Firstly that title is really long wow.
Secondly, get ready for a throwback in this post because these reads will bring you back to 2015 bookstagram).
I am very often late to the hype.
I see the hype. I hear the hype. But I don’t listen to the hype until several years later, and sometimes never.
So in today’s post, I thought it would be fun to chat through the YA series (fantasy specifically) that I’m not at all interested in reading, but also others that I kind of want to read because I’m only human and the hype is calling me.
So you guys get to help me decide!!
[Insert any book] by Cassandra Clare
Oops.
This was actually the inspiration for writing this blog post because of the book that got leaked and everyone talking about her books and the longest series ever on my Twitter feed.
I actually did read City of Bones (from The Mortal Instruments series) and was kind of enjoying it (I was going to give it 3 stars so I definitely didn’t get the hype, even before the plot twist) but then the whole incest thing happened??
And just, no??
Personally, I didn’t really like that being used as a plot device and even though (spoiler for the series) they’re not actually siblings in the end (yes, I googled it) I just wasn’t wanting to read about them dealing with the ‘the guy I almost (or did I don’t remember) kissed is actually my brother oh crap’ storyline.
Also the covers are ugly.
Sorry not sorry & I definitely won’t be carrying on with that series!
Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas
I just didn’t get the hype around this series?
I read book #1 and it was okay but kind of not all that great? Just not for me and I didn’t even want to finish book one (but this was pre-DNFing everything days so I powered through) let alone finishing the series.
I remember seeing this all over bookstagram when I first joined the community (I used to have a bookstagram fun fact back in 2015 (?) and the series was EVERYWHERE so the hype tempted me here and it was not worth listening to :)).
A Court of Thorns and Roses
by Sarah J. Maas
I did not know that this was also by Maas so I feel bad including two of her series.
I’m sorry? This series was just everywhere back in my bookstagram days so it’s always one of the first hyped books I think of?!
I don’t even know what this series is about but I know Rhysand (not sure if that’s the spelling I haven’t checked :)) and the girl (I want to say her name begins with an F but I don’t remember) were everyone’s OTP. I’m just kind of curious about it even though I probably will never read it.
Update: I just researched the book and I don’t really like the premise so yes. I will not be reading this series, sorry hype. I did get her name right though!! It’s Feyre.
Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi
With this one I need you guys to help me decide whether or not to read it because I can’t decide?
The reviews for this one are always super mixed and I’ve heard that it’s not the best but also an enjoyable quick read?
I just want to see what it’s about so I might try this one, if you guys convince me it’s good. I know Ilsa @ A Whisper of Ink loves this series but I just don’t know?? Fantasies are always so hit or miss for me so I never know whether I’ll like it or not.
I also can’t decide if I like the covers or if they’re awful. I’m just indecisive really :)).
The Raven Cycle by Maggie Stiefvater
Honestly Cait @ Paper Fury is the sole reason I want to read this series.
I don’t know if the plot really appeals to me (again because I’m so picky with fantasies) but I’m just kind of curious??
I think it’s one that I’d just have to force myself to read just to see but I don’t know?? Again, please help me decide.
Shout at me in the comments (like you did with Six of Crows and you were so so right so I trust you all) if you’d like. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard
I read the first book (Red Queen) in 2014 I believe and I did really love it. I remember being super shocked at the ending and being so excited for Glass Sword but I just never got round to it? And now I don’t know if I want to continue it?
If I do continue the series I would have to reread Red Queen (am I in the mood for a reread, not really no) but I just am not sure??
[All books other than SoC which I’ve already loved, read and reread] by Leigh Bardugo
The Six of Crows duology is beautiful and I really adore it and the characters so so much. I have never had such an emotional reaction to a book?? I was so connected to the characters honestly and I will recommend that series over and over.
But I haven’t actually read anything else by Leigh Bardugo and I want to!
Especially Shadow & Bone (the Grisha series) because I believe that series is a prequel/related to SoC because of the Grisha?
