2025 Reading Challenge discussion
2025 Personal Challenge: 51-75
>
Jade's attempt to read 60 books.
date
newest »
newest »
I'm a tiny bit tickled by the fact that I'm writing on here at the exact same moment you're updating your 2024 challenge although that might be the lack of caffeine😁. From the looks of it, you've had a great 2024, so here's to hoping 2025 will bring as many fantastic books into your path.
Anything you're excited to pick up in the new year?
Wishing you all the best, Jade.
Happy reading!
Lisa wrote: "I'm a tiny bit tickled by the fact that I'm writing on here at the exact same moment you're updating your 2024 challenge although that might be the lack of caffeine😁. From the looks of it, you've..."
Hi, Lisa! Okay, this is a funny coincidence! Also, I drank coffee while updating my 2024 challenge, haha.
Well, I have a few books in my mind like Quicksilver and Iron Flame!
Thank you so much for your sweet message, Lisa.
Happy reading!
I also want to read 60 books in 2025😄 we can hold each other accountable
Emily ‧₊˚౨ৎ wrote: "I also want to read 60 books in 2025😄 we can hold each other accountable"Hi, Emily! My apologies for my late response. Just saw your message! And, absolutely! :D Happy reading!
Book 1: The Dread Descendant5 stars
𝐈 𝐝𝐨𝐧’𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐤 𝐈 𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐞𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐟 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐥 𝐈 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐜𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐚𝐛𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞.
My first read of 2025! Instantly diving in the new year with a thick book.
The world-building and the magic system reminded me of Hogwarts, especially the House Slytherin. Remember young Tom Riddle in the second Harry Potter movie?
He is the inspiration for the MMC, Malachite Peur. So yes, you will fall head over heels in love with him. Especially with that dashing smile of his.
Maeve, the head-strong FMC, made me laugh a couple of times with her honesty and sarcasm comments. Never a dull moment with her. Her strong relationship with her father was so beautiful. I loved reading their interactions. She is a real daddy's girl. Maeve is just so brazen. She loves a good challenge and never will give up. I love seeing her grow into such a fierce young woman.
The slow-burn, forbidden romance was so gripping. They are an unstoppable duo. The sexual tension between them is 🔥.
The last pages of this book were such a wild ride! So much happened. The only two words I could say were HUH or WHAT. The sequel is coming out this month, and I can't wait to read what's going to happen next.
Book 2: The Bridge Kingdom4 stars
𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐦𝐚𝐧 𝐦𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐛𝐞 𝐚 𝐡𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫. 𝐁𝐮𝐭 𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐧 𝐢𝐟 𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐝 𝐬𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐲.
Another book that's been sitting on my shelves for ages. The new paperbacks intrigued me! The covers are stunning.
If you know me, you would know that I am a sucker for the trope, enemies to lovers. This book is a recommendation for all the enemies to lovers fans.
As a truce between two countries, Lara from Maridrina was sent as a bride to the King , Aren, of ithicana, aka the Bridge Kingdom, to spy on their ways, the trade, the importance of the bridge etc. All out vengeance to save her citizens from suffering.
The slow burn was slowly killing me. The sexual tension, the angst, the anticipation... it was good!
There's also a lot of conversations about politics. It's mostly quite interesting.
The ending, however, did not surprise me. Lara, the traitor, saw it coming. For once, I am going to defend a man. Aren did deserve so much better. He is the perfect husband. He's so caring, so protective.
I am definitely going to read the next book!
Book 3: Assistant to the Villain4 stars
𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐣𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐜𝐚𝐧'𝐭 𝐤𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐩𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐛𝐞 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐲. 𝐈𝐭'𝐬 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐟𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠.
Oh, it's been a while since the main characters made me laugh so much.
Evie, the FMC, is the optimistic and awkwardly adorable assistant of a 'fairytale' villain called The Villain. Our sunshine. Her obsession over her attractive boss and his cute dimple in his left cheek was hilarious.
The Villain, the MMC, his methods of torturing and killing his enemies, is well... gruesome and entertaining. And he is the 'touch her and you die' kind of guy. He is the definition of a brooding man.
Together, they make quite a pair! Their interactions are funny, and you instantly fall in love with them. There is a dual POV! The slow-burn romance is excellent. There is no spice in this story, though.
The last pages of this book had me on the edge of my seat. No spoilers! Just pick this book up. Believe me, you won't regret it!
