Notes

Welcome back to “Of Swords and Soulmates,” where we embark on an exhilarating journey through the “Mid-Year Freak-Out Book Tag” questions! Alongside Kelly, Jonathan, Ashley, and Mari, we explore our top reads so far in 2024, including “The Wolf Gone Wild” by Juliet Cross and Becky Chambers’ “A Psalm for the Wild-Built.”

Our dynamic discussion highlights our favorite sequels—don’t miss our thoughts on “The Ashes and the Star-Cursed King” by Carissa Broadbent and the thrilling conclusion to the “Throne of Glass” series by Sarah J. Maas. Plus, we can’t wait to dive into new releases like “When the Moon Hatched.”

Ever had a book that didn’t quite meet your expectations? We get candid about our biggest literary disappointments and surprises this year. Hear why Sarah J. Maas’s “A Court of Thorns and Roses” felt like a slog and how “This Is How You Lose the Time War” by Amal El-Mohtar left us scratching our heads. On the flip side, “Wolf Gone Wild” by Juliette Cross and Holly Black’s “The Cruel Prince” series turned out to be unexpected gems. We also shine a spotlight on our favorite new authors, with a special nod to the captivating stories by Sebastian Nothwell.

Wrapping things up, we chat about our reading goals and some incredible book-to-screen adaptations. From the heartfelt “Ted Lasso” to the lush world of “Bridgerton,” we ponder how some shows have outshone their literary origins. Find out which beautiful editions of books we’ve added to our shelves this year and our plans to finish series like “ACOTAR,” “Atlas Complex,” and “Crescent City.” Stay connected with us on Instagram, Blue Sky, Threads, Facebook, our website, and YouTube, and don’t forget to rate, review, and follow us on Goodreads. Your suggestions and recommendations are what keep “Of Swords and Soulmates” thriving—let’s shape this adventure together!