Spring has just arrived, and with it a new mood for reading. Winter brought the coziest & most chilling books to my attention, but spring creates the desire for romantic, flowery adventures. Some of my new favorite reads came out of this season because each holds such a unique voice and tale that they’re difficult to compare to any other novel.

Here are a couple of my favorite reads from this past winter, and I would love to read about yours down below.

Nevernight
Jay Kristoff | 5 out of 5 stars
As, perhaps, one of the most violent books I have yet to read – which says a lot because I primarily fall into the fantasy and adventure genres – this book really grips you by the throat. Following Mia as she navigates the world of assassins and her new training school was a dangerous twist of Harry Potter and Throne of Glass. Because it is an adult novel just featuring young characters, as Kristoff likes to point out, it deals with several strong themes and conversations that wouldn’t have risen if it were targeted for a younger audience. I braved the mildly chilly Florida winter to find the sequel in the bookstore, but alas, I’m still waiting to find it. You can find my full review here.
the prowl by dan auerbach


Red Rising
Pierce Brown | 4 out of 5 stars
Fahrenheit 451 meets Maze Runner is the best way I know to describe this novel, as I mentioned in my review. It’s very much focused on being a societal commentary on the separation of classes and brutality of the elite in a high-stakes, dystopian setting far in the future. There’s also the classic trope of a game pitting others against each other in a battle for survival. Looking back on it again, it can also be compared to Lord of the Flies as it follows the sanity of the youth forced into situations outside of their comprehension, which makes for a very raw reflection on human nature. While this book was somewhat strange in its style, it’s most appealing characteristic is its outlook of society.
I got mine by the black keys


The Bear and the Nightingale
Katherine Arden | 5 out of 5 stars
I was greatly taken by surprise by this book. The sense of magic and mythology along with the whimsy of winter in the Russian woodlands made the perfect read for being huddled in a blanket. Never had I come across a novel that involved Russian mythology, and I had never learned of any of the region’s lore, so this was such a fresh concept to read of. This is definitely a winter staple that I will read the next time the season rolls around.
at the table by josh garrels

Stalking Jack the Ripper
Kerri Maniscalco | 5 out of 5 stars
The setting of my last favorite read of winter wasn’t so much cold as it was startlingly chilling. Very rarely do I get scared of a book that doesn’t involve horror or specific creatures meant to induce nightmares, but I was a coward for this novel. Toward the end, reading this novel at night was near impossible – I was aware the Ripper was known for his ripping, but I had no idea the extent. I’ve never had much interest in murder mystery, but the setting of 1800s England combined with the base of a real story made it addicting.
blue veins by the raconteurs

Now that I have some new favorites under my belt, I look forward to reading new adventures for spring. At the top of my TBR list is Outlander, which I feel encompasses the type of books I want to read at the moment, so I am incredibly excited to dive into that as we get deeper in the season. Also let me know which books you are anticipating reading most in the next few months as I always love new reading inspiration.

Happy spring and thanks for reading,

Taylor  x