This blog is for Missouri State Library staff members to record their books read for the annual Missouri Book Challenge.
Welcome to the MOSL Book Challenge
Thursday, August 31, 2023
August Fantasy
When the library has the first and last book on audio, but not the second.
Also the mythology of clocks having spirits and stuff. fdsjkla
448 Pages
The Darkening by Sunya Mara
It's the re-read before I read the second book. Because otherwise I would be LOST.
400 Pages
Omen of Ice by Jus Accardo
SCREEEEEEEEECH. I love Fae. We know this. But also
seeing the new "she's the bodyguard and they're paired together"
and the magic shenanigans.
400 Pages
A Kingdom Submerged by Deborah Grace White
Classism Classism Classism
Can I punch the jerks plz
It's the spread of misinformation to the public to control them for me.
They really do have 2023 Ariel and Eric vibes. Love it.
364 Pages
Court of Dragons by Frost Kay
so it took half the book to get to the main plot that was in the book blurb
I'm still intrigued.
300 Pages
Not Good for Maidens by Tori Bovalino
The hopping timelines kind of confused me
meh
352 Pages
Only a Monster by Vanessa Len
I'm re-reading it.
Must. Protect. Nick.
The time travel. The magic.
I'm totally not stressed for the next book coming out next week.
416 Pages
Monday, March 13, 2023
A Court of Silver Flames by Sarah J. Maas
Pages: 757
"Nesta Archeron has always been prickly-proud, swift to anger, and slow to forgive. And ever since being forced into the Cauldron and becoming High Fae against her will, she's struggled to find a place for herself within the strange, deadly world she inhabits. Worse, she can't seem to move past the horrors of the war with Hybern and all she lost in it. The one person who ignites her temper more than any other is Cassian, the battle-scarred warrior whose position in Rhysand and Feyre's Night Court keeps him constantly in Nesta's orbit. But her temper isn't the only thing Cassian ignites. Meanwhile, the treacherous human queens who returned to the Continent during the last war have forged a dangerous new alliance, threatening the fragile peace that has settled over the realms. And the key to halting them might very well rely on Cassian and Nesta facing their haunting pasts. "
I wish there was more of the adventure than romance to fit in with the previous books. The spice level was a little over the top for me and I wanted to see more of the interactions between the new Valkyries and get more of their stories and growth. I really enjoyed Nesta's journey and growth as she found her place in a world she was forced into and found her own little family. As for Cassian, I loved him in the original trilogy, but he felt a little off in this book. The plot also felt really rushed and concluded way to fast. Even though it was left open with the potential of another big badguy. Maybe more will be done in future books.
Wednesday, March 8, 2023
The Buried and the Bound by Rochelle Hassan
I will protect Tristan with everything in me.
Also there's fae and magic and witches.
384 Pages
Monday, February 13, 2023
The Last Tale of the Flower Bride by Roshani Chokshi
Is Steve West's voice getting lower...like..
Ok so like....I need to re-read it because like: sfjkldasfjkldafjklds. I need to go back and notice all of the details.
The writing is so pretty (I'm not surprised)
I don't even have words to describe the book, but I loved it.
304 Pages
TS: Seven, except not...
Monday, January 30, 2023
Half a Soul by Olivia Atwater
Pages: 304
"Ever since she was cursed by a faerie, Theodora Ettings has had no sense of fear or embarrassment - a condition which makes her prone to accidental scandal. Dora hopes to be a quiet, sensible wallflower during the London Season - but when the strange, handsome and utterly uncouth Lord Sorcier discovers her condition, she is instead drawn into dangerous and peculiar faerie affairs.
If Dora's reputation can survive both her curse and her sudden connection with the least-liked man in all of high society, then she may yet reclaim her normal place in the world. . . but the longer Dora spends with Elias Wilder, the more she begins to suspect that one may indeed fall in love, even with only half a soul."
One store describes this novel as Bridgerton meets Howl's Moving Castle and I cannot agree more. With such a short story, there was a lot packed in with dealings with cruel fae, a slow burn romance with scheming mothers, and a mysterious plague that is somehow connected with Dora's condition. Definitely recommend as a feel good romance.
Thursday, June 16, 2022
Court of Frost and Starlight
By Sarah J. Maas
Pages: 272
"Months after the explosive events in A Court of Wings and Ruin, Feyre, Rhys, and their companions are still busy rebuilding the Night Court and the vastly-changed world beyond. But Winter Solstice is finally near, and with it, a hard-earned reprieve. Yet even the festive atmosphere can't keep the shadows of the past from looming."
I enjoyed this little novella. It didn't have much plot impact but was a cute, wintery, Christmas-episode aesthetic story, and a nice way to wean off of the end of the series. It provided a bit of closure on the characters, while somewhat setting up the next trilogy, though it was not the best writing in comparison to the main books.
Thursday, June 9, 2022
A Court of Wings and Ruin
A Court of Wings and Ruin
Tuesday, May 31, 2022
A Court of Mist and Fury
A Court of Mist and Fury
Tuesday, May 24, 2022
A Court of Thorns and Roses
