Hi Book Lovers,
In today post, I am going to talk about the backlist titles that I still want to read. These are books that have been on my raider for years, but I haven’t gotten around to reading them. Some of these book might have been hyped at one point and other maybe lesser known. As readers we always want to pick up the latest releases, but tend to forget about the books that were once on are tbrs. I am trying to change that this year, and get to some of my back-list titles.
Snow Like Ashes (Snow Like Ashes #1) by Sara Raasch: I heard about this series from one of my favorite booktubers. It was released in 2014 and is a young adult fantasy novel. I can hear the gasps from here. I normally don’t go for fantasies, but something about this story sounded appealing. Also, I heard the world building in this series was amazing.
Every Last Word by Tamara Ireland Stone: I am a big fan of books that deal with mental health, but I don’t feel that I have read enough in my life. This one deals with the popular girl in school. She seems to have it all together, yet she is hiding her struggles with severe OCD. She gets introduce to a group of mists that all have their own issues and with them she is able to be her true self. This book was published in 2015 and deals with an illness that is talked about much.
Dorothy Must Die (Dorothy Must Die #1) by Danielle Paige: This is another series that was published in 2014 that I have yet to start. Honestly, I haven’t heard that many good things about these books, but the idea behind them is intriguing. Tell me that a YA retilling of the Wizard of Oz where Dorothy has become mad with power doesn’t sound awesome.
Finding Audrey by Sophie Kinsella: This is another 2015 releases that just so happens to have mental health representation. This book seemed to have fallen under the radar for a lot of book lovers, still it has been on my tbr for years. This novel tells the story of a teenage girl who’s controlled by her social anxiety. The book has polarized opinions I’m interested to see where I fall on the scale.
Heartless by Marissa Meyer: Don’t hate me but I haven’t read anything from Marissa Meyer. I know that many people love her Lunar Chronicles series, yet I’ve been fascinated by this book since its 2016 release. This is an Alice and Wonderland retelling about the Queen of Hearts, and her life before becoming queen. I don’t know why villain origin stories interest me, but the only reason I can come up with is that I was Team Regina during the series Once Upon A Time.
Frostblood (Frostblood Saga #1) by Elly Blake: I am going to admit that I barely no anything about this 2017 release. The two things I do know are that it sounded awesome back in the day, and the author is possible Canadian. Heard about this book from one of my Booktube favorites, Hailey LeBlanc (Hailey in Bookland). I believe she enjoyed this series and recommended it, so I added it to my want to read list.
To Kill A Kingdom by Alexandra Christo: Yes, I technically dnf this book, but I didn’t put it down forever. At the time of it’s releases, in 2018, I was in a huge reading slump and pretty much dnf all my current reads this being one of them. I always intended to pick it up again, but haven’t been feeling it. I did enjoy what I had read and the concept is cool. It is a fantasy romance about a Prince and Siren. It marketed as a “Little Mermaid” retelling, yet don’t go into thinking it is a retelling but more of a re-imagining.
Slayer (Slayer #1) by Kiersten White: This was a 2019 release that I was very excited about! It is a Buffy the Vampire Slayer story where new slayer, Nina, is chosen. I have watched all seven seasons of Buffy, and though I wasn’t a die heart fan I am curious to see a new take on the story. Also, I am a bookworm, so I am happy we get a book version of the show.
This list seems extremely long to me, and gives me slight anxiety. It was cool to take a minute to talk about some older books I need to read. I would love it if you let me know of any back-list titles that you still haven’t gotten around too. Don’t forget to like and share this post with all your bookish friends. Please follow the blog to get notified when I post.
Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny
The Everything I Have Lost by Sylvia Zeleny (May 11th): This is a coming-of-age young adult story about 12-year-old Julia who is struggling to deal with life in Juarez, Mexico and her fathers sudden disappearance. Zeleny is a bilingual author from Mexico, and I love it when others can write from personal experience. Also, I thought that this story was different from traditional YA novels, since the lead is younger and just beginning her teen years. This is sure to be a very emotional story.
A Chorus Rises: A Song Below Water by Bethany C. Morrow (June 01st): The story follows a teen influencer that has the perfect life. She posses fame, beauty and is a Eloko. This means that she has a melody that nobody can resit. However, her life takes a turn for the worse when she gets canceled for exposing a Siren to the world. I love the mix of contemporary and fantasy in a very unique way. I haven’t read a lot of magical realism, so I am looking forward to try a new genre.
