Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly blog meme hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl. This week’s prompt was actually to list ten books I’m No Longer Interested in Reading, but I do the Down the TBR Hole posts every Sunday, so that felt a little bit redundant. Instead, I decided to highlight ten books I almost didn’t read – and what I thought of them in the end!
Click the book’s title for a link to my review!
1. A Darker Shade of Magic — V. E. Schwab
I know, shocking, but I actually didn’t think the synopsis interested me that much… until I started reading it, and was sucked in within, uh, 3 pages?
FINAL RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
2. The Bone Season — Samantha Shannon
The plot didn’t sound too interesting to begin with, and then, right before I picked it up, a few friends told me they had hated it, so I was feeling very skeptical. The first 75 pages or so didn’t interest me, but then I was so hooked I stayed up until 5am reading it, two nights in a row.
FINAL RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
3. The Hearts We Sold — Emily Lloyd-Jones
I had the chance to get an eARC of this one, but passed it up because I thought it was going to be some vaguely boring contemporary story. When I received it in an Owlcrate box, I somewhat reluctantly decided to read it, but holy hell, did I fall in love. Now, I want to read everything Emily writes, forever. <3
FINAL RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
4. 27 Hours — Tristina Wright
I was actually really interested in the idea of this super queer, super diverse sci-fi story, and was ecstatic when I received my ARC, but the controversy surrounding the author’s treatment of POC individuals was so bad that I almost didn’t read it just to avoid getting sucked in. I ended up mostly liking the book, but as time progressed, I realized the writing was actually incredibly subpar, and now that she’s been outed as a sexual abuser, well…
FINAL RATING: ⭐
5. Nice Try, Jane Sinner — Lianne Oelke
I heard so many negative reviews after receiving an ARC of this one that I kept putting it off, and I’m ashamed to admit (seeing as it was an ARC) that I had no interest at all in reading it. That said, this book totally taught me to stop reading negative reviews of ARCs I haven’t read yet, because I really enjoyed it.
FINAL RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
6. One of Us is Lying — Karen McManus
I swore I wasn’t going to read this book. I read the description, I read a short excerpt of an ARC, and I thought, “Nope, not interested. At all.” But then it won a Life & Lit BOTM poll, so I felt like I should finally give it a try. I definitely should have listened to my gut, because my review rips this book to pieces.
FINAL RATING: ⭐⭐
7. Flame in the Mist — Renee Ahdieh
I requested Flame on NetGalley, but by the time it released, my review was still pending and I had realized I wasn’t all that interested in reading it. Naturally, the same day I finally removed it from my Goodreads TBR shelf, I was given a late ARC approval. It was okay – not good enough to say I enjoyed it much, but interesting enough to kind of want to read the sequel?
FINAL RATING: ⭐⭐⭐
8. Uzumaki: Spiral Into Horror — Junji Ito
I had formerly read one of the 6 manga that make up the full story of Uzumaki, and was thoroughly unimpressed, but when I saw the full collection bind-up at the library, I reluctantly decided to give it another try… I still wasn’t a big fan, but I have to say, it was certainly unique.
FINAL RATING: ⭐⭐⭐
9. Stalking Jack the Ripper — Kerri Maniscalco
I’m not sure why I wasn’t sold on this series, but I think, honestly, it might’ve been subconscious bias regarding the publishing imprint, because I’m not a fan at all of James Patterson’s work, and I thought this would be too similar? That said, I finally caved and have ended up adoring this series. <3
FINAL RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
10. Wonder Woman: Warbringer — Leigh Bardugo
I’m not a big fan of superhero books, and I’ve never been a fan of WW at all – I don’t actively dislike her, but I was raised on a lot of heroes and she was simply never one of them. I finally agreed to pick this one up because my friend Julie loved it so much, and though it dragged a little in the beginning, by the end of it? I was so glad I read it!
FINAL RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
What was the last book that surprised you (in a good or bad way)?
Kay Wisteria
February 20, 2018Nice take on the prompt! I really want to read Stalking Jack the Ripper
Destiny @ Howling Libraries
February 20, 2018Thank you, Kay! It was such a fun read, and the second book is even better – but be warned, it gets a little bit gruesome at times! 🙂
Kelly | Another Book in the Wall
February 20, 2018I’m sad to see you didn’t like One of Us is Lying or Flame in the Mist too much! I have high expectations for those! In addition to those two, I need to read Stalking Jack the Ripper and a Darker Shade of Magic!
Destiny @ Howling Libraries
February 20, 2018I hope you like them more than I did! ??
Plot Monster
February 20, 2018Loved Stalking Jack the Ripper and Wonder Woman: Warbringer. So glad you read them and enjoyed them so much. 🙂
Destiny @ Howling Libraries
February 20, 2018They’re so good! I’m so glad you enjoyed them, too ☺️
ChrissiReads
February 20, 2018I can totally understand what you mean about One Of Us Is Lying! Not my favourite book at all. I feel it was a little hyped!
