They are indeed and very important to a community. I recently read Ali Smith's 'Public Library & Other Stories' where she writes short stories about the importance of the public library and how detrimental it is to a community when they get closed down.
I agree. I have been a member of the Library of Congress Talking Book Topics program for the blind for a long time, and it is amazing how much better quality the audiobooks are there instead of audible. In fact, I found 2 audiobooks from Audible by J. R. R. Tolkien, and when I checked out the same books from the library for the blind, the narrator from Audible had left out about 2 hours of content on 1 book and 5 on another. I always check out books that I am unsure of from the library.
Love the library and Libby. I’m a slow reader and currently trying to get through OATHBRINGER 😅. So I borrowed it in both audio and e-reader and alternated between the two. But I couldn’t finish it fast enough before it expired bc it’s so long 😅😅 And there’s a wait time on Libby so now I’m going to my local library to pick up the physical book to finish 😂 I’ve using all three options of consuming a book just to be able to get thru this thing. Totally worth it 😊📚
I love that you talk about libraries and encourage people to use them! It's not only good for users but also for the libraries. If there are active patrons and demand, they can show good statistics for the higher ups. I don't think libraries should only be viewed in this capitalist mindset of numbers because their value cannot be counted in so simple ways but decision makers aren't always understanding of it.
In addition to DNF, I have the tag NDY in my reading log: Not Done Yet. That’s for books I’m not going to finish now, but absolutely do want to finish. It’s just that this isn’t the right time. Including these books helps me not forget about them, and when I’m looking at the list and one does grab me, I’m set to resume.
I picked up Jonathan Strange & Mr Norell like 5 times before I actually was able to finish it. I just needed to be in the head space for its mood and once I was it was great. 😁
I’m here again to tell everyone who wants to read Priory to read A Day of Fallen Night first! It’s easier to get into and Priory has pretty big spoilers for the prequel. I will die on this hill 😂
I just picked up some physical books that I loved after reading them on my Kindle. One of them is The Wishing Game, which is one of my favorites of the year also. I am glad I am not the only one who buys books after reading them!
yep. I'm from Europe and no luck with libraries. I do have library literally outside my window but they do not carry fantasy which is like...unbelievable.
I really don’t care for graphic audio, I find it more distracting than immersive. I love that you’re highlighting libraries, such an important resource in our communities. 💕 I’m also really into buying used for the circular economy aspect.
A lesson in vengeance and the wisteria society were both 5 stars for me! Really liked them, they were fun and easy and escapist. Can see why you DNFed because they are a little predictable but if anyone else reading this likes predictable sometimes, I would recommend for sure
I also check Libby first before using Audible and like you I was surprised to get Fourth Wing immediately. (It was before the big hype too)I really enjoyed this video and added a few books to my TBR list. I hope you do more Library Saves in future. I could not tell if you liked the Foxglove King? I’m listening to The God Killer now because of your recommendation and enjoying it. Thanks!
When I go to a bookstore to look at books I may be interested in, especially ones hyped a lot online. I open the book to the middle {take the number of pages of whole book and divide in half} and read a page sometimes more depending. the middle of the book is where a character has what James Scott Bell calls a mirror moment. Its how I decide i I like the MC or not. When I did that with Priory of the Orange Tree, I found it overwritten and too drawn out. I wanted to read it so much, but I knew I wouldn't.
Love libraries! Libby has definitely allowed me to keep reading consistently as there’s always something ‘running out’ or someone waiting for books to keep me motivated to read haha
Graphic Audio is great for some of the more dense books. I loved reading Warbreaker that way. I wish I had read Elantris this way; I think the full cast can help smooth over clunky parts.
Warbreaker was awesome but I hated audiobook for Elantris, both dramatized adaptation and regular one (and I listen to audiobooks daily) so I wish the opposite, to read Elantris physically 😆 audio bersion just highlighted everything wrong with writing in this one :D if that was the first book I'd listen to from sanderson I would've not pick anything else anymore 😂 and that would be a shame :D
That feels very much like my experience with Priory of the Orange Tree. I read almost everything audiobook, but I feel like I really struggled to follow it. I didn't really intentionally DNF, it's just been sitting at the bottom of the pile of things I'm reading for a year and I don't foresee me picking it back up.
90% of the time when I pick up a new book it’s either from the library or a cheaper digital version. Once I’ve enjoyed it that way, I’ll buy a copy from my local bookstore. It helps to keep my shelves from being overwhelmed by books I haven’t read yet.
I've tried to read Dune 2x over the years & never got far, but last month got it out on Libby & started listening to it. This helped a lot, & I was reading my physical copy along at the same time but I was reading too fast (even with audio at 2x speed), so put the book down and just listened. Finally finished Dune, horray! 👏
The really great thing about the Arizona libraries are, if my counties library doesn't have it, I can check other libraries in the state. Sometimes I have gotten books that have a large hold number, at my library, instantly at a different library. Libraries also have books on CD, dvds, and even seeds! When spring comes around you can get seeds from the library and plant something while you listen to a book.
