Top Five Wednesday Archives

Top 5 Books As Special Events

Hello there, it is Wednesday, which means it is time for Top 5 Wednesday. The topic for this week is top 5 books as special events. I have to warn you that I am not very good at events. But, this list is what I imagine a fun special event could potentially be.

5. Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor

I have never finished this trilogy, but from what I remember there was a very interesting atmospheric tone to the first book (I only read the first couple of pages, before deciding to get the trilogy. That’s how good it was). Anyway, the main character designs and draws creatures.

4. The Raven Cycle by Maggie Steifvater

Another very eerie read and it would be a fantastic event. Just setting up a place like Cabeswater or even Blue’s family home would provide ample excitement and interest, I think.

3. Demon’s Lexicon by Sarah Rees Brennan

The magicians and the demon hunters, the market setting can act as great elements to an event. The dancing to summon demons in particular could be so much fun. I imagine the dancers dressing up for it. It’s not every day you summon a demon.

2. The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern

I haven’t read this one yet, but from what I understand, there’s a circus that appears. Now, provided that there are no animals in this circus, I am okay with it being held as an event. It sounds like a fun and charming way to socialize.

1. Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs

The whole atmosphere of a loop day sounds so intriguing. So, on September 3, we live like we’re in 1940. Doesn’t that sound fun? I think also having the dark and lush tone of the story would create a nice scene (well, I have seen the movie. Got the books earlier this year).

T5W: Top 5 Science Fiction and Fantasy Covers

Top 5 Wednesday (T5W) is a Goodreads Group where we discuss topics about books. The link to this awesome place will be included right here. This week, we are discussing our Top 5 Science Fiction and Fantasy Covers. As a genuine attempt to get more excited about the books I have, I want to make this list focused on some of my unread books.

Let’s go!

5. Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children

For some reason, when I first saw this book, I was kind of terrified. I am easily scared, and I don’t like horror. But, I have seen the movie and it was nice. I like the characters, and the fantastical world Riggs creates in these books.

4. The Bone Gap by Laura Ruby

Well. I’ll be honest: I heard this is fantasy/magical realism and that it is charming. So, I got it. But, other than that, I don’t know much about it.

3. A Shadow Bright and Burning by Jessica Cluess

This cover is just love for me. I am fascinated by magic, particularly when set against very high stakes. The Chosen One narrative is one to be messed with, I believe, because, well…why not? It’s about time we start offering stories that test themes we have had for so long in fiction. This book just sounds like fun.

2. Anything Cinda Williams Chima, especially Flamecaster

Have I discussed how, a while ago, Cinda Williams Chima talked to me on Twitter? She was the nicest and most patient person ever, and so I got the courage to gather her books ever since. Much excitement to experience her writing.

1. The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern

This book will kill me. I just know it. It’s kind of daunting, I admit. From what I have heard, there’s different points of view and time lines in the story. And, that scares me, because, yo I am just here to have a good time. But, I am also here to learn new things and experience incredible writing. And, this book is apparently written well. Also: the cover is gorgeous.

Your Turn

What are some of the best covers of fantasy and science fiction books on your TBR? Share them in comments!

T5W: Top 5 Queer Reads

This week’s Top 5 Wednesday (T5W) is about our top 5 queer reads. As always, T5W was created by Lainey from Ginger Reads Lainey, and now it is run by Sam from Thoughts on Tomes. Here’s a link to the group. I have a couple of books with my favorite queer relationships in them, or queer characters in general.

Let’s start.

5. The Darkest Part of the Forest by Holly Black

I don’t remember the brother’s name in this book. But, you know, him. The loveliest surprise is when the magical prince falls for the queer boy. Beautiful story, and it is not about the sexual orientation. Like, no one gives these characters a hard time for being queer.

And that makes me so happy. I look forward to live in a world like that.

4. Carry On by Rainbow Rowell

Enemies to lovers time! I adore the tension between Simon and Baz. It gives me life. I am here for it. Baz, with his cynicism and Simon with his honest fury, are perfect together. Absolutely superb. This is the kind of stuff I wish happened in books often.

In its exploration of “evil,” this book continues to be on my mind. While, yes, great, opposites may attract, I also think of how Simon perceived Baz. It is very reminiscent of some Austen novel. Just the lack of communication, and the grandness of their relationship as it acts as a form of commentary on good, evil, and the chosen ones in stories..

3. Simon Against the Homo Sapiens’ Agenda by Becky Albertalli

I will always hate Martin.

