Awards
Wool is single-handedly the best politically dystopian book I have ever read, as well as #2 best book I have ever read. Howey masterfully extricates critical thought from the reader, not even mentioning some really deep aspects of what a political situation might fully manifest, causing the reader to add their own reasons they generated implied from this epic presentation of situations to more obvious reasons explicitly stated as an ever-present apex of human analysis in Wool. Consider satire -- presented simply and relatively easy to understand. Even slightly comical. But when analyzed and context is applied, it becomes a powerful tool, causing the reader to read in reverence at the wisdom of the author. Although not satire, Wool certainly gave me reverence toward Hugh Howey. If I were to see him walking down the street, a great effort would be made on my part to engage in conversation, second only to Ted Dekker. This critical thought and other implied assumptions left me feeling respected as a reader -- my intelligence is welcome for more than guessing the future plot: understanding the story. I believe the more intelligent the person, the more they will enjoy Wool.
Wool is book one of the Silo series. Book two is technically a prequel (to the perspective of the world, not Howey) but definitely read Wool before Shift. Incredibly powerful as a stand-alone, the Silo series collectively can move mountains. After finishing Dust, I began tearing up. I never tear up. For such a logical book where every decision is made rationally (until Juliet), Howey elicited an emotional response from me. The theme stressed across the Silo series is: "For so long we have chosen to do what is logical and rational. What statistically makes sense. But I fear the solution to this problem lies in doing what is right. Following the heart and not the brain." (NOT a quote from the Silo series).
As an aspiring engineer with straight As, this hit me hard. As someone who seeks efficiency and celebrates structure this broke me. In that moment when I realized what Howey was trying to drive through my logically intelligent but emotionally stubborn mind, I had to STOP reading. I read the paragraph three times. Respecting Howey for his political depth and logical nuance, I was offended for but one second when this dawned of me. And then I realized he was right.
Go make a realization.
As book one in the six-book series, it will also read well as a standalone. I like how the world is explained throughout the book - rather than dumping me with all worldbuilding in the beginning, or especially all at once. By the end of the book, new things are still being learned about Tess (the protagonist's sidekick). But is Day really the protagonist, or is it June? Although the story is admittedly more focused on Day, June's impact on Day's life is by far the more entertaining part of the book. Every chapter alternates perspectives, like a good Red Pyramid or The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel -- appropriate, political (if you will), and disappointing when really invested in what's about to happen next.
The Republic is one of two factions the U.S. splits into after collapse -- home to elite military families like the one June comes from, but also home to beggars, drunks, homeless, and the poor like Day. June is at some point convinced that Day murdered her brother (a spoiler from page 1) and vows to hunt him down both for revenge and to prove herself to the Republic. But as she gets close with Day, she uncovers truths about the Republic causing her to question her involvement.
Happy Ending
As book one in the six-book series, it will also read well as a standalone. I like how the world is explained throughout the book - rather than dumping me with all worldbuilding in the beginning, or especially all at once. By the end of the book, new things are still being learned about Tess (the protagonist's sidekick). But is Day really the protagonist, or is it June? Although the story is admittedly more focused on Day, June's impact on Day's life is by far the more entertaining part of the book. Every chapter alternates perspectives, like a good Red Pyramid or The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel -- appropriate, political (if you will), and disappointing when really invested in what's about to happen next.
The Republic is one of two factions the U.S. splits into after collapse -- home to elite military families like the one June comes from, but also home to beggars, drunks, homeless, and the poor like Day. June is at some point convinced that Day murdered her brother (a spoiler from page 1) and vows to hunt him down both for revenge and to prove herself to the Republic. But as she gets close with Day, she uncovers truths about the Republic causing her to question her involvement.
Happy Ending
As book one in the six-book series, it will also read well as a standalone. I like how the world is explained throughout the book - rather than dumping me with all worldbuilding in the beginning, or especially all at once. By the end of the book, new things are still being learned about Tess (the protagonist's sidekick). But is Day really the protagonist, or is it June? Although the story is admittedly more focused on Day, June's impact on Day's life is by far the more entertaining part of the book. Every chapter alternates perspectives, like a good Red Pyramid or The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel -- appropriate, political (if you will), and disappointing when really invested in what's about to happen next.