Usually if I pick out a book, it’s very hard for me to actively dnf it. But this year I found Fireborne by Rosaria Munda. I’m not interested in reading Fourth Wing but the idea of dragons sounded interesting but it was just sooo slow. Each chapter was like 20 pages and I like long chapters but that was too long. The writing itself was fine, it was just a bore and I wasn’t particularly fond of any of the characters to maybe get further than 25%. But right now I’m reading Kingsbane by Claire Legrand. I’m a sucker for a trilogy tbh and I’ve been slow with reading since I’m sick, but it’s so good. I found it randomly because the cover of Kingsbane is bright red and I was like ooh what’s that? Unfortunately someone had checked out the first one so I had to wait but for as small as my library is, there’s a lot of good books and I use the inter library loans a lot too
I don’t know how you feel about recommendations and if you ever heard of it, but I highly recommend the Underland Chronicles by Suzanne Collins, the first book being Gregor the Overlander. Obviously, Suzanne is well known for The Hunger Games but I always found it criminal how under appreciated this series is. It is middle grade, but even as an adult I always go back to it so it’s definitely accessible for all ages, especially given how dark it gets given the target demographic. It’s some of her best work in my opinion and I would love to see it get the recognition it deserves, as I have never seen anyone talk about it.
I have also dnfd priory of the orange tree! By page 250 I was just not interested in any aspect of the story so I decided it was not worth it and gave up
Tbh it’s actually kinda racist and it’s weird it’s not called out. As I was reading it I was like, “There’s no in-text worldbuilding here, but I think the author means for me to fill in broad Asian stereotypes,”
I paid the 14.99 for the ebook of the Fourth Wing because I wanted to see what the hype was all about, and no, I didn’t buy it because of the boring cover. As of writing this, it has what? 75000 reviews on Amazon? A quarter million on goodreads? Since I’m writing a dragon rider book myself at the moment, I called it research. And I was even more befuddled by it. After spending 10 years, through 3 scifi novels, learning prose, world building, and plot, how is this so popular? And. The. Run. On. Sentences. At times I wanted to pull my hair out. But … I didn’t DNF it the way I did the Priory. It never bored me, despite its weak plot and weird characters, and lack of dragon interaction.
I did have to start Priory twice. And I did read things while reading it. It was worth it though and became a 5 star read. But it does feel thicc while reading.
This is unrelated but does anyone know any apps or anything where we can find GA Storm light archive books? I've read the book and listened to the Michael Kramer audiobook but I was wanting to try the GA but I don't want to pay over 300 for an audiobook lol. I did pay over that for the LBs but that's different.
My daughter introduced me to Libby this year, & I'm loving it more than I thought I would! Libby's great, as I can try new authors, & read books I don't want to own. After waiting in line for Olivie Blake's 'The Atlas Six' for months, I finally got it...and dnf'd it within 30 pages lol XD I don't dnf a book often but yeah, life's too short (especially when your TBR stack is over 6ft tall!)
I think I currently have a list of four book I DNF like in the middle of it just because I slowly stopped reading them even if I enjoyed them, I plan to pick them up again soon, but I'm worried that it'll happen again. Priory of the orange tree is one of them.
So I finished Priory in 5 days. I didn’t connect to the characters unfortunately, I didn’t care what happened to them. Is it the best book, no not at all. The pacing is up and down. Goes through very slow moments and then lots of fast pacing with lots of slow in between. It’s better towards the end. The prequel is a lot better.
I much prefer to get books from the library because you don't have to spend money plus I only spend money on books I know I'm going to reread or if the library doesn't have it
Love using my library to see if I really enjoy a book and or series. I look at the books with a critical eye and evaluate whether I would want to re read it or if anything popped out to me that I would want to annotate. If it checks those boxes then I will purchase it for my home library. As far as priory, I did read the first book and really liked it, the prequel, day of fallen night... I only made it through to page 200 and found I was not enjoying it as much as priory. So I dnfd day of fallen night. Perhaps I will revisit that one.
I hated the ending lesson in vengeance ending, so be glad you stopped! Also, I love libby audiobooks for feeling productive when reading! I listen to it on my way to work. I have the wishing game on my waiting list on libby! Cant wait to read it!
Most of my books come from the library... mostly Libby for ebooks and audio, but lately I've been going with gusto for the physical copies. My library system must have increased their budget because I seem to be able to get 90% of what I'm looking for now. I love it and so does my budget! 📖 🍁
Priory I needed some time to get gripped (I was travelling....). I am generally very bad at DNFing, so I just kept going. But after 400 pages I was enjoying the story so much, that I immediately after read the prequel without any interruptions. I hope it might capture you on the third try, if you ever make it back.
