Happy Saturday and welcome to day six – the final day – of the Five Fall Favorites blog party!
You can find all of the information about Five Fall Favorites by reading my first post this week (click HERE), or by going to our wonderful host, Kate Willis’s, site (click HERE).
For a quick recap, every day this week, a group of bloggers (me included) are sharing our five favorite books in a variety of prompts – the goal being for us all to enjoy great new reads and cozy fall vibes!
This year’s theme is all about books that remind us of the Fruits of the Spirit, such as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, faithfulness, and so on! There’s been a little variation of those fruits between bloggers each day (since there are more fruits than days in the week and we can pick and choose), so hopefully you’ve found plenty of options to add to your TBR!
It’s hard to believe that we’re already on our very last day… it’s flown by! Let’s make the most of some last-minute reads.
Today’s prompt features my favorite reads in the past year!
Technically a couple of these aren’t from 2024, but I read them since the last Five Fall Favorites so I’m going to count them. There have been so many great books in the last year, so it’s hard to narrow down just five! The books below held my full attention, were hard to put down, and left an impression on me. I hope you find some great recommendations!
Let’s dive in!
(I’ve reviewed many of these in more depth on Goodreads, so if you’re interested in reading my thoughts – or just other reviews in general – you can find the Goodreads link under each book, or by clicking on the book’s title).
The Nightmare Virus
Author: Nadine Brandes
Genre: Christian Science Fiction Dystopian
Target Audience: YA (Young Adult)
What Stuck Out to Me: I’ve read and loved all of Nadine’s books at this point and was even blessed to meet her and get a signed ARC copy of this one. It’s another favorite! It’s so different than the rest of her books in genre, but so similar in themes and tone.
The protagonist is my favorite – so real and layered. I enjoyed the story from his perspective and felt like I could both relate to and empathize with him. He’s strong but compassionate, rough around the edges but good at heart. I loved that he’s older too – more college-aged than teenager. His character change was powerful! The side characters were very well-written as well, all with their own goals, fears, and motivations.
And the action and suspense…top tier! I was legitimately not expecting some of the plot twists and I enjoyed the Christian elements that were woven in as well. The entire premise of this book, and the worlds that Nadine created, are very vivid and unique. I could picture them well, and it’s a super fun and terrifying idea. I was sucked in from the very first page. The hints of romance were cute, but in no way annoying or distracting, which I appreciated. I loved this and would love to read more in this story world!
Tricky Content: Hand-holding and one kiss on the cheek, mention of a child trafficker, cannibals, and a character killing himself in the dreamscape (but isn’t really dead), fantasy creatures (dragons, chimera, etc.), tension and suspense, murder, mild descriptions of blood and wounds, fighting, violence (throat slit, skull pierced, a character is stoned, character is eaten whole by snake), grief and loss, depression, the protagonist struggles with his relationship with God, and references to a character that died from cancer.
I’d Recommend It To: Readers that enjoy twisting dystopian/fantasy stories with high stakes and action, intrigue and mystery, vivid and unique worlds, and heartfelt Christian themes and messages!
Here’s the link to add it on Goodreads!
The Twelve Kingdoms
Author: Dana A. Caldwell
Genre: Epic Fantasy
Target Audience: Young Adults and above
What Stuck Out to Me: First, THAT COVER. So gorgeous! And there’s SO MUCH to this book. The lands described are expansive, the types of creatures are a mixture of twisted classic fantasy creatures with some unique ones, the magic system is well-developed and intricate, and it felt like diving into a new realm.
The characters were my favorites, as each one felt so developed and real. The POV protagonist was incredibly strong with everything she’s been through, and her growth was inspiring. I loved that she wasn’t your classic “strong female character”.
The other main character was my very favorite. He too was incredibly strong, always the encouraging, steady rock. Their affections were perfectly slow-burn to me. And The rest of the side characters each had a life and personality of their own. I enjoyed watching them twist and weave through the story.
Also, I won’t say much, but wow did the ending get tense. The villain is absolutely terrifying, and I can honestly say I wasn’t expecting about three of those last major plot twists. Once I reached the last few chapters, I couldn’t put it down until I’d read to the end. Very well-done.
I have no real critiques regarding this story! I was pulled in from the very start, the writing style was beautiful and immersive, the world was huge and vivid, the magic was clever, and the plot is intriguing, mysterious, and exciting. I’m really looking forward to the next installments in this series! If it sounds good to you, definitely give it a try – you may just find a new favorite too!
Tricky Content: Several brief kisses, hugs, frequent usage of made-up fantasy curses/swears, frequent vivid nightmares, frequent mentions of blood and semi-descriptive mentions of gore and wounds, battles/war violence, death and loss, grief, mental health struggles (one reference to wondering why she couldn’t have just died), constant danger, betrayal, brutal deaths (decapitation, hanging, beaten, “torn apart”), extensive magic system with spells, totems, staffs, charms, and curses, references to human sacrifice and stealing blood, “drugging” with herbs, mentions of alcohol and drinking on a pirate ship, theft/shoplifting by main characters.
I’d Recommend It To: Anyone who enjoys epic fantasies, especially if you love adventure journeys, slow-burn (clean!) romance, intrigue and action, fun side characters, terrifying villains, and powerful themes.
Here’s the link to add it on Goodreads!
Wayfarer
Author: K. M. Weiland
Genre: Historical Gaslamp Fantasy
Target Audience: YA and above
What Stuck Out to Me: I listened to the Sargent Family Productions dramatized version of this book and it was incredible! Despite the long length, I didn’t want to stop listening, and it held my interest from the start. The premise is very unique and the settings are vivid. I don’t read many books set in 18th Century England!
