I was tagged by Leelynn @ Sometimes Leelynn Reads (who also conveniently created this tag), and since I’m currently reading this book, it seemed like perfect timing.

I mean, to be fair, when have I ever said no to the chance to talk about books? Never. I’d be willing to bet that my last words will even be about books. Not just because there’s a good chance that I’ll be buried alive under a very angry, vengeful TBR, but I suppose that’s also maybe a thing, too.

Since this is a short tag, I’m 100% going to cheat and break this down into age category for each prompt.

Because the library clerk in me wants to represent all age ranges, and the blogger in me just wants to shout about books. So this way, you get three times the amount of book recommendations! Lucky you, right? Wow, what’s with the face? You don’t look like you’re feeling all that lucky. Sheesh.

Rules

• Thank the person that tagged you and link to their post.
• Link to the original creator: Leelynn @ Sometimes Leelynn Reads! Please note that she made the artwork/graphics if you end up using them. (I’m totally using her artwork, because I can’t compete with perfection, now can I?)
• Answer the questions to the best of your ability. No wrong answers here!
• Check out Hear Our Voices on Twitter, Instagram and WordPress.
• Tag some people you think would would have fun doing this tag.
• Read Forest of Souls when it comes out on June 23rd!
• Copy-paste the rules and prompts.

Middle Grade

Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky

Are you tired of me shouting about this book yet? Mmm, then maybe you should just go read it already. Maybe then I’ll shut up? Probably. Until October, when the sequel comes out, at least.

I side-eyed this hard because it’s a long middle grade book, and even though I figured I’d love it, I wasn’t sure. But I did. So has everyone I’ve thrown the book at (and any injuries resulting from said throwing? Totally not my fault. I deny responsibility for those. Should’ve read it when I asked nicely).

Young Adult

Deathless Divide

Listen. I don’t do zombies. But for Justina Ireland? I’ll make an exception. If you haven’t read Dread Nation yet, obviously start there. The sequel, though, was well worth the wait. Not that I waited, because I read them both this year, but not the point. Badass, post-apocalyptic, zombie-slaying black females making the most out of a horrible, racist society they’re forced to live in and totally slaying it. Sometimes literally. What’s not to love?

Adult

Artificial Condition

Out of all the three Murderbot novellas I’ve read this year, this one was my favorite. Solid plot, solid character development, and some wonderful glimpses into the larger world. Who doesn’t love a sarcastic, socially awkward murder robot?

Middle Grade

The Revenge of Magic

I wouldn’t say that the main character, Fort, is an angry character, per se. He’s a teen boy, though. Whose just lost his father. I mean, some not-very-nice feelings are to be expected. I thought of him here because he does a lot of things through the series just out of anger, before he has a chance to really think about it, and I’m like … slow your roll, dude. That’s obviously a bad idea. Use your head!

Young Adult

Soul of the Sword

This honor is going to have to go to one of my favorite talking swords … Hakaimono! In his defense … he’s kind of a demon who’s been trapped in a sword for a really, really long time. I’d be angry, too. He tends to act first, think later. And that anger control thing? He ain’t got it. But I love him anyway.

Adult

If ever there were a hot-headed character, it’s Riv. It’s not necessarily her fault, per se. All I’m saying is she needs to work on it. She basically tunes out, loses her mind, and then realizes afterwards that she’s made a horrible mistake letting her temper get the better of her, and that’s the wrong order, honey. It’s supposed to go the other way.

Middle Grade

What We Found in the Corn Maze and How It Saved a Dragon

As the kids in this book find out, magic doesn’t solve anything. I mean, if they were a little older, maybe they’d appreciate that magic at least solves the chores and all the nasty adulting things we love to hate, but hey, let them keep that innocence for a few more years. This book was super cute and funny, with a really uplifting message about being yourself and that being enough, plus some positive messages about STEM and science snuck in there.

Young Adult

The Extraordinaries

This doesn’t come out until July 14, so I apologize that you’ll have to wait if you’re interested in it. But I’ve already read it, so … ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ As I’m sure y’all already know, I’m all about the superhero books. This book somehow manages to be funny, upbeat, yet serious and with some dark, deep meanings. It’s the start of a series, so it’s not like the ending is a “happy after after” sort of thing, but there’s no major cliffhanger (just a small teaser to lead into the next book), and the atmosphere it leaves it is definitely positive and forward-looking to the future. Which makes me hella suspicious, just saying.

Adult

The House in the Cerulean Sea

Is it cheating that I use the same author for two of the prompts in this category? Maybe. Or maybe it’s an extra hint that you should go read his work already. In my defense, I don’t read that many books with happy endings. This book, though? Packed full of quirky characters you won’t be able to help but love, an uplifting storyline, older protagonists who haven’t yet given up on love, and some uplifting escapism that is just perfect for a time when the world seems a little crazy and disheartening.

Middle Grade

The Wolf of Cape Fen

I’m using this as my answer, but I can’t actually tell you what the water creature is, because that’s a spoiler. Tsk, tsk. I can tell you, however, that it’s worth reading to find out. Plus, it’s set on an island, so technically, you could consider all the residents water creatures, because who lives on an island and never swims?

Young Adult

Deeplight

MURDER GODS! Yes, those are the best water creatures, period, end of story. They have the benefit of being these old, mystifying, awe-inspiring, eldritch horrors of gods … with the added benefit of being 100% water creatures that make a habit out of murdering humans. What’s not to love, am I right?

Adult

Into the Drowning Deep

When simple, normal, boring mermaids won’t do … we get MURDER MERMAIDS! Technically, they’re sirens, but still. You know, I’m kind of starting to see a theme here, but I can’t quite put my finger on it. Hmmm. Oh well. They’re not just any mermaids, either, murderous tendencies aside. Grant has a pretty unique and fun spin on them.

Middle Grade

Tristan Strong Destroys the World

YOU THOUGHT YOU’D GET AWAY WITH JUST ONE MENTION OF THIS SERIES? BWAHAHAHA. Oh, no. Because of course this is one of my most anticipated sequels this year. And can you blame me? Look at that cover! Look at that title! Also, I need some more Gum Baby in my life. I’m having some withdrawals. I am so ready for this sequel.

Young Adult

Harrow the Ninth

Yeah, so, this should surprise no one. I loved Gideon. I love Harrow. I’m just so ready to be back in this world, please and thanks. Also, necromancy is always a win. Also, WHO THE FRIG IS ALECTO?! Book three has a title, and now I neeeeed to know.

Adult

Random Sh*t Flying Through the Air

This was a hard choice to make, because there are a lot of good adult sequels I’m waiting for. This book, though, I’ve been waiting for since I finished reading the first one and the title of this was in the back and just … yes. Yes to this title. Yes to this protagonist. Yes to all this. I’m so ready for it.

Tag … you’re it!

• Dini @ DiniPandaReads
  
• Keri @ Are You My Book?
  
• Evelyn @ EvelynReads
  
• Lin @ The Reader of A Thousand Stars
  
• Bri @ Books and Shadows
  
• YOU!

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