Top 5 Tuesday: Books by Black Authors


Top 5 Tuesday is a fun, weekly meme that asks you to pick 5 books that fit that week’s theme. It was created by Bionic Bookworm and is currently being hosted by Meeghan Reads. You should check out their wonderful blog for more details and the list of prompts!


Hello, reader!

For this week’s Top 5 Tuesday, we have a freebie when it comes to the topic! And since we’re at the beginning of Black History Month here in the States, I thought I would highlight five books by Black authors that I absolutely loved. This was actually kind of tough to narrow down because I’ve loved so many books written by Black authors. All the ones I’m featuring are more contemporary, which makes me realize I really need to expand my reading when it comes to Black authors of the past. Growing up, I feel like all I was ever exposed to were books by white authors, so I missed a lot of great literature. It’s time to rectify that.

All that aside, let me share the five books I’ve decided to feature today!


#1. Raybearer by Jordan Ifueko

If y’all have been around my blog for any length of time, you’ll probably be well aware of my deep love for this book. I reread it three times the year it came out, which is absolutely unheard of for me! I hardly ever reread and especially not in the same year. That’s how much this fantasy book had me wrapped up in it’s magic. The worldbuilding is top notch and Tarisai remains one of my favorite characters to this day!


#2. The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas

This modern classic got me to realize that I could, in fact, enjoy a young adult contemporary novel. I’m sure this is partly the subject matter, but it was mainly Thomas’ incredible writing. She has a way of weaving a story that makes it very difficult to stop reading! I’ve enjoyed everything I’ve read by her, but this is by far my favorite.

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Top 5 Tuesday: Series to Finish in 2023


Top 5 Tuesday is a fun, weekly meme that asks you to pick 5 books that fit that week’s theme. It was created by Bionic Bookworm and is currently being hosted by Meeghan Reads. You should check out their wonderful blog for more details and the list of prompts!


Hello, reader!

It’s time for another Top 5 Tuesday! Last week’s topic was all about series I wanted to start this year. This week is the opposite: series I’d like to finish in 2023! I am in the middle of… a lot of series. Like, a ridiculous amount, y’all. That means it took me a minute to trim this down to just five I wanted to feature, haha. Just know that this list is definitely not exhaustive.

That being said, let’s get to it!


#1. The Great Library series by Rachel Caine

I have been on the last book of this series for an embarrassingly long time. At this point, I probably should reread the entire series, but, funnily enough, I remember pretty much everything that has happened so far. Which, if you know me at all, is an anomaly! I just need to finally pick this up and prepare myself to say goodbye to Jess and company. It’s gonna be bittersweet.


#2. A Song of Wraiths and Ruin series by Roseanne A. Brown

The second book in this duology was on my 22 in 2022 TBR and we all know how well that went 😂 I’m still eager to pick up A Psalm of Storms and Silence, so I’m sticking it on this list. I was fascinated by the world that Roseanne A. Brown created in the first book. I’m also completely attached to the main characters, Malik and Karina. I need to know how their story ends!

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Top 5 Tuesday: Series I Will Start in 2023


Top 5 Tuesday is a fun, weekly meme that asks you to pick 5 books that fit that week’s theme. It was created by Bionic Bookworm and is currently being hosted by Meeghan Reads. You should check out their wonderful blog for more details and the list of prompts!


Hello, reader!

Happy Tuesday to you all. I’m here to bring you another Top 5 Tuesday post! This week is all about series I want to start in 2023 which I have plenty from which to choose, haha. I really should hold off since I’m in the middle of so many series, but I’m not known for making the best choices when it comes to my reading 😂 Besides, the five series I’ve decided to feature are series I’ve been wanting to start for awhile!

That being said, let’s get to the list!


#1. The Farseer Trilogy by Robin Hobb

Robin Hobb is such a talked-about author in the book community and I still haven’t read any of her books! I’ve wanted to read Assassin’s Apprentice for ages, but I’m always intimidated by two factors. One: though this is only a trilogy, there are so many books in the full series of books set in this world. Two: this series seems to emotionally destroy people, haha. Still, this is such an iconic series and I want to know what all the hype is about.


