Looking for some reading accountability or recommendations for books to read this month? You’re in the right place! Reading is probably one of my favorite hobbies. I’ve almost always been that way- I remember in school always trying to finish my work early to get a few pages in; or reading late at night until I couldn’t stay awake any longer. I used to read several books a month- but the past few years my reading habits have changed drastically. I’ve found myself disinterested in reading for several years now. I can go weeks without picking up a book (14 year old Hannah would hate this for me!). I’m lucky if I finish 5 novels within an entire year.
I seriously miss it- so we’re going to change that! Welcome to my first monthly TBR (to be read) post! I’ll be documenting the books I want to read- and book recommendations for you every single month. Think of it as a way to keep myself accountable- and a way for you to find good books to read. With that being said, here’s my April To Be Read List:
1. Chain of Thorns (The Last Hours series) by Cassandra Clare
The first book on my April TBR is Chain of Thorns. It’s the final installment of The Last Hours series by Cassandra Clare. It’s one of my absolute favorite series and authors of all time. I won’t go into any spoilers (especially because it’s the last book in the series), but here’s a basic description: It’s Edwardian London (1903 to be exact!), and it’s under attack from demons. It’s up to a group of Shadowhunters (a half-angel, half-human race) to save London and their friends from the demonic invasion. I love all things London and history- so it’s a no-brainer that this series set in Edwardian London draws me right in.
Cassie Clare has probably one of my favorite writing styles out there; it’s witty, adventurous, and fantastical at the same time. And the characters? I’m obsessed. I highly recommend checking out her books- she’s got 4 series currently out that are set in the Shadowhunter Universe. If you’re interested in reading them, I recommend starting with either The Mortal Instruments series or The Infernal Devices series.
I’ve got about 80 pages left in this- so it’ll definitely be finished by the end of the month!
2. The Kingmaker by Kennedy Ryan
As previously mentioned, I’ve been in a huge reading slump for a few years. Sometimes, I’ll start a book and just forget to pick it back up. That’s what happened with this next book on my list (although I was super into it!). I first heard of this book and author at the Books & Company Summer Sizzle event in Dayton, Ohio, last June, where I received a signed copy and got to meet Kennedy Ryan. She was incredibly kind and fun to talk to, and while waiting in line for other authors I decided to start The Kingmaker.
Synopsis:
“In a world of haves and have-nots, Maxim Cade’s family and their oil empire have it all…and he wants nothing to do with it. At odds with his mogul father, he’s determined to build his own empire, even if it means traveling far from home, painted as the black sheep.
Lennix Hunter is the exception to every one of Maxim’s rules. At a protest for the oil pipeline that threatens to mar her ancestral land forever, they meet in a flurry of stars and sparks, and that one moment changes everything. But Maxim’s family is the one stealing from hers, and his father is the man she hates most. He has to lie in order to have her once, and despite the truth, he’ll do anything to keep her.
Even though Lennix tries to hate Maxim, too, their hearts are pointed in the same direction. The inexorable pull between them, across miles and years, will not be denied. And neither will Maxim.”
I’m roughly halfway through this book now- and I’m enjoying it much more that I thought I would! I typically go for fantasy novels and worlds, but I find this real and relevant story almost refreshing. The writing, characters, and build-up? Incredible so far. Hopefully it will finally be finished by May!
3. House of Flame and Shadow (Crescent City #3), by Sarah J. Maas
BookTok girls will be familiar with this final book on my April TBR list! Crescent City is Sarah J. Maas’s third series and I am absolutely obsessed with it- and we all have been dying to get our hands on it after the ending to the previous book in the series. I wanted to start this one as soon as it came out; however, I do not like reading multiple books at the same time (despite doing it now). I won’t give any spoilers since this is the third book, but just know that if you’re looking for books to read like ACOTAR or book recommendations if you love Fourth Wing, you’ll be in love with this series. And pretty much everything by Sarah J. Maas, honestly.
My April TBR: Conclusion
If you’re looking to read more books in 2024, or need YA fantasy book recommendations, I hope you found this Books to Read in April post helpful! Let me know in the comments if you’re looking to read more books in 2024.