The Republic is one of two factions the U.S. splits into after collapse -- home to elite military families like the one June comes from, but also home to beggars, drunks, homeless, and the poor like Day. June is at some point convinced that Day murdered her brother (a spoiler from page 1) and vows to hunt him down both for revenge and to prove herself to the Republic. But as she gets close with Day, she uncovers truths about the Republic causing her to question her involvement.
Happy Ending
Everything, Everything by Nicola Yoon follows eighteen-year-old Madeline “Maddy” Whittier, who has a rare illness that keeps her inside her home, unable to leave. Her life changes when Olly, a boy who moves in next door, enters her world. They form a friendship through emails and messages that later develops into romance. This leads Maddy to take more risks of leaving the bubble she’s been trapped in her whole life. After discovering a shocking secret, she is forced to make difficult choices about freedom, trust, and love.
In my opinion, this book was engaging and emotional. It was a unique idea, and the author did a good job at writing the story. Although the book was quite long and slow-paced at certain points, I was never bored. I finished this book in one sitting.
I would recommend this book to anyone who likes contemporary romance, coming-of-age stories, or books about love and self-discovery.
Everything, Everything by Nicola Yoon follows eighteen-year-old Madeline “Maddy” Whittier, who has a rare illness that keeps her inside her home, unable to leave. Her life changes when Olly, a boy who moves in next door, enters her world. They form a friendship through emails and messages that later develops into romance. This leads Maddy to take more risks of leaving the bubble she’s been trapped in her whole life. After discovering a shocking secret, she is forced to make difficult choices about freedom, trust, and love.
In my opinion, this book was engaging and emotional. It was a unique idea, and the author did a good job at writing the story. Although the book was quite long and slow-paced at certain points, I was never bored. I finished this book in one sitting.
I would recommend this book to anyone who likes contemporary romance, coming-of-age stories, or books about love and self-discovery.
Everything, Everything by Nicola Yoon follows eighteen-year-old Madeline “Maddy” Whittier, who has a rare illness that keeps her inside her home, unable to leave. Her life changes when Olly, a boy who moves in next door, enters her world. They form a friendship through emails and messages that later develops into romance. This leads Maddy to take more risks of leaving the bubble she’s been trapped in her whole life. After discovering a shocking secret, she is forced to make difficult choices about freedom, trust, and love.
In my opinion, this book was engaging and emotional. It was a unique idea, and the author did a good job at writing the story. Although the book was quite long and slow-paced at certain points, I was never bored. I finished this book in one sitting.
I would recommend this book to anyone who likes contemporary romance, coming-of-age stories, or books about love and self-discovery.
A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson is about a high schooler named Pippa “Pip” Fitz-Amobi who chooses to investigate a murder-suicide event that happened in her town a couple of years earlier for her senior year choice project.
When Pip was younger, Andie Bell, a popular high school girl, was supposedly murdered by her boyfriend Sal Singh. Sal allegedly confessed by text message and committed suicide. The town accepted this explanation, but Pip always felt something didn’t add up - the Sal she knew was kind and unlikely to be violent.
With the help of Sal’s younger brother Ravi Singh, who wants to clear Sal’s name, Pip digs into evidence and interviews people around town. As they uncover more information, they realize there was a lot more to Andie’s disappearance and the case overall than anyone originally believed.
In my opinion, the book was a really good mystery and had plenty of twists and turns which made it hard to predict what actually happened. The case was complex, but the author’s writing style made it easy and entertaining to follow. When I picked it out, I couldn’t put it down until I finished it.
I would recommend this book to anyone who likes a good mystery.
A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson is about a high schooler named Pippa “Pip” Fitz-Amobi who chooses to investigate a murder-suicide event that happened in her town a couple of years earlier for her senior year choice project.
When Pip was younger, Andie Bell, a popular high school girl, was supposedly murdered by her boyfriend Sal Singh. Sal allegedly confessed by text message and committed suicide. The town accepted this explanation, but Pip always felt something didn’t add up - the Sal she knew was kind and unlikely to be violent.
With the help of Sal’s younger brother Ravi Singh, who wants to clear Sal’s name, Pip digs into evidence and interviews people around town. As they uncover more information, they realize there was a lot more to Andie’s disappearance and the case overall than anyone originally believed.