No, seriously, though, I think the whole blackmailing in this novel was heartbreaking. Still, the book has great representation and relationships. Also, Blue is the sweetest and Simon is hilarious. I’d befriend them.

2. Lady Midnight by Cassandra Clare

Mark Blackthorn is just so honest about himself. I think his relationships are complicated. I cannot wait to see what will happen with him in the future. He is definitely a fascinating character, as he adjusts to life in the Shadowhunter community after being with faeries.

1. The Raven Cycle by Maggie Steifvater

I live for Ronan Lynch and Adam Parrish. Both of them led rough lives. While I have yet to start the final book, I am hoping that they can lead happy lives.

T5W: Books that Could Be Fun Video Games

Welcome to another Top 5 Wednesday (T5W). Top 5 Wednesday is a Goodreads group that I will link here. This week’s topic is the top 5 books that could be fun video games. I have not played video games in a very long time, so my knowledge of how they work is pretty flimsy. This is guess work. Hope it is interesting.

5. The Summoner by Taran Matharu

I don’t know too much about this book series; it’s on my TBR pile. But, it involves demon summoning (gasp! I am so excited to read this series). And that just sounds like a fun time.

4. A Darker Shade of Magic series by V.E. Schwab

Clearly, I like this series passionately. I just think there’s so much that can be done as a game based on these books. Collecting messages from various Londons. Or, even tournament between various magic users like in A Gathering of Shadows.

It could be a battle between Holland, Kel, Lila, and Alucard! So many options. Or, we could have the games from Lila’s perspective. Thieving, tricking, stabbing as she makes her way through Kel’s London.

3. Illuminae Files by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff

From what I have seen in the books, it seems like there is some mystery, code chatter, and tech communication. So, maybe it could be like a problem solving type of game. I hope that makes some semblance of sense.

2. The Darkest Part of the Forest by Holly Black

Anything involving talking to Fairies could make a frustrating game. They are tricky. Also: there is music in this book. Perhaps music can be a part of the game.

The Final Empire (Mistborn) by Brandon Sanderson

Heist game fun time! I just adore this book so far. It’s a bit slow, but it is very unique. It could make such a fun game. There is the matter of being a Mistborn as well. You can do the battle thing, but it could also be a quest.

T5W: Top SFF Books on My TBR

For this week’s T5W, we got the awesome topic of listing our top 5 SFF Books on TBR. Basically, T5W is a weekly discussion where we share our top 5. Today, my focus will be on the top science fiction and fantasy novels on my TBR pile.

Because I don’t want to bore you with the same books on my TBR, I decided to try to focus this Top 5 SFF Books on TBR list more on science fiction books on my shelves.

5. American Gods by Neil Gaiman

Surprise! A Gaiman book on my Top 5 SFF Books on my TBR. I have collected a couple of his most well known stuff, and my goal is to slowly ease into his work. I am intimidated by this one a lot. It’s a possibility for Tome Topple. I don’t know a whole lot about it. I know there’s a show/movie/thing about it coming out soon (My information may be completely inaccurate).

4. Steelheart by Brandon Sanderson

Another crucial element in my Top 5 SFF Books on my TBR is Sanderson’s work. I have heard mixed things about this series by Sanderson, but I am eager to pick up his books. I have gotten some of them used over the past year or so (Jolien, your influence is showing). I think I have most of them now. I want to write fantasy one day. And, in order to do that, I feel like I should learn from the master of it all: Mr. Sanderson himself.

3. Illuminae Files by Aime Kaufman and Jay Kristoff

Listen, I don’t read a lot of science fiction. Aware of this, I got the first two books on my birthday last year. I am really excited to read it this year before the final book comes out in the fall. Maybe I’ll ask for the final one on my birthday.

2. The Lunar Chronicles by Marissa Meyer

Come on, I am so behind here. I have to read this series, so I can swoon over the cuteness of the characters. All I know is that Cinder is part? cyborg.

1. Gail Carriger books

Yep, I am interested in steampunk fiction, too! I had been gathering the courage to get into her books for years. I have seen interviews with this lady, and I just adore her. She’s so quirky and fun. I look forward to reading her work.

T5W: Favorite Angsty Romances

Welcome to another T5W. This week’s topic is favorite angsty romances. Before we begin, I have to say that this prompt gives me LIFE. I am all for angst and love, because the FEELS.

Oh hang on. Before I get too excited, let me link the Goodreads group. Top 5 Wednesday is a group where topics are suggested every week of the month on a Wednesday. In them, you list 5 bookish answers relating to the prompt.

Now. Back to the romance and angst combination. I wanted to mention an honorary one before we begin. Elizabeth Bennett and Mr. Darcy, our resident grumpy cat.

