For me, winter break requires a particular type of book. It’s a super busy time of year, usually pretty cold, and sometimes filled with a lot of emotions. Because of that, I like the books I read over winter break to be relatively simple reads with great stories and lots of heart. This year, I was able to read four books over the break. Here they are!
Bloodmarked by Tracy Deonn
“The shadows have risen, and the line is law.”
I know I just said that I only like relatively simple reads, but I waited for over a year for this book to be released. So, obviously I read it as soon as I got my hands on it. Bloodmarked is the second book in Tracy Deonn’s series The Legendborn Cycle, and it follows Bree Matthews, a UNC-Chapel Hill student turned Legendborn soldier, as she continues her quest to uncover her past. I don’t want to go too in-depth for fear of spoiling the first book in the series, but what I will say is that this book, much like its predecessor, was phenomenal.
Tracy Deonn is an incredible writer and storyteller and this book truly solidifies those facts. The action scenes were riveting, the dialogue was well-written and the character development was consistent and well-thought-out. Two of the major themes in both books are grief and racism, both heavy topics. Deonn portrays them deftly, beautifully and sensitively, a fact that makes both books even better. The Legendborn Cycle is probably my favorite fantasy series to date, and I think it’s a great choice for anyone that enjoys fantasy and wants something that feels new and fresh (especially if they enjoy Arthurian retellings).
Under the Whispering Door by T.J. Klune
“It’s life, Wallace. Even when you’re dead, it’s still life. You exist. You’re real. You’re strong and brave, and I’m so happy to know you.”
Wallace Price is dead. At least, that’s what the reaper who comes to collect him from his funeral tells him. She takes him to a tea shop owned by a man named Hugo, a ferryman who promises to help him cross over to what lies beyond. But Wallace isn’t ready to finish a life he had barely lived, and thus begins the process of him coming to terms with his death. Under the Whispering Door was nothing short of stunning. Even though this book is centered around what happens after death, it contemplates what it means to be alive. It is as much about death as it is about appreciating life and learning to live it. Wallace is surrounded by a wealth of other loveable characters, and the growth of their relationships is nothing short of heartwarming. I felt so many emotions while reading this, it was like the book equivalent of a warm hug after a long day.
The Lesbiana’s Guide to Catholic School by Sonora Reyes
“Looking at her, I realize I’m not surviving anymore. I’m dancing, and laughing, and living.”
The Lesbiana’s Guide to Catholic School is truly one of my favorite queer romances, period. The story follows 16-year-old Yamilet Flores as she transfers to a new Catholic high school with three goals: keep her brother out of trouble, make her mom proud and don’t fall in love. After meeting a girl that could make achieving goal number three difficult, she has to start asking herself WWSDG: What Would a Straight Girl Do?
Sweet, witty and full of heart, this book not only does a great job of depicting romantic relationships but also familial relationships, both biological and not. It’s a story about bravery and sharing your true self with the people that you love, even when it frightens you. It’s an important story that carries some heavy subject matters but despite that, it still manages to be lighthearted and have just the right amount of fun. It’s honest and vulnerable, but also hilarious at times. In a world that would rather hide queer stories away, this book fights to be seen, and we should all be glad that it does.
So This Is Ever After by F.T. Lukens
“I’d been envisioning what it would be like to behead the Vile One since the old wizard had shown up at my door the day after I turned seventeen and told me my destiny— that I would be the person who ended the dark shadow of evil that ruled our realm.”
Have you ever wondered what happens after the happily ever after? After the long and arduous quest, the formation of the ragtag found family and the beheading of the shadowy antagonist? F.T. Lukens’ So This Is Ever After is here to tell you! The story starts off right at the end—with the beheading of the evil king. Prophecy subject and aforementioned beheader Arek temporarily assumes the throne until he and his band can rescue the true heir from her tower. The only problem? She’s dead.
And now, along with all the other duties that come with ruling a kingdom, Arek has a new problem. He must choose a spouse in the three months before his 18th birthday or fade away to nothing. This book is funny, charming and contains a cast of incredible secondary characters. The romances depicted are nothing short of adorable and overall, this book is just the definition of feel-good. I’m a sucker for found-family tropes, and I especially enjoyed this one. While it was definitely a little cheesy at times, I found that I didn’t mind and enjoyed more than I thought I would. Definitely great if you want a quick and happy read.
Those are all of the books that I was able to read over winter break! A quick warning: some of these books do deal with heavier subject matters, so please be sure to check content warnings before you dive in. That being said, I hope that you enjoy these books as much as I did. Happy reading!
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