So, I have a series on my blog called Most Anticipated Books. I’m sure you’ve seen it— I make a new post for it every month. The series is, as you know, about new releases I’m excited for each month.
However, my desires are as fickle as a summer breeze. While there are still plenty of books on those lists I still want to read or have read since, there are also some that I’ve lost interest in. Today I thought I’d share those with you.
In looking over the list I’m about to share, I’m not at all surprised to find that it’s mostly filled with YA books. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve read less and less YA books because I’m not the target audience and therefore haven’t been enjoying YA as much as I used to.
I’m also considering making this a series of sorts, where I remove books from my TBR. After all, everyone loves a good unhaul. This first post is based solely on books that have appeared in my Most Anticipated Books series. I’m also not including any sequels because those are more for a post about series I won’t be continuing.
Anway, here are, like, six books I lost anticipation for and will no longer be reading.
A Deadly Education by Naomi Novik
I was really excited to read this book a few months ago… and then the reviews started coming out. Actually, I first became wary when I found out this is the first book in a YA series. But I was still cautiously optimistic. And then the reviews came out.
You may have heard about the controversy over this book having some racist passages and characters. Some readers of color say there are, while others say there really aren’t. I might’ve still considered checking it out, but reviewers I trust have also said the plot and characters aren’t very good. And there’s a rumor going around that this is repurposed, straight-washed Drarry fanfiction. I think, as cool as the concept is, I’m now going to have to pass on this one.
The Beautiful by Renee Ahdieh
I was so ready for this book to bring vampires back into fashion. Unfortunately, a lot of reviewers have said this vampire story is light on the vampires. I’ve also heard it features an anachronistic take on feminism, the romance is toxic, the main character is annoyingly impulsive, and that it’s overall tropey as hell. Even though I’ve liked Ahdieh’s previous books, this one is going to be a no from me.
Tarnished are the Stars by Rosiee Thor
I’m gonna be real with you, chief… I forgot all about this book almost as soon as it came out. I literally just looked at the summary and already can’t tell you what it’s about. I’m pretty sure the only reason I added it to my TBR was because the main character is non-binary. Other than that, it sounds like a generic YA sci-fi. So, there isn’t anything wrong with this book, I’ve just lost interest and memory of its existence.
Her Crown of Fire by Renee April
Speaking of books I completely forgot about, this is a book I’d forgotten about when I was making my Most Anticipated Books post for the month this book came out. There is was on my Goodreads list and so I said, “Guess I’ll add it to this post.” As with the book above, I literally cannot remember a single thing about the plot summary despite having just looked at it. It’s generic YA fantasy. The protagonist is going to become queen… or something. I don’t know. All I know is that I no longer have any desire to read this book and I’m honestly not sure I ever really did.
The Harp of Kings by Juliet Marillier
I found this book on Netgalley about a year ago. I didn’t request it, but I did add it to my TBR on Goodreads. I found out later Marillier is a very popular adult fantasy writer, but I’ve heard mixed things about her books. I think I may still give her a chance someday, but for now I’m not really interested. That said, if I do eventually decide to read her work, I may start here. It depends on who I am down the road. As of now, this book has lost the intrigue it once held for me.
The Red Labyrinth by Meredith Tate
You guys, I actually got the eARC for this book and then… never read it. Oops. It still sounds like a cool premise— a girl has to team up with the town bad boy to traverse the treacherous labyrinth that encircles their home— but I just feel like it’ll fall short in execution. At least, for the sort of story I’m looking for as an adult reader. No shade, it just very much does not feel like my jam. But if you want a new YA fantasy dystopian, maybe you should check this one out.
Are there any books you wanted to read that you’ve changed your mind on? What were they and why have you decided not to read them? Let’s discuss in the comments!
Strange Storyteller 