The Stars of Whistling Ridge by Cindy Baldwin (June 15th): A middle grade novel about magic, a curse town and finding a place to call home. I have never been drawn to middle grade stories, but this one sounded adorable. Honestly, I feel like this could be the plot of a Disney movie. I just know that it is going to take me on a magical journey, and tug at my heartstrings.
They are best known for their Lady Janies series that contained of three book each a retelling of a fame Jane (Lady Jane Grey, Jane Eyre and Calamity Jane). In this new series of books we will be following Marys starting with Mary is the queen of Scots. I have only read the first book in the Janies series, My Lady Jane. However, I absolutely loved it. I was very happy to get this ARCs since this story takes place in the same world as My Lady Jane.
Cheer Up: Love and Pompoms by Crystal Frasier (Aug 10th): This is a graphic novel that deals with social pressure, friendship and cheerleading with trans and queer representation. I am not a huge graphic novel fan, but I think that this will be a new favorite of mine. Truth be told, I am a total fangirl for cheerleading stories. I have seen all the Bring It On films and was obsessed with the short-lived Hellcats series. Also, you know I love me some diverse characters.
The Endless Skies by Shannon Price (Aug 17): An epic fantasy about a hidden city home of the Leonodai warriors. Seventeen-year-old Rowan is ready to become a Leonodai until a deadly disease plagues the city’s children. Soon Rowan discovers secrets that could change her future and everything she once dreamed. I have made it no secret that I don’t read a lot of fantasy. Although, I was very intrigued by not only the plot, but that this was a standalone. This book gives me classic YA fantasy book feels, which I am loving. As well, as the fact that I don’t have to worry about adding another series to my tbr.
Twilight by Stephenie Meyers: Me and my husband started the audiobook about a month back, and I ready to dive into this once popular series. I have seen all the movies, but my husband isn’t a Twiheart. Most of you are probably aware of the plot, still I will give you the shortened version. This is the story of what happens when a human girl falls in love with a vampire boy, and all the must overcome to be together.
The Project by Courtney Summers: I decided to pick this up on a whim since I have heard nothing but good things about Summers books. She writes YA/new adult mystery thrillers with her most notable being Sadie. The Project follows a nineteen-year-old girl as she tries to uncover the truth about “The Unity Project” a religious group that many see as a cult. She knows that the project isn’t as holism as they seem, and believe they are the reason behind her strained relationship with her older sister.
Conceal, Don’t Feel by Jen Calonta: I have wanted to read this for a while not, and I was finally able to get my hands on a copy from the library. This is part of The Twisted Tales book series, which are middle-grade Disney retellings. This is Frozen retelling we see what would happen if Anna and Elsa never knew each other. I am not a huge Frozen fan, but I do think that this could be a fun read.
10 Truths And A Dare by Ashley Elston: I read “10 Blind Dates” from this author, and loved it! I knew that I had to pick up her next YA contemporary as soon as it came out. The plot follows Olivia, a character from “10 Blind Dates,” as she finds out she might not get to graduate with her senior class after all. These books are usually light, fluffy reads that I cannot get enough of.
You’re Not Special by Meghan Rienks: I started this book a while ago, and ready to finish it. It is a collection of memoir type stories by YouTuber Meghan Rienks. I was never an avid watcher of Meghan’s channel, but I thought it would be an interesting read.
Snow In Love by Various Authors: I am a big fan of YA story collections, so I was happy to pick this up back in January. However, I have yet to make a dent in it, and it is already May. I am enjoying the first story thus far, and would love to have it read by the end of the month. Also, I don’t mind a little holiday spirit anytime of year.
Twilight by Stephanie Meyers: My husband and I started the audiobook at the beginning of March. I was using this for the 
10 Truths And A Dare by Ashley Elston: I was using this for the Tis The Damn Readathon as well. I believe it was for the “5 Star Prediction” prompt. I got approved for the arc on Netgalley, and have been reading the e-book. I am enjoying it a lot, but just haven’t had a lot of time to dedicate to it. I really want to dive more into it, because I enjoy Ashley Elston’s writing.
