Best Books of the Year [So Far]

Links to books I talked about in this video
(These are affiliate links. If you buy through these links, I get a small percentage of the sale):
0:16 The Nightengale: amzn.to/2WlMXKx
2:00 My Only Sunshine: amzn.to/2YZeRgT
4:20 The Beauty and the Beast: amzn.to/31mmZdJ
5:27 The Name of the Wind: amzn.to/2WrN3A5
7:05 Red Seas Under Red Skies: amzn.to/2Wo6Osr
10:31 Pet Sematary: amzn.to/2EXbrDU
WHERE TO FIND ME:
► My Patreon: / merphynapier
► Twitter: / merphynapier
► Goodreads: / merphy-napier
► Instagram: / merphynapier
► E-mail: [e-mail]
► Mailing Address:
PO box 22
Science Hill KY 42553

[@Mr_CrowFPV]

Ghosts throwing books when you talk about pet sematary!

[@Mr_CrowFPV]

King is pretty hit or miss. Read the dark tower series and its... Interesting. Good and bad, interesting and boring all at the same time lol. Salem's lot is my favorite vampire horror however, did a horror month a couple October's ago and man, Dracula was a disappointing book! And that time period of Dracula was extremely sexest.

[@insilencea4599]

Funny how King reminds you of Bachman. He wrote a few things under the pen name Richard Bachman. 😂

[@karen-dizneydaizy4882]

Yes to The Nightingale which was one of my top fave books for last year. I have that copy of Beauty and the Beast on my tbr. Thanks for sharing.

[@cmccreavy]

I just finished the lies of Locke lamora and it was super good! I'm excited to start the second one soon!!!

[@merphynapier42]

This makes me so happy!!

[@chicksbookstop7490]

I love this series so much!

[@Draagonfiire121]

I’ve read a ton of books compared to last year (17 total 2018 vs. 64 so far this year), and much of that is a combination of more free time and finding your channel. You’ve really inspired me to read more and to branch out into genres that I used to read, thought I didn’t like, and have now given another chance. (I’ve already added Red Seas Under Red Skies, My Only Sunshine, and Pet Sematary to my TBR). My favorites so far this year: The Lies of Locke Lamora - definitely a 5 star book, like you said a little hard to get into at first, but by the end was blown away by how everything came together Mistborn - I’d have never picked this up or heard about it without your recommendation, but it’s become one of my favorites and definitely one I’d encourage others to read. (Now onto the rest of the series!) Other favorites so far (in my usual genre ^^): Serious Moonlight by Jean Bennett - love the main character and her growth throughout the novel Eliza and Her Monsters by Francesca Zappia - again, it’s the character growth that really captivated me Game On by Michelle Smith - wonderful relationship and coming of age-type story. Plus, Southern rep; feels really homey and comfortable for someone who grew up in the south. And baseball, I love baseball stories. P.S I Like You by Kasie West - the main character was excellent, big family rep, and the romance was adorable. Irresistibly reread-able.

[@zimagic]

Loved seeing your reaction to discovering King. Such a powerful writer.

[@megnarok634]

I read The Nightingale based off of listening to your review, and I LOVED it!

[@jenaroordonez4033]

I want your t-shirt!!! :) and Pet Sematary is one of my favs!

[@joyfultunes]

The Nightengale and My Only Sunshine sound like books I would really like! Adding to my TBR; thanks!

[@jessiesshelf5597]

I loved The Nightingale! So happy Up did too! And I’m only to have to check out My Only Sunshine!

[@project23tv67]

Gentleman Bastards has been my fave for years. So glad you liked it too! I've been waiting yeaaaaarrrs for book 4 but it'll be worth it!

[@BedtimeBookworm]

I LOVED the nightingale when I read it! I really need to read the lies of Locke lamora and name of the wind lol 😆

[@tylerdeasis5953]

After I’m done with the Raven Cycle (on Book 3) Ill be starting the Nightingale which I’m super excited for because Historical Fiction is my favorite genre 💞💞💞

[@cindybohn9769]

My 5 star books this year are Red Sister & Grey Sister, the Blackthorn &Grim series, The Thousand Names, and Grant by Ron Chernow.