#2. The Binti series by Nnedi Okorafor

I have mentioned I want to try and read more science fiction this year, so of course I gotta include this series about a Black girl fighting aliens. I mean, it’s about a lot more than that and that’s exactly why I want to read it! I’ve also read a few books by this author, now, and I’ve enjoyed every single one. Her brand of sci-fi is always fascinating and I’m excited to discover more.

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Top 5 Tuesday: Books to Read in 2023


Top 5 Tuesday is a fun, weekly meme that asks you to pick 5 books that fit that week’s theme. It was created by Bionic Bookworm and is currently being hosted by Meeghan Reads. You should check out their wonderful blog for more details and the list of prompts!


Hello, reader!

Happy Tuesday, y’all! I hope everyone is having a good start to another week. I’m counting down the days til my next day off because I’ve been working a bit of overtime and I am a tired bean 😴 For now, though, it’s time for another Top 5 Tuesday! This week, we’re focusing on our top five books to read in 2023! I have quite a few books that I would like to prioritize this year, quite a few of which I’ve talked about recently on the blog, so I thought I’d focus on five that I’m eager to read, but don’t talk about as much.

With that said, let’s get to the list!


#1. Witches Steeped in Gold by Ciannon Smart

That’s right, y’all. I’m gonna give this DNF another go. I was so disappointed that I had to set this one aside when I tried to read it the first time. I just could not get into the story, but I’ve heard that it gets more interesting in the second half of the book. I want to actually make it there this time 😂 Thankfully, I’ve gotten my hands on the audiobook, so I’m hoping that helps to immerse me into the story more.


#2. Sword & Pen by Rachel Caine

I’m mad at myself for putting off finishing the Great Library series for so long! What was the reason? Probably because I’m just not ready to let go of Jess and company! I’m sad that this is the last book in this incredible series, but I can’t let that stop me from finally reading the freakin’ book! I’m ready to sink back into this world where the Great Library of Alexandria never burned down and has turned into the most powerful organization on the planet.

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Top 5 Tuesday: New (to me) Authors of 2022


Top 5 Tuesday is a fun, weekly meme that asks you to pick 5 books that fit that week’s theme. It was created by Bionic Bookworm and is currently being hosted by Meeghan Reads. You should check out their wonderful blog for more details and the list of prompts!


Hello, reader!

It’s time for another Top 5 Tuesday and this one takes a look back at my reading year. I’m picking my top five new to me authors that I’ve read in 2022! I’ve read a lot of incredible books this year and a lot of those books have been from authors I’ve never read from before. It was a great year for discovering new authors that I love and I can’t wait to read more from all of my choices!

Now, let me share them with you.


#1. N.K Jemisin

I can’t believe it took me until 2022 to finally pick up a book by N.K. Jemisin. I’ve owned both The Fifth Season and The City We Became for what seems like years, yet hadn’t bothered to pick either of them up. I think it was a case of me overhyping both of them in my head with how much people loved them. I finally caved and read The Fifth Season and it was, perhaps, the easiest five star I’ve ever given 😂 I’m so excited to continue with the Broken Earth series and more of Jemisin’s work!


#2. Angeline Boulley

Firekeeper’s Daughter was everywhere for quite awhile after it came out. It kept popping up on my radar and I found the premise was interesting, so I bought it. Then it languished on my bookshelf for far too long. Finally, at the beginning of the year, I decided to pick this up. I’m so glad I did because this book was absolutely incredible! The writing sucked me in and I felt immersed in the tale. I’m so excited for this author’s new release in 2023, Warrior Girl Unearthed.

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Top 5 Tuesday: Books I Meant To Read In 2022


Top 5 Tuesday is a fun, weekly meme that asks you to pick 5 books that fit that week’s theme. It was created by Bionic Bookworm and is currently being hosted by Meeghan Reads. You should check out their wonderful blog for more details and the list of prompts!


Hello, reader!