Destiny @ Howling Libraries
February 20, 2018Yes, for sure! I honestly was shocked when I read it. It was so different from what most people were hyping it up to be, IMO.
everythingalyce
February 20, 2018I haven’t read any of your choices, but I’ve been hoping to read ADSOM and The Bone Season. Sometimes I find it difficult to get into a new fantasy world, though… It’s going to take me a while, but I’m going to stop putting these off eventually!
You can find my Top Ten Tuesday here.
Destiny @ Howling Libraries
February 21, 2018That’s understandable! I hope you do get the chance to check them out soon, though!
Annemieke
February 20, 2018I liked 27 Hours but removed my rating last week for the reason you mentioned. 🙁 Flame in the Mist was a miss for me in a way that I am not interested in the sequel.
Destiny @ Howling Libraries
February 21, 2018Yikes! 🙁 Yeah… what a mess. The way she reacted to the whole thing made it all so much worse, too. And I can definitely understand that. I don’t think I’ll request an ARC of the sequel, but I’m gonna keep an eye out for reviews and see what the general consensus is before I read it.
Holly
February 20, 2018Love your twist on this week’s topic! Also, glad to hear that you enjoyed The Bone Season– it’s one of those books that’s been on my TBR for quite some time but I’ve just never gotten around to actually reading it 🙂
Destiny @ Howling Libraries
February 21, 2018Thank you, Holly! 🙂 Oh yes, it was honestly REALLY good. Very captivating once the action starts! I’m hoping to continue the series soon.
Alienor
February 20, 2018I really loved A Darker Shade of Magic too – VE Schwab’s writing is just so engrossing, you know? I wasn’t sure I’d like either and I had heard it was slow but wow, it was a great surprise! I was interested in 27 Hours at first but then the reviews concerning her treatment of POC and colonization came and as you said, now… just nope.
Destiny @ Howling Libraries
February 21, 2018Her writing is really lovely! I honestly can’t wait to read more by her. A friend of mine and I are planning to buddy read the second and third books in a couple of months and I’m so looking forward to it. 🙂
And yes, 27 Hours is… a mess. I would just stay far away, lol!
Kelly | Kelly's Rambles
February 20, 2018I had to go back and reread your initial blurb and title about 5 times before it settled in that you weren’t doing the original prompt – my heart nearly stopped when I saw A Darker Shade of Magic on your list! Haha. I LOVED that series SO much, have you read the other books yet?
I’ve read quite a few of these titles and really enjoyed them. A couple that are still on my TBR are The Bone Season and Stalking Jack the Ripper, so I’m glad to see you loved them!
Here’s my TTT.
Destiny @ Howling Libraries
February 21, 2018Bahaha, I’m sorry! I always try to give a little heads-up for what I’m doing when I change the topic around, but I think maybe I should start putting it in bold if I’m changing it up a LOT like I did this week, haha. I haven’t finished the series yet, but I’m planning to this spring/summer and I’m very excited!
Kelly | Kelly's Rambles
February 21, 2018I was like ‘NO, it’s not possible that Schwab is being kicked off a TBR’ :’) hope you enjoy, they are incredible!
Carmen
February 20, 2018I loved Wonder Woman! I think Leigh Bardugo did a terrific job with the story and characters. I`ve yet to read A Darker Shade of Magic, but I`ll pick it up soon.
Carmen`s Reading Corner
camillesbookishadventures
February 20, 2018Uzumaki has to been one of the weirdest things I’ve ever read. I’m not sure I finished the whole series now, but I can’t forget it.
Destiny @ Howling Libraries
February 21, 2018It really is so bizarre! I honestly never had a clue what to expect from the next chapter, right up to the end. I will say that the ending lost me a bit, though, but I’d like to check out more of the author’s work someday.
Barb (boxermommyreads)
February 20, 2018I have The Hearts We Sold on my dining room table right now (from the library) and I’m so excited to see it mentioned here. I MUST make time for it then.
Destiny @ Howling Libraries
February 21, 2018That’s awesome! I really hope you like it. I thought it was a very quick and addicting read!
Emily @ Mixed Margins
February 20, 2018Love your spin on this week’s topic, and I’m glad that most of these ended up okay for you! I’m especially glad for Flame in the Mist because I’ve been looking forward to getting to that one. I have Wonder Woman on my list this week, but I’ve seen quite a few people praise it today so maybe I’ll reconsider…
Destiny @ Howling Libraries
February 21, 2018Thank you, Emily! 🙂 I hope that you like Flame in the Mist, and I do hope you give WW:W a chance. It took several chapters for me to get into it, but once I did, it was really a fun read!
anovelglimpse
February 20, 2018That’s a bummer you didn’t like One of Us Is Lying. I loved that one.