[@tracey_bay]

The Nightingale was one of the best books I read this year (as you know already) so thank you so much for recommending it! And I can't let 2019 pass without reading The Lies of Locke Lamora. I don't know what I'm waiting for.

[@atheistnun4297]

I dont either. Lies of Locke Lamora is AMAZING

[@MaryAmongStories]

The Nightingale, yes! 💙💙

[@IndianBooktuber]

Love your t-shirt!

[@amullins2013]

I also loved The Nightingale a couple months ago!

[@messystories542]

Love the video More books added 😊😊💗💗💗💗💗 Thanks for the video

[@Strumminmama]

Omg! Mr King is addicting!!!!! He is a master storyteller. I never looked at it as grieving he was expressing but you are right! Thanks for sharing!

[@TheInvisibleFan80]

The Nightingale is also one of my favorite books of the year. It nearly broke me to pieces is all I can say about it. Another favorite is Legend of the Erased by Coffee Hyrokoyo, who is a self-published manga author.

[@manaalsidd]

I’m so happy that you loved The Nightingale as much as I did. That’s why we love you...you listen and you give it a try. We love you. ❤️😘

[@merphynapier42]

Love you too ❤️❤️

[@astoryandasong]

I read My Only Sunshine on your rec and absolutely loved it:-)

[@merphynapier42]

Oh I'm so glad you did!!!

[@Milamberas45]

I'm just excited that Scott Lynch finished writing the book 4

[@urty24]

Is this true? I haven’t heard any news since the last time they pulled the release date.

[@merphynapier42]

@@urty24 it is! He turned in his first draft to his publisher, he put it on Twitter!

[@elrilmoonweaver4723]

Me too, that means The Thorn of Emberlain will be out very soon :D

[@urty24]

That’s great. Maybe we will get it in time for Christmas.

[@christianwalters2047]

"What's the hurry?" - George R. R. Martin

[@k_j_belle]

Favorite books this year have been Final Girls (thanks to your recommendation) and Uprooted. Stephen King is one of my favorite authors so hopefully you will read more from him in the future!

[@Dawnleapord]

so many of my favs here 😍 My favourite reads so far this year have been The Broken Earth trilogy (N.K Jemison), the Nevermoor series (Jessica Townsend), Us Against You (Fredrik Backman), The Winter of the Witch (Katherine Arden) and Becoming (Michelle Obama)

[@kirstysbookishworld6948]

I just brought the lies of Locke lambda thanks to your constant chat about it! Can’t wait to read it! My favourites so far this year are red sister, the illuminae files and a heart in a body in the world!

[@merphynapier42]

I hope you love Locke!

[@kula2200]

I really wanted to avoid watching this because I'm going to end up buying half of these 😂

[@merphynapier42]

Doooo it (peer pressure) 😝

[@ndpd7695]

Lucky you... you're not broke😂😂

[@ziyanda_theartist]

Same!!!

[@evilgenius4213]

King's early works are some of my favorites.

[@emilyberardi3126]

My favorites so far this year are Hero of Ages, the 7 1/2 Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle, His Majesty's Dragon, and Robin Hobb's Farseer trilogy.

[@merphynapier42]

Hero of Ages is soooo good!

[@dilaisy_loone2846]

Favorites books so far this year: Red Rising(I’m disappointed on the second book, yet to read the third one), All the bright places, the prince and the dressmaker, and the song of Achilles! I also loved the nightingale, but I read it last year.

[@krissypeadon8907]

I read nightingale and liked it, the younger sister's part I liked the least and the ending was okay. Excited for the movie to come out to see what they do with it.

[@horror-sickness]

My Only Sunshine sounds something I would really love. Not easy to find a really good thriller so I will have to give it a try 😃

[@ComfortingGrace]

I recommend you read Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers. If you have never read any Rivers, you will be hooked. One of my favorite books.