In my opinion, the book was a really good mystery and had plenty of twists and turns which made it hard to predict what actually happened. The case was complex, but the author’s writing style made it easy and entertaining to follow. When I picked it out, I couldn’t put it down until I finished it.
I would recommend this book to anyone who likes a good mystery.
This book was extremely interesting to read and it’s impressive that Sarah Maas was able to write this as her first book. In this story, 18 year old assassin Celaena Sardothien was freed from the labor camp she’d been working at for a year by Crown Prince Dorian to participate in a competition with other criminals to see who will become the king’s secret assassin. However, there are dark things happening underneath and Celaena has to protect herself from the dangerous and magical things around her. The magic system of Wyrdmarks is very interesting and the character interactions are complex. It is a book that is hard to put down.
Have you ever judged someone without really knowing them?
Flipped by Wendelin Van Draanen follows Juli Baker and Bryce Loski, who have been neighbors since the start of second grade, when Bryce moved into the neighborhood. Juli was certain that she was in love with him and that they were meant to be, but Bryce outwardly disliked her and was annoyed she couldn’t take the hint. Told in alternating first person point of view chapters, events from both perspectives as the two grew up are revealed.
After something happens in the present-day eighth grade that causes Juli to deeply hate Bryce, the two of them “flip” perspectives of each other. Now, Juli doesn’t want anything to do with him, but Bryce is in love with her.
Flipped covers themes of perspectives, change, and growing up. Juli is a passionate, confident character who is unafraid to advocate for what she believes in, whether protecting a sycamore tree or standing up for her family. Bryce, however, starts off as shallow and caring too much about what others think, but by the end learns that his first impressions of people, especially Juli, were wrong. As the story unfolds, both characters are forced to reflect on who they are, and what truly matters.
I found the book entertaining, and it wasn’t very long in comparison to other novels I have read covering similar themes. Although it is a little slower paced at points, it makes up for it by speeding up later on. The different perspectives on the same events would have been redundant, but the author wrote it well. It was interesting to see how Juli and Bryce saw the same thing in nearly opposite ways.
If you enjoy books about growing up, perspectives, and a sweet, thoughtful look at first love, then Flipped is a book you should definitely consider reading.
Winter is here, school's out, and 12-year-old Milo Pine is looking forward to finally relaxing at his home, Greenglass House, which normally serves as an inn (for smugglers) run by his parents. But his plans are disturbed when an unexpected guest arrives at the house, and then another, and suddenly the house is filled with people once again. Among those in the house is a girl whom Milo identifies as the house cook's daughter, Meddy Caraway, a whimsical and bossy girl who drags Milo into playing a game involving Greenglass House and a certain map he'd had found near the inn. But things take a turn when the guests' possessions begin going missing, and the two discover that all of these strange guests bear with them stories that are somehow connected to Greenglass House. Slowly, Milo realizes that perhaps the game they're playing isn't just a game, and there may be more secrets hidden behind their creaky house than he thought - secrets that certain people would do anything to obtain.
This book honestly kind of surprised me. The plot (especially Meddy's game) was confusing for me when I first started reading, and it was a little hard to get into initially. But eventually the suspense began to ramp up, and it left me guessing and reading more to find out what happens next. Milford's writing is genuinely enchanting: the beautiful antique setting of the story, the strange tales of the guests, and the (fictional) historical events surrounding the inn had me really immersed. It was as if I was being transported into a different world entirely, even though this book is set in a modern-day society. I also loved the little puzzles the author put into the book, and despite Milo and Meddy's geniuses at solving them, at the end, they're still children, and it shows in their characterization, keeping some realism. It is also worth mentioning that Milo is adopted; he is ethnically Chinese, and he's had some issues coming to terms with his identity and accepting the aforementioned fact. These issues are well integrated into the plot as Milo sees his inner conflict reflected in the game he plays (and in other circumstances), and watching him develop and accept himself was a wonderful journey. The plot twist at the end was especially shocking, and it is interesting to see how details that were perplexing at the beginning of the book take on a new meaning after the big secret was revealed. Overall, Greenglass House was a lovely read, and it was a novel where I can see the sheer amount of research and work the author put into making the story come to life.
