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BIG BOOK GAL'S GUIDE TO ANOTHER WORLD
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items I'm a BIG BOOK GAL! BBG for short, ya know! I love fantasy, romance, and those summer fun books that you'll want to read! Check it out, find yourself in another world, maybe with some new friends.
Sections
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BIG fantasy list
BIG leadership list
J Maas Universe
BIG FAVE list - My Nostalgic Books
BIG Fiction list
BIG fantasy list
Dragons, magic systems, and enemies-to-lovers slow burns that made me throw my Kindle (in the best way). Fair warning: these will ruin your sleep schedule. Worth it!
This series is just the beginning of the Sarah J Maas Universe! I'm on the side that Throne of Glass should be read before moving to ACOTAR or Crescent City. Check out my Sarah J Maas Universe section to guide you to the right book in the right order...
Throne of Glass Book Series by Sarah J. Maas
I can't get enough of this series! It's everything you want and need! Big fantasy, world building, romance, and character betrayal. Keep reading! Check our my Sarah J Maas Universe section for each book.
A Court of Thorns and Roses Series
These books just keep on giving! It's a strong lead character who shows you what bravery can really bring. This world makes me wish I could be that strong.
Fourth Wing Series (The Empyrean) by Rebecca Yarros
Alex Stern is probably one of the most realistic protagonists I've ever read - flawed, sarcastic, and dealing with real trauma. Dark academia but make it actually dark and scary. The ghost stuff genuinely creeped me out and the critique of Yale's eli...
Ninth House (Alex Stern) by Leigh Bardugo
As a huge Hunger Games fan, I was nervous about this prequel. But Collins delivered! Getting Haymitch's backstory was brutal and heartbreaking in all the right ways. It adds so much depth to his character from the original series and the 50th Games w...
Sunrise on the Reaping (A Hunger Games Novel)|Hardcover
The magic system in this is WILD - power literally flows up through social classes. Vis is hiding his identity while trying to climb the ranks and get revenge. It's like if ancient Rome had magic and social commentary. The academy setting gives me Ha...
The Will of the Many (Hierarchy # 1) by James Islington
This book series has a modern spin on something that's already so fun! I am a big big fan of this series! It should be read after Throne of Glass and ACOTAR (IMO).
Crescent City Trilogy Book Series by Sarah J Maas
BOOK 1: Enemies-to-lovers slow burn with dragons? Yes please! The first half is definitely slow but once it picks up, it PICKS UP. The magic system is cool and the heroine actually has a backbone (refreshing). Perfect if you want fantasy romance that...
Spark of the Everflame (The Kindred's Curse Saga #1) by Penn Cole
BOOK 2: War is coming and Diem has to make a deal with the people she hates most - House Corbois. This book definitely ups the stakes from the first one! The political intrigue gets way more complex and the romantic tension is intense. It's a compell...
Glow of the Everflame (The Kindred's Curse Saga #2) by Penn Cole
BOOK 3: Oh. My. God. This book DESTROYED me emotionally. It's darker, spicier, and more violent than the first two books, and that cliffhanger is absolutely brutal. It was an emotional rollercoaster that broke me into pieces and shattered my heart, b...
Heat of the Everflame by Penn Cole
BOOK 1: Even the parapet won't hold you back from scailing this book series. I think anyone who loves an interesting read with some dragons and love, this is the book for you!
Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros
BOOK 2: After that BRUTAL cliffhanger in Fourth Wing, I needed this book immediately and it did NOT disappoint. Violet is back at war college dealing with the aftermath of everything she learned, and the stakes are so much higher. The world-building ...
Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros
BOOK 3: This book delivers on the massive expectations while raising the stakes for the final two books in the series. Violet and Xaden are still deeply in love but losing the war, and the emotional intensity is off the charts. It's a thrilling and e...
Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros
My gateway drug to urban fantasy and the reason I spent way too much time thinking about Shadowhunters. Clary and Jace had me convinced that toxic dynamics were romantic (yikes, younger me). But honestly? The world-building was incredible and it made...
City of Bones (The Mortal Instruments # 1) by Cassandra Claire
Zombies in a post-apocalyptic village surrounded by fences? This book was haunting and beautiful in a way that stuck with me for years. Mary's longing for the ocean she'd never seen while being trapped by the Unconsecrated was so atmospheric and trag...
The Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan
The love triangle between Cassia, Ky, and Xander had me stressed for three whole books. A dystopia where the government decides who you marry? Terrifying but compelling. Cassia’s awakening to the flaws in her perfect society felt so real, and the poe...
Matched by Ally Condie
The book that started it all for so many of us! Yes, I was Team Edward, yes I wanted to move to Forks, and yes I thought Bella was living the dream. Edward's "dangerous" brooding had me convinced that was what romance looked like (spoiler: it's not),...