[@mike-mz6yz]

I know this is a really kind of old video, but I just came across your channel a week and a half ago and have been going through your videos. I have never watched many book tube videos before, but absolutely love your content! You are so expressive, and real it is so refreshing to see. I saw you are trying to read some more historical fiction (though it might classify as non-fiction since I have seen his books under both categories in the past) and I just had to recommend an author I think you would love if you havn't heard of him before. His name is Erik Larsonn and the book I would recommend first is 'In the Garden of the beast' The story follows the American ambassador and his family, manly his twenty something daughter, to Nazi Germany in the 1930's. It has the feel of a drama with dark undertones due to the people and events in Nazi Berlin leading up to the second world war and the holocaust, all seen from the perspective of intelligent Americans who want to see the best of the country they are in. It is an amazing book and one I bet you and your husband would both love(if you are still trying to get him to let you read to him again). I dont often recommend books to people, but those of those I have recommended this to all have loved it but one, and that was only because it was too tense for her and gave her nightmares. I really hope you see this and give this book a read! I have gotten so much enjoyment, plus good read ideas from your channel, so if I could return the favor by turning you on to an amazing and unique author It would make my day.

[@cindywitte5052]

Merphy, thanks for the recommendations. (as if my list of books to read wasn't long enough). You should read Stephen King's short story and novella collections. I highly recommen " Different Seasons".

[@wangarimuriithi8748]

Cindy Witte Different Seasons made me love Shawshank Redemption and the Body movies. I like that not much was lost in the making of the movies. All 4 stories were great, although I read it more than 15yrs ago, the chill of Apt Pupil remains with me. Thank God for the humor in the first two.

[@ordowaid.2665]

The Lies of Locke Lamora is the next fantasy I'm picking up because of you!! I've also been putting off getting a copy of The Wise Man's Fear after your review. I thoroughly enjoyed the first book, (especially the first part with the Edema Ruh!) but didn't love it as much as you did, and I can totally see the 2nd book having the problems you've mentioned. Also, a suggestion: you could show the other side of the books in the thumbnail so that it's a surprise!

[@merphynapier42]

I hope you love Locke's story!!! I used to turn the books around l, but I personally like when people show the spines. But I totally understand that some people like it the other way! ❤️

[@kimkosyjana9511]

I can't wait to read the gentleman's bastard series. It is my next series on my list after i finish Mistborn (i just started). Also, i cant wait to read The Nightingale. I've had it on my shelf for a while, but will def try to get to it this year!

[@merphynapier42]

So many great books for you to read!! I hope you love them ❤️

[@marin3933]

I rean The Name of the Wind recently and it was so good :D

[@RKGold]

Also completely agree with your thoughts on fairytales

[@witchf4ce310]

I’ve been intrigued by The Nightingale but I thought it would be boring and the typical world war story that I’ve read before too many times. Now I’m even more intrigued because you liked it!

[@belleah5562]

My favorite book this year has been The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman, so thanks for the rec!

[@merphynapier42]

Yay! That one is so good!

[@briangallagher3106]

I have about 50 pages left in lies of Locke Lamora and I’m loving it. I finished the king killer books recently and I just started the Audiobook of Mistborn The Final Empire. 2 years ago I would’ve said I didn’t read fantasy but because of you and Daniel Greene and His Dark Materials I’ve completely done a 180 on that. I’m completely hooked.

[@MrSean24601]

I finished “Red Seas” and my copy of “Republic of Thieves” should arrive tomorrow! The first book is still my favorite, but the developing friendship between Locke and Jean ALWAYS keeps me coming back!

[@leslieisepic]

My new favorite series so far this year is the first two book in the Davaebad trilogy (City of Brass & Kingdom of Copper). Though, I do have a new favorite for middle grade fantasy, too: Keeper of the Lost Cities... each book just gets better and more complex as the characters get further into the plot. I am also loving The Lies of Locke Lamora; just been reading it very slowly to savor it, but now that I have more time for summer I have more time to read (I've tabbed, highlighted, and annotated the heck out of my copy so far).

[@merphynapier42]

Oh I really want to read City of Brass!!! I hope you love Locke ❤️

[@leslieisepic]

@@merphynapier42 I love how morally gray Locke and co. are. Highly recommend City of Brass, especially if you want to read a fantasy with a middle eastern vibe. The author is actually a historian.

[@mckennahorman7675]

Have you read any of Chris Wooding's books? I would highly recommend his YA standalone Poison, or his Tales of the Ketty Jay series. These are some of my all-time favorite books and I feel like they are severally under appreciated!

[@kaiobikeg8749]

Read “ the shining “. One my all time favorites.