A Darker Shade of Magic by V.E. Schwab
The This Savage Song duology is really incredible.
The world building is stunning, I loved the plot and the characters are soft cinnamon rolls (I wonder where that phrase came from).
But again, I haven’t read anything else by V.E. Schwab! I think it’s because I’ve heard that her other books are more adult (not sure if it’s actually YA now that I think about it) but I kind of want to read it still because Schwab’s writing is amazing.
And that’s all of the books!
Let me know what you think of the ones I wasn’t sure on and help me decide whether to read them!
aliterarylatte.com 
I relate to so many of the series on this list! I’m definitely giving Cassandra Clare’s books a pass because even if I was interested in the blurb (I’m not), there are like seven spin-off series and I’m not willing to invest so much of my time into one universe.
Same with Sarah J. Maas! I’m sort of intrigued by the premise of Throne of Glass, but I’ve heard that the series takes several problematic turns as it progresses. So… nope.
I’ve only read the first book of The Raven Cycle yet, but I’m already in love! I would definitely recommend it, although the slow pacing might not be for everyone?
The Shadow & Bone trilogy was a solid fantasy series, in my opinion. The general consensus seems to be that the SoC duology (which I really need to get to) was much better though. And the Shades of Magic trilogy is one of my all-time favorite fantasies! Again, the slow pacing might throw some readers off, but I really enjoyed the depth of the characters and how fascinating the world-building was.
I don’t know how this comment got so long 😅 I loved reading this list, Emme! 💛
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Oh gosh yeah – there are so many spin-offs it’s so overwhelming. Definitely an intimidating series to start as all the books are so long too. Same for ToG – these 2015 series all feel so long haha. And yeah I’ve seen mixed reviews too so I’m glad I didn’t decide to carry on that series.
I’m so ensure whether to read The Raven Cycle series because I’m just not that interested in the premise but I am really curious to see whether I’ll like it? So I can’t decide!
Shadow and Bone I’ll definitely read though at some point – not sure when I’ll get to it though. I have heard SoC is better as well but I’m sure it will still be really good and I’m intrigued to learn more about the Grisha.
Thanks for the advice on Shades of Magic (and the others!) too, I never really know what pacing I prefer but I guess it depends what mood I’m in? I might give it a try at some point though, maybe if there are ever any Kindle deals haha.
And not at all! Thanks so much for reading and leaving a comment – I’m glad you enjoyed the post! <3.
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I couldn’t get into The Raven Cycle, even though I really wanted to!
I read Cresent City for a buddy read and I think that is the first and last Sarah J Maas book I will read. Not my thing!
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Sorry you couldn’t get into it! It does seem to be a bit hit or miss, which is why I’m so unsure as to whether to read it. I have no idea whether I’ll like it or not and it could really go either way haha. I probably won’t read it to be honest.
I hadn’t actually heard of that one but I just googled it and I don’t really like the premise so it doesn’t sound like my thing either. And Throne of Glass wasn’t great for me so I’m not that eager to read any more of Sarah J Maas’ books ://.
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well this post is such a trip down the memory lane! 😂 clare’s books tend to be a hit or miss for me, as a series i tend to enjoyed them but the individual books themselves, not so much. except for the books in the infernal devices because all 3 of them are just amazing 🥺
i read throne of glass too once upon a time and i think i liked it, but never actually continue with the series lol so i guess not so much? i’m not even sure whether i want to continue or not since i’m pretty sure i won’t enjoy the last 3 books of the series, with the amount of growling and claiming and mating they have 🙃 same with acotar.
yes to the raven cycle, shades of magic and the grisha trilogy! i admit i think the first book in shades of magic was meh but by the end of the series, i was sobbing 😭 the raven cycle was nice but i honestly don’t understand what’s going on 🙈 the atmosphere is just superb though! the grisha trilogy admittedly pretty weak compared to the others, but i love the world building so much! i just love the grisha order and i remember taking many of the “which grisha orders are you” quizzes lol.
shatter me is a hard one. i think it got better with each book but also not really? i did not like the first book, liked the plot of the second book but not the character development, and absolutely loving the third book. i hate the romance with a fiery passion though 🙃 so yeah this is a hard one to decide for me 😂 if you have the time then i say go for it! at the very least if you hate it, you have a topic to rant about 😀
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Ahh tell me about it haha – I had all the nostalgia writing this post!