As usual, the characters were my favorite! Each one felt very real and nuanced, with actions and motivations I couldn’t predict. The main character’s coming to grips with his abilities and purpose was powerful, and the side characters (one young one in particular…) were so fun and interesting. The slow-burn romance was clean and satisfying. I was rooting for the love interests.
I also really admired the prominent themes like purpose, truth, that ends don’t always justify means, and sacrifice. The things that the characters gave up for one another, even in times that they weren’t getting along, was wholesome and inspiring. My absolute favorite was the brother-sister relationship between two of the main characters. I haven’t read of many young, feisty characters in books like these, and I loved it! Overall, this is a solid read, and as long as you don’t mind some flowery prose, the story is impactful.
Tricky Content: Fighting, some blood and injuries, death and loss, characters gets a stake through the hand, one clean kiss scene, young characters are abused, unsavory characters in certain parts of the city, danger, betrayal, emotional distress, a magical system (no spells, but special abilities).
I’d Recommend It To: Readers that enjoy unique historical settings, superhero stories with a twist, fun and quirky characters and deep, meaningful themes. Bonus points if you listen to the audio version HERE!
Here’s the link to add it on Goodreads!
Writing Killer Cover Copy
Author: Elana Johnson
Genre: Non-fiction for authors
Target Audience: Indie authors (fiction & non-fiction)
What Stuck Out to Me: Not to be dramatic, but I’ve always detested writing cover copy (synopses, blurbs, etc.). It doesn’t come naturally to me and always takes me so long to come up with something decent. This book has been a huge help!
I appreciated how the author broke down the process into small and manageable bites, explaining each one. I enjoyed the examples she gave, and that she reiterates the importance of research and studying comparative blurbs for well-performing novels in our genres. It’s a short, but info-packed and motivating little book.
I sped through this book in one sitting, and have been revisiting each chapter as I go through my books, rewriting their taglines and blurbs. It’s been extremely helpful to have some kind of guide to get me into that synopsis-writing flow. If you’re an author who struggles with cover copy as much as I do, I definitely recommend checking this one out!
Tricky Content: None to note, although I would have loved for this to be longer, with more examples!
I’d Recommend It To: Authors (indie authors especially) who want help in writing stronger cover copy (blurbs, synopses, taglines, etc.) for their books and improving their marketing in the process!
Here’s the link to add it on Goodreads!
The Screwtape Letters
Author: C. S. Lewis
Genre: Christian Fantasy
Target Audience: Teens and older
What Stuck Out to Me: I’ve only read this book through once but it’s stuck with me (and I want to read it again soon). What a powerful, thought-provoking, and often uncomfortable collection of truths disguised in satire. Lewis’ words are deep.
These letters, written by an “experienced demon” to a new one wondering the best ways to corrupt Christians, are entertaining to read, witty and short. But the truths that they hold, detailing many of the traps we can fall into as Christians in a fallen world, is eye-opening. I was very convicted reading this, and I find myself noticing Satan’s attacks amidst my daily life, thinking, “oh, this is like Screwtape said.”
I’ve seen this book be criticized for being too dark, and even Lewis said this was the most uncomfortable book of his to write. I can see why! Writing from the perspective of a God and Christian hating demon must have been incredibly difficult, but I see how the Lord was working through his writings, and I’m glad we have this available to us. It’s full of fresh reminders on what to avoid, what to strive for, and what to be aware of as believers under attack. If you read it with prayer and discretion, I think it’s a valuable tool.
Tricky Content: Unreliable narrator (the letters are written from a “devil/demon”). He details many plots and ploys that the Devil uses against Christians and it can leave a bad taste in your mind. I know that if I’m not careful, I can become depressed thinking about it, until I remind myself that Jesus conquers all.
I’d Recommend It To: Christians that want to think, to be reminded of the many ways spiritual attacks can happen, and to ingest powerful truths through satire, wit, and biblical messages.
Here’s the link to add it on Goodreads!
We’ve come to the end of the 2024 Five Fall Favorites blog party! What are some of your favorite books from the past year? Have you read any of the ones I mentioned? If so, what did you think? I’d love to find out!
I can’t believe how quickly this has gone… As always, I really enjoyed it! My TBR is overflowing now (as if it wasn’t beforehand too, haha) and I just want to have a reading spree now. Thank you so much for being here, reading my recommendations, and supporting this event. It’s such a special way to usher in cozy fall vibes, and I’m so glad it’s continued so many years! I’m already looking forward to next year.
Don’t forget to check out Kate’s host blog here one last time for extra information, even more book recommendations, and for your final chance to enter the special giveaway! This is the perfect chance to look back through blogs you may have missed and gather some final recommendations. A major thank-you to Kate for hosting this lovely event again!
And once more, thank you for being here. You’re a joy, and I hope your TBR is as stuffed as mine now!
Happy reading!
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These have been so fun to read 😀 <3
(Ooh, so even more excited about Nightmare Virus now….)
Oh, dear, I must read Writing Killer Cover Copy now. 😉 I’ve been putting off writing the blurb for my next book because I hate doing it so much, lol.
Haha, I can absolutely relate 😉 If you do read it, I hope it helps you like it helped me!!
Thank you for your lovely posts, Bella! I must add Writing Killer Cover Copy to my TBR… and Wayfair looks intriguing…. xD
Aw, I’m glad you enjoyed them, friend! <33 Thank you for reading and sharing your thoughts!! Haha, Wayfarer is certainly that!