Book 4: Servant of Earth4 stars
𝗛𝗼𝗽𝗲 𝘄𝗮𝘀 𝘄𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘄𝗲 𝗺𝗮𝗱𝗲 𝗶𝘁. 𝗜 𝘄𝗮𝘀𝗻’𝘁 𝗴𝗼𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗼 𝘄𝗮𝗶𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘀𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗲𝗹𝘀𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗳𝘂𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗺𝗲. 𝗜 𝘄𝗮𝘀 𝗴𝗼𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝗲𝗶𝘇𝗲 𝗶𝘁 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗺𝘆 𝗼𝘄𝗻 𝘁𝘄𝗼 𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗱𝘀, 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝗰𝗮𝗿𝘃𝗲 𝗶𝘁 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗼 𝗮 𝘀𝗵𝗮𝗽𝗲 𝗜 𝘄𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗱.
The Serpent And The Wings of Night meets The Folk of the Air.
I read this book in less than 48 hours. I devoured it! What an insane ride, though.
Never trust a man with a dashing smile. Especially if he is a Fae. Let's say that the plot twist did not surprise me.
I loved the main characters in this story, but the minor characters really stood out as well! I was more a fan of the strong friendships than the romance. The betrayal in this book gave me the sudden urge to punch someone in the face.
I was intrigued by so many things in this book. Like the elements (Earth, Fire, Void, Light, Illusion and Blood), their magic, the Fae world underground, the astounding surroundings, and of course, the deadly trials.
BE WARNED! Always read the trigger warnings at the beginning of the book!
Book 5: Born of Starlight3 stars
𝐈𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐚𝐜𝐭, 𝐒𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐬.
Born of Starlight is filled with forbidden magic, fated lovers, and a Tangled fairytale retelling.
Asterie, the Oracle of the Sisterhood, is similar to Rapunzel. She is stuck in the tower, obedient to her 'Sister', the eagerness to discover the world. She is kind-hearted and head-strong.
Fenris, the exiled warlock, has that charismatic smirk just like Flynn from Tangled. And just like Flynn with Rapunzel, he would do anything in his power to keep Asterie safe and away from all the dangers.
Together, they go through so many obstacles. I just sometimes feel like it's getting tedious. Sometimes, it's too descriptive. I don't know, I think the story could be shorter. I did not love this retelling that much. I'm a bit disappointed.
Always read the trigger warnings at the beginning of the book!
Book 6: Crown of Blood and Ruin5 stars
𝐈 𝐟𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐚 𝐛𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐥𝐞 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐚 𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐝𝐨𝐦. 𝐈 𝐝𝐨𝐮𝐛𝐭 𝐈 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥. 𝐈 𝐟𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐲𝐨𝐮, 𝐄𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐞. 𝐈 𝐰𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐝𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐲 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐞𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐬𝐚𝐟𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐛𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠. 𝐈 𝐬𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐦𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐬 𝐦𝐞 𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐟𝐢𝐬𝐡, 𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐜𝐤𝐞𝐝, 𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐧𝐨 𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐭𝐡. 𝐅𝐨𝐫 𝐲𝐨𝐮, 𝐈 𝐰𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐝𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝.
I hope this heartwarming quote is a good motivation to start reading The Broken Kingdoms series!
If you love Viking Fae, a rebellious princess, unique magic, slow burn romance, and some steamy moments, this series is for you!
Crown of Blood and Ruin is the third book in the Broken Kingdoms series. From the moment I met Elise and Valen, I was instantly pulled in this spellbinding story.
This book has the most beautiful reunion I have ever read. This was such a wholesome moment. I sobbed the entire time.
Elise and Valen own my heart. I have never loved characters this much. The friendships and loyalties with the minor characters in this story are magnificent! Chosen family.
In book 4, the POV will be from a different character, but I can't wait to discover The Nightrender's secrets! Elise and Valen will thankfully appear in the remaining books!
Book 7: A Fire in the Sky4 stars
𝗜 𝗱𝗼𝗻'𝘁 𝗸𝗻𝗼𝘄 𝘄𝗵𝗶𝗰𝗵 𝗶𝘀 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗼𝘂𝘀. 𝗛𝘂𝗺𝗮𝗻𝘀 𝗼𝗿 𝗹𝗼𝘃𝗲. 𝗜𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗲𝗻𝗱, 𝗯𝗼𝘁𝗵 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗳𝗮𝗶𝗹 𝘆𝗼𝘂.
