The Path of the Magi:
1. Orc Grove: Some say there is no talking to Orcs, but a good political relationship is needed. Learn some Orc customs by reading a book that is gruesome, gory, or gritty.
I just finished Godsgrave (sequel to Nevernight), which would have been perfect for this challenge. Alternatively I’m going with a book from my Summer TBR, that promises to be funny and gritty at the same time: Kings of the Wyld – Nicholas Eames
2. Ol’ Pirate Cove: Shiver me timbers. You shall be walking the plank if you don’t learn how to sail better. Read a book that takes place, at least in part, on sea.
Technically, this takes part both on and under the sea, but I have a hard time thinking of a more “seaworthy” book than this: And The Ocean Was Our Sky – Patrick Ness
3. Glimmer: This Isle is alight with gems and crystals, one of the most picturesque spots in The High Queendom. Make sure you fit in with a beautiful or colourful book. This new release has one of the most stunning covers of 2019 so far, and I truly hope to get my hands on it in July. The Storm Crow – Kalyn Josephson
4. Draconic Isle: Oh My! This island is swarming with wyverns and dragons. Brush up on your draconic knowledge with a book that features dragons.
We automatically think of mighty beasts such as present in The Priory of The Orangetree, the A Song of Ice and Fire series or Eragon. Instead, I choose a book that features a less fearsome fellow, but a dragon nonetheless. The Girl who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill
Path of the Outlaws
1. Crimson Peaks: These peaks are about to blow! Re-read a favourite to soothe them into dormancy.
A book I absolutely loved this year, and wanted to reread in order to review it properly would be August Isle by Ali Standish. Alternatively, I’ve been wanting to reread one of my all time favorite novels:
The House of God by Samuel Shem, ever since I started my own hospital internships.
2. Queendom Stone: The stone of our Royal Majesty - what are the royal customs of other lands? Read a book featuring Royalty.
Royalty, again, is a trope I usually steer clear of, because especially in YA fantasy, it’s been so overdone. Other than The Queens of Innis Lear (which I’ll use for a later challenge), the only one on my TBR that came to mind was Nocturna by Maya Montagne. That being said, this is one I’m almost certain I won’t get to this month.
3. The Forgotten Forests: All those open series, the forest knows and feels your forgetfulness. It will sing a mournful lament, tormenting you until… Read the next in a series.
The sequel to one of the books featured on my Scribe-TBR: The Dream Thieves by Maggie Stiefvater (sequel to The Raven Boys).
4. The Weeping Falls: To pass through the rapids unscathed, you must give to the Falls.
Read a tear-jerker.
I’ve been wanting to reread this one since I read Lanny by the same author this month. It also happens to be on the very short list of books to have ever made me cry, and might do so again. Grief is the Thing with Feathers by Max Porter
Path of the Bards
1. The Elven Guard are surprised by your visit, and are immediately on the offensive:
Read a book with war, military or political themes to learn how to help calm the situation.
One of the first books I’ll be picking up (if I have time after completing my own path) is going to be a very anticipated 2019 release that I finally got my hands on. It features social and political themes, along many others:
2. The Hallow Isle: here lurk incorporeal monsters and the ghosts of your past: Read an atmospheric or horror book to pass this test of nerve.
I’ve been in the mood for these books for quite some time now, so my TBR is full of them. For this challenge, I’m going with an ARC I have to get to, namely: Petra’s Ghost by C.S. O’Cinneide
3. Empty Barrel Inn: everyone deserves a swig or too, some say it even aids warming up those vocal cords. Enjoy An Indulgent Read.
The indulgent part of this novel lies mostly in the deliciously lush writing style the author is known for. I’ve loved both of the other books I read by her, so I’m hoping the same for this one: When the Moon was Ours by Anna-Marie McLemore
4. Giant Squid: a fearsome fellow. Read a book that intimidates you, and this foe shall be a doddle.
A book that’s been intimidating me for a while (and I will most certainly not get to this month), is The Queens of Innis Lear by Tessa Gratton. I have high hopes that I’ll love it, but the size and density of the writing intimidates me slightly…
That concludes my (two-part) TBR for the Book Junkie Trials, for July 2019. Wish me luck in completing as many of them as possible, even though anything over my own 5 is going to be just an extra for me. I’d love to know if you are joining the Book Junkie Trials as well. Please let me know what team you’re on, and what book from your own TBR you are most excited for. Like I mentioned: please visit the creator Rachael Marie and show her some love for all the awesome work she put into this readathon.
Until next time and happy reading!