ALSO, Hades and Persephone are the most excellent template for romances. I feel like people sometimes take away Persephone’s agency. Dude, she knew the fruit would make her stay. She ate it willingly. Hades is not abusive. He’s just an awkward person.

5. Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte

This is the real OG of angst and relationships. I don’t know if it was my depression and overall emo nature that drew me to the couple in this story, but I loved it. Heathcliffe was complicated and mysterious, angry and moody.

Cathy was equally as moody and spoiled.

I loved their love and the setting was extra brooding. I had to mention this book because it definitely started me on the path towards finding my ultimate trope: darkness and light attracting each other.

4. The Grisha Trilogy by Leigh Bardugo

I feel like the Darkling was misrepresented in this series so far. Anyway, I can already tell that his romance with Alina could have brought out a certain strength in her. I am all about self-discovery. Mal represents a past, and I don’t want Alina going back to pre-sun summoning days. She pushed down her power for him before, and she’ll do it again, I am sure.

3. Winner’s Curse by Marie Rutkowski

Arin and Kestrel are complicated. The politics of their home affects their relationship enormously and the chances for miscommunication are high. Loyalty and honor confuse the interpretation of actions and intentions, too. And, it is wonderful to read such complications.

But, they better end up together.

Dang it.

2.Vampire Academy series by Richelle Mead

Rose and Dimitri are very high up on this list, because their relationship gives me all the feels. I am trying not to give away spoilers, but, you know, things are complicated and angst happens a lot in this relationship.

I loved every second of their tension.

1 . The Mortal Instruments by Cassandra Clare

Any of Cassandra Clare’s ships go through a certain amount of angst. But, here are some of my favorites: Jace/Clary probably went through the most intense angst I have ever encountered. Lots of tension between them.

Another couple that I felt a lot of angst with is Will/Tessa/Jem. They’re my special babies and my love for them knows no bounds.

Finally: Emma/Julian. I want to explain, but it’s all spoilers.

Me: Here’s my heart.

Cassandra Clare: *Stomps on it and sets it on fire*

Me: Can we do that again for two more books?

Your Turn!

Share your top angst-filled ships in the comment section.

T5W: Books You Felt Betrayed By

Welcome to another Top 5 Wednesday (T5W!). Before I get to the exciting stuff, I want to link the Goodreads group here. This week’s topic is the top 5 books that betrayed me.

5. The Hunger Games trilogy by Suzanne Collins

In particular, Mockingjay was not what I was expecting. Katniss had PTSD and it was hard to keep up with her without it being triggering. In fact, I have struggled with this series because I find it rather difficult and uncomfortable. It’s also why I like it so much. But, Mockingjay was just so different and heavy.

4. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

Look, I just feel like Rowling couldn’t decide between the horcruxes and the deathly hallows. Like, what’s the point in introducing this plot line if it was not going to be relevant? Let’s not even discuss the epilogue, which included the worst kid names ever. There’s no need for it.

3. Will Grayson, Will Grayson by John Green and David Levithan

I tried reading David Levithan’s books and I know that he’s just not the author for me. But, man, John Green couldn’t pull off this book at all. I hate Tiny Cooper. And, I felt so betrayed by this book because it could have been nuanced, clever, and funny. It’s just forced and awkward.

2. The Infernal Devices by Cassandra Clare

As a fan of her Mortal Instruments series, I was obviously aware that these books are also going to rock. They didn’t just rock, they blew me away. I seriously can’t even fathom a world with no Jem, Will, or Tessa. I wasn’t betrayed in a bad way. It was awesome kind of betrayal, because I thought the love triangle was going to go one way and it didn’t.

1. The Sweet Far Thing by Libba Bray

The pretty covers of this series, the charm of magic and Victorian times, all didn’t prepare me to the awful finale. While I am all for including LGBT+ in stories, but not as a plot twist. Also, this book is huge and I don’t remember anything in this book other than annoyance on my part.

Your Turn:

Have you read any of these books? Did they (un)pleasantly surprise you? Share your top 5 in the comments!

T5W: Favorite Fantasy Reads

Before I begin, let me link the Goodreads group for T5W. T5W’s topic for this week is top fantasy (and science fiction) reads. Because I have been recently reading again, I don’t have the most awesome answers ever. I am not really well-read (not happy about it. Look at my face, it’s a sad face). But, I’ll try to answer this question with what I do know so far.

5. Carry On by Rainbow Rowell

Oh, you should have known I was going to recommend this fantasy book. Rowell does fantasy well, and she creates a complex world. The characters are charming and fun.

