fatal than the Order itself. But for Nerana, this is more than a quest for survival… It’s a promise of revenge.
Forbidden Magic? Oh, that just sends shivers down my spine, and it was the very first thing that hooked me when I delved into the blurb. The idea of a cursed woman, deviating from the worn-out trope of men always being cast as the ‘villains,’ is downright enthralling. I revel in narratives with strong female protagonists (well, who can blame me when I’m one myself?). Moreover, the whispers of a remarkable friendship between two characters, echoing the profound bond shared by Locke and Jean, have piqued my curiosity. I’m practically on the edge of my seat, eager to witness their banter and teasing. And lo and behold, the return of High Fantasy! I’ve been yearning for this genre amidst the recent releases. While I appreciate authors aiming for innovation, there’s an undeniable passion in my heart for Tolkien’s creatures. I’m hoping to encounter them in a whole new light in this series. My excitement is palpable; I’m genuinely thrilled about embarking on this new fantastical journey!
Because Feeling Small and Confused Due to Complexity is the New Cool! When diving into epic fantasy, let the bewildering brilliance take you on a rollercoaster of ‘Wait, what just happened?’ and ‘Who’s that again?’
Ruling families – once protectors of justice and democracy – now plot against one another with sharp words and sharper knives. Blinded by ambition, they remain heedless of the threat posed by the invading armies of the Hadari Empire. Yet as Tressia falls, heroes rise. Viktor Akadra is the Republic’s champion. A warrior without equal, he hides a secret that would see him burned as a heretic. Josiri Trelan is Viktor’s sworn enemy. A political prisoner, he dreams of reigniting his mother’s failed rebellion. And yet Calenne Trelan, Josiri’s sister, seeks only to break free of their tarnished legacy; to escape the expectation and prejudice that haunts the family name. As war spreads across the Republic, these three must set aside their differences in order to save their home. Yet decades of bad blood are not easily set aside. And victory – if it comes at all – will demand a darker price than any of them could have imagined.
Just yesterday, I stumbled upon a new review for this book and instantly felt the hype rushing back! I’ve been eyeing this book for such a long time, but the hefty tome always intimidated me, even though I usually enjoy diving into thick volumes. However, upon discovering that Matthew Ward has released a new book (which I’ve promptly purchased, of course ;)), I’ve decided to start with his older series first. The aspect of exploring a sibling dynamic here intrigued me immensely. A brother with Shadow Magic and a sister aspiring to be a warrior hints that things are about to get intense! The fact that it’s once again an epic series with a multitude of characters and political intrigue akin to Game of Thrones brings me immense joy. I adore these kinds of narratives and find myself drawn to consuming such fantasy stories every now and then. Although I hope to be consumed by the series, I have a feeling that his new book, “The Darkness Before Them,” will captivate me even more, especially with the presence of a thief. I definitely plan to devour that book later this year, but for now, it’s all about immersing myself in this series.
Diving into Half a King: Where I’d Give My Heart to the Author, Even if he Chewed It Up!
Betrayed by his family and left for dead, prince Yarvi, reluctant heir to a divided kingdom, has vowed to reclaim a throne he never wanted. But first he must survive cruelty, chains and the bitter waters of the shattered sea itself – all with only one good hand. Born a weakling in the eyes of a hard, cold world, he cannot grip a shield or swing an axe, so has sharpened his mind to a deadly edge. Gathering a strange fellowship of the outcast, he finds they can help him more than any noble could. Even so, Yarvi’s path may end as it began – in twists, traps and tragedy.
I have this thing for Joe Abercrombie—scratch that, it’s more like an epic, undying love affair. Seriously, his characters are the MVPs of literature (Glokta, will you please just marry me already?). And, of course, my life goal is now to devour every single book he’s ever penned, including this series. Now, some might label this as a YA series, but hey, labels are like guidelines, right? It’s not like I’m going to let a mere marketing tag tell me what to read. Plus, I was casually perusing Goodreads the other day and stumbled upon the golden nugget that Patrick Rothfuss gave it a full five-star rating. Boom! That’s my quality seal right there. If it’s good enough for Rothfuss, it’s definitely going to be a wild ride!
2024: Crying Goals Unlocked – A Year of Robin Hobb
Bingtown is a hub of exotic trade and home to a merchant nobility famed for its liveships–rare vessels carved from wizardwood, which ripens magically into sentient awareness. The fortunes of one of Bingtown’s oldest families rest on the newly awakened liveship Vivacia. For Althea Vestrit, the ship is her rightful legacy unjustly denied her–a legacy she will risk anything to reclaim. For Althea’s young nephew Wintrow, wrenched from his religious studies and forced to serve aboard ship, Vivacia is a life sentence. But the fate of the Vestrit family–and the ship–may ultimately lie in the hands of an outsider. The ruthless pirate Kennit seeks a way to seize power over all the denizens of the Pirate Isles…and the first step of his plan requires him to capture his own liveship and bend it to his will….
Am I Ready to Venture Further into Robin Hobb’s Journey? I think not. Should I Continue Reading? Absolutely, Yes!
Orcs? I’d Rather Dive into Damn Hobbit Tales!
In the unforgiving Lot Lands, Jackal and his rowdy band of half-orcs, the Grey Bastards, patrol tirelessly to protect civilized folks. Their goal: to overhaul the Bastards’ leadership once Jackal unseats the tyrannical founder. Yet, a deadly encounter forces Jackal to question his beliefs and investigate the harsh reality of the Lot Lands. Battling orcs, centaurs, and dark magics, Jackal embarks on a quest that unveils unsettling truths about the world and the Bastards’ role in it. As he confronts a generational threat, Jackal wonders if the Bastards can—or should—survive.
I hate orcs. Why, then, am I diving into this book? Sometimes I don’t even understand myself… But hey, maybe getting to know your enemy is the first step to obliterating them, right? Into the fray we go! But seriously, Mark Lawrence gave it a solid five stars, and if there’s one thing I love more than Lawrence’s books, it’s his taste in books. Every recommendation so far has been a winner. So, why not take a leap into something new and utterly orc-tastic?
So, that makes it 25 books – fingers crossed I counted right (math isn’t my strong suit, heh), that I’ll probably start reading, uh, let’s say tomorrow. I’m genuinely excited to explore these different worlds and report back to you at the end of next year. I’ll spill the beans on how many of these series I actually conquered, whether I stumbled upon new favorites, or if some books made me sad, mad, or just plain happy. Buckle up, folks, you’re coming along on this wild ride with me!
The Reading Stray 
That´s a lot of books! All sound awesome. Im excited to hear how you liked them 🙂 Let us know!
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Thank you 🙂 I will 🙂
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