Twilight Saga Series
I was OBSESSED with the faction system and definitely took those personality quizzes way too seriously. Tris was everything I wanted to be - brave, selfless, but also kind of reckless. The first book was perfection, the second was good, and we don’t ...
Divergent by Veronica Roth
This series blew my mind with its take on beauty standards and conformity. Tally’s journey from wanting to be Pretty to fighting the system was chef’s kiss. The hoverboards were everything and I desperately wanted to live in that world (before learni...
Uglies by Scott Westerfeld
Psychic powers, immortal love interests, and tragic accidents? This series had all the supernatural romance elements that made my teenage heart flutter. Ever's ability to read minds and see auras felt so cool, and Damen's centuries-old devotion was t...
Evermore (Immortals Series #1) by Alyson Noël
Alex Stern is probably one of the most realistic protagonists I've ever read - flawed, sarcastic, and dealing with real trauma. Dark academia but make it actually dark and scary. The ghost stuff genuinely creeped me out and the critique of Yale's eli...
Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo
BOOK 1: The magic system in this is WILD - power literally flows up through social classes. Vis is hiding his identity while trying to climb the ranks and get revenge. It's like if ancient Rome had magic and social commentary. The academy setting giv...
The Will of the Many (Hierarchy # 1) by James Islington
BOOk 2: I can’t wait for this one!! It releases in November. I planned on re-reading The Will of the Many, but it's a BIG book! I think some things that’s confused me in the first book need to be explained before I move into this one. Do we think it’...
The Strength of the Few a book by James Islington
Think "A Discovery of Witches meets The Craft" - urban fantasy about a secret British government department of witches. I read 80% in one sitting! Four childhood friends get scattered after a civil war, and watching their relationships evolve is hear...
Her Majesty's Royal Coven by Juno Dawson
I'm OBSESSED with Kingfisher. This is a love story that has to be read. I loved reading this book. Really great character development and spicy scenes. I am waiting on the edge of my seat for the second book!
Quicksilver by Callie Hart
Wait, you haven't already started and finished Brimstone?! It's ten times better than the first one, and I didn't think that's possible. Perfect for when you want something magical and heartwarming without a huge time commitment. Don't expect perfect...
Brimstone by Callie Hart
BIG leadership list
I love being a leader and genuinely want to make my team's lives better - that's why I devour leadership books! Some are absolute game-changers, some are cheesy but surprisingly helpful, and some get a little too woo-woo. Whether you're leading a tea...
Listening > Reading: I first read this book, and then moved to the audio book. The audiobook is 10000 times better than reading it! It's read in Matthew McConnahey's voice and dang…it's amazing!
Matthew McConaughey - Greenlights Audiobook Download
This is NOT your typical celebrity memoir and I mean that in the best way. McConaughey is philosophical, weird, and surprisingly deep. It's part life story, part philosophy book, with random poems and journal entries thrown in. His whole "greenlights...
Greenlights by Matthew McConaughey
LISTENING > READING: This book is a game-changer for anyone who struggles with difficult conversations (so... everyone?). The authors break down how to talk about sensitive topics without things going sideways. I love that it gives you actual scripts and framew...
Crucial Conversations: Audiobook
Told as a fable about a struggling executive team, which makes it way more engaging than typical business books. Lencioni nails the five things that kill teamwork: lack of trust, fear of conflict, lack of commitment, avoidance of accountability, and ...
The Five Dysfunctions of a Team by Patrick M. Lencioni
Okay, this one's controversial now because of everything that happened with Rachel Hollis later, but I'm reviewing the book itself. It's very "rah-rah you can do it" energy, which worked for me at the time I read it. She tackles common lies women tel...
Girl, Wash Your Face by Rachel Hollis
LISTENING > READING: Hands down one of the best habit books I've ever read. Clear makes building good habits and breaking bad ones feel actually doable. The 1% better every day concept is genius and way less overwhelming than trying to overhaul your entire life...
Atomic Habits - Audiobook
Perfect for anyone stuck in middle management or trying to have influence without official authority. Scroggins gets that leadership isn't just about having a fancy title - it's about influence and serving others. The practical advice is solid and he...
How to Lead When You're Not in Charge
LISTENING > READING: Perfect for anyone stuck in middle management or trying to have influence without official authority. Scroggins gets that leadership isn't just about having a fancy title - it's about influence and serving others. The practical advice is so...
How to Lead When You're Not in Charge - Audiobook
This one gets pretty woo-woo but in an interesting way. Dodson talks about reality shifting and how we can consciously move between different versions of our lives. It's part quantum physics, part manifestation theory. Some of it feels far-fetched, b...
