Top 5 Tuesday || Hyped Books I Loved

Sometimes, things that are hyped are good.

I’m a bit of a contrarian, so that’s not always true for me. But in these five cases, the books were well worth the hype, and I’m still thinking about them. Thanks to Meeghan @ Meeghan Reads making hyped books I loved the star of today’s Top 5 Tuesday, you too join me in being completely head over heels!

Cemetery Boys by Aiden Thomas

One of my most recent reads, I CANNOT get enough of Cemetery Boys! It made me laugh, it made me cry, it tugged on my heartstrings all the way through. Plus, I have the absolutely stunning Barnes & Noble edition with the foil embossed hardcover, which means it’s extra pretty inside and out.

Really, though, when people hyped this up, they had every reason to. It’s a stunning, vibrant standalone that’s packed with heart, and explores multiple intersections of identity, specifically the relationships of being trans, gay, and Latinx all at once. The hype is so completely worth it in every way.

 

Sorcery of Thorns by Margaret Rogerson

I’m not sure what took me song long in reading this, but I’m starting to feel the itch to read it again. Sorcery of Thorns excels not only in crafting a world with magic, but it packs delightful banter, a brilliantly capable heroine, and a finale that leaves you breathless in all the very best ways!

Also, one character turns into a super fluffy cat for stealth and observation reasons. We love a good fluffy grumpy cat, especially when he happens to be the most sensible one in the core cast.

 

This is How You Lose the Time War by Amal el-Mohtar and Max Gladstone

I’ll admit that I knew I’d enjoy This is How You Lose the Time War. I mean, it’s a novel about time traveling red/blue lesbians, so what’s not to love?

But actually reading it was an altogether different experience, and I’m still bowled over. If this book didn’t make the list of hyped books that I love, I’d feel like a fraud. There’s beautiful prose and an experimental sci-fi touch throughout, capped by a resolution that aches with exquisite tenderness.

If you haven’t read it, go read it. I promise it’s so good. So good.

 

Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno Garcia

This book usually has people saying “fuck mushrooms” and now that I know why, fuck mushrooms.

But also read this book. It unseated Stephen King in the GR Choice Awards for best horror with very good reason. Can I really say much more than that?

 

Descendant of the Crane by Joan He

I’m still so devastated the Descendant of the Crane probably won’t get a sequel. Book Twitter worked so hard to promote this book, particularly Asian bloggers, and for good reason. It’s a brilliant book, suspenseful and intriguing and full of fallible characters who make fascinating decisions. On top of all that, it has one of the most gorgeous covers I’ve ever seen in my life.

I’m not sure if I can forgive publishing for dismissing this book’s brilliance, and I’m begging you not to make the same mistake. Read Descendant of the Crane. Soak it up. Love it.

 

I’m sure if I poked through my list of books I’ve read, I’d come up with a few more hyped books I loved. These, though, are the cream of the crop in my experience, and I recommend them so much!

Do any of these books have a home on your hyped books list? Do you agree with me, or think I’m totally off base? Let’s chat!