reading with the sirens discussion

Since the year is coming to an end, I’d thought it’d be interesting to see a recap of what people have read this year! What was your absolute favorite read of 2024? What was your least favorite? And why? I’d love to hear everyone’s thoughts ♡

I’ll go first!

⋆ ˚｡⋆ ꪆৎ ˚ Personal Favorite: The Will of the Many by James Islington

- Dark Academia
- Political Intrigue
- High Fantasy
- Roman Empire Inspired

Everything about it — the subplots, the characters, the magic, the world building — was inspiring! It kept me on my toes. It’a by far my longest read ever, which I found intimidating, but it kept me entertained and intrigued the entire time. I can’t wait for the sequel next May!

⋆ ˚｡⋆ ꪆৎ ˚ Least Favorite: Five Broken Blades by Mai Corland

- Enemies to Lovers
- Morally Gray Characters
- Korean Inspired Fantasy
- LGBTQ+ Representation
- Heist

I loved the premise of the book because it made me think of the Six of Crows duology. Unfortunately, it just wasn’t for me. Most of the characters didn’t feel like they were genuinely morally gray. It felt like good people forced to do bad things… which isn’t what morally gray means. That said, I did love the concept, the world building, and the LGBTQ+ representation. Also the book itself is stunning!!

Oh this is such a fun idea! Here are my personal & least favorite books of this year🙇🏻‍♀️

જ⁀➴ Personal Favorite: The Thirteen Child by Erin A. Craig

- Gothic
- Fantasy
- Fairytale Retelling

Hmmm i think i have a thing for retellings. This was a Grimm’s fairytale retelling of Godfather death so i was already aware of the vibes i was going for but i didn’t expect it to be more eerie, creepy & ominous. The writing was wonderful & amazing which also made the setting feel gothic yet so comfy & whimsical. The character dynamics was a plus factor which made me love them more! The concept of life + the candles🫣The book was also easily digestible, relatable & fast paced to read!🩶


જ⁀➴ Least Favorite: Throne of the Fallen by Kerri Maniscalco

- Fantasy
- Paranormal
- Enemies to lovers
- Underworld trials & adventure

I was so sad that this disappointed me tbh. I was like, yey faeries, demons, vampires, underworld adventure & ppl said you can read it without reading the prev series KOTW. So i did but i was just confused & felt that i needed context for everything. It was also market to be enemies to lovers but i didn’t feel the love at all. The tension in this was their unresolved sexual tension + It was impossible to finish a chapter without reading “balls & c*ck” & lusty joke or monologues.

I really wanted to like this one but i just couldn’t. I can read & handle smut but this was not bearable. I’m sorry to the KOTW fans but i do not understand the hype. Pls don’t hate me :(

Jii wrote: "Oh this is such a fun idea! Here are my personal & least favorite books of this year🙇🏻‍♀️

જ⁀➴ Personal Favorite: The Thirteen Child by Erin A. Craig

- Gothic
- Fantasy
- Fairytale Retelling

Hmmm..."

I believe I added "The Thirteenth Child" to my tbr! I'm excited to give it a try. I hope I like it as much as you did!

ooo i haven't read too much this year but i still wanna participate lol--
⋆ ˚｡⋆ ꪆৎ ˚ Personal Favorite: I'll Be Gone In The Dark by Michelle McNamara

- True Crime
- Auto Biography
- Mystery

I absolutely LOVE true crime and a good mystery and f!#? was this sooo good. This book was a re-read for me and I swear I loved it again this time around. It was haunting and disgusting and I loved it, honestly.