Itkovian

That said, in shorter novels, I find myself repeating thematic, character, or worldbuilding elements that I'd rather use in my epics. I've reached the point where I'm willing to kiss my chances at trad publishing goodbye if it means pursuing the stories that truly capture my heart.

For years, I've attempted to write shorter, more "accessible" novels in the hopes of getting traditionally published. The problem is that these stories never keep my attention. I much prefer epics with the scope of Malazan or Wheel of Time, but agents (reasonably) don't take chances on these.

#booksky #nonfiction #FreePalestine

#booksky #nonfiction

This one goes out to all the people still trying to defend Confederate Statues and memorabilia. The country will never move forward so long as anyone continues to idolize monsters from our history.

#BlackHistory #booksky #nonfiction #BlackStudies

Anyone trying to ban books thus identifies said books as threats to the status quo. Most people do not waste time banning books unless there's a specific message(s) they're trying to suppress. It's our duty to read these books anyway and make sure these messages are spread.

Coates explores how the arts have been used to spread anti-Black propaganda to maintain a White empire. This is also why school boards and governments ban books written from diverse perspectives; they do not want anyone challenging this "foundation myth"

#BlackHistory #booksky #bannedbooks

And by failing to understand the world, people cannot effectively transform/improve said world. They struggle to develop critical consciousness. I think Coates makes a really interesting point here.

Coates puts into words the frustrations I had going through school. I always got good grades, but the state's curriculum was often focused on memorization over application. Coates argues that detrimentally, youths then struggle to see the world clearly as a larger picture.

#booksky #nonfiction

Just one session of reading, and Coates gives the reader much to think about (as evidenced by my previous few posts)

#BlackStudies #BlackHistory #BlackHistoryMonth #booksky

#BlackStudies #BlackHistory #BlackHistoryMonth #booksky

#BlackStudies #BlackHistory #BlackHistoryMonth #booksky

#BlackStudies #BlackHistory #BlackHistoryMonth #booksky

His arc in Towers of Midnight especially was SO GOOD. He doesn’t always get a chance to really shine, but he might still be my favorite ta’veren

Also, if anyone has read this, what did you think about that epilogue? I'm still trying to wrap my head around everything that's going on!

I've heard it said that The Will of the Many is more-or-less a Red Rising clone. While the similarities are apparent, Islington's world is also filled with many unique aspects and mysteries to explore. I could not put this down.

#fantasybooks #booksky #willofthemany

One of the best fantasy books I've ever read. I won't pretend that every book in the Wheel of Time is perfect, but I have fallen in love with this world and these characters. Sanderson ended Jordan's story in a way that left me wholly satisfied.

#wheeloftime #booksky #fantasybooks

Maybe I should have DNFd this earlier and saved myself the trouble. I'll give some credit to its ability to make me feel disturbed, but overall it's not for me. Not sure what I expected, since I also thought Watchmen was mediocre. Maybe Moore's style just isn't for me.

#graphicnovels #booksky

Basically a haunted house story, except instead of ghosts, the house is an unsettling AI very particular about who it lets inside. Still not sure how I feel about how everything wraps up, but it was a quick very atmospheric.

#booksky #sciencefiction #books

This series is great for fans of Red Rising who are looking for something (sorta) similar but in a fresh setting. Or those who love found families. I don't care that it's marketed as YA. You need to try this series. @mjgwrite.bsky.social is now an auto-buy author for me.

#booksky #sciencefiction

Sapphic retelling of Sleeping Beauty. Fairytale retellings aren't usually my thing, but this was recommended to me, and I enjoyed it. The ending definitely left me interested in picking up the second half of this duology sometime in the future! #fantasybooks #retellings #booksky #sapphicbooks

Another classic NeenAHHHH banger

After reading Empire of Silence, it was interesting to see what Ruocchio could do with a more constricted page count. Having been self-published (I think) the prose was a little less polished than the main books, but his themes and world were still excellent. #booksky #suneater #scifi #books

Although I didn't love the rest of this trilogy as much as the first book (Godkiller) there was clearly something about it that kept me reading. I think I like the character moments significantly more than anything the plot. They'll be the most memorable aspect. #fantasybooks #booksky #godkiller

The Skyward series has never been my favorite of Sanderson's projects, but this novella was pretty good! One major criticism of Starsight and Cytonic was that we didn't see much (if any) of the original crew. This gave me some of what I've been missing.

#brandonsanderson #skyward #booksky #books

Almost DNFd during the first half, but the ending won me over. I can't say I whole-heartedly recommend this book, but if you like time travel stories, medieval settings, and don't mind a slow pace, it might be up your alley!

#booksky #books #sciencefiction #timetravel

House of Hollow was fantastic (but I’m pretty sure the author is white). Shoutout to Final Strife, though, which was one of the best I read in 2024!