To celebrate the start of summer I wanted to do a round up of some epic reads and do a giveaway!
One reader will win their choice of one of the below books. All you have to do is sign up for my newsletter HERE for instructions on how to win. If you’re already subscribed, check your inbox for a message from me.
For those of you going on vacation or planning on turning that Casper-like complexion into a golden bronze, here’s a list of epic summer reads to take with you:
Cinder by Marissa Meyer
Cinderella retelling set in near future Beijing.
You know how people always say, “Don’t judge a book by its cover?” Well…I may have done that to Cinder. For a long time.
I’m embarrassed to admit that despite many people telling me I HAD to read this novel, I passed on it because the cover looked boring. But seriously! Who can blame me? It was a picture of a red high heel with some weird screws in it.
Then they did a cover refresh and it was a chick carrying a bazooka and with a robotic arm and I was like, “Heck yes! I’ll read this!”
So…yeah. That happened.
Anyhow, I love this series so much! Even if you’re not a big fan of fairytale retellings, like me, you’ll love it! Each character is so loveable and relatable and the plot had me staying up waaaay too late reading.
Disorder on the Court by Tamara Girardi
Sports lover’s dream!
I had the privilege of reading an advance reader copy and fell in love with this story! FYI this book isn’t available to the public until June but you can preorder it now!!
Let me preface this by saying I’m extremely competitive and hate any sport I lose. This means I absolutely loath mini golf and volleyball and you’ll be hard pressed to get me to play either one.
When I found out this book was all about a volleyball player, I wasn’t sure if I’d get through it. Turns out, I loved it! Tamara not only made it simple for us non-volleyball folks to understand, she made it super interesting!
As an athlete, I could relate SO much to the main protagonist! But even if you’re not a sports lover, this book has it all; romance, family tension, and all the ups and downs of growing up.
Dust by Kara Swanson
Peter Pan retelling.
What if Peter Pan doomed Neverland and then got stuck in London growing old? This is the fascinating premise for Dust. If you aren’t able to travel this summer but wished you could, open this book and find yourself whisked away to London! Who says we have to grow up??
The Seventh Sun by Lani Forbes
The Bachelor meets Hunger Games.
Hard to imagine? I thought so. This thrilling read is everything you want and more! Rich world building, lovable characters, and a desperate plot that will keep you devouring the pages.
I picked it up on a plane ride to Sweden and didn’t put it down until we landed. Even though I was super sleep deprived! I had to find out the fate of the princess and if she would be the one chosen by the eligible prince or if she’d be sacrificed to the gods!
Also, on a personal note, before her battle with cancer, I had the chance to meet the author, Lani Forbes. I cannot say enough good things about her. She was an incredible woman and stood strong and kept a positive attitude to the end. Buying this book is a great way to support the family she’s left behind.
Calculated by Nova McBee
The Count of Monte Cristo mixed with Mission Impossible and set-in modern-day Shanghai.
I might be a little biased since I grew up in China and have known the author, Nova McBee for years, but this is a MUST read!! A math prodigy who can see numbers and uses this gift like a super power, is one of the most unique and original premises I’ve read in a while.
Unlike most action stories, there are no cheap gun and explosion tactics used to garner action. There are however, LOTS of epic fight scenes and battle of wits. It’s no surprise this series is being turned into a movie! With the screen play writer Ann Peacock (Narnia) helping with the film, I simply cannot wait to see it in the theater!!
Legend by Marie Lu
Les Misérables with dystopian vibes.
If you’re a fan of Les Misérables you’ll love this retelling with Day and June! The two main characters are brilliant and pitted against each other on opposite sides of the revolution. So much heart burn!!! I tore through this book and instantly bought the next in the series. Now, I buy pretty anything by Marie Lu.
I hope you’ll love these books just as much as I do and find some time to go on new adventures this summer!
Stay in touch by using the hashtag #MisfitsTBRpile on Instagram so we can connect! Also, add me on GoodReads HERE if you want to see some of the other books I’ll be reading this summer!
Signing off to take in the sunset, Candace
