“It’s like the great stories…The ones that really mattered…Those were the stories that stayed with you. That meant something even if you were too small to understand why. But I think…I do understand. I know now. Folk in those stories had lots of chances of turning back, only they didn’t. They kept going. Because they were holding on to something…That there’s something good in this world…and it’s worth fighting for.”
Some stories just stick with you. They’re the ones you quote and reread. And when you reread them it feels a bit like coming home.
These are some of my favorite stories. Books that I will always recommend. For one reason or another, these stories are a part of me. Some may not have reviews yet, but you can be sure they will as I reread them.
Enjoy and happy reading!
The first of many Tolkien books I’ve read, The Hobbit chronicles the adventures of Bilbo Baggins and Throin and Co. as they reclaim the Lonely Mountain. The perfect prequel, it stands alone but also sets up The Lord of the Rings and introduces the reader to the expansive history of Middle-Earth.
Here’s the review:
An incredible introduction to a new trilogy, Lady Selene’s journey is captivating. The heir of House Ravenwood, Selene discovers her family’s gift of dreamwalking is more dangerous and powerful than she imagined.
Here’s the Review:
Full of wonder and hope, this fantasy series slowly draws the reader in on the premise of a light-hearted summer adventure and quickly becomes a journey to save Anneira from the evils of Gnag the Nameless. Full of heart, memorable characters, and an emphasis on the importance of family, this series is one of my favorites. Review to come!
One of the best novels of its genre, The Lord of the Rings introduced me to fantasy. Although I was hesitant to read it because of its size and lengthy descriptions, I soon grew to love it. This trilogy focuses on everyday, seemingly meaningless decisions and ordinary characters. It follows Frodo Baggins and the Fellowship of the Ring as they trek through Middle-Earth to destroy the One Ring and save Middle-Earth from Sauron. Review to come!
While not well-known, this 19th century treasure is intriguing and hard to put down. Full of interesting characters and a handful of subplots, The Hidden Hand is not only entertaining but filled with life lessons and truths about God. What begins as a story about an orphan spirals into an enthralling mystery about a haunted house. Review to come!
Comprised of journal entries, this book documents the coming-of-age of a teenage girl and follows her into adulthood. Impactful and well-written, I checked several times throughout reading this to make sure it was actually a work of fiction. The entries show her dealing with ordinary struggles that everyone faces as she earnestly desires to “step heavenward.” Review to come!
A classic children’s story and powerful allegory, The Chronicles of Narnia follows the adventures of the 4 Pevensie siblings and the world of Narnia that isn’t as far away as it seems. Review to come!
The Out of Time series is a dystopian trilogy set in a world in where everyone has a Clock that tells them how long they have to live. Parvin Blackwater only has a year to live when she decides that she wants to make a difference in the world. Engaging, thought-provoking, and well-written, this series avoids the tropes of modern dystopian literature. Review to come!
The Songkeeper Chronicles is a compelling series following Birdie, a young Songkeeper, as she discovers her role in saving Leira. With memorable characters, humor, and amazing mythical creatures, this series is one of my favorites. Review to come!
Another treasure of the 19th century, this book is engaging and moving. An intense mystery, this tale follows 3 siblings as they work to conquer their “besetting sins” and meanwhile discovering what is in the “haunted room.” Review to come!.
This trilogy is about four orphans who must compete to claim the throne of Carthya and spend the rest of his life as the long-lost Prince Jaron. A fast-paced adventure, this series quickly became one of my favorites.
Review for The False Prince: https://bookishmusings.com/the-false-prince-book-review/
Review for The Runaway King: https://bookishmusings.com/review/the-runaway-king-book-review/
Review for The Shadow Throne: https://bookishmusings.com/review/the-shadow-throne-book-review/
This trilogy (well, now quartet) will always hold a special place in my heart. The characters are lifelike and flawed, but they still maintain a childlike innocence that is fitting for a middle-grade mystery. It’s eerie at times and intense at the climax, but moments of levity and humor keep it relatively lighthearted and fun. Here’s the review:
