seven late night thoughts with zoe

Hello everyone! I hope everyone is staying safe during this world pandemic and saying inside as much as they possibly can. It’s been a while since my last post and that’s simply because i have been super busy with work and life in general and I can’t seem to find any time to work on either my blog or my WIP. Truthfully, I have also been lacking motivation and inspiration for any new blog posts but today, I have finally found some. I’ve been wanting to write this article for quite some time but I never felt quite ready enough to complete this list but now that I do, I have five SUPER underrated YA fantasy to share with you guys, so without further do, lets get into it;

(the books are in no specific order)

1. The Last Magician by Lisa Maxwell. 5/5

Let’s get real. This book doesn’t get the hype it deserves and it is a criminal offence in my opinion. I honestly feel like The Last Magician should be hyped up as much as Caravel or The Cruel Prince because it is AMAZING. First of all, we get beautifully written characters who are courageous and undeniably flawed, they are lovable, funny and witty. What else do we need? Well i’ve got more for you! We also get a unique magic system, one that i have never seen anything even similar to it in any other book. A whimsical world that will completely blow you away AND a slow burned romance to die for. If this isn’t enough to convince you to finally pick it up, let me just tell you that I ordered the second book, The Devil’s Thief, while only halfway through the first one and preorder the third and last book, The Serpent’s Curse, as well before even reading the second book’s synopsis.I honestly don’t even want to know what’s gonna happen in the second and third book, i just want to read them NOW. This trilogy is one to keep an eye out for. The Serpent’s curse is set to come out on December 8th 2020.

2. Ace of Shades by Amanda Foody.

Now, if you know me, you know i’m an Amanda Foody stan. I would read anything this woman would ever write, even her grocery list, I don’t care. Ace of shades was her second published novel and it was nothing short of amazing. Set in a world where gangs and casinos are at the top of the hierarchy, this book follows many different perspectives of badass, flawed, powerful and strong characters you are destined to fall in love with. This story is an atmospheric one that will keep you at the edge of your seat from start to finish. To add more on how good this book is, I personally believe book two, King of Fools, was even better than the first one! (Which is something I personally very rarely see in YA fantasy.) While reading this book, you’ll find yourself thinking about the good and the bad, analyzing every single details while getting your heart shattered all at once. Isn’t that what we love as readers to get so emotionally involved with fictional characters and stories until we are dazed out of reality? If your answer is yes, then just do yourself a favour and read Ace of Shades and King of Fools by Amanda Foody. Also, keep an eye out for Queen of Volts coming out September 2020.

3. Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor

Okay, DOSAB is the first book in a trilogy that has been out for quite a while but after FINALLY reading it (for my good gal, Helena) I understand how it is deeply underrated. Laini Taylor’s writing is whimsical, mystical and magical all at once. The magic system in this trilogy is super weird in a unique and intriguing way. The characters are super lovable yet flawed in a way that makes them relatable. Plus, we get a forbidden romance between some of the most well written characters I have ever read. Karou is simply and beautifully amazing. I have never, in my life as a professional nerd, felt the connection I felt when first reading about Karou with any other fictional characters. this unique story will take you on a journey you’ll never want it to end. Words cannot describe how beautiful and perfect everything about this book is, it is everything i have ever wanted as a reader i am so grateful to have finally delved into its magical world.

4. Spin the Dawn by Elizabeth Lim

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Will I ever shut up about Spin the Dawn by Elizabeth Lim? Probably not but why would I? Spin the Dawn is the first book in the The Blood of star series. This Mulan retelling was everything I have ever wanted and needed in a book but never knew I did. First of all, this cover is to die for, whoever the artist was, kudos to them! Secondly, this story got me hooked from the first page until the very last. I am not kidding when I say I wanted to read the sequel immediately after finishing it. Sadly that was not possible as book 2 was not even fully written at the time. The plot of this story was so well written with twits I never saw coming and a romance between some of my favourite characters EVER, that physically made my heart ache. Needless to say, I have already taken the day off from work on July 7th so that I can spend the entire day reading (and possibly crying) Unravel the Dusk. Please read it and then come gush about how much you love it with me.

psssst. publishers, if you are reading this please send me an ARC of Unravel the Dawn… i’ll give you my first born for it, i don’t care i just want it.

5. Girls of Paper and Fire by Natasha Ngan

First of all; a f/f romance? YES PLEASE. When do we ever see f/f romance in YA fantasy? Natasha Ngan heard the people talking and gave us exactly what we wanted and more. If I had to describe this book using one word i would say “BOYWASITEVERSOF***NGGOODWOWILOVEDITSOMUCHICANTWAITTOREADTHESEQUEL.” Honestly, I went into this book not knowing what it really was about and without knowing about the f/f romance which was one of the greatest surprise ever might I add, and I was not disappointed. Although this book wasn’t something completely new, it was still an amazing read with an atmospheric ambiance. We once again get a forbidden romance (which if you haven’t noticed, is one of my favourite trope) an intriguing plot and some amazingly well developed and well written characters all around, including the side characters. I still haven’t read the second book, Girls Storm and Shadow but i’ll be sure to get to it before Girls of Fate and Fury comes out, sometime in November of 2020.

TW: this book does include a scene where sexual assault is described and talked about, please be careful when reading it.

the 5 bookstgrammers featured no this post: https://www.instagram.com/bookscoffeeandfantasy/ https://www.instagram.com/mynoveltreasures/ https://www.instagram.com/bookish_pearl/ https://www.instagram.com/thefantasybookworm/ https://www.instagram.com/zoeangelem/

PS; if you are a bookstagrammer and would like to be featured on my next post, DM on either twitter or Instagram!

SOOOO there you have it, five under appreciated YA fantasy novels. Be sure to add all of this to your TBRs if they sound somewhat intriguing to you, i’m sure they won’t disappoint! let me know your thoughts on these books down below. Have you read them? Did you like them? any thoughts or comments? Feel free to share, i’m always up to gush about my favourite books.

Happy reading and until next time xoxoxo