Yeah I feel like as a series it is well-thought out and the level of detail in fantasy books especially always astounds me. Plus it’s pretty amazing being able to write that many books (especially considering how long they all are)! Unfortunately it wasn’t my thing though.
I’ve seen a lot of mixed reviews about ToG too, particularly the final books, so I’m glad that I didn’t carry on the series. It just wasn’t for me either!
Ooh okay – glad you liked them then! The Raven Cycle does seem pretty confusing from what I’ve gathered and it seems a bit hit or miss. Not sure if I’ll read that series to be honest as I’m not that interested – just curious! The Grisha I am really interested in learning more about though!! I’ve already read Six of Crows so it would be so interesting to find out more about the Grisha themselves.
Oh gosh – with Shatter Me I’m just so unsure, especially because the reviews and people’s opinions are so mixed!! The synopsis didn’t appeal to me that much but I’m just kind of curious? I feel like I haven’t read enough fantasy books so all of these popular series are tempting haha (even if I’m not actually that bothered about them).
Thanks for reading and for sharing your thoughts on these books!
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I dislike the Shatter Me series so much – the main relationship is so toxic and abusive!
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Oh really – that’s so disappointing to hear! ://
Not sure if I’ll read this series anyway – it doesn’t appeal to me that much, thinking about it and the reviews are all over the shop.
Thanks for reading and commenting!
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I’ve read the Shatter Me books (the original trilogy + book 4) and the OT was much better than the expansion of the series. It definitely reads like a 2012 YA book if you know what I mean. Also the first book has a very unique narration style.
I tried reading The Raven Cycle books and just couldn’t get into them. Then I tried the audiobooks and really enjoyed the narrator and ended up liking them (but it’s been several years since I last read them). So if you’re hesitant, maybe try the audiobook?
Oof yeah…CC’s whole incest plot was….a choice. I, too, had to google if they were actually related or not bc I wasn’t about to read the series if they were. I highly doubt if they were published today the editors would’ve allowed her to make that decision. Also I read the series back before she had written a thousand and one spin-offs. It would be pretty daunting to try to start the series today.
I loved SoC but couldn’t get into Shadow & Bone. I didn’t like the plot, characters, or writing style of that one.
Great post. And yes, this did bring back 2015 bookstagram memories lol.
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Ooh okay. I feel like 2012-2015 dystopian and fantasy was a whole different era which maybe wasn’t all that great haha. I’m not sure if I’ll read the series to be honest because the premise doesn’t appeal that much – I’m just curious! But the reviews are mixed anyway so I don’t think I’ll be missing out that much.
Sorry you couldn’t get into them – it seems a lot of people have had that experience too, especially with the pacing being quite slow apparently. That’s interesting about the audiobook – I’ve never tried an audiobook but it could be interesting to try! Maybe I’ll have a look if it’s on Scribd because I have a free trial of that at the moment.
Yeah… didn’t love that being used as a plot twist. And definitely – there are so many spin-offs and they’re all such long books too so it’s definitely intimidating.
Oh really? That’s such a shame. I loved SoC so I honestly don’t think Shadow & Bone will be as good but I’m still interested to read about the Grisha and learn about the backstory a bit more.
Thanks for reading and I’m glad you enjoyed all the nostalgia haha.
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I usually can’t get into audiobooks. I struggle to pay attention to the plot. The only audiobooks I’ve liked are: The Raven Cycle series, White Cat series by Holly Black, The Coldest Girl in Coldtown by Holly Black, The Darkest Part of the Forest by Holly Black, and the Mr. Mercedes series by Stephen King (same narrator as The Raven Cycle series). I feel like Holly Black and Maggie’s Stiefvater books give off campfire vibes and are made to be listened to instead of read (but maybe that’s just me lol). I rent my audiobooks off the Overdrive/Libby app via my library. So if they aren’t on Scribd, then maybe try to rent them via there!