The Naturals is a thrilling book that is centered around a girl named Cassandra Hobbes or Cassie who can tell you almost everything about you and your life with just looking at you. She wishes that she will be able to leave her work as a waiter and do something to help. Then a mysterious boy shows up at the diner and leaves a card for the FBI. She figures out that her ability to profile people has landed her a spot in a program that helps catch serial killers that have been dormant. She wishes that she could help on active cases, but when she actually gets dragged into one it hits a little too close to home. As the Naturals work together they try to catch a serial killer while still acting like regular teenagers, flirting, playing games, and getting caught in a love triangle. This book creates a thrilling rollercoaster of emotions and surprises. It is one of the best books I have ever read and it is definitely one of my favorites.
The Naturals is a thrilling book that is centered around a girl named Cassandra Hobbes or Cassie who can tell you almost everything about you and your life with just looking at you. She wishes that she will be able to leave her work as a waiter and do something to help. Then a mysterious boy shows up at the diner and leaves a card for the FBI. She figures out that her ability to profile people has landed her a spot in a program that helps catch serial killers that have been dormant. She wishes that she could help on active cases, but when she actually gets dragged into one it hits a little too close to home. As the Naturals work together they try to catch a serial killer while still acting like regular teenagers, flirting, playing games, and getting caught in a love triangle. This book creates a thrilling rollercoaster of emotions and surprises. It is one of the best books I have ever read and it is definitely one of my favorites.
I really liked this book. I read it after watching the movie and it was similar, but still had some differences. I really liked the different things that happened when the end started coming. With the progress of Thomas emotionally and physically it shows the progress of not only the other Gladers, but also the book and Glade itself. Even though I watched the movie before reading the book, I still was able to be surprised and enter the world of the maze. Even though there is a lot of things going on it still is a thrilling rollercoaster of emotions. As Thomas grows more knowledgeable of the maze I did to. It brought the truth to my eyes as Thomas realized it for himself.
I really liked this book. I read it after watching the movie and it was similar, but still had some differences. I really liked the different things that happened when the end started coming. With the progress of Thomas emotionally and physically it shows the progress of not only the other Gladers, but also the book and Glade itself. Even though I watched the movie before reading the book, I still was able to be surprised and enter the world of the maze. Even though there is a lot of things going on it still is a thrilling rollercoaster of emotions. As Thomas grows more knowledgeable of the maze I did to. It brought the truth to my eyes as Thomas realized it for himself.
First off, if you're looking for a comedy, this isn't it. Move along. This novel is the first in a four-book dystopian series. Lowry has a new take on dystopia as she describes what appears to be the perfect community--no hunger, homelessness, or unemployment. It is a well oiled machine. Jobs are assigned, as are spouses and children, who come from predetermined Birthmothers, which is one job of many. However, Jonas isn't assigned to a job. He is selected to be the new Receiver. Within the job, he learns exactly what's wrong with his community and discovers what wondrous things his community has omitted. I know it sounds boring but I have read it so many times; the whole series, actually. I think it is a great book for tweens and above. The whole series is great and I really liked them.
First off, if you're looking for a comedy, this isn't it. Move along. This novel is the first in a four-book dystopian series. Lowry has a new take on dystopia as she describes what appears to be the perfect community--no hunger, homelessness, or unemployment. It is a well oiled machine. Jobs are assigned, as are spouses and children, who come from predetermined Birthmothers, which is one job of many. However, Jonas isn't assigned to a job. He is selected to be the new Receiver. Within the job, he learns exactly what's wrong with his community and discovers what wondrous things his community has omitted. I know it sounds boring but I have read it so many times; the whole series, actually. I think it is a great book for tweens and above. The whole series is great and I really liked them.
After a mysterious accident in which Mr. Green's wife dies, Mr. Green is desperate for a new nanny, being afraid of his children and children in general. However, being the stingy tax lawyer he is, he doesn't put an ad in the paper and merely puts a sign in his front yard. One rainy night, a petite, well dressed pig shows up for the job. At first, Mr. Green has reservations, as one does when hiring a former flying pig (she worked at a circus) but once she told him her hourly rate: 10 cents an hour, his greed overcame his skepticism and his children, Derek, Samantha, and Michael got a new nanny. Soon, it becomes apparent that Nanny Piggins is much more qualified than a human nanny, namely, she can bake extraordinarily good cakes, and disregards trivial things like school. Derek, Samantha, and Michael soon begin to love Nanny Piggins, even through the antics she gets herself into. This book is the first in a series, but you don't have to read them in order, as each chapter is its own story, and with a title like Nanny Piggins, how can you resist reading it?
