Welcome to Saturday Sips, where we pair a cozy cup of something warm with the books that have recently filled my fantasy-loving heart. This week, I’ve been diving into magical realms, dark curses, and epic journeys. Stories that are perfect for savoring slowly or devouring in a single sitting. Whether you’re in the mood for brooding anti-heroes, enchanted forests, or courtly intrigue, these recent fantasy reads have a little something for every reader looking to escape into the extraordinary.
Book of Night
Holly Black★★★★☆
On this second read of Book of Night, I found myself appreciating Holly Black’s dark, gritty world even more. The magic system rooted in shadow manipulation is still one of the most intriguing elements, and Charlie Hall remains a complex, rough-around-the-edges protagonist worth following. Some pacing issues and dense world-building moments still held me back from a full five stars, but overall, it’s a haunting and imaginative story that holds up well on reread. A solid four stars—again.
★★★☆☆
Extras takes a bold turn from the original trilogy, introducing a new protagonist and a fame-obsessed society that mirrors our own social media culture. While the concept is interesting, the execution didn’t quite land for me. I struggled to connect with the new characters, and even more disappointing was how Westerfeld brought back some of my favorites from earlier books, only to make them sound like jerks. The sharp commentary on popularity and influence was clever, but overall, it felt like a step down from the emotionally rich and thrilling earlier installments.
★★★★☆
Confessor is a wild ride of a finale, ambitious, emotional, and occasionally a little bizarre. The first 70% reads like an unexpected detour into sports fiction, with Richard leading a strange football-style tournament. He even convinces the team to paint their faces and pull a move reminiscent of the "Flying V" from The Mighty Ducks. It’s quirky and oddly compelling, though definitely long-winded. Meanwhile, Kahlan, still without her memories, spends most of the book unsure of who she is, but very sure that Richard is attractive. It’s all a bit chaotic, but the payoff comes in Richard’s powerful end monologue, which echoes loudly in light of current events. A strange but memorable conclusion to the Sword of Truth series.
★★★☆☆
I picked up this sequel as part of my 2024 Goodreads Fantasy Nominees challenge, despite not loving the first book, and unfortunately, the second didn’t change my mind. The world remains whimsical and full of faerie lore, but the pacing felt slow and the characters never fully pulled me in. While Fawcett’s writing has charm, I found it hard to stay invested in the plot or emotionally connect with the story. It’s not a bad book by any means, just not the right fit for me.
★★★★★
The Mercy Makers is a breathtaking tapestry of magic, power, and sacrifice that gripped me from the first page. Tessa Gratton’s prose is lyrical and razor-sharp, weaving a story that feels both mythic and deeply human. The worldbuilding is rich and immersive, filled with gods, queens, and rebels, but it’s the emotional depth of the characters that truly stands out. Every choice carries weight, and the tension between vengeance and compassion pulses through every chapter. Bold, haunting, and beautifully told, this is the kind of fantasy that lingers long after the final page.
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