4. The Darkest Part of the Forest by Holly Black

A horned fae prince sleeping in a glass casket. A boy with a talent for music. A female knight. Come on. This is SO good. Holly Black is brilliant and she writes fantastic characters, politics, and humor really well.

3. A Darker Shade of Magic by VE Schwab

I don’t remember a world where I didn’t fangirl about this series. I’m on book 2, and just living for this world. I am enjoying every second of it. Read it for Kell, and Rhy, and magic, and Lila, and HOLLAND.

2. The Girl of Fire and Thorns by Rae Carson

A seemingly ordinary world, until you realize some people are born with something called a Godstone. Starting the next book in the trilogy soon, I hope!

1. The Mortal Instruments by Cassandra Clare

Surprise! (You’re not really surprised, are you?) I just love how Clare balances fantasy with the ordinary. Simon and Clary bring so much realness and depth to this world of Shadowhunters and Idris. I highly recommend this series.

T5W: Fictional Jobs

This is my first time participating in T5Wed (Top 5 Wednesday, but I’m abbreviating to maintain short titles).

Here is a link to the group.

5. Uprooted

I’d like to be the Dragon, please and thank you. I’m not done with this book, but I want to be him or Neishka. Or both. Their job sounds awful and amazing. I’d enjoy it though.

4. Darker Shade of Magic

Kell

Can you imagine traveling between different universes of the same town? Kell, I’d be better at your job, because I wouldn’t steal trinkets. My conscience wouldn’t allow me to do that.
Plus, I get to have a cool coat. Also: Rhy, Holland, and Lila. Enough said.

3. Demon Summoner in Demon’s Lexicon trilogy

What demon summoners do is draw circles, eat this fruit that makes you kind of feverish, and then dance to summon the demons. I like dancing and I am a fan of food. As long as the demons don’t trick me, I should be okay.

2. Lost Boy in Peter Pan

Growing up is overrated. While I am afraid of heights, I’d want to hang out with Peter and the rest of the gang forever. I’d never get sick of them, honestly. Also: I don’t like Wendy Darling. So, my goal would be to tell Peter not to go to her home.

1. Cheshire Cat or anyone in Alice in Wonderland

I would enjoy being a jerk to people visiting my town. It’s the ultimate goal to be clever and charming, all while rhyming. Excellent job to aim for.

5. Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor

4. The Raven Cycle by Maggie Steifvater

3. Demon’s Lexicon by Sarah Rees Brennan

2. The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern

1. Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs

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5. Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children

4. The Bone Gap by Laura Ruby

3. A Shadow Bright and Burning by Jessica Cluess

2. Anything Cinda Williams Chima, especially Flamecaster

1. The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern

Your Turn

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5. The Darkest Part of the Forest by Holly Black

4. Carry On by Rainbow Rowell

3. Simon Against the Homo Sapiens’ Agenda by Becky Albertalli

2. Lady Midnight by Cassandra Clare

1. The Raven Cycle by Maggie Steifvater

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5. The Summoner by Taran Matharu

4. A Darker Shade of Magic series by V.E. Schwab

3. Illuminae Files by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff

2. The Darkest Part of the Forest by Holly Black

The Final Empire (Mistborn) by Brandon Sanderson

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5. American Gods by Neil Gaiman

4. Steelheart by Brandon Sanderson

3. Illuminae Files by Aime Kaufman and Jay Kristoff

2. The Lunar Chronicles by Marissa Meyer

1. Gail Carriger books

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5. Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte

4. The Grisha Trilogy by Leigh Bardugo

3. Winner’s Curse by Marie Rutkowski

2.Vampire Academy series by Richelle Mead

1 . The Mortal Instruments by Cassandra Clare

Your Turn!

Share this:

5. The Hunger Games trilogy by Suzanne Collins

4. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

3. Will Grayson, Will Grayson by John Green and David Levithan

2. The Infernal Devices by Cassandra Clare

1. The Sweet Far Thing by Libba Bray

Your Turn:

Share this:

5. Carry On by Rainbow Rowell

4. The Darkest Part of the Forest by Holly Black

3. A Darker Shade of Magic by VE Schwab

2. The Girl of Fire and Thorns by Rae Carson

1. The Mortal Instruments by Cassandra Clare

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5. Uprooted

4. Darker Shade of Magic

Kell

3. Demon Summoner in Demon’s Lexicon trilogy

2. Lost Boy in Peter Pan

1. Cheshire Cat or anyone in Alice in Wonderland

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