Because birthdays call for books, obviously. Just like all other holidays, happy moments, and sad/stressed/bad moments call for books. We’re all familiar with this concept. Books are fitting no matter what to occasion. 😉

I know the traditional saying is “sweet 16,” and I do like that, but I liked “sassy 16” more. I’m not as sweet as people think I am. Not going to lie, my favorite thing is to be really quiet at school and listen, and then when people annoy me I sass them. No one expects it and it’s absolutely the best. And of course, you all know how sassy/snarky I am in my posts. Unless you’re new here, and in that case… hi! I don’t bite, I just blurt Hairspray lyrics and recommend soul-crushing books. 🙂

In all seriousness, I turned 16 a little over two weeks ago, on the 5th. That was at the start of my little break, which I took because of summer school and the realization I had four library books due the following week as well as AP assignments. Needless to say, I didn’t post that day or even that week. I didn’t enjoy going to PE that morning, but the rest of the day was a lot of fun.

All I asked for this year was a bunch of books and to go out to lunch. I placed a huge Amazon order (13 books) and also picked up a few in the weeks prior to and after my birthday. In total, I got my hands on 18 books, and I couldn’t have been happier. (Also, the Amazon box was probably taller than me, or at least the same height. I could barely lift it, but I didn’t care because books.)

So without further ado, let’s dive into my lovely, massive haul! (It’s massive for me, at least.)

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• Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas, hardcover (#1)

I owned this in paperback already because my best friend Erika didn’t want it anymore and sent me her copy. But being the fan that I am, I wanted my whole SJM collection to be in hardcover, so I ordered this.

• Crown of Midnight by Sarah J. Maas, hardcover (#2)

See above explanation. I have a paperback and hardcover copy of this. 😉

• Heir of Fire by Sarah J. Maas, hardcover (#3)

Once again, the same explanation. Although I actually have two hardcover copies of this, because Erika’s copy was in the birthday package she sent me that showed up a few days later. No regrets. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

• Grave Mercy by Robin LaFevers, paperback (#1)

I bought this about a week before my birthday because the library copy I’d checked out looked and felt gross and I was enjoying the story. Don’t judge me. In my defense, it was honestly bad. I think someone spilled their Starbucks drink on the book and left it there. *shudders*

• Dark Triumph by Robin LaFevers, paperback (#2)

I loved the first book, so I had to have this one. I convinced Erika to buy the first two books, so I’m hoping to buddy-read this with her sometime in July. I hope she likes the first one. 😛

• Mortal Heart by Robin LaFevers, paperback (#3)

See above. If everything works out, maybe Erika and I will buddy-read this too. Also, it makes me a bit sad that the first book is the biggest one in the trilogy.

• Unhinged by A.G. Howard, paperback (#2)

I had a few issues with the first book, but for the most part it was really interesting and I liked that it was a darker retelling of Alice in Wonderland. Okay, and I also bought this for the cover. It’s gorgeous, don’t judge me.

• Ensnared by A.G. Howard, paperback (#3)

A.G. Howard has the best luck with covers, honestly. I think it would be cool to see her books with the same color scheme and design without the people, but still. They’re gorgeous. *heart eyes*

• Strange the Dreamer by Laini Taylor, hardcover (#1)

I wanted to get the UK edition because I think it’s prettier and the blue stained pages are absolutely stunning, but I couldn’t find it on Amazon. It’s okay, this one is pretty too, and shiny. Oh, and I’m excited to read it. I got a sampler at BookCon last year and it was great, so I’ve got high hopes.

• When Dimple Met Rishi by Sandhya Menon, hardcover

There were so many new releases I wanted to get, but I ended up picking this one. It sounds so cute and fun, and everyone and their unicorn loves it. Also, I made sure to get the hardcover, because on the back there’s a picture of Dimple throwing her iced coffee at Rishi and I needed it in my life. 😛

• None of the Above by I.W. Gregorio, paperback

I got this from the library in December and absolutely loved it. The main character is intersex, and I learned so much while reading. It’s an emotional, gripping story, too. It isn’t #ownvoices, but the author is a surgeon so I think it’s accurate. I just loved this book and had to get my own copy. (Note: I wouldn’t say it’s triggering, but the first few chapters are a little uncomfortable to read. If you can get past that, it’s great. Just a warning.)

• The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton, 50th anniversary hardcover

The author isn’t the best person, but I absolutely adore this book. In four years of required reading, it’s the only one I’ve liked. I own three copies of the book, as well as the movie and a “Stay Gold, Ponyboy” tote bag. I love it, okay?!

• Unicorn Tracks by Julia Ember, paperback

You all know how much I love this book. I read it last summer but was sent a digital review copy, and only now had a chance to get a physical one. Let me tell you, the cover is even more gorgeous in person. If you haven’t read this, please GO READ IT. It won’t crush your soul, and it’s about two girls falling in love while trying to save unicorns from poachers. YOU NEED THIS BOOK. 🙂

(Also, I’ve thrown this book at so many people that Julia put me in the acknowledgements of her upcoming book, The Tiger’s Watch. I got a digital ARC of it and devoured it in a day. It comes out on August 22, has an equally gorgeous cover, and features a genderfluid main character in a fantasy world with magical animal bonds. And while I obviously can’t say much on the quality of the genderfluid rep, I think everything was fine.)

(I’m seriously so proud of that first part. ↑)

• The Seafarer’s Kiss by Julia Ember, paperback (#1)

Oh, look, another Julia Ember book. Can you tell she’s my favorite?

I’m actually reading this book now and I stayed up until 1:30 last night to read it. It’s short, but I read nearly half in a few hours. This is her most recent release and it’s a retelling of The Little Mermaid with Norse mythology interwoven. It involves an f/f romance and a deal with Loki gone wrong.

(Loki is also genderfluid in this book, and I’ve heard from others online that the rep has issues. I don’t know more than that, as all the details seem to be in spoiler reviews, but I’ll definitely be looking at them upon finishing.)

• Lord of Shadows by Cassandra Clare, hardcover (#2)

I got this the same day I got Grave Mercy, and even though it was less than a week after release, the extra wait killed me. I read this as soon as I finished my library books and it was completely worth it. There was drama, romantic tension, humor, totally unexpected plot twists, and an ending that crushed my soul. All the elements of a Cassandra Clare book. I’m not okay with this two year wait. I need the last book now, please and thank you. 🙂

(Also, it’s given me a strong, random desire to reread The Mortal Instruments, even though I only own the first book. I’ll make it happen at some point this year. Hopefully.)

• Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas, paperback (#1)

HEAR ME OUT. Olivia at Stories for Coffee was selling books she didn’t want anymore, so I took a look and found this. Normally I wouldn’t have cared, because I had two copies already. But it’s a personalized copy, and we have the same name. I COULDN’T PASS THAT UP. So that’s how I have three copies of Throne of Glass. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

• The Dark Prophecy by Rick Riordan, hardcover (#2)

I actually just got this on Saturday as a late present from my dad, who works on the road. He took me to Barnes and Noble and it was so hard to pick just one book, with all the sequels and new releases out. Not to mention all the books on my TBR that have been there forever and I just haven’t gotten to yet. But since this came out at the start of May and I hadn’t gotten a copy yet, I had to choose this one. 😉

What was the last book you bought? Have you read any of these books? Which one should I read next? Let’s chat! I’d love to hear your thoughts! 🙂

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I’m off to finish reading The Seafarer’s Kiss and then find something else to do. I’m not sure what it’ll be yet. 😛 I hope you all have a fabulous day/night! ❤

Until next time…

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