I've picked up some great books from my library. Yesterday I finished The Bone Shard Emperor a physical copy that I borrowed from my library and asked them to purchase the 3rd a few days ago. It's great to not only save money, but save space as well. When I have more space to work with, I have a list of books I want to get
I struggled with the Priory of the Orange Tree- but I made myself finish! I also read the Day of Fallen Night and had to push through to finish. I am glad I’m on the other side of those books.
I finished Priory but it was a struggle and I really didn't like it in the end. The characters are all so morose, and the plot makes very little sense.
I think I've only read a couple of dark academia, but Blood Over Bright Haven by M.L. Wang is one of my favorites of the year. I have the Broken Binding editions of Roots of Chaos. I plan to get to them eventually. I'm getting more used to listening to audiobooks now and check them out from the library on books that I'm having a hard time getting into, but still want to continue reading. That's helped a lot.
I’m guilty of buying a book for its cover in Priory of the Orange Tree, and was intrigued by the beginning, of the young dragon rider, but then found out it wasn’t about that. I DNF’ed at 50% because I didn’t care. The world building didn’t do anything for me, and I only liked some of the characters, but not enough to continue. You know that feeling of a world that has atmosphere, that you love being within? This didn’t have it.
I also DNFed Priory-- somewhere between 400 - 500 pages. The pacing is so off. While I love the slow burn between Ead and Sabrans relationship (Sabran is a beautifully written character in general) everything else is painfully slow... even when theres action happening and I dont think its SUPPOSED to feel slow. Idk.
I DNF'D the Mistborn books when I was reading the physical copies but recently bought the ebook versions and got even further. Now I'm slowly reading them properly. Motivation is important. :)
@@surpriseitsus9622 Don't push yourself. I've been there. It's fine to DNF and come back later. Even if you DNF again. Then come back again lol. I forced myself through the first 5 chapters that first time and I shouldn't have. We should all read at our own pace. :)
Oh NO, Fourth Wing, I loved that book. :) I get that it is not for everyone. I do have Flatshare on my TBR list I am on hold with my library. Jasmine Guillory books I get from the library I don't like her enough to purchase her books. I love Kindred , it was the first Octavia Butler book that I read.
I've managed to get and keep digital access to 3 libraries (technically 4, but 2 are on the same network), but I moved a year ago and I still haven't gotten myself to my local library so I can borrow physical books again 🙃 And I've noticed that it really affects what I'm reading, because I'll happily read romance, contemporary, or historical digitally and I'll listen to nonfiction audiobooks, but I love fantasy and scifi in physical format (and I don't always want to spend that money).
Re: the multiple DNFs with Priory of the Orange Tree, I get it. I DNFed Sanderson's "The Way of Kings" three times before my fourth attempt stuck. PotOT took me a few goes as well. I wouldn't say I enjoyed PotOT as much as The Way of Kings, or that I've enjoyed the Roots of Chaos series as much as the Stormlight Archive series, but I did really enjoy myself after finishing both books, and I found them well worth reading.
I love hoopla and Libby! I’m so glad my library offers both. Since reading The Secret Society last year, I’ve been on a quest to find dark academia books in that same vein. It’s been tough, most fall short but last month I read Black Chalk by Christopher Yates and that came darn close. I’m intimidated by Priory. Just yesterday I almost picked up the paperback at BN but once again decided to leave it behind. I do have every intention of trying to get that from Libby or hoopla. One of these days I may try an audio book. I’m just afraid my mind is going to wander too much😊
IMO dark academia isn’t a thing the way we readers wish it was. At best it might be a campus thriller but most of them just involve a library or something. I feel like authors veer toward dark academia when they want to write about secret societies but don’t want to research the freemasons.
I really enjoyed The Priory of the Orange Tree. It is definitely worth pushing through. I’m currently reading The Jasad Heir and if it wasn’t for me thinking ‘I paid for this, I’m finishing it’ - I would DNF. Probably one of my worst reads this year but I’m too committed now, I’ll finish 🥴
For the past couple of years about 80-90% of the books I've been reading have been from the library. It's good and 'bad' because I've been neglecting the books I own.
Glad you like Magician’s Daughter. She’s a NZ author so I picked it up when it came out (I often peruse that area of the bookstore and grab what looks interesting - have had some hits and some misses). For dark academia, I don’t go looking for it but in the copy of If We Were Villians that I have there is a note from the author that she was later told this is classed as such. Given it wasn’t what she was aiming for, you might find it doesn’t have the tropes you are sick of. But don’t read it if you don’t like Shakespeare
For dark academia books, my go-to rec is always the Scholomance series by Naomi Novik, though I think you might already have it on your list? In any case, I really liked that series.