By Sarah J. Maas
Pages: 433
"When nineteen-year-old huntress Feyre kills a wolf in the woods, a beast-like creature arrives to demand retribution for it. Dragged to a treacherous magical land she only knows about from legends, Feyre discovers that her captor is not an animal, but Tamlin—one of the lethal, immortal faeries who once ruled their world. As she dwells on his estate, her feelings for Tamlin transform from icy hostility into a fiery passion that burns through every lie and warning she's been told about the beautiful, dangerous world of the Fae. But an ancient, wicked shadow grows over the faerie lands, and Feyre must find a way to stop it, or doom Tamlin and his world forever."
I started this series as I really loved Maas' Throne of Glass series, but to be honest, I was a little disappointed. The initial set up was great, but the slow pace in the middle was a weird contrast to the final few chapters where everything happened at once. Also the relationship between the main character and Tamlin felt too easy. I am hoping the series improves in the next two books as I have heard good things about the series that aren't meeting my expectations yet.
Friday, April 15, 2022
The Assassin's Blade
Monday, April 11, 2022
Kingdom of Ash
Kingdom of Ash
By Sarah J. Maas
Pages: 989
"As the threads of fate weave together at last, all must fight, if they are to have a chance at a future. Some bonds will grow even deeper, while others will be severed forever in the explosive final chapter of the Throne of Glass series."
Explosive ending indeed. This series was absolutely amazing. Its hard to give it a review now since there were soo many twists and reveals that make the last book vastly different from the first one. You can really see how the authors writing skills grew as she wrote this series. The end of this book both broke my heart and filled it to the brim at the same time. Get ready for an emotional roller coaster as all the ends meet, characters finish their story arcs, and kingdoms start to build anew.
Thursday, March 31, 2022
Tower of Dawn
By Sarah J. Maas
Pages: 668
"Chaol Westfall has always defined himself by his unwavering loyalty, his strength, and his position as the Captain of the Guard. But all of that has changed since the glass castle shattered, since his men were slaughtered, since the King of Adarlan spared him from a killing blow, but left his body broken.His only shot at recovery lies with the legendary healers of the Torre Cesme in Antica-the stronghold of the southern continent's mighty empire. And with war looming over Dorian and Aelin back home, their survival might lie with Chaol and Nesryn convincing its rulers to ally with them.But what they discover in Antica will change them both-and be more vital to saving Erilea than they could have imagined."
I honestly was slightly dreading reading this book since it takes a break from the main plot and the last book left off on such a cliffhanger but I was really surprised at how much I enjoyed it. There were still major revelations that will affect the main storyline and I fell for the new character that is introduced and links back to our current party. Even better is I now to get to read the final novel in this series!
Wednesday, March 30, 2022
Empire of Storms
By Sarah J. Maas
Pages: 704
"The long path to the throne has only just begun for Aelin Galathynius as war looms on the horizon. Loyalties have been broken and bought, friends have been lost and gained, and those who possess magic find themselves at odds with those who don't. With her heart sworn to the warrior-prince by her side, and her fealty pledged to the people she is determined to save, Aelin will delve into the depths of her power to protect those she loves. But as monsters emerge from the horrors of the past, and dark forces become poised to claim her world, the only chance for salvation will lie in a desperate quest that may mark the end of everything Aelin holds dear."
I had to stop and sit for a while after I finished this book just to process the ending. It is hard to write a review on this one without spoiling so many things that happened as our characters converge at last only to them to rip my heart out as they separate again. I cannot wait to see how the story picks up, but apparently the author decided to take a break from this story line to follow Chaol and so I have to wait an entire book to get any sort of closure!!!
Monday, March 14, 2022
Queen of Shadows
By Sarah J. Maas
Pages: 656
"Everyone Celaena Sardothien loves has been taken from her. But she's at last returned to the empire-for vengeance, to rescue her once-glorious kingdom, and to confront the shadows of her past...
She has embraced her identity as Aelin Galathynius, Queen of Terrasen. But before she can reclaim her throne, she must fight.
She will fight for her cousin, a warrior prepared to die just to see her again. She will fight for her friend, a young man trapped in an unspeakable prison. And she will fight for her people, enslaved to a brutal king and awaiting their lost queen's triumphant return."
This latest installment really blew me away. The character growth and relationships are amazing as Celaena reconnects with people from her past, friends turned enemies and back again, and Celaena herself has matured and become so empowering, she really is growing into her role as a future queen and I cannot wait to see the rest of the journey!
Monday, February 28, 2022
House of Earth and Blood by Sarah J Maas