Read this book if you love:
□ dragons
□ witches
□ arranged marriage with some spice
□ dragon hunters
Well, I could not put this book down. This was a great page-turner! Perhaps because I am a sucker for dragons. They are such fascinating creatures!
Tamsyn, raised in the glorious City by the Queen and King, treated as part of the royal family, but also a servant, aka the whipping girl.
Fell, aka the Beast, is the brutal Lord of the Botherlands.
After an unexpected, passionate wedding night, the couple, along with Fell's warriors, travel back to his Kingdom. Along the way, they encounter strange mythic creatures, get acquainted, and unravel dark secrets. It's a wild ride!
There was a plot twist I totally did not expect. I was flabbergasted. This book has an open ending, so I hope there will be a second book soon!
Book 8: The Dread Prince5 stars
𝐌𝐚𝐠𝐢𝐜 𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐦𝐚𝐠𝐢𝐜. 𝐃𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐝𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬. 𝐁𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐝.
- Quote from The Dread Descendant, first book.
- - -
𝐀𝐑𝐂 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰
𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞: 𝐉𝐚𝐧𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝟑𝟎𝐭𝐡.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Read this book if you love:
○ Hogwarts/Slytherin vibes
○ Dark magic
○ Politics
○ Duels
○ Forbidden magic
Trigger warnings ⚠️
Violence, manipulation, sexual content, suicidal themes, and graphic language
For starters, the dedication was so bittersweet. It made me tear up.
It felt so good to return to this spellbinding world! I missed the main characters, Maeve and Mal, and all the amazing minor characters! (Abraxas is my favorite character in these books).
The entire story was a slow start, but what an incredible strong finish! Why does it have to end on a cliffhanger, though?! My heart can't take this. I need the next book now!
The number of times I gasped while reading this book... so many twists and secrets are being revealed! The story was gripping and exciting. The suspense was torturing me. The magic wielding was splendid.
Read The Dread Descendant and The Dread Prince! Go on this wild, emotional ride! You will love it!
Book 9: Spark of the Everflame5 stars
𝐅𝐨𝐫 𝐚𝐧𝐲𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐰𝐡𝐨 𝐡𝐚𝐬 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐛𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐭𝐨𝐥𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐫 𝐬𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐤 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝𝐧’𝐭 𝐛𝐮𝐫𝐧 𝐬𝐨 𝐛𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐰𝐡𝐨 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐦 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐲 𝐛𝐞𝐜𝐚𝐮𝐬𝐞 𝐢𝐭 𝐝𝐢𝐝.
- - -
WHAT THE HECK??? That last page made me scream!
This book has been on my TBR for ages. I guess I was scared that I would be disappointed? That it might be overhyped? But I was wrong. This book deserves ALL the hype!
The world-building was so original and remarkable. How the world is divided into two groups. Mortals and Descended. The Descended were seen as the most gorgeous people you have seen with flawless skin, silk hair, and immortal. Mortals were seen as dull, poor, and puppets to the Descended.
Diem, the female main character, is from the Mortals. Although she has the same eye color as the Descended, ice blue instead of a hazel color. Her hair is white as ice. Diem is a healer for the Mortals and Descended. She can be stubborn and reckless. She won't give up to reach her goals.
Luther, the male main character, is from the Descended. The Prince of Lumnos. He can wield darkness and shadows. His emotions are hard to read beneath a blank facade. He has raven hair, ice blue eyes, and a huge scar across his body.
The story is gripping, fast-paced, and action-packed. It is an emotional, wild ride. Many moments were I gripped my hair in astonishment. The love-hate relationship between Diem and Luther is so much fun to read. Love their sassy remarks and conversations. The tension between them is 🔥. I devoured this book!
I'm definitely going to read the second book very soon!
Hey Jade! Did you say that you weren't sure you were going to read that many books??! It's not even halfway through the year and you're able to smash your goal to smithereens!! Amazing! Hope that there have been a lot of fabulous books in your reading journey so far this year! Happy reading!
Congratulations on hitting your goal, and then some, Jade! Way to go!
2025 Reading Challenge
Books mentioned in this topic
Spark of the Everflame (other topics)The Dread Prince (other topics)
A Fire in the Sky (other topics)
Crown of Blood and Ruin (other topics)
Born of Starlight (other topics)
More...
Let's go!