If you do try the griesha trilogy hopefully you enjoy it more than me. It will probably provide you good background for the Netflix show! I personally couldn’t make it past book two lol.
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Great post! Out of these I have only read The Shadow and Bone trilogy. I haven’t really been drawn to any of the others.
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Ooh okay – would you recommend it?
Glad you liked the post!
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It’s definitely worth a try. I enjoyed the first two, but the last one not so much!
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i have a friend who’s absolutely obsessed with Shatter Me. She swears by it and forced me to read the entire series last year, but I didn’t think it was anything special. 3-4 stars, but then again, that’s just my opinion! It was pretty entertaining though! You should try it and see what you think. It definitely wasn’t BAD
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Ahh okay. I’m so unsure still – the reviews even in this comment section are so hit or miss?! The premise doesn’t interest me that much and I’m not that interested in reading it but I am a little curious? I can’t decide haha because I’ll read one comment and decide I won’t read it, and then another comment will change my mind.
We’ll see!
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Oh, this is such a cool post! I definitely haven’t read all of the popular series as well though I tried to catch up 😄
I liked The Raven Cycle when I read it, but it was a bit hard to get into at first! Still, I think it’s a good atmospheric read 😊 I personally love Red Queen, but I also know how hard it is to get back into a series you didn’t continue with, that’s currently happening to me with ACOTAR 😅 A Darker Shade of Magic has such a cool world! It’s adult, but is a great crossover book between adult and YA!
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Thanks Caro, and I’m glad I’m not the only one!
Yeah a lot of people have said that it is quite hard to get into and is a bit confusing so it doesn’t really appeal that much to me? I think just because it’s only curiosity rather than an actual interest in reading the book so I probably won’t read that series.
I know I did really enjoy Red Queen and I do want to find out how it ends – especially because there was such a plot twist at the end. I don’t remember that much though so I’ll definitely have to reread the first one. Maybe next time I’m in the mood for a reread I’ll pick it up.
Ahh okay, I thought it was adult. I still might pick it up at some point though because Schwab’s writing is incredible – and I’m an adult next year anyway haha.
Thanks for reading and commenting!
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I’d recommend maybe reading a couple of chapters to see if the writing style is for you, but sadly I have to agree that it’s not the easiest series to get into 😥 Happy to hear that! Rereading might also help get you back into the world – I hope you like it! And A Darker Shade of Magic might be adult, but it’s good to read once you get into it, I think it’s one of the best books to try if you want to get more into reading adult Fantasy books 😄
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I feel exactly the same about Cassandra Clare and Sarah J Maas’ books, especially CC’s because there are just SO MANY OF THEM??? I just can’t commit to a series that long. And I do love The Raven Cycle but I can understand why people are on the fence about reading them.
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Oh my gosh right?! There are so many spin-offs to the Shadowhunter series and they’re all such long books too so it would be so intimidating to start the series. I’m glad I didn’t like City of Bones so I don’t have to commit haha – especially as I’m the type of person who will have to read a series from first book through to the last with no books in between. I can’t just stop halfway through a series so that’s a lot of commitment (and probably why I never start series haha!)
Thanks for reading and commenting Louise :).
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I read City of Bones too a while back and thought it was OK, but I can’t say I’m interested in reading any more Cassandra Clare books.
And I did try the Raven Boys books, and I got through the first two, but didn’t really get the hype. I just feel like the premise was a little weird and I just had no idea what was going on!