So your struggle with Priory… I can relate with the book Musashi, I have been reading it for years…..yes years. I refuse to dnf the book because it’s not a bad book. I think the main issue is that it’s a Japanese book translated to English and while that’s not the problem I feel the translator tried to over flourish and over stylize the story. Not sure if it’s because of the era when it was translated or if it was just that particular writer, but the struggle is real. Lol
I currently have four physical books out from library and one audiobook. One of the physical books is probably a dnf, but I plan to give it one more shot before giving up. (I've read something else by the author which I liked.) Not sure about the audiobook either. I borrowed it because when I tried reading the physical book, I couldn't get into it and thought it might help. It has, a bit, but I'm thinking this author might not be for me.
I started priory 4 separate times before I finally just called it quits 😢 at the end I asked myself 'if this was literally any other book in the world would you keep trying?' and the answer was a big ole no 😂
I got 60% of the way through Priory of the Orange Tree before finally admitting that I just wasn't enjoying it like everyone else seemed to be. Didn't finish and don't regret it. I have not once wondered how that book ended.
I'm by no means well versed in Dark Academia either. I think I've maybe only read one, and that was The Secret History by Donna Tartt. I greatly enjoyed that book. Could be worth a try?
After years of living in areas that did not have library services, I was super excited to move to a city that had a county-wide library district. I’ve bought maybe 4 books in 5 years. Love the library!!!
On immersion reading… I had no idea it had an official name so thank you for that. Also, something I’m super embarrassed to admit, but I can’t read a physical book without listening to the audiobook. I remember in high school, I was able to read without having the need to listening to the book. Between graduation and my mid twenties, something shifted in my brain lol Even if I’m listening to lofi or something, I still can’t do it. I found my mind wondering when I was reading. I think it’s time we normalize this reading style as well lol 😂
I’m struggling with Way of Kings, I don’t hate it it’s just slow. Now and again something really interesting happens but it’s few and far between. Just got to the part where Shallan gets what she was looking for. Hopefully that makes sense to anyone who’s read it.
I don't know what it is with Orange Tree, but I hear so many people say that they just can't seem to finish it, and this happens to people both disliking and liking it. There has to be something going on with the writing.
I dnfd bitter medicine about two thirds through, I was not having a good time, I tried to persevere but I couldn’t, which made me so sad because the premise sounded so cool
My local library rocks & I love using Libby for audiobooks! That being said, I just bought Godkiller at a local bookstore & am so, so excited to read it as per your rec!!
Since I started reading two years ago I find myself still working though all the popular series. Read about 50-60 books a year. Im looking forward to being able to read all the new stuff like Elliot and other booktubers.
Horseman and The Ghost Tree are both from Christina Henry, right? (Got them from the library in German, so not quite sure about the original titles) I enjoyed her take on Peter Pan and Alice in Wonderland well enough but I did not like Horseman that much and never finished The Ghost Tree before I had to bringt it back to the library.
Libraries are hands down one of the greatest human creations ever ❤
They are indeed and very important to a community.
I recently read Ali Smith's 'Public Library & Other Stories' where she writes short stories about the importance of the public library and how detrimental it is to a community when they get closed down.
I agree. I have been a member of the Library of Congress Talking Book Topics program for the blind for a long time, and it is amazing how much better quality the audiobooks are there instead of audible. In fact, I found 2 audiobooks from Audible by J. R. R. Tolkien, and when I checked out the same books from the library for the blind, the narrator from Audible had left out about 2 hours of content on 1 book and 5 on another. I always check out books that I am unsure of from the library.
Libraries have saved me in so many ways, especially growing in a low income area and not having much to spend on. It’s incredible ♥️
Hear hear!!
@@BooksToAshes Yeah, I was poor as a kid and books and libraries were what saved me honestly.
Love the library and Libby. I’m a slow reader and currently trying to get through OATHBRINGER 😅. So I borrowed it in both audio and e-reader and alternated between the two. But I couldn’t finish it fast enough before it expired bc it’s so long 😅😅 And there’s a wait time on Libby so now I’m going to my local library to pick up the physical book to finish 😂 I’ve using all three options of consuming a book just to be able to get thru this thing. Totally worth it 😊📚
I love that you talk about libraries and encourage people to use them! It's not only good for users but also for the libraries. If there are active patrons and demand, they can show good statistics for the higher ups. I don't think libraries should only be viewed in this capitalist mindset of numbers because their value cannot be counted in so simple ways but decision makers aren't always understanding of it.
In addition to DNF, I have the tag NDY in my reading log: Not Done Yet. That’s for books I’m not going to finish now, but absolutely do want to finish. It’s just that this isn’t the right time. Including these books helps me not forget about them, and when I’m looking at the list and one does grab me, I’m set to resume.
I have a shelf on Goodreads like that, called it "paused" 😅
I love the way Graphic Audio does books! My husband is the one who introduced me to them years ago!
I picked up Jonathan Strange & Mr Norell like 5 times before I actually was able to finish it. I just needed to be in the head space for its mood and once I was it was great. 😁
Good to hear, since this book has been sitting in my TBR pile since it's release lol XD I guess I should get round to reading it!
