First, in the name of full transparency, I should tell you that this is not my first book blog. I ran a book blog actively from 2011-2013 called I Write, I Read, I Review. That blog was focused primarily on YA fiction, with an occasional new adult or adult Paranormal Romance thrown in. Why not return there, then? The vibe and intentions of my new blog are distinct enough, and the timespan since I worked on that blog was long enough, that I feel justified in giving myself a fresh start.
So, what's Kat By Kindlelight about?
I will primarily be focusing on genres and tropes or concepts that I love. While I'm still totally willing to cover YA, it's not necessarily a primary focus this time around. I want to focus on books that are telling stories that relate to my favorite themes and ideas. This is a big vague for now--largely because I haven't actively read in several years--and I'll update it further as I figure out 'who' I am as a reader at this point in my life.
Favorite Genres:
That said, I can totally give you a list of genres I enjoy, series I've liked within them, and tropes or themes that are likely to grab my attention.
Paranormal Romance: Long has this been a staple, and I don't see it going anywhere. My favorite paranormal creatures are vampires and demons. Series I've enjoyed include Christine Feehan's Dark series, Sherrilyn Kenyon's Dark Hunters, Gena Showalter's Lords of the Underworld, Lynsay Sands Argeneau series, and Kristen Painter's Noctourne Falls series.
Contemporary Romance: A genre I've wandered toward and away from at various points in my 'life' as a reader. A contemporary romance generally needs something else happening besides the characters' love story to really hold my interest. Contemporary romance authors I've enjoyed include Simone Elkeles, Cora Carmack, Courtney Cole, Marie Landry, and Kody Keplinger.
Fantasy / Romantasy: For me, fantasy and paranormal romance often blur. I can never decide whether the deciding factor should be the type of magical creatures and skills available, or whether it's placed in our world vs. another world. Either way, some of the authors I've enjoyed that I'd court as fantasy include C.S. Lewis (Chronicles of Narnia), George R.R. Martin (Game of Thrones), Sarah J Maas (Throne of Glass), Rebecca Yarros (The Empyrean), and Terry Goodkind (Sword of Truth).
Dystopian: When I ran my former blog, this subgenre of science fiction took me by surprise, becoming the source of some of my favorite reads. Series or books I've enjoyed include The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins, Bumped by Megan McCafferty, The Selection by Kiera Cass, The Culling by Steven dos Santos and Enclave by Anne Aguirre.
As I gear up for fall, I'm planning to read new books in my favorite genres, and add a few new subgenres--cozy fantasy, romantasy, horror, and dark academia--into the mix.
Favorite Tropes / Themes / Topics
- Stories that are either inspired by or retellings of fairytales or mythology. For example, Cinder by Marissa Mayer or The Goddess Test by Aimee Carter.
- Enemies to Lovers / Falling for the Villain. For example, Haunting Adeline by H.D. Carlton or Fourth Wing by Jessica Yarros.
- It Happened At A Magic School: it doesn't have to be 'magic', but there has to be something unique about the school. I like seeing characters out on their own for the first time, and learning new or unique things. For example, Harry Potter (obviously), P.C. & Kristen Cast's House of Night series etc.
- A character is caught up in a competition. For example, The Hunger Games, The Culling, Throne of Glass, etc.
These are far from the only things that will grab my attention. I'll likely revisit this page and add more later as I think of them. But at least it's a start.
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