WWW Wednesday is a meme from Sam at Taking On A World Of Words
The Three Ws are:
What are you currently reading?
What did you recently finish reading?
What do you think you’ll read next?
Seems like these past couple weeks flew by, and I didn’t get as much reading done as I’d like. Other than my son being here for a few days, I have no idea where my time has gone. Considering current circumstances, that makes no sense, right? Anyhoo – I’m about 15% from finishing The Gilded Ones. After a bit of a slow start, it’s really taken off, and I have so many questions now! I’ll definitely be continuing with this series.
Sixteen-year-old Deka lives in fear and anticipation of the blood ceremony that will determine whether she will become a member of her village. Already different from everyone else because of her unnatural intuition, Deka prays for red blood so she can finally feel like she belongs.
But on the day of the ceremony, her blood runs gold, the color of impurity–and Deka knows she will face a consequence worse than death.
Then a mysterious woman comes to her with a choice: stay in the village and submit to her fate, or leave to fight for the emperor in an army of girls just like her. They are called alaki–near-immortals with rare gifts. And they are the only ones who can stop the empire’s greatest threat.
Knowing the dangers that lie ahead yet yearning for acceptance, Deka decides to leave the only life she’s ever known. But as she journeys to the capital to train for the biggest battle of her life, she will discover that the great walled city holds many surprises. Nothing and no one are quite what they seem to be–not even Deka herself.
Last week I finished Surrender Your Sons. Parts of this are horrific, heart-wrenching and tough to read, but the bonds between these kids are one of the best parts of the novel.
Connor Major’s summer break is turning into a nightmare.
His SAT scores bombed, the old man he delivers meals to died, and when he came out to his religious zealot mother, she had him kidnapped and shipped off to a secluded island. His final destination: Nightlight Ministries, a conversion therapy camp that will be his new home until he “changes.”
But Connor’s troubles are only beginning. At Nightlight, everyone has something to hide from the campers to the “converted” staff and cagey camp director, and it quickly becomes clear that no one is safe. Connor plans to escape and bring the other kidnapped teens with him. But first, he’s exposing the camp’s horrible truths for what they are— and taking this place down.
I saw Les Miserables in NYC only because I was outvoted. Other than Phantom of the Opera, I’m not a fan of musicals. Please refrain from pelting me with rocks and garbage! But use Six of Crows as a comp title and I don’t need to read any further to know I need the book. I only hope this novel is worthy of the comparison.
Les Misérables meets Six of Crows in this page-turning adventure as a young thief finds herself going head to head with leaders of Paris’s criminal underground in the wake of the French Revolution.
In the violent urban jungle of an alternate 1828 Paris, the French Revolution has failed and the city is divided between merciless royalty and nine underworld criminal guilds, known as the Court of Miracles. Eponine (Nina) Thénardier is a talented cat burglar and member of the Thieves Guild. Nina’s life is midnight robberies, avoiding her father’s fists, and watching over her naïve adopted sister, Cosette (Ettie). When Ettie attracts the eye of the Tiger–the ruthless lord of the Guild of Flesh–Nina is caught in a desperate race to keep the younger girl safe. Her vow takes her from the city’s dark underbelly to the glittering court of Louis XVII. And it also forces Nina to make a terrible choice–protect Ettie and set off a brutal war between the guilds, or forever lose her sister to the Tiger.
Books and Such 
The Court of Miracles does sound interesting. I’ve always been oddly intrigued by the French Revolution. Happy reading!
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Besides the comparison to Six of Crows, it was the mention of criminal guilds that grabbed me, Tessa. To my recollection, I haven’t read anything set during the French Revolution, so this will be a first for me, even though it’s an alt version.
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Gilded ones has been on my TBR for so long! The Court of Miracles sounds interesting too. I love both Les Miserables and Six of Crows.
Happy reading!
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Sounds like The Court of Miracles is one you should add to the TBR. I’ve been trying to get my NetGalley ARCs read before their publication date, and the next two months are going to be tight. Especially if I don’t read faster!
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Surrender your sons seems amazing and heart wrenching Teri! Now I am not interested in Tbe Court of Miracles ( because Les Misérables did not interest me either) but when you mention Six of Crows…I am intrigued! So I will wait for your review on that one!