I’m here again to tell everyone who wants to read Priory to read A Day of Fallen Night first! It’s easier to get into and Priory has pretty big spoilers for the prequel. I will die on this hill 😂
Thanks for the tip! I just bought those 2.
Library Director, here. This makes my heart happy! ❤
I just picked up some physical books that I loved after reading them on my Kindle. One of them is The Wishing Game, which is one of my favorites of the year also. I am glad I am not the only one who buys books after reading them!
I bought Wishing Game after reading it from the library! I think it’s a smart way to test new authors.
Pity that services mentioned are not available outside US.
Libby and Overdrive is available in Australia
and Canada
Wouldn’t it be great if the governments gave libraries their due. ♥️
yep. I'm from Europe and no luck with libraries. I do have library literally outside my window but they do not carry fantasy which is like...unbelievable.
not sure where you're from but Libby is available in Singapore.
I really don’t care for graphic audio, I find it more distracting than immersive. I love that you’re highlighting libraries, such an important resource in our communities. 💕 I’m also really into buying used for the circular economy aspect.
I've never cared for audio books. my imagination wants to do all the work so I let it.😊
I love immersion reading, didn’t realize it had a name till today lol
A lesson in vengeance and the wisteria society were both 5 stars for me! Really liked them, they were fun and easy and escapist. Can see why you DNFed because they are a little predictable but if anyone else reading this likes predictable sometimes, I would recommend for sure
I also check Libby first before using Audible and like you I was surprised to get Fourth Wing immediately. (It was before the big hype too)I really enjoyed this video and added a few books to my TBR list. I hope you do more Library Saves in future.
I could not tell if you liked the Foxglove King?
I’m listening to The God Killer now because of your recommendation and enjoying it. Thanks!
When I go to a bookstore to look at books I may be interested in, especially ones hyped a lot online. I open the book to the middle {take the number of pages of whole book and divide in half} and read a page sometimes more depending. the middle of the book is where a character has what James Scott Bell calls a mirror moment. Its how I decide i I like the MC or not. When I did that with Priory of the Orange Tree, I found it overwritten and too drawn out. I wanted to read it so much, but I knew I wouldn't.
I love Libby I just wish that they would get there stuff a little faster because I like to have the audio and the physical going at the same time.
Love libraries! Libby has definitely allowed me to keep reading consistently as there’s always something ‘running out’ or someone waiting for books to keep me motivated to read haha
Graphic Audio is great for some of the more dense books. I loved reading Warbreaker that way. I wish I had read Elantris this way; I think the full cast can help smooth over clunky parts.
Warbreaker was awesome but I hated audiobook for Elantris, both dramatized adaptation and regular one (and I listen to audiobooks daily) so I wish the opposite, to read Elantris physically 😆 audio bersion just highlighted everything wrong with writing in this one :D if that was the first book I'd listen to from sanderson I would've not pick anything else anymore 😂 and that would be a shame :D
That feels very much like my experience with Priory of the Orange Tree. I read almost everything audiobook, but I feel like I really struggled to follow it. I didn't really intentionally DNF, it's just been sitting at the bottom of the pile of things I'm reading for a year and I don't foresee me picking it back up.
Keep reading the priority of the orange tree. It’s long but it gets better. I liked it.
Yeah me too it was good
The Secret History by Donna Tartt. Fantastic Dark Academia / Thriller novel.
my daily routine is clicking the Delivery Later button on libby 🤣
90% of the time when I pick up a new book it’s either from the library or a cheaper digital version. Once I’ve enjoyed it that way, I’ll buy a copy from my local bookstore. It helps to keep my shelves from being overwhelmed by books I haven’t read yet.
I've tried to read Dune 2x over the years & never got far, but last month got it out on Libby & started listening to it. This helped a lot, & I was reading my physical copy along at the same time but I was reading too fast (even with audio at 2x speed), so put the book down and just listened.
Finally finished Dune, horray!
👏
The really great thing about the Arizona libraries are, if my counties library doesn't have it, I can check other libraries in the state. Sometimes I have gotten books that have a large hold number, at my library, instantly at a different library. Libraries also have books on CD, dvds, and even seeds! When spring comes around you can get seeds from the library and plant something while you listen to a book.
I've been using the library so much!
All I can say is thank you library 📚 you saved me some money 💰 ❤❤❤
Usually if I pick out a book, it’s very hard for me to actively dnf it. But this year I found Fireborne by Rosaria Munda. I’m not interested in reading Fourth Wing but the idea of dragons sounded interesting but it was just sooo slow. Each chapter was like 20 pages and I like long chapters but that was too long. The writing itself was fine, it was just a bore and I wasn’t particularly fond of any of the characters to maybe get further than 25%.
