In no particular order, these are a few series I would still love to get to this year.
Founders Trilogy by Robert Jackson Bennett
I’ve heard many book lovers talk about this series, and it sounds like it’s something I would enjoy. Plus, Brandon Sanderson has blurbed it stating: “The exciting beginning of a promising new epic fantasy series. Prepare for ancient mysteries, innovative magic, and heart-pounding heists.”
Between the cover and it being the magic being described as industrialized, it gives me steampunk vibes. There is a small part of me that is very interested in steampunk, so I’d like to give this a try and give that piece of me some satisfaction.
The Lords of Alekka by A.E. Rayne
I want to read this for no reason other than the author. I recently found The Furyck Saga by the same author and am absolutely in love with the stories. This is another series by the same author, written after The Furyck Saga.
Dragonslayer by Duncan M. Hamilton
This sounds like there might be a bit of humor; like an ‘oops we messed up’ kind of thing. Dragons are believed extinct, but then the people in the world find themselves in need of a dragonslayer again. I’ve always had an interest in dragons and so am very interested in getting to this series. The books aren’t that long either, although for some reason I thought these were tomes. So I may get to this sooner rather than later.
Shadowdance by David Dalglish
I think I initially added the first book to my unread TBR pile years ago, because of the cover and a bit because of the title. Shadowdance combined with the cover being a man with a sword makes me think this will have lots of interesting sword fights, and maybe some close calls.
The Broken Earth trilogy by N.K. Jemesin
Technically, including this, may be cheating. I have started the trilogy, but it’s been probably 5 years. So I would like to start over. The books are large, and there is a lot I don’t think I got from the first read of the world building. The story though was written in a way where even though I missed some of the key items at the beginning, I could follow along. I remember I had gotten the audiobook for The Fifth Season (book 1) from my library. I started listening to it as part of a Dewey’s readathon, I think in fall of 2017. I literally couldn’t stop. I kept upping the speed of the narrator as soon as I got used to the cadence of the words so I could finish the book in a single day. And I did. I knew even then I wanted to go back and read it a bit slower so I could enjoy it better, but life got in the way, followed by some slumps, and here we are.
Fatemarked Epic by David Estes
I actually had the first book on my May 2022 TBR, but failed to get to it. My understanding is there is a group of people called the Fatemarked. They have basically been shunned, and killed, but are about to have their time where they are needed by the world. Dragons are also mentioned in the synopsis online, and I am always excited for a book with dragons.
The Poppy War by R.F. Kuang
I did start the first book, The Poppy War, a few years ago. But then I was hit by a slump, and as much as I had been enjoying the book, it could no longer hold my attention. Things this year have been going better so far, so I would like to get back to this trilogy at some point.
The Daevabad Trilogy by S. A. Chakraborty
I’m almost ashamed to admit I haven’t read these books yet. I feel like City of Brass has been talked about everywhere, and it’s always good things. I’m excited to see what all the hype is about.
Captain Hook and the Pirates of Neverland by Melissa Snark
This is a Peter Pan with a twist. Hook is on the side of good, and Peter Pan is actually the bad guy and is murdering the lost boys. Hook is trying to save the lost boys whether they wish to be saved or not. Who doesn’t love the story of Peter Pan. I think this twist will be an interesting twist on the old tale.