Parallel Universes of Self by Frederick Dodson
Based on Alfred Adler's psychology, presented as a dialogue between a philosopher and a young person. The whole "you can change your life regardless of your past" message is powerful, even if sometimes harsh. The idea that we choose our emotions and ...
The Courage to Be Disliked
This is basically a business parable about a guy whose car breaks down and he has to take the bus to work. Sounds cheesy (and it kind of is), but the lessons about positive leadership and team culture are solid. The "10 rules for the ride of your lif...
The Energy Bus: 10 Rules to Fuel Your Life, Work, and Team with Positive ...
J Maas Universe
Sarah J. Maas has basically taken over my personality and I'm not sorry. This woman writes characters that live rent-free in your head forever and romantic tension that makes you literally throw books. Enter at your own risk - once you start, there's...
BOOK 1: So my favorite! It's a long series that keeps you on edge the whole time. There's a lot of characters, some mini stories, and a lot of world building.
Throne of Glass: Sarah J Mass
BOOK 2: This is where things get GOOD. Way more action, better character development, and some plot twists that had me shook. The romantic tension is intense and I started caring way more about everyone.
Crown of Midnight (Throne of Glass Series #2) by Sarah J. Maas
BOOK 3: Enter Rowan and everything changes. This book is slower but SO worth it for Celaena's character development. The training scenes are brutal and we finally get answers about her past. Fair warning - it's heavy but necessary.
Heir of Fire (Throne of Glass Series #3) by Sarah J. Maas, Paperback
BOOK 4: Celaena comes back a completely different person and I am HERE for it. Action-packed, emotionally devastating, and relationships get completely flipped around. Had me staying up way too late to finish.
Queen of Shadows (Throne of Glass, Bk. 4) by Sarah J. Maas
BOOK 5: Everything is chaos and I loved every second. Multiple POVs, epic magic, relationships evolving - it's a lot but in the best way. The ending left me NEEDING the next book immediately. The books keep on coming!
Empire of Storms (A Throne of Glass Novel #5) by Sarah J. Maas
BOOK 6: I'll admit I almost skipped this because I wanted to get back to the main story. Don't make my mistake! Chaol's healing journey (physical and emotional) is actually really good, plus it sets up important stuff for the finale.
Tower of Dawn (Throne of Glass #6) by Sarah J. Maas
BOOK 7: At 600+ pages, this finale is MASSIVE. Some parts dragged but the payoffs were incredible. I may have sobbed. Multiple times. It's chaotic and overwhelming but somehow Sarah pulls it all together.
Kingdom of Ash (Throne of Glass #7) by Sarah J. Maas
BOOK 1: 800+ pages and I'm not gonna lie, it feels like it. BUT if you stick with it, it's so worth it. Bryce is hilarious and relatable (she loves shopping and partying), Hunt is brooding perfection, and the world is insane. It's CSI meets urban fan...
House of Earth and Blood (Crescent City) by Sarah J. Maas
BOOK 2: More of everything - more world-building, more characters, more complexity. Sometimes I felt a bit lost in all the plotlines but the Bryce/Hunt relationship development kept me invested. The ending had me SCREAMING.
House of Sky and Breath (Crescent City, Bk. 2) by Sarah J. Maas
BOOK 3: Sarah really said "let's connect ALL my series" and honestly? I'm not mad about it. If you've read her other books, prepare for your mind to be blown. If not, you might be confused. Epic finale though! Again highly enphasize reading Throne of...
House of Flame and Shadow (Crescent City # 3) by Sarah J. Maas
BOOK 1: Okay, I'll be honest - this started slow for me. It's basically Beauty and the Beast but with fae, and Feyre can be pretty whiny at first. But once she gets dragged into the magical world and meets Tamlin, things get interesting. The romance ...
A Court of Thorns and Roses (A Court of Thorns and Roses Series #1)
BOOK 2: THIS. BOOK. CHANGED. EVERYTHING. Seriously, if you only read one book from this series, make it this one. Feyre grows SO much, deals with actual trauma realistically, and let's just say... Team Rhysand forever. The Night Court is everything a...
A Court of Mist and Fury (A Court of Thorns and Roses #2) by Sarah J. Maas
BOOK 3: Pretty solid conclusion! War, politics, romance - it has it all. Some parts felt rushed but I was satisfied with how most storylines wrapped up. Definitely an emotional rollercoaster and a good ending to Feyre's story.
A Court of Wings and Ruin (A Court of Thorns and Roses, #3)
BOOK 5: Nesta was by far became my favorite character! Her growth arc won me over. Girl has serious trauma to work through and watching her become a badass was *chef's kiss*. The spice level is also... significant. You've been warned.
