Top Ten Tuesday #8

Top Ten Tuesday is an original weekly meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish. Click here to read more and join!

This week’s TTT is… Top 10 series I’d like to start but haven’t yet. Similar to these book series, I have exams I should be studying for at this very moment — especially since I will take two of them tomorrow. As anyone may guess, I haven’t started a cram session yet. I sigh! And, internally, I scream. Luck, I hope, is on my side for the next few days, but in the meantime I will also be daydreaming about cuddling up in my special reading spot with these babies:

1. Wolfe Brothers by Markus Zusak

Zusak’s The Book Thief made me feel all sorts of horrible, sad emotions, but I love him for it. Mist glossed my eyes and I tried to hold in the tears, but the tears poured out regardless, and — after all this time — I continue to feel the tug and pull of his characters’ fates. To feel truly moved and touched by a book in that way doesn’t happen all too often for me, and now I am left waiting, waiting, waiting. I need more Zusak in my life. Recently, I read I am the Messenger, which anchored my adoration for Markus Zusak’s writing more deeply. Until he and his people decide his next book is ready for print, the only Zusak books left to explore are those belonging to his Wolfe Brothers series. As far as I know, Underdog is his first published novel — something that I’m both eager but cautious to approach. How does this series compare to his two most recent books? I hope to find out.

2. Daughter of Smoke & Bone series by Laini Taylor

I will admit that, upon skimming the summary, this is not a kind of book I would typically pick up. However, as I’ve kept track of reviews, the buzz that surrounds this series isn’t easy to ignore. Daughter of Smoke & Bone sat on my to-read list for nearly a year, and I never so much as looked for it at the bookstore or requested it from the library. For shame. A few weeks ago I did (finally!) purchase it, and I’m excited to read it soon. I sincerely hope that Time wants to be pals with me so that I can read the the first book before summer.

3. Chaos Walking by Patrick Ness

I have ALL of the books! The Chaos Walking trilogy sits in a special spot on one of my shelves, positioned just so — sticking a tad ways out. For quite some time, I itched to own this series, but I’ve wailed about wanting to read them for longer. A Monster Calls remains as the only encounter I’ve had with Patrick Ness, and even then: Ness worked off an idea from Siobhan Dowd. It will be interesting to see any differences in writing technique, I am sure, but mostly: a) I heard The Knife of Never Letting Go is good, b) YA dystopian, and as I know very well… c) Good + Dystopia = My Thing.

4. The Maze Runner series by James Dashner

And here I have yet another YA dystopian series that I also hear is good. Naturally I own the set, unless we count the prequel. I first picked up The Maze Runner from the library, and I read an estimated one-fourth of the book before classes practically tore it away. Since then I’ve made one or two more attempts, though I feel dread at re-reading and re-reading and re-reading the same pages — it always seems that I’m setting it down for one reason or another. Once I make it past those already-read pages, I’m certain the hook will reel me in once more.

5. His Dark Materials by Philip Pullman

A very clear memory of sixteen year-old me perusing the mall’s main bookstore and refusing to leave without The Golden Compass still remains. Sometimes, when I’m honest with myself, I quietly admit that the real reason I unleashed my death grip that day all centers on the book cover. It’s pretty eye-candy, really. Sadly, attractive book covers are not enough to make me read the actual book. Sigh. A number of people have recommended I try His Dark Materials, and I like to think that someday I’ll follow up on that recommendation.

6. The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis

I’ve seen all but the last released film (and I’m busy feeling upset the remaining Narnia books won’t be adapted?!), but I have only read The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe. I was twelve, and enjoy brooding over the fact that my literature teacher was not impressed by my pop-up and paper-made wardrobe. I thought it gave my book project creative pizazz; my teacher begged to differ. Fine, whatever — I had fun making the mini-wardrobe, but I had even greater fun reading the book. For whatever reason, I never carried on to finish the series. It’s a sad fact that I do not wish to remain a fact. Some day I’ll return to the first book and begin a Narnia adventure through all seven books.

Barnes & Noble leatherbound edition of C.S. Lewis’ Chronicles of Narnia series

7. Johannes Cabal series by Jonathan L. Howard

Johannes Cabal: the soulless necromancer who wants his soul back! If only Satan was easier to bargain with. No, wait — ! His soul is back where it belongs, but now he’s on the run from the government. …And then? His necromancy powers are purchased by “The Fear Institute”?

In all honesty, I’m smitten with the cover. I’m smitten with the covers of all three books, and I’ve come close to buying these pretties on more than one occasion. As of yet, I’ve backed away from all buying opportunities, and the rest of the time I am busy forgetting that this series exists. At some point I’d like to set down all three books in their beautiful glory on my shelf. There’s no feeling like the feeling of ownership, but I’m just as eager to read this fantastical trilogy. First thing is first: it might help if I would actually remember to pick them up for reading.

8. A Tale Dark & Grimm by Adam Gidwitz

As a fan of Brothers Grimm fairy tales, I kept an eye on the first book, A Tale Dark & Grimm, for months before I knew a sequel would come. I don’t know if there are any more books planned for future publication, but I’m mostly always down for fun re-tellings of favorite classic fairy tales. In A Tale Dark & Grimm, readers journey alongside Hansel and Gretel through 8 tales, followed by the companion novel: In a Glass Grimmly, in which Jack and Jill step in to lead roles. The books seem well-received, fun, and enjoyable, and I look forward to discovering the Grimm-based and inspired world.

9. The Monstrumologist series by Rick Yancey

Another book to dose readers up on a healthy serving of spooks, or so I hear. Only recently did I realize The Monstrumologist is just one of several books, although I am not entirely sure if this series is a good match for me. There is allure in entering a mysterious world full of strange creatures and horror that will make you gasp, however, and I’m interested. Monstrumologist be ware; I’m coming for you.

 

10. Necromancer series by Lish McBride

I don’t always have time for reading the books I want to read, and I reach a breaking point when several days becomes several weeks of hardly consuming few pages at a slow pace. That’s when I seek quick, fun books that are light but complex enough to still hold interest. From what I hear, Hold Me Closer, Necromancer is good entertainment that leaves readers wanting a sequel. Well, a sequel was released last year, and the third (and fourth?) book is expected. Maybe, just maybe, I’ll get around to the first two books in time to join the rest of the fans for book three.

 

Which book series do you have your eyes on?