Right from the first sentence, you can tell this book is definitely not boring. I have lost count of the amount of times I have read Maniac Magee. It tells the story of Jeffrey Magee, who lives with his aunt and uncle, who are unhappy but refuse to get divorced, after his parents are killed in a train accident. After living with them, the unhappiness soon gets to Jeffrey and he runs away armed with one great power: the ability to run. In this book, the west side is all white people while the east side is people of color, and Jeffrey, a white boy, ends up on the east side. The reason this book is so good is the way Jerry Spinelli shows how people can change and how just one boy united the west side and the east side. One boy, who is faced with many tragedies but still continues on his mission that even he doesn't know what would be the final result. Not only is this book by Spinelli good, but you should definitely check out his other ones!
Right from the first sentence, you can tell this book is definitely not boring. I have lost count of the amount of times I have read Maniac Magee. It tells the story of Jeffrey Magee, who lives with his aunt and uncle, who are unhappy but refuse to get divorced, after his parents are killed in a train accident. After living with them, the unhappiness soon gets to Jeffrey and he runs away armed with one great power: the ability to run. In this book, the west side is all white people while the east side is people of color, and Jeffrey, a white boy, ends up on the east side. The reason this book is so good is the way Jerry Spinelli shows how people can change and how just one boy united the west side and the east side. One boy, who is faced with many tragedies but still continues on his mission that even he doesn't know what would be the final result. Not only is this book by Spinelli good, but you should definitely check out his other ones!
Stella is sick. No, not with the typical cold or flu, as Stella would rather have, but with a rare disease: Cystic Fibrosis. Her lungs have been faulty all her life and she hopes to obtain a lung transplant soon. In order to fulfill this goal, Stella attempts to maintain constant control of her life, risking nothing that would prevent her from getting the transplant. That is until she meets Will, who's only thing in common with Stella is his Cystic Fibrosis. With no care about control (or his medication) Will is fascinated with Stella and her orderly life. However, their illness prevents them from coming closer than six feet apart, and any close contact could jeopardize everything. Stella wants nothing to do with Will, how could she risk everything she's ever wanted? Yet as the two become closer, being six feet apart seems unbearable.
This was a good teen romance that captured what it's like to be controlled by something completely out of control or reach.
Stella is sick. No, not with the typical cold or flu, as Stella would rather have, but with a rare disease: Cystic Fibrosis. Her lungs have been faulty all her life and she hopes to obtain a lung transplant soon. In order to fulfill this goal, Stella attempts to maintain constant control of her life, risking nothing that would prevent her from getting the transplant. That is until she meets Will, who's only thing in common with Stella is his Cystic Fibrosis. With no care about control (or his medication) Will is fascinated with Stella and her orderly life. However, their illness prevents them from coming closer than six feet apart, and any close contact could jeopardize everything. Stella wants nothing to do with Will, how could she risk everything she's ever wanted? Yet as the two become closer, being six feet apart seems unbearable.
This was a good teen romance that captured what it's like to be controlled by something completely out of control or reach.
Abby desperately wants a baby. Nothing has worked out; not the treatments and not the potential adoptions. Losing hope and grieving with her husband, Sam, Abby is shocked when a solution finally arises: Monica. Monica is Abby's assistant at work and has offered to be Abby's surrogate. Despite the deep worry Abby feels, she convinces Sam, who doesn't like the idea, that this is the chance to finally have a child. With the conditions set and off to a great start with Monica, Abby is ecstatic about the future of being a mother. Except, when things start going downhill and Monica's behavior begins to raise concerns. As Abby becomes even more suspicious of Monica, she experiences a downhill spiral of events. Abby, with no one to turn to, realizes that Monica may not be such a miracle after all...
I would be surprised if you haven't already read this book--not just because it's well-known! If you don't know the classic story of a neglected child turned super-genius, I'm telling you, you're missing out. When least favorite child Matilda teaches herself to read at the age of two, she soon unlocks a whole new realm of possibility. With her parents out of the house at least one day of every week, Matilda is free to go to the library and read whenever. With her new intelligence, she finds creative ways to punish her parents' cruel treatment. But the fun really starts when she starts school. Run by the tyrannic Trunchbull, Matilda has to find a way to help her teacher, Ms. Honey with an even better power than knowledge that she got from books. I would say this book is a must read for kids of all ages!