But right now I’m reading Kingsbane by Claire Legrand. I’m a sucker for a trilogy tbh and I’ve been slow with reading since I’m sick, but it’s so good. I found it randomly because the cover of Kingsbane is bright red and I was like ooh what’s that? Unfortunately someone had checked out the first one so I had to wait but for as small as my library is, there’s a lot of good books and I use the inter library loans a lot too
If We Were Villains is the best dark academia, in my opinion. Highly rec 👏
I just read Legends & Lattes, after hearing so much about it. It was so much fun!
I adored Legends and Lattes. Can't wait to read the second one!
@@Harley24986 I got the 2nd one for Christmas. Can't wait!
I don’t know how you feel about recommendations and if you ever heard of it, but I highly recommend the Underland Chronicles by Suzanne Collins, the first book being Gregor the Overlander. Obviously, Suzanne is well known for The Hunger Games but I always found it criminal how under appreciated this series is. It is middle grade, but even as an adult I always go back to it so it’s definitely accessible for all ages, especially given how dark it gets given the target demographic. It’s some of her best work in my opinion and I would love to see it get the recognition it deserves, as I have never seen anyone talk about it.
I have also dnfd priory of the orange tree! By page 250 I was just not interested in any aspect of the story so I decided it was not worth it and gave up
Book 1 of Wheel of Time, the Prologue. I stopped reading before chapter 1 THREE TIMES before finally settling into the story.
I still haven’t read Priory… it intimidates me so much
same here 😄 at least it looks awesome on the bookshelf :D
Tbh it’s actually kinda racist and it’s weird it’s not called out. As I was reading it I was like, “There’s no in-text worldbuilding here, but I think the author means for me to fill in broad Asian stereotypes,”
@@giantcupofcoffeeI didn’t spot any racism 👀 do you have examples?
I paid the 14.99 for the ebook of the Fourth Wing because I wanted to see what the hype was all about, and no, I didn’t buy it because of the boring cover. As of writing this, it has what? 75000 reviews on Amazon? A quarter million on goodreads? Since I’m writing a dragon rider book myself at the moment, I called it research. And I was even more befuddled by it. After spending 10 years, through 3 scifi novels, learning prose, world building, and plot, how is this so popular? And. The. Run. On. Sentences. At times I wanted to pull my hair out. But … I didn’t DNF it the way I did the Priory. It never bored me, despite its weak plot and weird characters, and lack of dragon interaction.
I did have to start Priory twice. And I did read things while reading it. It was worth it though and became a 5 star read. But it does feel thicc while reading.
This is unrelated but does anyone know any apps or anything where we can find GA Storm light archive books? I've read the book and listened to the Michael Kramer audiobook but I was wanting to try the GA but I don't want to pay over 300 for an audiobook lol. I did pay over that for the LBs but that's different.
My daughter introduced me to Libby this year, & I'm loving it more than I thought I would! Libby's great, as I can try new authors, & read books I don't want to own. After waiting in line for Olivie Blake's 'The Atlas Six' for months, I finally got it...and dnf'd it within 30 pages lol XD
I don't dnf a book often but yeah, life's too short (especially when your TBR stack is over 6ft tall!)
I think I currently have a list of four book I DNF like in the middle of it just because I slowly stopped reading them even if I enjoyed them, I plan to pick them up again soon, but I'm worried that it'll happen again. Priory of the orange tree is one of them.
Love Libby’s app, total life saver during the Pandemic!
Just started the Murderbot series by Martha Wells and I love it; an android with humor, introspection, and severe introversion and love of videos.
So I finished Priory in 5 days. I didn’t connect to the characters unfortunately, I didn’t care what happened to them. Is it the best book, no not at all. The pacing is up and down. Goes through very slow moments and then lots of fast pacing with lots of slow in between. It’s better towards the end. The prequel is a lot better.
I much prefer to get books from the library because you don't have to spend money plus I only spend money on books I know I'm going to reread or if the library doesn't have it
Love using my library to see if I really enjoy a book and or series. I look at the books with a critical eye and evaluate whether I would want to re read it or if anything popped out to me that I would want to annotate. If it checks those boxes then I will purchase it for my home library. As far as priory, I did read the first book and really liked it, the prequel, day of fallen night... I only made it through to page 200 and found I was not enjoying it as much as priory. So I dnfd day of fallen night. Perhaps I will revisit that one.
I hated the ending lesson in vengeance ending, so be glad you stopped! Also, I love libby audiobooks for feeling productive when reading! I listen to it on my way to work. I have the wishing game on my waiting list on libby! Cant wait to read it!
Most of my books come from the library... mostly Libby for ebooks and audio, but lately I've been going with gusto for the physical copies. My library system must have increased their budget because I seem to be able to get 90% of what I'm looking for now. I love it and so does my budget! 📖 🍁
Priory I needed some time to get gripped (I was travelling....). I am generally very bad at DNFing, so I just kept going. But after 400 pages I was enjoying the story so much, that I immediately after read the prequel without any interruptions. I hope it might capture you on the third try, if you ever make it back.