A Court of Silver Flames (A Court of Thorns and Roses, Bk. 5)
BIG FAVE list - My Nostalgic Books
This book has actually been one of my favorites since childhood. As a middle child, I feel the slight pain that Ender does being the youngest. Reading this story made me want to continue to just be me and I could change the world.
Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card
Another nostalgia book! I tried to consider myself a chameleon but I could never be a spy. This book is girlhood at its finest and I truly recommend anyone read this series. It’s an easy read, but may take a while for how many books are in the series...
I'd Tell You I Love You, But Then I'd Have to Kill You by Ally Carter
Basically The Bachelor meets royalty meets dystopia, and teenage me was HERE for it. America Singer and her indecisiveness drove me crazy, but I couldn’t stop reading. The class system was brutal and Prince Maxon was the perfect book boyfriend. Pure ...
The Selection by Kiera Cass
Kids with wings fighting evil scientists? It was absolutely chaotic and I loved every second. Max was the sarcastic leader I didn't know I needed, and the found family dynamic was perfect. Yes, it got weird in later books, but those first few were pu...
Maximum Ride Series
Victorian boarding school with magic, séances, and secret societies? This trilogy was everything my teenage gothic heart needed. Gemma's visions and the mysterious realms had me completely hooked, and the friendship dynamics between the girls felt so...
A Great and Terrible Beauty by Libba Bray
BOOK 1: Ok, I’m going to be one of those people, but I read this book before it was cool. It was totally my favorite book as a kid! I wanted (want) to be like Belly so bad! Living at a beach house during the summer with cutest boys and nothing but sa...
The Summer I Turned Pretty #1 by Jenny Han
BOOK 2: the nostalgia continues! I always wished I was Belly, living my summers at a beach house with Conrad and Jeremiah.
It's Not Summer Without You (Summer I Turned Pretty Series #2)
BOOK 3: The third and final book of my summer escape series! Easy read and wonderful story for young adult readers.
We'll Always Have Summer (Summer I Turned Pretty Series #3)
This book is absolutely perfect for anyone wanting to dive deeper into the world of crystals! Yulia's approach is so accessible and modern - no overwhelming mystical jargon, just practical, beautiful guidance. The photography is stunning, and the inf...
The Modern Guide to Crystal Healing by Yulia Van Doren, Hardcover
BIG Fiction list
Here are some one-off, great fantasy books. They help you escape into another word, bt I promise no dragons.
Beautiful story speaking of the magic of Hawaii. Interesting, fun, and quick read.
The Invisible Wild by Nikki Van De Car
This book is blisteringly funny and filled with sharp insight about a 20-year-old single mom trying to make ends meet. When Margo's wrestling-star father-in-law moves in to help with the baby, things get complicated fast. It's raunchy, funny, and unf...
Margo's Got Money Troublesby Rufi Thorpe
The nod to Thelma and Louise is right on the nose. Thrilling and fun. Quick read for anyone who's looking to finish that 2025 reading list
Killer Potential by Hannah Deitch
A gripping thriller about Joan, a NASA scientist in the 1980s working on a space mission while her personal life falls apart. Reid expertly weaves together workplace drama, family secrets, and the high-stakes world of space exploration. Joan is a com...
Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid
I devoured this in one sitting. Evelyn Hugo is iconic, complex, and unapologetic. The mystery of why she chose this random journalist to tell her story kept me guessing, and the reveal absolutely wrecked me. It's glamorous Old Hollywood but also a he...
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Such a fun book! All about friendship and finding your independence. Short read, you'll get through it quickly. It's a newer release, so you could one of the first to recommend!
My Friends by Fredrik Backman
365 pages: Great book club book! It’s short and sweet and you want to read it quickly, it’s that good
Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid
This dystopian thriller is BRUTAL and I mean that in the best way. It's a speculative thriller in the vein of The Handmaid's Tale about girls banished to survive a year in the wilderness because society believes they have dangerous magic that needs t...
The Grace Year by Kim Liggett
Interesting read! I wasn’t sure what to expect when my book club wanted to read. Let me tell you, it did not go as expected at all! Quick read and fun to read.
Mexican Gothic
If you're looking for a cozy, romantic fantasy that's perfect for a quick weekend read. It's an enchanting tale that blends magic, mystery, and a swoon-worthy love story into one delightful package. The romance is the real standout her! It develops n...
The Anatomy of Magic by J. C. Cervantes
Okay, listen—if you're not already obsessed with hockey romance, Game Changer is about to change that for you (pun absolutely intended). Rachel Reid wrote something truly special here, and I'm still thinking about Scott and Kip weeks after finishing ...
Game Changer a book by Rachel Reid
I am so excited for this book! I am getting a this as a wedding present for my friend. I think it's a beautiful idea to start their wedding library collection.
The Time Traveler's Wife book by Audrey Niffenegger