It has been a hot minute since I’ve done a Top 5 Tuesday post, but I couldn’t pass this one up. We’re getting to the end to the year, which means it’s time to reflect on the year that was 2022. So when I saw the topic today was book I meant to read in 2022, it felt very appropriate. To be honest, and I’m sure there are quite a few of you in the same boat, my list of books that I meant to read in 2022 could fill an entire library 😅 I’ve trimmed it down to the five that I was anticipating the most and yet still haven’t read.

Now, let me share them with you!


#1. Amari and the Great Game by B.B. Alston

I started 2022 knowing that Amari was a book I was going to get as soon as it came out. I loved the first book in this series so much and I was stoked for the sequel. And I did buy the book as soon as it came out! Did I read it? Clearly not 😂 I don’t know why I’ve held off picking it up. I’ve heard nothing but great things about the continuation of Amari’s story. Perhaps it’s one of those things that I’m hyping it up so much that I’ve psyched myself out.


#2. The Sunbearer Trials by Aiden Thomas

Here’s another book that I got as soon as it came out because I was so hyped for it! The children of gods competing in a competition that can have dangerous consequences? Sign me up! I even have a personalized, sign copy of this book I was so excited for it. And it sits on my shelf, judging me as I pick up all kinds of books that aren’t this one. Sigh… I had the best of intentions! I’m still eager to give this one a read, but it probably won’t be before 2023 hits.

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Top 5 Tuesday: Books Set In The Past


Top 5 Tuesday is a fun, weekly meme that asks you to pick 5 books that fit that week’s theme. It was created by Bionic Bookworm and is currently being hosted by Meeghan Reads. You should check out their wonderful blog for more details and the list of prompts!


Hello, reader!

I hope you’ve all had a lovely Tuesday. It was a busy day at work for me, so I’m ready to unwind, watch people talk about books on Youtube, and pick up a book of my own. First, though, it’s time for another Top 5 Tuesday post! Today, I get to talk about my top five books that are set in the past. I wasn’t sure how easy it would be to find five books that I love that are set in the past, but then I ended up with so many books from which to choose, haha. I’ve trimmed it down to my five favorites, though it was a tough decision to make.

Now, let me share them with you!


#1. The Gilded Wolves by Roshani Chokshi

This is a recent read that quickly stole my heart. It was vibrant and engaging, with incredible characters and even better writing! And it’s set in 1889 Paris, so it definitely belongs on this list. I loved this story so much. It has so many elements that I tend to gravitate towards: heists, morally grey characters, and, my fave, found family. I really need to continue with this series! Hopefully I’ll pick up the next book sooner rather than later.


#2. Black Sun by Rebecca Roanhorse

So I’m not 100% sure when this book takes place, but it is inspired by the pre-Columbian Americas and everything since pretty old school, so I’m saying it counts! Mostly because I just need an excuse to talk about this book at any opportunity 😂 This book has magic, mystery, and some of the most compelling characters I’ve read in awhile. Xiala and Serapio will always be my favorites and that holds true in the sequel, as well. I cannot wait for the next book!

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Top 5 Tuesday: Most Quotable Books


Top 5 Tuesday is a fun, weekly meme that asks you to pick 5 books that fit that week’s theme. It was created by Bionic Bookworm and is currently being hosted by Meeghan Reads. You should check out their wonderful blog for more details and the list of prompts!


Hello, reader!

It’s time for another Top 5 Tuesday post! I’ve kind of been slacking on these this month because October was all about quotes. I can appreciate a beautiful line in a book, but I also have the memory of a hummingbird and, thus, don’t often remember them 😂 Today’s topic, however, is one I could get behind because it doesn’t ask for specific quotes… it just ask what are your top five most quotable books. I have quite a few books that would be mostly tabs if I was an annotator. Now I’ve picked five that I think would be annotated the most.

That being said, let’s jump in!


#1. Raybearer by Jordan Ifueko

Look. This book was my 2020. I was obsessed with this when it came out! I’ve also re-read it more than any other book I own, save one. So not only are there so many quotes that I loved, but this is one of the few where I can actually remember a couple, haha. I have so many copies of this book that I have considered choosing one to annotate. It’s just that good, y’all, and there are definitely a lot of wonderful quotes that I want to revisit again and again.


