The books that got me back into reading

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Hi Friends, 

I want to introduce you to some of my long-time friends, The Red Queen Series by Victoria Aveyard.

Back in elementary school I used to read so much. Lots of little books here and there, then once reading became part of the high school curriculum, I lost interest. Being required to read books like 1984, To Kill a Mockingbird, and The Great Gatsby, I just didn’t want to read anymore. As a teenager I didn’t appreciate those books for what they are. But I never stopped collecting books. I would browse the shelves in Borders (my favorite bookstore before they closed) and pick up a book or two, knowing I would read it “one day.”

Then during one of my trips to the store, I found The Red Queen. After just reading the dust jacket I knew I would love it. It was my introduction to “romantasy” before that even became a thing.

A YA novel about a young girl, Mare Barrow, who lived in a world where the color of your blood separated the classes. The silver bloods had special abilities, they were the elite. Lavish clothes, grand homes, and Reds for laborers. Being a Red, Mare thought the rest of her life was laid out before her. Forced to work her hands to the bone until she died. But when she learns that her red blood has been disguising a secret ability, one usually reserved only for Silvers, her life is turned upside down.

This series follows Mare through her obstacles thrown in her way. In the first book it’s all from Mare’s POV - but in the other 3 the POV does switch over to a couple other characters.

When I tell you the grip this book/series had on me was intense, it wouldn’t do it justice. I couldn’t put it down. This story is full of plot twists, action, magic, first loves, all of it. After reading the first three books, and then finding out the 4th one wouldn’t release for another year - I was devastated. BUT that was ok. My love for reading came back. From there I started reading more fantasy, more romance, more everything. It was the spark I needed.

The final book, War Storm, was released summer of 2018. I didn’t read it until last year. I know I know. You might be asking yourself, “But Brittany, if you loved the series so much, why didn’t you instantly jump to reading the final installment?!” Because I didn’t want to. When I read a series, I read them one right after the other. At the time, I didn’t know there would be a 4th book. I demolished this series so quick that I couldn’t remember where we left Mare. So I just kept reading my other adventures until I knew I was ready to re-read this entire series. Which apparently was 6 years later.

Here we are today with my reading tastes all over the board. From fantasy, to thrillers, to those adorable cozy romantic comedies. But I never forget where I started.

What is the book, or series, that got YOU into reading?

Until next time,

Brittany