Destiny @ Howling Libraries
February 21, 2018Yeah, unfortunately it definitely wasn’t for me! I’m so glad you liked it, though! <3
Astilbe
February 20, 2018I wasn’t a fan of Wonder Woman until fairly recently myself. I’m glad you liked that book about her.
Here is our Top Ten Tuesday.
Destiny @ Howling Libraries
February 21, 2018I definitely did and now I want to learn more about her! 🙂
Kay
February 20, 2018Yes, sometimes we should go with our first instinct. Of your list of books, the only one I’ve read was One of Us Is Lying, which I liked, but which would not have been a good match for everyone. Happily, there are lots of others around, right?
Destiny @ Howling Libraries
February 21, 2018Very true! It takes all kinds of readers to make the book-world go ’round. 😉
Louise ?
February 20, 2018I really want to read Uzumaki but at the same time I’m not sure if I’m brave enough for it because the furthest I’ve gone into Japanese horror is the original Godzilla movie from the 50’s ? But I do really want to see if Junji Ito is really that big of a deal because he’s so celebrated.
Destiny @ Howling Libraries
February 21, 2018Oh, wow! I loved the original Godzilla as a kid, haha! Uzumaki is definitely much more “horror” than Godzilla. To me, personally, it was less “scary” and more “grotesque”, so I’d say just don’t go into it with a weak stomach, hah!
Jenni Elyse™️ (@jenni_elyse)
February 20, 2018I love your take on this week’s topic. I really want to read Stalking Jack the Ripper. I have been fascinated with him since I was a teen and this book just sounds right up my alley.
My TTT Post
Destiny @ Howling Libraries
February 21, 2018Thank you, Jenni! It was such a fun read – not the best writing I’ve ever read, but still enjoyable and her writing improved exponentially by the time she wrote the second book, so as far as I’m concerned, book 2 is practically perfection. 🙂
Angelized1st
February 20, 2018I loved A Darker Shade of Magic! I read it just last year. A great book!
Destiny @ Howling Libraries
February 21, 2018It really is such a great read! I can’t wait to continue the series!
flippingthruthepages
February 20, 2018Oh wow, there are so many books on your list that I want to read too and I am glad you didn’t leave them unread 😛 I am going to read Wonder Woman soon, and maybe ADSOM series?
My TTT: http://flippingthruthepages.com/2018/02/ten-books-want-read-beautiful-covers-featuring-black-women/
Destiny @ Howling Libraries
February 21, 2018I hope you enjoy WW:W and the Shades of Magic series! I’m hoping to finish that one this spring/summer and can’t wait. 🙂
flippingthruthepages
February 21, 2018I hope so too as I loved the Wonder Woman movie ? I hope you finish that series soon ?
Ellyn
February 21, 2018Wow, okay your little speel on 2 Hours was really enlightening! I had no idea the author had been named a sexual abuser. I feel even worse for having an arc now.
Destiny @ Howling Libraries
February 23, 2018Aww, don’t feel bad! I think a lot of us got blindsided by that one. I know I did. ?
Ellyn
February 25, 2018Do you recommend me still giving it a read now that I do have the background info, especially since I have an arc off Netgalley?
Destiny @ Howling Libraries
February 27, 2018Oh, man, that’s… honestly a tough one to answer. I mean, on the one hand, I try to review all of my ARCs, but on the other hand, she really messed up and I don’t know if I would read it, in your position. Especially since her writing is honestly just “meh” at best.
Okay, full disclosure, IF you decide you don’t want to read it, but you don’t want it hurting your Netgalley ratio? I would just fill out the “send feedback” option (not the review section where you have to put a star rating), and I would put, in the note to the publisher, why you aren’t comfortable with reading her work. The publisher for that one is EntangledTeen, and they are a really lovely group of people (LOVE working with them!) and they’ve actually dropped her from their imprint entirely, so if you send them a note, I am 100% convinced that they will not hold it against you on this particular title.
Whatever you do decide, your choice is totally valid and I support you! <3
Sumedha
February 21, 2018I’m so glad you didn’t leave ADSOM because if you did, I would have totally screamed at you until you read it. The trilogy is one of the best I read last year and I’m still not over it.
Destiny @ Howling Libraries
February 23, 2018Hahaha I can’t blame you though! It’s so good. I can’t imagine having just left it off of my TBR now that I’ve read it!
emmareadstoomuch
February 24, 2018you liked the books i have on my tbr (wonder woman and stalking jack the ripper) and that’s all i wanted to hear
Destiny @ Howling Libraries
February 27, 2018Dude I honestly love SJTR so, so much. I mean, the first book is NOT the greatest writing ever, but it is fun, and the second book is just… perfection?? Like, literal perfection IMO.