#2. The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern

Erin Morgenstern has exquisite writing. Every book I’ve read by her is an absolute treasure when it comes to prose. Of the two, however, I think The Night Circus is definitely the more quotable. It has one of the few first lines that I can remember off the top of my head! And, as I said, the writing is just so beautiful and lilting that I find myself drawn to so many lines throughout the story. Just thinking about it kind of makes me want to re-read it, haha.

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Top 5 Tuesday: Anticipated Reads for Oct – Dec 2022


Top 5 Tuesday is a fun, weekly meme that asks you to pick 5 books that fit that week’s theme. It was created by Bionic Bookworm and is currently being hosted by Meeghan Reads. You should check out their wonderful blog for more details and the list of prompts!


Hello, reader!

It’s time for another Top 5 Tuesday! I’m excited for this week’s topic because I get to shout about upcoming books that I’m dying to read. That’s right, I’m picking my top five most anticipated new releases from October through December! I always feel like there are less books that come out as the year winds down but it was an easy task to pick out five I’m awaiting with bated breath.

So let’s jump on into the list!


#1. Tread of Angels by Rebecca Roanhorse

Anticipated Release: November 15th

Rebecca Roanhorse has swiftly become one of my favorite authors. That means, when I found out she was releasing another fantasy this year, I swiftly added it to my TBR! I didn’t even read the synopsis, haha. Having the read the synopsis now, I want to read it even more. It features siblings fighting for each other against a strange society known as the Order of the Archangel. Count me in!


#2. Reforged by Seth Haddon

Anticipated Release: October 4th

I’m not gonna lie, the cover is what drew me to this book. I saw it on some Goodreads list or another and instantly wanted to more. After reading the synopsis, this book quickly found itself on my TBR. There’s a bodyguard and the royal he’s sworn to protect who he also might loooooove. It sounds so good! I was sorely disappointed that this book wasn’t already out when I first stumbled across it 😂

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Top 5 Tuesday: Dramatic Bookworm Problems


Top 5 Tuesday is a fun, weekly meme that asks you to pick 5 books that fit that week’s theme. It was created by Bionic Bookworm and is currently being hosted by Meeghan Reads. You should check out their wonderful blog for more details and the list of prompts!


Hello, reader!

It’s time for another Top 5 Tuesday! I’m really loving the prompts for September because, rather than being strictly about books, it’s about bookish things. Take, for instance, this week’s prompt. Today, I’ll be sharing my top five dramatic bookworm problems!

So buckle up because I’m about to rant 😂


#1. Falling out of love with a series… and it’s not even complete

This has happened to me a couple of time and one of the series is an epic fantasy standard. That’s right… I’m talking about the Wheel of Time series by Robert Jordan 😬 Look. When I read The Eye of the World, I was all in. I was D E D I C A T E D. I think I read the first book when there were only five books out and I did not realize how much longer the series was going to be. But that’s not why I stopped reading. I stopped reading because I just got bored. I felt like nothing was happening, nothing was moving forward, and, at the time, there was no end in sight! So I just stopped buying the books. Now that there is an end to the story, I have to admit I’m curious about revisiting the series. Especially since it was finished with the help of Brandon Sanderson. I’d have to start from the very beginning, though, and the thought is just daunting, haha. We’ll see…

#2. Reading one of your most anticipated reads… and being super underwhelmed

This has legit only happened to me once, but the feeling was such that I hope it never happens again 😩 I was so hyped for Witches Steeped in Gold by Ciannon Smart. SO HYPED. And then I tried to read it and, oof… it was not a good time. I got about halfway through and I just couldn’t make myself continue. I was, again, so bored! Smart’s writing is incredible, but it also felt a bit repetitive. It felt like nothing was happening and I was worried the entire book was going to be like that. I’m bound and determine to give it another go, though, because I’ve heard the second half gets better. I also hate not completing books…

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