[@tedsava1800]

Merphy I just want to say this: I finished the Lies of Locke Lamora and it easily became one of my favorite books of all time. I cannot describe how much I love this book. I laughed and cried and fell in love with these characters and their story. I was in awe at how brilliantly complex the plot was and how brilliant Locke himself was. I can't thank you enough for pushing this book until I read it, it lives up to the hype you gave it and it was so, so worth it. I ordered Red Sea Under Red Skies a few days ago and I'm so so so psyched to read it. TL;DR I'm obsessed with the Lies of Locke Lamora and Merphy is my literary goddess

[@merphynapier42]

I'm SO GLAD you loved it so much!!!!

[@LittleWordWeaver]

This makes me want to finish reading the Lies of Locke Lamora - I read about 1/3 of it and stopped, not because I didn't like it (I loved everything I read), but because (like you mentioned) the going back and forth made it easy to put down for something more instantly-captivating.

[@caitlyn.m.t9618]

The Lies of Locke Lamora is one of the books on my TBR, it sounds very interesting and 100% my kind of book. I actually read The Picture of Dorian Gray this year and honestly that is one of the top books I read this year

[@bxitaliangirl]

I havent read too many Stephen king books but I really really loved Dumas Key and 11/22/63. I DNF'd under the dome. I'm taking my kids to the library today. I'm going to look for loch lomora.

[@stayedforthemusic]

Misery is my favorite Stephen King book. I've been trying to work through the dark tower series for the past 2 years. The first book is boring, but book 2 and 3 are amazing. Doctor sleep/ the shining are also really good. I recommend listening to his bigger books on audible. Under the dome/The Stand were fun to listen to

[@fluffy6605]

I'm thinking of picking up the shining and doctor sleep since the movie for doctor sleep is coming out! So glad to hear it's good

[@natbatlightwood5288]

I have that exact same copy of Beauty and the Beast (haven't read it yet, i'm reading Peter Pan first.)

[@fateharazak8459]

My favourite books of the year so far: - The stormlight archive by Brandon sanderson - Skyward by Brandon sanderson (it has really been a Brandon sanderson year for me!) - Keeper of the lost cities series by Shannon messenger (a middle grade series which I highly recommend) - Crazy rich asians by Kevin kwan (I enjoyed the over the top drama, highly entertaining book)

[@merphynapier42]

Yay for the Sanderson love!

[@rlewis55]

More for my TBR! I'd be really interested to hear your opinions on Foundryside by Robert Jackson Bennett. I really liked it and I saw quite a few similarities to The Final Empire, which I know you love :)

[@merphynapier42]

Oooo I'll look it up, thank you!

[@cyndiezahner5883]

Love this, but OMG I have to get that shirt!!!! PLease please advise.

[@GrapplingBook]

Can you make a video on how you annotate your books and what do you actually use annotations for? Like, what is it exactly that warrants annotation for you specifically? That'd be pretty cool!

[@merphynapier42]

I have a video like that! It's pretty old, but my system hasn't changed too much ❤️

[@manaalsidd]

My fav books of the year so far are: Sapiens Pride and Prejudice The Way of Kings Beartown The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo Daisy Jones and The Six Becoming 😊

[@merphynapier42]

Yay! So many good books on your list!

[@TorrentialxRain]

I've been reluctant to pick up Red Seas Under Red Skies because I loved the first book SO MUCH and when that happens, most of the time the second book doesn't live up to it and it ends up ruining the first book for me. But you loved them both, so I probably will too! Straight to the top of my TBR it goes!

[@merphynapier42]

I hope you love it too! It's totally different but so so good!

[@kingstoken]

One of my faves this year is The Seven Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle, it is a murder mystery, which I know you dislike, but this has very different twist on the genre, it not like any other mystery I have ever read

[@slytherinslioness]

kingstoken It was such a good book! I just read it a few months ago, but I’m seriously considering rereading it soon!

[@oofym353]

Yess. I read it a few months ago and it was brilliant, definitely gonna be a book I reread in the future.

[@m.jadejohnson-williams3315]

My favorite books so far this year (that I've completed this year and are not rereads for me) are the Unkindness of Magicians by Katherine Howard, Monster by Naoki Ursaswa (volume 1-3), Goodnight Punpun (volume 1) by Inio Asano, a Silent Voice by Yoshitoki Ōima (volume 1 and 3), and Orange: Future So basically all the manga i got this year and a novel that you recommend. I need to read some great novels.