I DNF'd a library book the other day for the pettiest reason...4 grammar mistakes in one paragraph. 😅
I've picked up some great books from my library. Yesterday I finished The Bone Shard Emperor a physical copy that I borrowed from my library and asked them to purchase the 3rd a few days ago. It's great to not only save money, but save space as well. When I have more space to work with, I have a list of books I want to get
I struggled with the Priory of the Orange Tree- but I made myself finish! I also read the Day of Fallen Night and had to push through to finish. I am glad I’m on the other side of those books.
I really enjoyed If We Were Villains by ML Rio. It’s a dark academia mystery and it is so good! It’s not fantastical but I loved it anyway!
I finished Priory but it was a struggle and I really didn't like it in the end. The characters are all so morose, and the plot makes very little sense.
Libraries (Libby and hoopla included) are the best! So much saved by using them.
Ugh so sad you didn't like the battle drum, I love that series SO MUCH. Oh well.
I am LOVING The Magician's Daughter! Thanks for the rec :)
I started and restarted The Way of Kings I think four times before I actually finished it this year, so I understand the struggle
I have never heard of immersion reading. I might have to try it for a few looong books I am having trouble getting through despite liking the story
I think I've only read a couple of dark academia, but Blood Over Bright Haven by M.L. Wang is one of my favorites of the year. I have the Broken Binding editions of Roots of Chaos. I plan to get to them eventually. I'm getting more used to listening to audiobooks now and check them out from the library on books that I'm having a hard time getting into, but still want to continue reading. That's helped a lot.
I’m guilty of buying a book for its cover in Priory of the Orange Tree, and was intrigued by the beginning, of the young dragon rider, but then found out it wasn’t about that. I DNF’ed at 50% because I didn’t care. The world building didn’t do anything for me, and I only liked some of the characters, but not enough to continue. You know that feeling of a world that has atmosphere, that you love being within? This didn’t have it.
I LOVE Hoopla!
I enjoyed Flatshare even though romance isn't my thing 🙂
Wow! Emersion reading when a book is so boring, you can’t just read it.
Libby is a great service! The only issue I have is waiting for my Library to get copies of the books I want in. There are a few that I check for daily
That grey box with the yellow bell on Libby...?
Grrrr
hahaah
Are you wearing a Magic the gathering sweatshirt!!!!???
Priory of the Orange tree was so good though, such an easy read for me..
I also DNFed Priory-- somewhere between 400 - 500 pages. The pacing is so off. While I love the slow burn between Ead and Sabrans relationship (Sabran is a beautifully written character in general) everything else is painfully slow... even when theres action happening and I dont think its SUPPOSED to feel slow. Idk.
Can't afford books, especially not at the pace I read. I ❤️ libraries
I DNF'D the Mistborn books when I was reading the physical copies but recently bought the ebook versions and got even further. Now I'm slowly reading them properly. Motivation is important. :)
I'm about half way through the first book and It's very slow going. I own all 3. I'm not sure I can get through it.
@@surpriseitsus9622 Don't push yourself. I've been there. It's fine to DNF and come back later. Even if you DNF again. Then come back again lol.
I forced myself through the first 5 chapters that first time and I shouldn't have. We should all read at our own pace. :)
Oh NO, Fourth Wing, I loved that book. :) I get that it is not for everyone. I do have Flatshare on my TBR list I am on hold with my library. Jasmine Guillory books I get from the library I don't like her enough to purchase her books. I love Kindred , it was the first Octavia Butler book that I read.
Library queens. ♥️
I've managed to get and keep digital access to 3 libraries (technically 4, but 2 are on the same network), but I moved a year ago and I still haven't gotten myself to my local library so I can borrow physical books again 🙃 And I've noticed that it really affects what I'm reading, because I'll happily read romance, contemporary, or historical digitally and I'll listen to nonfiction audiobooks, but I love fantasy and scifi in physical format (and I don't always want to spend that money).
Did you read Rebel Skies and Rebel Fire by Ann Sei Lin?
Re: the multiple DNFs with Priory of the Orange Tree, I get it. I DNFed Sanderson's "The Way of Kings" three times before my fourth attempt stuck. PotOT took me a few goes as well. I wouldn't say I enjoyed PotOT as much as The Way of Kings, or that I've enjoyed the Roots of Chaos series as much as the Stormlight Archive series, but I did really enjoy myself after finishing both books, and I found them well worth reading.
I love hoopla and Libby! I’m so glad my library offers both. Since reading The Secret Society last year, I’ve been on a quest to find dark academia books in that same vein. It’s been tough, most fall short but last month I read Black Chalk by Christopher Yates and that came darn close. I’m intimidated by Priory. Just yesterday I almost picked up the paperback at BN but once again decided to leave it behind. I do have every intention of trying to get that from Libby or hoopla. One of these days I may try an audio book. I’m just afraid my mind is going to wander too much😊
IMO dark academia isn’t a thing the way we readers wish it was. At best it might be a campus thriller but most of them just involve a library or something. I feel like authors veer toward dark academia when they want to write about secret societies but don’t want to research the freemasons.