Me literally taking anything that could possibly be related to Throne of Glass or ACOTAR and going with the crossover theory:
Me trying to predict the plot of this book:

The. Otters. That is all.
Syrinx. We worship him. He is sphinx cat, you can't prove me wrong.
Bryce is an icon and we stan. Also. We also stan Hunt. I will not be taking comments.
The characters. Fantastic. The commentary on grief and trauma. Chef's kiss. Like. fjkldsa. I don't have words I just have live reaction texts... and gifs/memes that would spoil....
Like...the last 150 pages. were a ride.

816 Pages
Heir of Fire
Heir of Fire
By Sarah J. Maas
Pages: 565
"Celaena has survived deadly contests and shattering heartbreak-but at an unspeakable cost. Now, she must travel to a new land to confront her darkest truth . . . a truth about her heritage that could change her life-and her future-forever. Meanwhile, brutal and monstrous forces are gathering on the horizon, intent on enslaving her world. Will Celaena find the strength to not only fight her inner demons, but to take on the evil that is about to be unleashed?"
Love triangle is not utterly destroyed though it seems like we have a new potential? I really cannot wait to see how the relations continue to develop but they have taken a backseat as Celaena works to unlock and control her inner fae, confronts her scheming aunt, and decides to return to her home to help her old friends and her people.
Tuesday, November 30, 2021
Nocturne Falls- Books 1 -4 by Kristen Painter
Tuesday, February 23, 2021
Shadow's Legacy by Julie Kagawa
Aaaaaand I want to strangle Puck... How some things never change.
My ship. and my other ship! aaaaaaagh and my angsty boy
60 Pages
Wednesday, December 2, 2020
How the King of Elfhame Learned to Hate Stories by Holly Black
I have missed Cardan. My baby. I will die for him and I will protect him with my life.
The illustrations are gorgeous.
It wasn't what I was expecting, but I loved it.
200 Pages
Tuesday, August 25, 2020
An Enchantment of Ravens by Margaret Rogerson
Chef's kiss.Literal perfection
fkldnslafjklds



I love the writing style. It's so pretttty
It's like the Cruel Prince but not, and it's amazing.
I love Rook. I love his sass. He is iconic. I want him to follow me around. I want to follow him around. My high expectations for men.... I'm dying alone... I love their relationship and I just can't... Like I can't handle the fdjklfdjklafjkld


Also I totally didn't go sit on youtube and watch ravens....
Those love proclamations.. My brain literally went to:

WHY ISN'T THIS A SERIES AND WHY ISN'T THIS LONGER
I NEED FANART AND FANFICTION. I NEED NOVELLAS. FDJLSASFJKLDL


320 Pages










