Enjoyed my Last Book Recommendations? Here’s More!
By Features Editor Chloe Barrett
Another month means more intellectual feedback on some amazing literature that I have perused recently. Just kidding. I am simply here to supply some unique reads that have found themselves on my shelf recently, and which I, in my esteemed and professional opinion, have endorsed at least four stars upon them. If this is your first time here and you are not searching for the ramblings of a woman who depends on reading entirely too much, I advise you to check out the Arts and Literature section, which is maintained by the fabulous Luca.
First up, we have Sorcery of Thorns by Margaret Rogerson. This cosy fantasy is perfect for the spooky season that has crept up on us. Elisabeth is an orphan who was raised in an enchanted library and has a special connection to grimoires, which are unique books, shall we say. She is forced to team up with a talented sorcerer and his unique companion in order to protect that which she loves most. Grab a blanket and light a candle before snuggling down with your copy, and I promise, you will be at peace. The novella sequel, Mysteries of Thorn Manor, is a wonderful continuation if you cannot get enough of the characters.
Four stars out of five.
Holly Jackson is quickly becoming a household name, as she dominates the industry of young adult (YA) thrillers. In my experience, I often found the genre lacking, as many authors struggle in regards to finding content appropriate enough for the YA brand. Jackson, however, does not let this stand in her way and delivers undoubtedly incredible thrillers. Many of you are probably familiar with her viral series A Good Girl’s Guide To Murder, which is currently in the process of being adapted and filmed as a series. However, I want to talk about her recent release Five Survive. It is one of the most atmospheric books that I have ever read and had me completely hooked. It consists of six friends who are driving an RV through the States for a road trip vacation, and if that scenario does not sound stressful enough, they end up breaking down in a bleak forest. What they soon find out is that a sniper is watching them with the serious intent to start murdering if they do not cooperate and find out what he wants. The novel is told in parts over eight hours, and it is masterfully accomplished. Best read at night, if you want to immerse yourself further…
Four stars out of five.
Next was a recommendation from our previous Music Editor, Kate Moore. They told me that I had to read this book, and my god were they right. Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow written by Gabrielle Zevin, and published only last year, is a marvel of a novel. Each section ventures into a different stage of life for the main characters, Sadie and Sam, starting from when they were children to the main focus of the book, which is them making a game together. Throughout all of the tragedy and joy, these two characters remain consistently present and are trying to figure out both their games and lives. What made this book so fantastic to me was the rawness of the characters, they felt so real and I loved them for their triumphs and failures. They are not perfect people, and nor is it a romance, it is a story purely about the love that exists through friendship. With stunning imagery that primarily focuses on Los Angeles in the past, anyone, regardless if you are familiar with the world of gaming or not, will devour this story.
Five stars out of five.
I have been a fan of Before The Coffee Gets Cold for a few years now, and the latest instalment in the series, Before We Say Goodbye is my favourite so far. The fourth book in the Japanese series by author Toshikazu Kawaguchi was, like the previous novels, a gorgeous and comforting read. The whole series is based in a little cafe situated in Japan, and the recurring plot focuses on the concept of returning to the past by drinking a cup of coffee. There are conditions to visiting the past, and each novel, featuring a few returning people, introduces a host of brand new people who must struggle with the decision to return, or not. If you want to curl up on these ever-darkening nights with a comforting book, check the series out!
Five stars out of five.
Hopefully, some of you might find a new read from my little list. If you do decide to pick a book up, please let me know! Discussing novels is one of my favourite things, after all. (If you could not already tell!)
