Whilst I think I have read quite a lot of books there are always a ton more that I see on instagram or hear people talking about that are either not on my radar at all or books that I know I want to read. Often I can’t justify the cost of starting up a new series, especially whilst I’m still part way through so many, but sometimes mixed reviews stop me taking the plunge. I know there are plenty of favourite on this list though so I would love to know which one you think I should pick up next!

The Illuminae Files – Jay Kristoff and Amie Kaufman

So in a twist, this is a series that I actually own all of but just haven’t got round to reading yet. I hear nothing but good things about it and I wanted to hold out to get them in hardcover however, when Mister Kristoff was in London for the Darkdawn event I spotted that he had signed paperback copies of these books for Forbidden Planet, I did a naughty thing and bought a whole set. I’ve not taken them out of the box (other than to photograph) and I’m thinking that actually I may need to hold them back for my birthday, because they would be an amazing gift!

A Darker Shade of Magic by V.E. Schwab

In fact I have never read any book by this author at all, I know that’s a travesty but there are so many by this author that I don’t really know where to start and again it means picking up on a whole new series. This is the one that I have heard the most about though. Every time I read the blurb I think it sounds amazing and I nearly got it when I won a book of choice on Twitter last week but something still holds me back.  I’m sure I will reach them at some point though as I know a lot of people are fans.

The Raven Cycle by Maggie Stiefvater

A staple of book box items everywhere yet I just don’t think that these books will appeal to me, I usually struggle with contemporary settings, even with a strong fantasy element and for some reason I think I read that they are romance heavy at times? I know that they are heavily quoted books and there are tons of fandom candles and pins inspired by the series so there must be plenty to enjoy about them, but I need convincing that they will be for me.

The Infernal Devices – Cassandra Clare

It’s often said to me that if i’m struggling with The Mortal Instruments I should try the Infernal Devices books instead. I don’t mind TMI, I still have the final book in the series sat on my shelf nearly 2 years after getting the whole set, but after getting past the initial ick factor of the first books I find I don’t mind them, but love them I do not. So are the TID books really so much better, they are massive books and I don’t know if I want to invest in a new Cassie Clare series when I find her other work a little meh?

The Selection Series by Kiera Kass

Apparently set in a dystopian world, which would usually immediately catch my attention but I can’t seem to find much else to enjoy about the premise of this series where being a success in life appears to directly relate to how you look. The covers lend a very pageant feel and I that girls all fawning and fighting to marry the prince feels like a bit of an antiquated notion in an increasingly feminist market. Several of my reading buddies do rate this series though, but I’m going to need a lot of convincing.

Please do reach out if you want to rest my mind about some of my perceived issues with not wanting to pick these series up, I am always open to being convinced!