I really enjoyed The Priory of the Orange Tree. It is definitely worth pushing through.
I’m currently reading The Jasad Heir and if it wasn’t for me thinking ‘I paid for this, I’m finishing it’ - I would DNF. Probably one of my worst reads this year but I’m too committed now, I’ll finish 🥴
For the past couple of years about 80-90% of the books I've been reading have been from the library. It's good and 'bad' because I've been neglecting the books I own.
Glad you like Magician’s Daughter. She’s a NZ author so I picked it up when it came out (I often peruse that area of the bookstore and grab what looks interesting - have had some hits and some misses).
For dark academia, I don’t go looking for it but in the copy of If We Were Villians that I have there is a note from the author that she was later told this is classed as such. Given it wasn’t what she was aiming for, you might find it doesn’t have the tropes you are sick of. But don’t read it if you don’t like Shakespeare
For dark academia books, my go-to rec is always the Scholomance series by Naomi Novik, though I think you might already have it on your list? In any case, I really liked that series.
So your struggle with Priory… I can relate with the book Musashi, I have been reading it for years…..yes years. I refuse to dnf the book because it’s not a bad book. I think the main issue is that it’s a Japanese book translated to English and while that’s not the problem I feel the translator tried to over flourish and over stylize the story. Not sure if it’s because of the era when it was translated or if it was just that particular writer, but the struggle is real. Lol
I currently have four physical books out from library and one audiobook.
One of the physical books is probably a dnf, but I plan to give it one more shot before giving up. (I've read something else by the author which I liked.)
Not sure about the audiobook either. I borrowed it because when I tried reading the physical book, I couldn't get into it and thought it might help. It has, a bit, but I'm thinking this author might not be for me.
I started priory 4 separate times before I finally just called it quits 😢 at the end I asked myself 'if this was literally any other book in the world would you keep trying?' and the answer was a big ole no 😂
I got 60% of the way through Priory of the Orange Tree before finally admitting that I just wasn't enjoying it like everyone else seemed to be. Didn't finish and don't regret it. I have not once wondered how that book ended.
I'm by no means well versed in Dark Academia either. I think I've maybe only read one, and that was The Secret History by Donna Tartt. I greatly enjoyed that book. Could be worth a try?
Libby is a money saver for sure!
After years of living in areas that did not have library services, I was super excited to move to a city that had a county-wide library district. I’ve bought maybe 4 books in 5 years. Love the library!!!
On immersion reading… I had no idea it had an official name so thank you for that. Also, something I’m super embarrassed to admit, but I can’t read a physical book without listening to the audiobook. I remember in high school, I was able to read without having the need to listening to the book. Between graduation and my mid twenties, something shifted in my brain lol Even if I’m listening to lofi or something, I still can’t do it. I found my mind wondering when I was reading. I think it’s time we normalize this reading style as well lol 😂
I’m struggling with Way of Kings, I don’t hate it it’s just slow. Now and again something really interesting happens but it’s few and far between. Just got to the part where Shallan gets what she was looking for. Hopefully that makes sense to anyone who’s read it.
I’ve had the same experience with Priory 😂 It’s not that I didn’t like it, I just got distracted. I’ll eventually finish it…probably
Excuse my ignorance but what does DNF / DFN’ing mean?
Did not finish
I dnfed priory 3 times before finishing it
I don't know what it is with Orange Tree, but I hear so many people say that they just can't seem to finish it, and this happens to people both disliking and liking it. There has to be something going on with the writing.
I need to use my library more
Murderbot ❤❤❤
I dnfd bitter medicine about two thirds through, I was not having a good time, I tried to persevere but I couldn’t, which made me so sad because the premise sounded so cool
What you were talking about full cast audio I listened to wild magic by Tamara Pierce it was really good ❤❤
My local library rocks & I love using Libby for audiobooks! That being said, I just bought Godkiller at a local bookstore & am so, so excited to read it as per your rec!!
The graphic audio Sandersons are so good! Mistborn was already my favorite, but listening to the full cast sent it over the top!
Since I started reading two years ago I find myself still working though all the popular series.
Read about 50-60 books a year. Im looking forward to being able to read all the new stuff like Elliot and other booktubers.
I DNF-es What Moves the dead, Horseman, Long Live the Pumpkin Queen. And maybe The Ghost Tree too. My Spooktember read is haunted i think haha
Horseman and The Ghost Tree are both from Christina Henry, right? (Got them from the library in German, so not quite sure about the original titles)
I enjoyed her take on Peter Pan and Alice in Wonderland well enough but I did not like Horseman that much and never finished The Ghost Tree before I had to bringt it back to the library.
@@simonepreussner yes they are from Christina Henry. I did love Near the Bone from her.