If you are like me, then reading is a necessity of everyday life. However, if you are still like me, this can be difficult sometimes as life fluctuates in how busy it keeps you. There is nothing worse (figuratively speaking when it comes to books) than starting a new book, finding out it’s a series, and not having the time or mental energy to dedicate to it.
That is why I divide the books I read into two categories: Easy-Peasy and Dedication-Needed. My easy-peasy books are the ones I can pick up even if I have prior obligations. I can read for a few minutes at a time and it won’t be difficult to get back into the story once I am able to read again. These books usually run about three hundred and fifty pages, which for me would be the shorter end of books that I read.
Dedication-needed books are just that; I need to be able to give time and energy when reading these books. First and foremost, these books tend to be over four hundred pages (some of them are around eight hundred pages) and usually have a heavy fantasy element to them. This means a lot of world building.
Here is where I recommend two authors and their books for each category. It is important to note now that I read more romance and fantasy books than anything else and that will show in my recommendations.
Easy-Peasy Books
1. Ali Hazelwood
Ali Hazewood is a fairly new author, with her debut novel coming out in September 2021. She is known for her STEM focused romances. Additionally, her books are just under four hundred pages and they are very easy to get lost in quickly. Some of her books that I loved and hope you check out are:
The Love Hypothesis
Love on the Brain
Loath to Love You (a collection of 3 novellas)
2. Emily Henry
Emily Henry is similar to Ali Hazelwood, with books being published under four hundred pages. These books are more contemporary romance but are great at getting real reactions, like laughs, from you when you read. This can be nice when every other area of your life is stressful. Some of her most popular novels that I would recommend are:
People We Meet on Vacation
Book Lovers
Beach Read
Dedication-Needed Books
1. Sarah J. Maas
Many in the book community are familiar with this name, but just in case you are not, Sarah J. Maas is a romance/fantasy writer that is known for her ability as a world-builder. Her books are not for those who need a quick read as they require time to understand and typically leave readers on a cliffhanger as she has thus far only produced series. Not to mention most of her books end up being around eight hundred pages. She has written (and continues to write) three series, all of which I recommend.
Throne of Glass (8 books and her only YA series)
A Court of Thorns and Roses (5 books currently)
Crescent City (3 books)
2. Scarlett St. Clair
Last, but certainly not least, is Scarlett St. Clair. To be honest, I have only read one series by Scarlett St. Clair so far, but it was incredibly good! It was a Hades and Persephone retelling and it does such a great job of building their world and keeping you entertained. The best part? It is kind of two series with one being told from each (Hades and Persephone’s) point of view. The series is four books with the final book in both series being the same book with a dual point of view.
A Touch of Darkness (the first book from Persephone’s point of view)
A Game of Fate (the first book from Hades point of view)
Written by Jazzminn Morecraft.
jazzminnmorecraft.com