Margret "Jet" Mason's motto has always been "there's always later." But everything changes when, on Halloween night, someone breaks into her house and fatally hits her on the back of the head three times. The doctors tell her that, due to the resulting brain aneurism, Jet only has seven more days left to live. Determined to solve her own murder, Jet and her childhood friend, Billy, set out to expose the secrets surrounding that night. With Jet's time running out, they must find the killer before it is too late.
"Not Quite Dead Yet" is one of the best books I have read all year. Holly Jackson blended her signature captivating murder mystery with an almost "The Fault in Our Stars"-style doomed romance, causing me to completely fall in love with this book! Not only were the characters both relatable and loveable, but I was moved to tears by how real all the situations felt. This book is a perfect mix of a thrilling and twisty mystery and heartbreaking love story, perfectly executed with Jackson's amazing writing style. I would recommend "Not Quite Dead Yet" to anyone, regardless of whether or not YA murder mysteries are your go-to genre, as the unique plot makes this book truly one of a kind.
For any Hunger Games fans out there, this book is incredible! Sunrise on the Reaping revisits a favored character from the original books: Haymitch Abernathy. The book revolves around his experiences before, during, and after the 50th Hunger Games.
When Haymitch’s 16th birthday comes around, he must sacrifice himself for the one he loves and is selected to be in the “Second Quarter Quell” — a game with more opponents and decreased odds, especially coming from District 12. He faces challenging experiences in the Capitol with threats from President Snow, differentiating friends versus foe, and watching those he cares about die. He realizes after the games he will never be safe or at peace like he dreamed of.
The book brilliantly portrays themes seen throughout the original trilogy and the Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes: love, despair, resilience, and defiance. The relationship between these themes in all of Collins books made this book not only a heart-wrenching shocker, but it also explained how Haymitch Abernathy’s 50th games shaped the 74th Hunger Games. If you’re looking for a book filled with love, heartbreak, plot-twists, defiance, and a nostalgically classic dystopian feel, Sunrise on the Reaping is the book for you!
"The Queen's Spade" by Sarah Raughley tells the story of Ina Omoba, better known as Sarah "Sally" Forbes Bonetta, who was Queen Victoria's African goddaughter. After being taken from her homeland in Nigeria and witnessing her friend's murder at the crown's hands, Sally is determined to get her revenge on Queen Victoria and her inner circle. Enlisting the help of her friend, Rui, Sally works behind the scenes to expose secrets and create chaos, ruining the lives of all those who had hurt her. This is a true story based on Sarah Forbes Bonetta's real life in the 1800s, reimagining her life to create a YA romantacy.
When I read the synopsis for this book, I was really excited for its potential. The idea of reimagining such an interesting historical figure's story was really intriguing, and the revenge plot seemed exciting. However, after reading this book, I was sorely disappointed. The plot fell flat, as the storytelling was often confusing and seemed unorganized and even rushed. None of the characters were developed, and it was hard to like any of them. Additionally, the ending was dissatisfying, left a lot of unnecessary loose ends, and was not historically accurate at all, which was heartbreaking and took a lot away from Sarah Forbes Bonetta's story. I was really looking forward to reading this book, but the execution was so poorly done that I could not enjoy it. I would not recommend reading it.
The Cruel Prince is just straight up amazing. I LOVED Jude and her development as a character and how it was done. Cardan is a 10/10 no notes. This book is the original enemies to lovers and I am here for it! The only thing about this book is it can tend to have a lot of politics which might confuse readers but otherwise this is a masterfully written book that transports readers to the land of Faerie. Would recommend this to most if not all fantasy readers as it is a staple of the genre.
The Cruel Prince is just straight up amazing. I LOVED Jude and her development as a character and how it was done. Cardan is a 10/10 no notes. This book is the original enemies to lovers and I am here for it! The only thing about this book is it can tend to have a lot of politics which might confuse readers but otherwise this is a masterfully written book that transports readers to the land of Faerie. Would recommend this to most if not all fantasy readers as it is a staple of the genre.