Tag: books

Books I Started in 2024 and Hope to Finish in 2025

Photo by Ed Robertson on Unsplash

Here we are in 2025, a new year, a new opportunity to make things better than last year. New year, new goals. All of that positive new year stuff.

There was a lot I wanted to do in 2024 that has now moved in to 2025. I wanted 2024 to be better, but life sucks sometimes and sometimes life has to kick your ass for you to grow to where you need to be. 2024 was that year for me, full of trials and tribulations.

I started a lot of things in 2024— An MFA program, knitting projects, interior design on an entire half of my house— and there are a lot of things I didn’t finish. One of them being several books.

Here’s the list of books I started in 2024 and how I plan to finish them in 2025.

Note: This post will contain affiliate links, I’ll get a small payment if you buy through the link (Help your artists, please and thank you!) I only recommend things I enjoy and hope you will enjoy too!

Remote Control

By Nnedi Okorafor.

This book was one I chose for the reading for a semester along with The Past is Red. There was a little bit of reading required during the semester, but it was mostly a writing focused class. I’m about 34% of the way through (according to kindle), but it’s been a while, so I might restart from the beginning (or at least consult my notes). The premise is good. The book is interesting, but it’s a slow build, throwing the reader in the middle of the action and then pulling back to “the beginning”.

The Past is Red

By Catherine Valenti

This book I didn’t get very far into. I would read a few chapters, then stop and go “wait, what?”. I feel like trying to read this in a 10 week period was too much, especially with another book. I would like to pick it up again (despite the casual use of some four letter words that seems too immature to me), but I would like to get more into the story before I decide it isn’t for me.

Anne of Green Gables Series: Specifically Anne of Ingleside

By L.M. Montgomery

Fun fact, I actually started reading this series in 2023. I got the giant “whole series” in one book and got through the first 3 of the series fine and then went: Wait a minute! I’m missing one. Actually, I ended up missing two. So I had to buy this one (and another) separately. I intended to read in 2024, but I had to read other things first. So hopefully in 2025?

The Night Angel Trilogy: Specifically Book 3- Beyond the Shadows.

By Brent Weeks

I started reading the first book of this series as a part of my MFA program. I had read the first book before (in 2019 before the world completely changed), but didn’t quite make it through the second book the first time due to several circumstances (including a global pandemic- nurses had to work). Not only did I read the first book, and quickly got through the second while on a break between semesters. I hit book 3 and then promptly hit a wall. I would like to finish the series and possibly read more of Weeks’ work.

The Throne of Glass Series: Specifically Book 3- Heir of Fire

By Sarah J. Maas

I’m not new to Sarah J. Maas. I started with the ACOTAR series and absolutely loved it. My goal in 2024 was to read through the Throne of Glass Series and the Crescent City series in order to be ready for the next ACOTAR book, but obviously that didn’t happen. I made it through the first two books in lightning speed, but read the prequel in the wrong place. The prequel was slow moving (especially after reading the first few books) and really slowed down my pace. By the time I started Heir of Fire I was already in the MFA program. As good as I am, I can’t read more than 2 books at a time and keep them straight, even with the notes I take chapter by chapter.

Fairy Tale

By Stephen King

Yet another book I started for my MFA program (I’m sensing a theme here!). This is the first Stephen King book I’ve ever read, though I am familiar with his work. It’s King’s take on portal fantasy, so I think it’s ok that it’s his first book I’m reading. This book is massive and there’s no way I could have finished it in 10 weeks while reading other material for two classes and having double the work due each week now that I’m taking two classes at a time. I like the book, I like the premise, I just have to get back into it and finish it up.

I would like to get back into reading more books. Hopefully in 2025 I’ll be able to get through a few (if not all) of these books (and more).

I’ll keep you posted when I do. Keep a look out for more books reviews.

I’ll also take book recommendations if you have them! Though, not sure when I’ll be able to read them. My TBR pile is always growing!

Happy reading!

Bre Writes Book Reviews: Sing Me Forgotten by Jessica S. Olson

This Review Contains Spoilers for The Phantom of the Opera by Gaston Leroux. And most likely Sing Me Forgotten. You have been warned.

I have to start this review by saying: This is one of my favorite books I’ve read so far.

I have never revealed this, but I am a huge fan of musical theatre and literature. The Phantom of The Opera was the musical that gave me the drive and spark to explore more musicals. Once I read the book, my obsession only grew further.

Sing Me Forgotten by Jessica S. Olson is a gender-bent, magic based, steam-punk retelling of The Phantom of the Opera. At first, I was a little skeptical. Retellings aren’t always my cup of tea (especially with how overdone a lot of retellings have been lately). I am happy to say this book did not disappoint.

I love the character of Isda. Her determination, her drive, her obsession with Emeric, all the things, Erik from POTO had, but with a feminine flair. Her growth in the novel from disfigured girl willing to hide and do whatever she is told to choosing her own destiny was such a beautiful read. Her personal growth with Emeric was such a delight. Their quips were so good and their growing relationship captured everything in a romance that I really enjoy. The only problem is I didn’t know how to pronounce her name. I’m guessing Iz-Dah, since her nickname was Iz, but I kept reading it as I(s)da.

Emeric was a delight. From his quips with the statues to his love of caramel and his pure sunshine personality, I found myself craving more of him on the page. With the novel told from Isda’s point of view, I really could feel the love between Isda and Emeric.

The music and the aspect of music bringing the characters together was such a fun tidbit and a great nod to the original Phantom of the Opera. The subtle and not so subtle references to POTO were such a joy that I physically reacted to so many of them. There was a love and respect for the original work and I am so glad there were so many small hints to pick up on.

The mechanics of magic was a little confusing at first, with the Fendoirs and the Gravoirs, but the more I read, the more it made sense. I enjoyed the magic aspect and especially the backstory of Les Trois. I would have liked a bit more history, and more connection to the true villain, but it was so well done that I can’t really complain much.

SPOILERS HERE.

The biggest complaint I have is the ending. I know how POTO ends, both the musical and the book. Erik is a terrible being that has done terrible things, and there’s no way Christine would ever stay with him (except in Love Never Dies, but we’re not talking about that). Deep down, I knew what would have to happen between Isda and Emeric, but I wished it didn’t. I wanted Isda to get everything she had ever dreamed of. My heart ached for her and Emeric.

SPOILERS END

I would love to read a sequel. Such a sad but satisfying cliffhanger and I can’t help but want more.

Rating: 5/5

If you liked this review, leave me a comment and suggest what I should read next!