[@merphynapier42]

Unkindness is soooo good!!

[@lostinabookcase3796]

I'm really excited to read Name of the Wind because I'm totally fine just living the life of someone awesome! But gotta admit, I'm nervous about book 2 now Also, I totally bought The Lies of Locke L. because of you!

[@merphynapier42]

Yes! I hope you love Lies!! And no worries about Kingkiller 2. Lots of people love it so you may too!

[@lostinabookcase3796]

@@merphynapier42 oh yeah I'm still gonna get to KingKiller eventually! I'm reading The Wife Between Us right now!

[@RKGold]

Okay I’m going to see if I can get red seas and red skies

[@JayGTheAwkwardBookworm]

I really want to pick up my only sunshine now!

[@merphynapier42]

It's so good!

[@paulallen8304]

If you enjoyed Pet Semetary you should give the Dark Tower series by King a try- it is part science fiction, part fantasy, part horror, and all absolute genius. I read a doctoral thesis on it and was astounded by the intellectual and emotional depth.

[@johnsparegrave5996]

Is this the SDtephen King with the huge truck scene at the end? I was a kid when I read that, the scene left a huge imprint.

[@merphynapier42]

That's the one!

[@chelleybee1016]

The nightingale was awesome! Btw I love that shirt... where did u get it please??:)

[@merphynapier42]

It was a gift, I'm sorry, I'm not sure where she got it!

[@chelleybee1016]

It’s ok thanks for replying:) I will google it lol

[@tywinislitandeddard9988]

Guys I'm thinking of starting gentleman bastard. Is it worth it to read now or shall I wait till all books are out? Thanks in advance

[@jtg1509]

Have you read any Simon R Green? or David Gemmel or Heinlein? If you want to get into scifi Heinlein is a must. I recommend Stranger in a Strange Land or the Lazarus Long series.

[@coolerthanyoo]

My favorite book so far has been Heroine by Mindy McGinnis. It was just so powerful and raw. I listened to it on audible and loved it so much that as soon as I finished I listened to it again

[@marianaamoedo5942]

Pet sematary is one of the best of his books. He's a great story teller but doesn't know how to finish his books. I recommend Cujo, you'll devour it and feel the angst. Love your job as a narrator! One of the best jobs there is.

[@sagefromonline]

I've been meaning to read The Name of the Wind since you've been praising it for so long, but I'm also really scared for the second book haha

[@xXTwinFusionsXx]

i read it a few years ago i highly recommend

[@Mr_CrowFPV]

The second book really puts a ton of pressure onto the third book to see if it was meandering and random or if everything in his story is actually told this way for a reason. Honestly, you could read book one and if you are worried about book two, wait to read it until book 3 is almost out. Book 1 is a work of art

[@biancavictoria8746]

Give it a shot! I personally like the second book too, minus one random chunk. But Rothfuss' writing is beautiful, I'd read his shopping lists lol

[@urty24]

If you enjoy book one you should definitely give book two a shot. I don’t understand how Merphy has such wildly different views on them. Her specific criticism is completely fair and as Bianca mentions there is one weird section. That being said, the overall tone and pacing of the two books is very similar. The writing is beautiful in both. And both books offer a fun, entertaining story that you can lose yourself in regardless of whether or not the overarching story is progressing. IMO the two books have enough similarities that you’re more likely to enjoy both or to dislike both then you are to end up loving one and hating the other like Merphy.

[@merphynapier42]

Lots of people love the first and dislike the second, but lots of people love both as well! The ratings for book two are pretty polorizing, but I wouldn't let that stop you from picking it up - you may love!

[@mesa5734]

Every book I have read this year so far has been great. All 5 stars except 2 of them which got 4 stars. I think my favourite would have to be Otherearth though because it surprised me so much and as soon as I put it down I wanted the next book. Next book comes out in November though :(

[@yagalpollyy3721]

You should look into The Goblin Emperor by Katherine Addison when you get time :)

[@merphynapier42]

I'll look it up, the title itself sounds great!

