I've had a pretty good start to 2024 when it comes to reading; I've already finished 14 books as of writing this post. I'm also currently reading 3 books, which sounds like a lot but one is for school, one is an audiobook and the other is bedtime reading. They'll probably feature in my next update, as I love them so far! Here are a few of the books I've read so far this year and what I thought of them...
Fourth Wing and Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros
I got around to reading both of these books in January after so many people recommended them to me towards the end of 2023. I finally caved and read them when my boyfriend told me I had to read them. He was convinced I would love them because we do like similar books when it comes to fantasy, so I trusted him and jumped straight in. He was right; I loved them both! They were both very easy reads, both had me wanting to drop all other responsibilities so I could just carry on reading. I'm now incredibly excited for the next instalment!
Glassborn by Peter Bunzl
I devoured this book in only two sittings. The first was at the spa, where I laid down on a lounger after lunch for nearly two hours. The second was when I got home from the spa. This was just such a lovely read. I loved the characters and the fantasy storyline, with magic and fairies and wolves... It's the kind of book I would have fell in love with as a child and I can really appreciate that even now, in my thirties. I've recommended it to so many children in my class too. I loved Peter Bunzl's Cogheart series but I would rate this book even higher!
Until the Road Ends by Phil Earle
I went on a bit of a Phil Earle binge after I read When the Sky Falls with my class at the end of 2023. It was my second time reading When the Sky Falls, which my class loved, and this made me want to delve into his other historical books. I read While the Storm Rages and loved it but it was Until the Road Ends which really captured my heart. I never imagined I would love a book told from the perspective of a dog, a cat and a pigeon this much! Especially the pigeon - there's a special place in my heart for him! I read the whole book in one day while I was off work with COVID. This is easily one of my favourite books of the year so far!
The First to Die at the End by Adam Silvera
I remember reading and really enjoying Adam Silvera's writing in They Both Die at the End a few years back. When I heard about this prequel, detailing how DeathCast came about, I wanted to read it but I wasn't in any rush. However, I finally picked it up earlier this year, whilst I was ill with COVID, and read the whole book in one day. I like it and it was interesting to see the starting point for the plot in the original book but I did find it a bit too similar and it definitely felt like it could've been shorter.
Divine Rivals by Rebecca Ross
Another book that has been recommended to me non-stop! The second book of this is actually one of my current reads. Divine Rivals had been popping up all over my social media, so I finally ordered my copy back in January. It was definitely an enjoyable read with an interesting concept. There were certain bits I wish had been a little slower, like the romance blossoming, but I understand it was heightened with the pace of the war and it needed to keep in time with that plotline. It was an enjoyable read but it is on the younger side of fantasy to what I'd usually go for.
I'm currently reading:
As I said earlier in this post, I am currently reading three books. I have chosen to talk about this one as my "current read" because it's the one I've read most of and I'm certain the other two will be in my round-up of books next time I post something like this (probably in June as I might do this kind of post every three months).
I am reading Pig Heart Boy by Malorie Blackman ahead of reading it with my Year 6 class after Easter. We are learning about the circulatory system in science next half term and I like to have a book with a link in some way. We will also be writing persuasive arguments, so the topic of this book will be a great one to discuss as an example.
The book is great so far and I got into it really quickly. I think I read the first 100 pages in about an hour because I couldn't put it down. I was reading this book with my teacher hat on but I also enjoyed the story and just sitting down with a book. I love it when I enjoy a book that I'm about to share with my class - it means I'm more likely to be passionate about teaching it if I enjoy it!
I only have about 50 pages left, which I will probably finish next weekend. I've loved the books I've read previously by Malorie Blackman but I think this might be my new favourite of her work!
Have you read any of these books? Have you got any book recommendations for me?
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