The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill: This is a middle grade book about a witch and a human girl she raised from a baby after giving her magical powers. Honestly, I don’t know much about it besides it being a favorite among readers. I tried starting it once before and didn’t get very far into it. I am hoping I will actually finish it this time around. I don’t think I read enough last time to form any distinct thoughts.
If I’m Being Honest by Austin Siegemund-Broka and Emily Wibberley: I have no idea why, but this book as been on my radar recently. I have read one other book by this duo before and didn’t love it, still this one seems more up my alley. It is supposed to give you that teen rom-com feel. I don’t know much about it except that it is about a high-school girl who is known as a b*tch, so she tries to change her image to get a guy. Although, I could be completely wrong.
There’s Someone Inside Your House by Stephanie Perkins: In 2018, I dnf this book because I couldn’t get into it. The writing felt off and the plot was slow-moving. Nevertheless, I am in the mood for a thriller and I here that Netflix is turning this into a film. I decided I would give the book a second chance before the movie adaption is released. From what I have gathered about the plot it is like The CW version of the Scream movies. If that makes any sense at all.
My Plain Jane by Brodi Ashton, Cynthia Hand, and Jodi Meadows: I love this trio of authors. I read their first collaboration “My Lady Jane,” and to my surprise I loved it. I don’t know anything about this book, but I have heard that it is a Jane Eyre retelling. I am not familiar with the original story, still I am looking forward to reading their take on it.
Bookish and the Beast by Ashley Poston: I have been on a Once Upon a Con kick lately. I am excited to finish this series of companion novels. I have a review up on the first book 
The Unexpected Everything by Morgan Matson: This will be my first Matson read. Yep, it is shocking that someone who loves contemporaries I haven’t read any of her books. Once again, I have no clue what the book is about just that it is a contemporary following a girl and I think she somehow becomes a dog walker. I really have no idea.
I thought it would be fun to let you know how my reading has been going. Also, I thought I would throw in what I have been watching and listening too lately. I plan to do this type of post each month, so I hope you guys like it.
Blood Heir by Amélie Wen Zhao: This trilogy is about Anastacya Mikhailov, a crown princess, who has the ability to control blood, a power she has kept secret for years. However, her lifes turns upside down when she becomes the prime suspect in her father’s murder. She must turn to a crime lord, Ramson Quicktongue, to help clear her name.
Little Women by Louisa May Alcott: This is the story of the March sisters Meg, Jo, Beth and Amy. We follow the girls as they grow-up, fall in love and face tragedy. I don’t think this book needs much of a description since it is a classic and has had countless movie adaptions released. I am a big fan of the Little Women story and movies, but I have never read the actually novel. I am not the biggest classic books fan, yet I hope to get to this one. I am giving myself a break if I don’t complete the book by the end of the year, still I would like to have started it.
House of Salt and Sorrows by Erin A. Craig: This is a dark retelling of the twelve dancing princess. The main character, Annaleigh, grows suspensions when four of her sisters lives are tragically cut short. Each of their deaths written off as an accident and the villagers think that the family is cursed. Once Annaleigh meets a mysterious stranger she decides to uncover the truths about these death before her life is taken as well.
Girls of Paper and Fire by Natasha Ngan: This trilogy follows Lei chosen as one of the king’s Paper Girls. Each year, 8 girls are selected to serve the king, but this year is different because there is a ninth girl, made of fire. This series is all about secrets, revenge and forbidden love.
Kasie West: I have been a fan of hers for the last few years and usually love all her books. She has quickly become one of my favorite YA contemporary authors to read. I know for some people her books fall short, but for me they are fast, lighthearted reads that I enjoy. I have read three of her books, yet there are so many more that I haven’t had a chance to get too. I would love to pick up some of her older titles this year. She is mostly known for her contemporaries, but she does have a fantasy duology out that I am interested in reading. I am not sure how many of her books I will be able to get to by the end of the year, still I am going to try to catch up on her works.
Jenn Bennett: This is another author I am hoping to get to in 2021. As you probably know by now my love for contemporaries run deep, and people rave about Jenn Bennett’s contemporaries. I am a slightly nervous to read one of her book, because she gives me Sarah Dessen vibes, which is an author I don’t typically enjoy. However, people tend to hype up her books so I am going to try to give her a chance. I am unsure of what book I will read by her, yet I was leaning towards “Serious Moonlight” since it is a contemporary with a mystery element to it. I would love suggestions from other readers about which of her books I should pick up first.