[@yagalpollyy3721]

@@merphynapier42 It's one of my favorites, one of those gems at the bottom of the shelf xD

[@emilyberardi3126]

I love this book! It's definitely character-driven, though.

[@briangallagher3106]

A friend just gave it to me. I’m looking forward to it.

[@yagalpollyy3721]

I re-read it every year

[@freddiemay2742]

Hey Merphy, what are the colourful book series by your left elbow?

[@merphynapier42]

The Sherlock Holmes series 😊

[@breflections8127]

The Pet Sematary movie disturbed me so much and was so dark that I felt sick to my stomach all night.....

[@lovelydaywithholly]

Hey Merphy! I'm new to booktube, and I get a little lost with the "character-driven" / "plot-driven" terms. What does that mean exactly?

[@ludovicatirone4304]

I've always considered a "plot driven" person one that enjoys actions, wants to see the story progress, see the characters going places; while a "character driven" one as a reader who enjoys seeing the insights of the people they are reading about. Doesn't mind if nothing happens as long as he sees the characters connecting with each other, growing, evolving and seeing their emotions and struggles. I don't know if it's clear or if it's that accurate, hope somehow it'll help

[@lovelydaywithholly]

@@ludovicatirone4304 Thank You, I think I lean toward being a plot-driven reader, but I'm still figuring it out ;)

[@amonicareads6392]

Stephen King favorites: Misery and The Green Mile!

[@davids2735]

My favorites so far are Skyward by Brandon Sanderson, Wrath by John Gwynne, Prince of Thorns by Mark Lawrence, and The books of the ancestor trilogy(first 2 books) by Mark Lawrence.

[@merphynapier42]

Skyward was great! I'll he looking the others up now ❤️

[@davids2735]

@@merphynapier42 Wrath is actually the 4th book in a series. Malice is the first book. Just fyi

[@yustaanna5009]

Why do you have postit notes in the first book? 😊

[@cadencev5572]

Have you already read the A Book of the Ancestor series by Mark Lawrence? It's AMAYHHZIING

[@barbarabaker5552]

My favorite Stephen King is ON WRITING. You don't need to be a writer to love this book. The autobiographical sections will blow you away. My favorite fiction I read this year is A GENTLEMAN IN MOSCOW, by Amor Towles, which is different from anything I've read before. Gorgeous writing, and a plot and characters to die for. Also, I loved ALL WE SHALL KNOW by Donal Ryan. "A Gentleman" is a long book, and ALL WE SHALL KNOW is very short, but they are both powerful, beautifully written stories.

[@MidnightVentures]

Soooooo subscribed

[@thomasray]

I would avsolutely love to hear your thoughts on the Unforgettable Guinevere St. Claire, by Amy Makedchnie. It's one of my favorite books I've read this year, and I feel like you might either love or hate it. It's super fun, character driven, sad, and has a beautiful ending, and I can't recommend it enough!

[@merphynapier42]

I'll look it up, thank you!

[@kilifischkopp1442]

I was always going to pick this up, but I have a strict rule that I don|t want to read AT ALL books that are fundamentally hopeless or depressing. But you seem to suggest that really it has a lot of constructive elements that grow you as a human being. So I may pick it up.

[@Ryan-mo2pt]

Yeah, one of my favorite books this year (or of all time) is THE COUNT OF MONTE CRISTO. >:)

[@jareddepape4382]

I recommend the stand by Stephen King just don't read it if you have a cold

[@FirstnameLastname-es1ko]

Lmao yes

[@VoxJess]

I really enjoyed this book! BUT I recommend the abridged version. The unabridged version has 400 more pages, and tbh, those 400 pages added nothing to the story. It was true King writing in being over explanatory and dragging out scenes with just too many words.

[@FirstnameLastname-es1ko]

Jess Bradley I have the unabridged version at home, but never finished it haha

[@TheTriiChi]

Have you read the graphic novel Maus by Art Spiegelman?

[@merphynapier42]

I haven't but I'll look it up!