I did like the Grisha books though, although I didn’t enjoy them quite as much as Six of Crows (which I also read first). I’d definitely say they’re worth a read though! Great post! 🙂
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I just want to start off by saying… YES TO THE RAVEN CYCLE!! Honestly even I was hesitant about reading the series, and when I remember reading the first book loving it, and then never picking up the rest of the series. But part of my goals this month is too finish the series (I’m on book 3 currently) and I’m loving it SO FREAKING MUCH! It has a great cast of characters, BEAUTIFUL WRITING, and the plot can be a little slow at the beginning but I promise you, it’s worth it!
Also, the amount of books CC has put out that has too do with the TMI world is actually crazy. And what’s crazier is the fact that I used too read all of them back in like 2016/2017! Literally all the way up until Lady Midnight and then I just stopped because I got tired of it. So yeah I think I agree with your decision here because it will get so tiring, trust me.
And anything by V.E. Schwab is pure gold!! I was actually planning to re-read the “A Darker Shade of Magic” series soon.
Anyways, I didn’t realize how long my comment got, but I loved your post. This was so fun to read! 😀
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Ah I hope you can to these all eventually, even if it is just to see if you like them. I’ve only read ADSOM, The Shadowhunter series and TRC off this list, which I love. And only book one of ToG but eh ever since haven’t felt the need to continue lmao
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Glad you liked them! I’m excited to see whether I do or not whenever I get to them :).
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tbh, i relate to most of these and i also don’t think i ever will pick up any of them, lol.
i tried reading city of bones once in like 2014, dnf-ed it and never felt like picking up anything else by cassandra clare. i know she’s an iconic author with a bunch of characters in this universe, but i feel like i already know so much about this series despite never having read it? lol.
the same can not be said about sarah j. maas though – i have no idea what her series are even about, despite their popularity. like i know those of glass is about an assassin but plot?? never heard of it, hahah. i have no interest in it to be honest.
to be honest, i DNF-ed the shatter me series. the first book was okay but it’s *very* overdramatic, and mostly focused on the romance from what i recall, with little to no world building. but if that’s your thing and you like enemies to lovers and bad boys with redemption arcs, maybe you’ll like it! (i personally hate both of these tropes so i knew the series wasn’t worthy carrying on for me)
the raven cycle is one i’d recommend checking out even if i kinda grew out of it. they’re not amazing and the villains are all very badly written, but the characters are actually good. also, there’s no actual plot and we mostly like it because the characters are good, lol.
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Yeah even though they do intrigue me (especially the Grisha which I do want to read) I feel like I’ll never get round to them. And I’m not *that* mad about it?
Yeah same haha. I saw it so much on bookish social media that I feel like I know so much. Definitely won’t be carrying on with the series though.
I honestly don’t think you’re missing out with Throne of Glass. It just wasn’t that good for me, although I have no idea what the plot was other than an assassin. I usually have a pretty good memory but I can’t remember any of it haha.
Yeah I don’t think I’ll read Shatter Me. Even though I am curious to see if I’ll like it, I think there are too many other books (that I know I’ll love) on my tbr list. Too many books and too little time!! Bad boys also isn’t my fave trope so I feel like I’m not hugely missing out (even though the FOMO part of me thinks I am lol). I’m being so contradictory in these comments haha because even though I know realistically I’ll never read them, I’m still so curious to see what they’re about.
Yeah I think that’s the main reason I want to read it because I hear/d so much about Gansey?? Just him haha and I’m just (again) curious!! I did read a few pages of it and DNF’d it but I feel like it is very atmospheric from what I briefly read and have heard. We’ll see, knowing me I won’t get to it. I’ve been feeling the same way since whenever it was released/hyped so if I didn’t get to it then it’s unlikely I will now.
Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts Lais!!
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shatter me isn’t really a fantasy, it’s more of a sci-fi/dystopia book. but it’s very lowkey and the world-building is very poor. i have mixed feelings about recommending it to people? i really love it because i love the characters and romance, and not really anything else…so? also the raven boys is very plotless and slow-moving, and more contemporary with magic – it’s very character-driven! Honestly, I wouldn’t really recommend continuing Red Queen – i also enjoyed the first book but I read the next 2 books and they’re very forgettable … anyways just my thoughts!
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