Bookish Thoughts: A Mixed Bag of Fantasy, Thriller, and Dystopia

 

Hey readers! 📚

I know it’s been a while — my last post was way back in March! I had to hit pause because of O Level exams (you get it, right? 📝😅). But now that I’m free, I’m back with fresh reads and thoughts to share!

This post is a mix of genres: a haunting underworld story, a chilling thriller, a magical war-torn realm, and a classic dystopian rebellion. Let’s get into it!

💀 Abandon by Meg Cabot

Genre: Paranormal / Mythological Retelling
Vibe: Mysterious, dark, reflective

Inspired by Greek mythology, Abandon follows Pierce, a girl who has a near-death experience and begins to see the world differently. There's a mysterious figure from the Underworld who keeps reappearing in her life — and with him comes danger, secrets, and glimpses of a world most people can’t see. It’s eerie, symbolic, and filled with mythological references that give the story an intriguing edge.

🕵️ Jack and Jill by James Patterson

Genre: Crime Thriller
Vibe: Fast-paced, chilling, suspenseful

Part of the Alex Cross series, Jack and Jill revolves around a pair of twisted killers targeting Washington’s elite — and they’re not playing games. As Alex investigates the brutal murder of a senator’s child, he realizes he’s in the middle of something far bigger. The story moves fast, blending mystery, political tension, and psychological thrills. Patterson knows how to keep readers hooked, and this book is no exception.

🌒 Shadow and Bone Trilogy by Leigh Bardugo

Genre: Fantasy
Vibe: Magical, intense, powerful

The Shadow and Bone trilogy is set in Ravka, a kingdom torn apart by war and literally split in two by a terrifying darkness known as the Shadow Fold. In Book 1: Shadow and Bone, we meet Alina Starkov, an ordinary mapmaker in the army — until she discovers a dormant power within her that could destroy the Fold and save her country. Suddenly swept into the elite world of the Grisha, magical soldiers led by the mysterious Darkling, Alina must learn to control her power while facing enemies on all sides. The first book sets up an intricate world full of magic, danger, and secrets, and raises questions about loyalty, identity, and power.

Book 2: Siege and Storm picks up with Alina and Mal on the run, trying to escape the Darkling’s grasp. But the Darkling emerges stronger than ever, now wielding a terrifying new power from the Fold. As Alina returns to Ravka and joins forces with unlikely allies — including the charming privateer Sturmhond (one of my favorite characters in the series!) — she finds herself pulled deeper into politics, rebellion, and the moral cost of leadership. This book expands the world, introduces new complexities, and shows Alina’s growing internal struggle between who she was and who she’s becoming.

In Book 3: Ruin and Rising, the final battle looms. Alina is physically weakened but more determined than ever to bring peace to Ravka. With her friends and allies by her side, she searches for the third amplifier — a mythical creature whose power could be the key to defeating the Darkling once and for all. The final book is filled with sacrifices, explosive reveals, and emotional moments. Without spoiling anything, the ending left me with mixed feelings — it’s bittersweet, unexpected, and powerful in its own way. It’s a fitting conclusion to a series that explores what it truly means to lead, to hope, and to choose your path.

🔥 Divergent by Veronica Roth

Genre: Dystopian
Vibe: Action-packed, bold, thought-provoking

In a divided future society, Tris finds out she doesn’t belong to just one faction — she’s Divergent, and that puts her in danger. As she faces brutal training and tough choices, secrets about the system start to unravel. This book is about courage, identity, and fighting for truth. It still hits hard, even years after its release. It’s a classic for fans of dystopia, packed with action and big ideas.

Final Thoughts 💭

Coming back to reading after exams felt like taking a deep breath. These books reminded me why I love stories — they challenge, inspire, and take you places far from your desk and textbooks.

Thanks for sticking around while I focused on school. I’m so excited to share more reviews, thoughts, and recommendations with you this summer! 💫

Until next time,
Maryam 

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