[@-ihhssan-9062]

So based of your reviews I wanted to read The nightingale, also because a lot of people seem to recommend it, however as I went to do it, many many french people commented that it was highly inaccurate regarding the author's societal and cultural knowledge of France at the time. What do you think about it? I might just read it and shape my own opinion on it, but being french myself I'm scare I'll be disappointed ;)

[@kimkosyjana9511]

Also, I want to read more King as well! I've only ever read Salem's Lot and i really loved it. It has been probably close to 10 years since I read it, so def due for a re read! I also want to read The Shining so bad! Bag of Bones is on my shelf now, so that will probably be my next read of his. Let us know which you plan to read next so i can read it whike you do!

[@merphynapier42]

I will for sure!

[@christianwalters2047]

Merphy, are you familiar with "The Curse of Chalion" by Lois McMaster Bujold? It's one of my favorites, and after hearing your enthusiasm for the Gentlemen Bastards and for Ender's Game, I think you would enjoy it. It's got great characters, a solid intriguing plot, and possibly the best theological system I've ever encountered in a fantasy novel -- most others I've seen just sort of wave vaguely at some polytheism or just adopt some watered-down rebranded version of Christianity (or ignored outright). But in Curse of Chalion, it's different, and it's relevant to the plot without turning the book into a Greek myth or Percy Jackson. Anyway, I don't know if this is the best method for recommending books to you, but it's all I had and I think you'd like it :)

[@frogggirl2]

Seconded!

[@christianwalters2047]

@@frogggirl2 Bujold is a genius. I would also recommend the Vorkosigan Saga, but I'm not sure I want to push Merphy towards a series with 20 books in it. For anyone else, the protaganist, Miles Vorkosigan, is what Tyrion Lannister would have been if he'd had loving, supportive parents and some loyal friends. (And Miles came first! Suck it, Tyrion.)

[@Bellatrixstrange09]

The Shining by Stephen King is one my favorite books of all time. I read it a couple of years ago. I’d never read a horror before and I’ve never seen the movie. But I was thoroughly terrified and I loved it. Check it out if you get the chance. But my favorite book so far this year is Skyward by Brandon Sanderson.

[@jaxxhadesdaughter779]

I read IT in a week and thought it was just meh, but I read The Long Walk in two weeks (1,100 vs 400 pages) and loved it. I've been reading Under The Dome for about three weeks (1,000 pages) and has had nightmares about the little things King describes. I truly believe that in order to appreciate his writing fully, you must draw it out.

[@MarissaCurtis0630]

I started reading Name of the Wind last year when I got it free from Amazon. I couldn't even get past the first couple chapters.

[@autumnrose3236]

I can't remember if you'd read this already but you should read intensity by Dean koontz.

[@merphynapier42]

I haven't but I'll look it up!

[@brainfromarous9015]

Rothfuss’ series should be called The Buzzkiller Chronicles. I’ve never gone from hot to cold on a series as quickly as with these two books. Egad. Double Egad.

[@merphynapier42]

Same tho

[@thenerdyscholar02]

My favorite book thus far is The Hero Of Ages. This book destroyed me.

[@elrilmoonweaver4723]

YUP! :D

[@IndianBooktuber]

I have been wanting to read pet sematary for soooo long... but then I have doctor sleep and IT on my shelf waiting to be read... :(

[@Strumminmama]

It scared me. I only finished half of it. I enjoyed Pet Cemetery and Dolores Clayborn. Salem's Lot was one of my favorite too!

[@ericw4377]

May I recommend Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry? Such a great book.

[@sydneyellison1655]

Eric W I’ve been wanting to read that but am intimidated

[@ericw4377]

@@sydneyellison1655 If you just start, you'll want to keep going. His writing style makes it easy to fly through. There's a lot of dialogue that is actually funny, as well, which is not usually expected out of a book like this. FWIW, the TV mini-series is on youtube (it won 7 Emmy awards and had 18 nominations). You can get a sense of the book from that.

[@sydneyellison1655]

Eric W I might have to pick it up soon! Thank you!

[@jennd2194]

I tried so hard to like Lies of Locke Lamora and I couldn't get into it :( . It made me so sad because usually I love all your 5 star books!

[@merphynapier42]

I understand! It's a hard start and took me quite a while to fall in love with it. I totally understand that it wouldn't be for everyone ❤️

[@jennd2194]

@@merphynapier42 Do you think if I stuck it out longer I'd like it? I think I quit at page 100 ish.