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A Court of Thorns and Roses, first introduction to the Romantasy genre, and I was immediately hooked. I read the entire ACOTAR series in a week—which is extreme considering the size of the books—but the story has a plot that keeps you on your toes, paired with a continuous love interest that makes your stomach flutter. I recommend this series to anyone who has some time to spare and is looking for an enticing, imaginative, and fun read.
Rate: 10/10
Annie Rating: Couldn’t put it down, so easy to read.
ACOTAR
Wave, a memoir, was quite an emotional rollercoaster. The story itself was fascinating, and the writing was easy to follow while still keeping you completely hooked. It’s raw, honest, and at times difficult to read—but in a way that feels deeply human. If you’re looking for a not-so-typical read that stays with you long after you’ve finished, I would definitely recommend this.
Rate: 7/10
Annie Rating: Would recommend to others—totally captivating read.
Wave
Cleopatra and Frankenstein is a contemporary fiction novel that follows the complicated relationship between Cleo, a young artist, and Frank, an older man she impulsively marries—diving into themes of love, identity, and the messy realities of adulthood. I read this book a while ago, but I still found myself annotating it, even though it’s a typical fiction novel. The quote pictured to the right is one I deeply related to at the time. It perfectly captures feelings that I’m sure many people experience. That’s what I love about books—they’re a way for people to express what they’re feeling and share those emotions with readers around the world.
Rate: 8/10
Annie Rating: Loved it—add it to the list of things to read.
Cleopatra & Franketstein
Another popular Romantasy of the moment, Fourth Wing delivers exactly what so many readers love about the genre. If you want a compelling story filled with dragons, love, determination, and war, this series is for you. I argue frequently that ACOTAR is the better read, and yet Fourth Wing takes the cake for many of my close friends. One thing you can count on with this series is that it will keep you guessing—there’s never a dull moment, and the twists are genuinely addictive. The world-building is vivid, the pacing is fast, and the stakes are high from the very first chapter.
Rate: 9/10
Annie Rating: Ugh, you have to read this. You’ll fly through it—but be prepared.
Fourth Wing
Breathless by Anne Stuart is a romance novel I couldn’t put down—and one I still find myself picking back up. It’s a refreshing change of pace from my usual world of dragons and fantasy; instead, this story transports you straight into the 18th century with vivid atmosphere and unforgettable tension. Although it’s part of a series I haven’t fully read yet, this book stands strong on its own, and I’m so glad I discovered it during a thrifting trip. Sometimes the best reads are the unexpected ones.
Rate: 10/10
Annie’s Rating: Could read it a million times—an absolute classic.
Breathless
Kristin Hannah. Every book by her, I could drink up with a straw. The Great Alone was my first Kristin Hannah read, and since then The Women, The Nightingale, and so many others have become instant favorites. This book made me feel every emotion possible—scared, excited, angry, worried, happy—and it kept me completely captivated from beginning to end. Hannah’s ability to create atmosphere and deep emotional connection is unmatched.
Rate: 9/10
Annie Rating: Heart-wrenching but beautiful—highly recommend.
The Great Alone
This series is incomplete, so you might feel a bit frustrated after finishing books 1, 2, and 3, having to wait for book 4—which, I have to admit, was a letdown. Despite that, the series is incredibly fun to read, set in a world where different powers rule each region of the fantasy land. As you read, you discover the variety of powers and see how they shape the story in unexpected ways.
Rate: 10/10
Annie Rating: Exciting and addictive—can’t wait for the next book!
Spark of the Everflame
Martyr was a bit more difficult for me to get into, but it turned out to be a fantastic story. There’s a continuous internal struggle that, at times, is hard to imagine dealing with, but the perspective and rich details come together to create a truly beautiful book.
Rate: 7.5/10
Annie Rating: Take it slowly—don’t give up on it, and you will love it.
Martyr
Another Sarah J. Maas series that I flew through. I started the first book hoping it would focus on Fayre, but instead I was introduced to Celaena Sardothien—and this girl is someone you absolutely need to get to know. This seven-book series starts off a little slow, but as each page turns, you realize Sarah Maas has so much more in store. By the end, you’re genuinely sad to see the characters go. This is one of the many reasons I love fantasy books—they allow you to fully immerse yourself in a world unknown.
Rate: 9/10
Annie Rating: So good, could read it again.
Throne of Glass
Oh my god. This first book saved me. I was looking for something to read when my friend recommended it, and I was so excited for a new love-interest storyline. The plot of this series is insane—but also another incomplete series, so be prepared to wait for the next installment. This might be an unpopular opinion, but the last book actually scared me a little. Books 1, 2, 3, and 4 are a definite YES—read them! Book 5 is also a must-read, but beware that the storyline can get crazy.
Rate: 9/10
Annie Rating: Thrilling, romantic, and addictive—just be ready for some scares.
