When even I (coldblooded fish that I am) have worn my shorts already, you know summer has started for real. Dreams of summer break, outdoor swimming, reading at my local park and sitting on terraces until late in the evening are appearing before my mind’s eye. I conveniently forget that I don’t actually have a summer break and will be working every single weekday until at least September (Dutch medical school for you there…). Is that going to stop me from making an overly ambitious TBR for the summer though? Of course not! I’ve seen many other TBR’s packed to the brim with contemporaries and romances for the summer, but to me, this summer feels like a fantasy-kind-of-summer.
I have 4 back-list novels, 4 books that were released in the first half of 2019, and 2 that are to be released in the next few months. I have not (yet) included ARCs in this list. Also, spoiler alert: the majority is fantasy or magical realism, and most of them are chunkers as well.
The Muse of Nightmares – Laini Taylor This is number one on my list for a good reason: it’s ridiculous that I haven’t read this yet! Strange the Dreamer is one of my favorites books of all time and The Muse of Nightmares was my most anticipated release of 2018. Yet due to personal circumstances, I wasn’t in a good headspace last winter and I didn’t want that to affect my opinion of a potential new favorite. Hopefully, this summer is going to be a better time because, man… I cannot wait for this.
Godsgrave – Jay Kristoff I was pushing this ahead to avoid having to wait an eternity for the last book to come out, but with Darkdawn just around the corner, it’s finally time! It’s my current read as of posting this, and I’m so happy to be back in this world again after such a long time. I’m equal parts excited and scared every time I pick it up, as with Jay Kristoff, no character is safe…
Kings of the Wyld – Nicholas Eames Kings of the Wyld is a quite recent addition to my TBR, mostly after hearing Holly from HollyHeartsBooks rave about this series. Judging from the description, as well as what I’ve heard from others, this is going to be a darkly hilarious high fantasy about a band of elderly has-been mercenaries, banding together for one last job. This might be just what I need this summer, and in stead of letting it sit on my TBR-shelf forever, I hope to pick it up now that my excitement for it is still fresh.
Freshwater – Akwaeke Emezi This book was already on my radar from its release, yet I was hesitant about what to expect for some reason. This year however, it’s proceeded to be nominated for seemingly every single literary price out there, and I’ve heard nothing but great things about it, so I don’t have any excuses anymore. Although it’s the shortest book on this list, I have a feeling it’s going to be a difficult one to read, but hopefully well worth it.
Middlegame – Seanan McGuire From the shortest book on my list, right over to the largest at almost 550 pages, we have Middlegame by Seanan McGuire. I wasn’t the biggest fan of her shorter works, as I always felt like something was missing. When I heard she was coming out with a full-length adult fantasy novel, about alchemy and occultism nonetheless, I was all over this. Hopefully, this doesn’t disappoint.
Where the Forest Meets the Stars – Glendy Vanderah Another of my most anticipated releases of 2019 that I haven’t gotten to is Where the Forest Meets the Stars. This magical realism story that deals with grief and the loss of a parent has all the hallmarks of becoming a new favorite as well, and just like with The Muse of Nightmares, I’ve been waiting for the right moment to pick it up. It’s been drawing my eye and tickling my mind for quite some time now, so I hope to be able to get to this soon.
Salt Slow – Julia Armfield I’ve been looking for a good literary fiction short story collection for the summer, but just kept being disappointed by most that I picked up for some reason. Then Salt Slow entered my radar as it was praised pre-release by a lot of reviewers I trust. Combine that with a description that is very much up my alley, and I all of a sudden couldn’t wait to get my hands on it. Unfortunately, my request for an ARC was denied, so I had to wait for the official release on May 30th. Right on time to make it to my summer reading list though!
On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous – Ocean Vuong What first drew my to this book, back in 2018, was the gorgeous title, as well as the author, by whom I’ve read and loved samples of his poetry in the past. Since it’s release, everybody I trust has been shouting their praise for it, and the only reason I haven’t picked it up just yet, is that I currently can’t justify 22 euro’s (yes, that’s the askingprice in the Netherlands currently) plus shipping for a book… That being said, this is one the books that is highest on my list to read. With a 4.28 Goodreads rating, based on >600 reviews, I have very high hopes.
These Divided Shores – Sarah Raasch These Divided Shores is the sequel to These Rebel Waves, and is set to be released in August of 2019. I really loved These Rebel Waves earlier this year and can’t wait to see what happens next in this duology. For my review on book one, click here.
House of Salt and Sorrow – Erin A. Craig Last but not least, we have House of Salt and Sorrow, which is potentially going to be my biggest gamble of the year. I know barely anything about this book, but I read so many of my buzzwords in the synopsis already that it was one of the maximum of 3 books a year I allow myself to pre-order. The story of a cursed family, sisterly bonds, ghostly visions and elements of fairytale retelling, all set in a manor by the sea… Please book, please don’t let me down…
I hope you enjoyed my summer reading plans, and possibly got some inspiration for books to add to your own TBRs. I’d love to know what books are on your summer-list and what summerreleases you’re excited about. Until then, happy reading and enjoy your summer!
Comments