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I remember you’re also a SoC fan, Sophie. Le Mis isn’t a fav of mine, so I’m hoping this one leans more in the other direction. I absolutely recommend Surrender Your Sons.
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Surrender Your Sons tugs at me…I must check this one out. Enjoy your week, and thanks for visiting my blog.
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Parts of it will rip your heart out, but it’s a fantastic read. Think it’s scheduled for a September release?
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The Gilded Ones sounds intriguing, and I love the book cover. the same with The Court of Miracles. Three very diverse reads.
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I agree about those covers, Mae. Designers never cease to amaze me with their talents.
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The Gilded Ones has such a wonderful cover, I’m glad that although the beginning is slow, it gets better as it progresses 😍✨👏🏻
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It really moves at a fast pace once you get to a certain point, Sofii. I can’t wait to see what happens in the last 15%.
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Ahh, I’m dying to read The Gilded Ones! So jealous. Happy reading!
Here’s mine if you’re interested: https://thereadingchemist.com/2020/05/13/www-wednesday-13-may-2020/
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I just finished it last night and loved it.
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I don’t really mind a slow beginning… as long as it’s spent on good world building and developing great characters. I realized that the first time I read something from Tad Williams. Once I got used to his style, I loved his work.
Thanks, Teri. Have an easy coast down the other side of this midweek hump. Hugs!
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There really is some wonderful world-building in this one, Teagan – just enough for the reader to understand, but also leave some mysteries. Which is driving me bonkers – I need to know! Hugs!
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Okay, you said “Phantom of the Opera” which wasn’t even a comp mentioned for the book, but I totally zeroed in on that last title. Of the three books you listed, I think that one most speaks to me. Sounds engaging.
You always have the best lists. Where on earth do you find the time?
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If Phantom of the Opera grabbed you, you need to check out this book I finished a couple weeks ago – https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/40144224-where-dreams-descend
It was a fantastic read with several parallels, Staci. And time? I’ve been such a slow reader over the past month or so. My writing is also at a near stall – ideas, but no words on the paper. Yet.
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I always thought I read fast until I saw your reading list. I’ve barely read anything in the last year, though. Too busy with work and life for much fun. Hope to start reading again, soon. I’m definitely going to look up that recommendation.
I hope your writing picks up soon. If you need to brainstorm (or a not-so-gentle nudge to start writing again), let me know. 🙂
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Thanks so much, Staci – I’ll absolutely keep that in mind!
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Surrender Your Sons sounds brutal but good. I wish the cover text were easier to read.
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It really was, Priscilla. I agree about that cover – the colors are striking, but it’s difficult to read.
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Enjoy your reading!
(www.evelynreads.com)
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Thanks, Evelyn!
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You certainly have some good reads lined up, Teri. I am finishing a Goodreads historical novels challenge and have one book and a quarter of another to read. Once those are finished I have three books prioritized, yours, Ritu Bhathal’s and Marje Mallons. I then have one of each Story Empire authors books to read. I’m not short of reading material.
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You certainly aren’t, Robbie – tons to read! I don’t read historical novels very often – maybe a couple per year, but I usually enjoy them. I should probably make it a point to read more.
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I love historical novels and write them myself. Everyone has their own taste in books and their favourite genres.
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Court of miracles ❤️. I am looking forward to it. That cover for Gilded ones is stunning.
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Isn’t it? The designer did an outstanding job. I’m also looking forward to Court of Miracles – probably starting it tomorrow. Thanks for visiting!
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I have the ARC for it. So I’ll be reading it soon as well. Happy reading!!.
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The Gilded Ones sounds absolutely fascinating! I must add it to my TBR pile 🙂
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I just finished it last night, Jessica. I assumed it was a series, but now I’m thinking maybe not. But it definitely has series potential.
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Aww man, I really want to read The Gilded Ones! I’ll keep in mind that it might have a bit of a slow start. I’ve heard wonderful things about A Court of Miracles, too! I hope you enjoy it.
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I thought The Gilded Ones might be a standalone, but I’ve learned it’s a series – which I plan to continue. You’ll love it, Sammie! I’m zooming through Court of Miracles.
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