Kiss, Marry or Kill: 43

My kind of fantasy books; one self-tanner to rule them all; an exciting trip; and the popular skincare company I honestly can't recommend

This is my weekly series for subscribers only, where I’ll share things that caught my eye this week in a fun and flirty way (kiss), a sustainable way (marry), or a not-so-good way (kill). And yes, this trendy game is technically “f***, marry, or kill” but we run a family-friendly-ish show around here.

Kiss (things I like right now)

Vicious (and Vengeful) by V.E. Schwab (← read with my eyeballs)

I have figured something out about my reading tastes. I love fantasy books, but if fantasy was a lake, I’m only wading in up to my belly-button, and here’s what I mean by that. Here is the back cover copy of a real (and highly acclaimed) fantasy book:

“For Sergeant Whiskeyjack and his squad of Bridgeburners, and for Tattersail, surviving cadre mage of the Second Legion, the aftermath of the siege of Pale should have been a time to mourn the dead. But Darujhistan, last of the Free Cities of Genabackis, yet holds out.”

Listen, I’m tapping out by “siege of Pale.” These books may be incredible, and once I battle through the world-building, I might fall in love. But this description is INTENSE, AKA a full dive into the lake.

Vicious and Vengeful, a duology by V.E. Schwab, is me acclimatizing to fantasy. (Please tell me you understand this reference.) It’s 100% fantasy (there are four Londons and plenty of magic) but the world-building is relatable enough that it doesn’t suck me out of the writing. I loved these books, which is no wonder, because this is the same author who put out Addie LaRue, which I hold close to my heart. The depth of character, the starkness of the writing (things just HAPPEN, with no preamble, and I’m INTO IT), the immense creativity, the page-turning twists! I devoured these, and now have moved onto the Shades of Magic series. (Just as good!)

I will keep pushing my fantasy boundaries, because “world-building” is often referenced when discussing the best fantasy books. If you have a reco somewhere between "four Londons” and “Tattersail surviving cadre mage,” drop them in comments please and thank you.