The Raybearer duology is one of my favorite YA fantasy stories to come out in recent years, and so when I heard Jordan Ifueko was publishing a standalone novel set in the same universe, I was all in. And it did not disappoint!!

This trilogy is a set of solid early-YA fantasy novels with an imaginative magic system and really good political world-building. All in all, I think the first book was my favorite, but this was still an adventurous, satisfying ending!

I’m happy to report that while this IS a pretty fluffy in-between story, it doesn’t feel like a waste of time. I enjoyed it, and I was definitely glad to have read it when I got to ACOSF.

Chain of Thorns was a fine conclusion to a fine trilogy — entertaining, yes, but definitely not my favorite set of Shadowhunters books. The trilogy-long miscommunication trope was too much for me.

Chain of Iron was a fine sequel to Chain of Gold, but I mostly just want the third book. I love the trilogy’s characters and premise, but this book’s reading experience was pretty slow and frustrating.

Bloodmarked is a solid, fast-paced sequel to Legendborn. It’s fast paced and expands the central conflict in smart, exciting ways. I need the third book like yesterday!

The Merciless Ones was a pretty good sequel to a pretty good first book. It’s not the best-written series so far, but it has enough to keep me reading and wait for the third.

Iron Widow is a fast-paced YA fantasy rooted in Chinese culture. It stands out among the crowd, with a vengeful protagonist, polyamory rep, and unconventional boldness.

All My Rage is a deeply emotional, beautiful novel that sets a whole new bar for contemporary YA. It’s sad all the way through, but resonant and meaningful.

Legendborn was everything I could ask for in a YA low fantasy novel — a top-notch magic system, lots of layers, a strong central mystery, and swoony characters. I loved it.

The Bronzed Beasts was a great conclusion and delivered everything fans have come to love about the Gilded Wolves trilogy. These books aren’t complex, but they’re fun and dramatic and fast-paced.

The Silvered Serpents is a fun book two in the Gilded Wolves trilogy. It’s a formulaic YA fantasy plot, but in a way that’s entertaining and could make a great comfort read.

All the Tides of Fate is a good conclusion to the All the Stars and Teeth duology. These books are fast-paced, easy to read, creative, and fun escapism.

Lore was an imperfect book, but it was definitely a fun read with an exciting story. And I’m always here for fantasy based on Greek mythology!

There are good books, great books, and then the books you shove into everyone’s hands immediately. Raybearer is in that last category. It’s soooo good.

The Gilded Ones is a fantastic debut fantasy novel. It’s got some tough subject matter, but it’s exciting and intriguing with a lush world and lovable characters.

A Sky Beyond the Storm is absolutely everything I hoped it would be and more. An incredible conclusion to what’s now solidified as an all-time favorite series.