I refuse to accept criticism at this time.
Okay, just kidding. Criticism can be a lovely thing, especially from trusted sources. But today’s post is one I still stand firmly by. Meeghan @ Meeghan Reads chose “hyped books I’m not interested in” as a T5T topic, and by golly, am I going to tell you all exactly how I feel. I’m one part salt today, one part knowing my bookish tastes well, and one part feeling the need to stir the pot just a tiny bit.
Sometimes you just have to let it out, right? Tell the world how you really feel? And for these books, I’m feeling very not interested.
House of Earth and Blood by Sarah J. Maas (Crescent City #1)
First of all, I still don’t understand why the series title is bigger than the book title. Endlessly confusing. And second of all, I will not touch Maas books with a ten foot pole. After reading three of the Throne of Glass books and only becoming more and more disillusioned to the point of DNFing the series (something I rarely do), I’m never going back. Complain about it if you must, but I’m not picking this one up in this lifetime or any other. Thanks, but hard pass.
The Cruel Prince by Holly Black (The Folk of the Air #1)
I can hear Twitter racing to tear my throat out as I type this, but I have no interest in this series. For starters, I rarely ever enjoy books with fae characters (though I’ll admit I’m not 100% sure why), and to add to that, I’m really not about the fandom. I know there are people out there who are reasonable human beings, but I mostly see folks obsessing about a character’s tail and oversexualizing a bunch of teen characters.
Filing this one away under the “Creepy Fandom” and “Not my Cup of Tea” tabs.
Once Upon a Broken Heart by Stephanie Garber
The further I got into Stephanie Garber’s Caraval series, the more disappointments I encountered. That’s led me to place Once Upon a Broken Heart firmly on the list of books I’m not interested in. Above all else, though, it’s here because I don’t care about Jack. At all. I couldn’t stand him in the Caraval series, and every scene he was in with Tella had me bored or tearing my hair out.
I’m just too tired for manipulative love interests who can be fixed with looooooove.
Call Down the Hawk by Maggie Stiefvater (Dreamer Trilogy #1)
Boring cover? Check. Book that continues a series that ended in a way that left me unsatisfied? Check. Increasingly mounting disinterest in any more content in this world?
Oh, big check.
What else can I say? The Raven Boys didn’t totally do it for me, especially since the ending felt so flat to me after four books of build up, and I don’t feel any sudden urge to go back. Let’s move on instead.
Cool for the Summer by Dahlia Adler
Okay, this one I can actually be nice about! I simply don’t want to read it because contemporary romance is not my thing. Especially set in high school. I’m just not into it, and I know I’ll find myself more bored than entertained.
HOWEVER.
I’ve heard nothing but fun things from folks who do enjoy YA contemporary romance, and I hope that anyone who does give Cool for the Summer a go has fun! Just because it’s not for me doesn’t mean it’s not for anyone. If this is what your heart desires? Go for it!
So, part two of the Triple Threat Top 5 Tuesday is complete, and I’ve admitted a bunch of books I’m not interested in. Do we share any titles on our “thanks but no thanks” lists? Am I completely wrong?
I know this one might stir up some controversy, but friends, I have come prepared in plate armor to defend my thoughts. Huzzah (or whatever you think is best to yell before a bookish joust)!