My Most Disappointing Reads of the Year (Part 1)

I know the year isn’t completely over, but to me – it’s time.

Sigh. The dreaded post.

The post where we have the talk.

No not that talk. THE TALK.

The one where I talk about the books I was so very much anticipating… and then… ugh.

No it’s not the books, it’s me. We’ve been through this before. They are all lovely, I just… wasn’t feeling them.

I’m going to try to keep this post as short as possible and vaguely explain why these books disappointed me, what about them made me throw them across the room in disgust.

Essentially, the main reason for the disappointment is:

I was really truly looking forward to them and had such high hopes and they all fell flat in some way or another.

Without further ado, let us commence.

1. Sorcery of Thorns by Margaret Rogerson

I feel like everyone and their mother RAVED about this one on bookstagram. All my friends, people who’s recommendations I would read and loved, everyone who’s opinions always coincided with mine — everyone loved this book, so suffice to say, the hype was real and I couldn’t wait to get my hands on SoT.

It took me a a month and a half to read this. Yes, SIX WHOLE WEEKS.

I really do not understand the hype for this book. At best, it’s mediocre. At worst, I couldn’t connect with any of the characters, the side characters were meh and the plot dragged for a good portion of it.

2. Caraval by Stephanie Garber

Where do I even start with this one?

The hype was also real for Caraval. I was so intrigued by the preface and was so excited to finally start it.

A couple chapters in I was thoroughly confused and a bit disgusted. Halfway through, I wanted it to end but was also very much curious where the author was going with the story. By the end, I was so enraged I chucked my kindle across the room… gently (it was a brand new kindle).

I think I was mainly just weirded out by the world and the game. It isn’t something that intrigues me or a concept I find fascinating. I wasn’t invested in the characters or their story. I didn’t think of Caraval and feel utter love. For the most part I was indifferent and just didn’t enjoy the experience.

3. Sweet Evil by Wendy Higgins

I have had this on my TBR for YEARS. I mean readers who I really trust LOVED this series and were so excited for me to finally start it.

And….. I was not a fan. I loved the storyline and the world of the novel. I was intrigued by that aspect however I could not get behind the characters and the “tropey” vibe they were giving off. Mainly, it was very cliched and I felt like it was insta love with no substance, characters with no layers, and trying to be something it was not. It fell completely flat for me and I have no interest in continuing the series.

With all of this being said, I want to make it known that these are my own personal opinions. These books aren’t bad by any means, they just weren’t books I loved or could get behind. They are books that aren’t for me but I know for a fact many others have loved and I respect that completely.

I love seeing what others think of them as well because sometimes during my reading of them, I might not pick up on things or form a opinion without fully giving it a chance, so I enjoy seeing what others think and seeing a different perspective to the books.

And with that, these are some of the books that disappointed me in 2019.

Part two coming soon.