Animal Crossing New Horizons book tag

I was recently tagged by Lauren @TheBookishFairy to do the Animal Crossing book tag and although I haven’t played the game (I don’t actually own a Switch, whoops) I thought it would be good fun.

This tag was originally created by Bec and Angharad @TwoBookThieves, so definitely check out their post.

Past Villager – Who is a character you found when you were younger that still has a place in your heart?

I read The Hobbit when I was 11 and Bilbo has really stayed with me to this day. At the beginning of the novel, he’s such a worrier and grumpy about being encouraged to go on the Dwarves’ quest. But by the end, he’s courageous, heroic, and has become friends with the Dwarves. We love that growth.

Blather’s Blatherings – Recommend a historical fiction book that you think everybody should read

I read The Order of the Pure Moon Reflected in Water in April and I loved it so much that I now want to recommend it to everyone.

It’s about a nun who teams up with a group of bandits to try and steal a precious artefact. But that synopsis really doesn’t do it justice. It’s a wuxia-inspired adventure with elements of magic, humour, and drama. It’s also wonderfully diverse, with a full cast of POC characters, a trans character and the beginnings of a queer romance.

This releases in June 2020 and I’d definitely recommend picking up a copy if you enjoy historical fiction.

Celeste’s Wish – What is a future book release you wish you could read now?

I’ve said it before (on Twitter) and I’ll say it again: I would sacrifice my heart, soul, and internal organs for an early copy of this book. If I had to pick my number 1 most anticipated release of 2020, this is it.

Timmy & Tommy – What is your favourite sibling relationship in a book?

Asha and Dax have a bit of a rocky relationship in the first book in the trilogy (mainly due to their father being AWFUL), but they grow closer and stronger as the series progresses. By the third book, their sibling relationship is supportive, strong, and loving, and I’m just here for it.

The Easter Bunny – A popular book character that you’re not a big fan of

Unpopular opinion time: I didn’t enjoy The Cruel Prince. I thought Cardan and Jude’s relationship was really toxic, and Cardan was just a bully. There’s also a scene where a character is made to undress while under the influence of a drug-like substance and I found this so uncomfortable to read. Basically, it’s a no from me.

Nook’s Loans – An author you’d give all your money to

It’s got to be Victoria Schwab. I just love buying her books because they bring me so much joy. Just take my money.

The Sisters Able – What is your favourite fictional family (found or otherwise)?

The Carter family are definitely one of my favourites. They’re so strong and supportive of each other, and they always try and stick together.

It’s a C+ – What is a book trope you don’t like that keeps popping up?

It’s not really a trope, but I don’t like continuous miscommunication between main characters as a plot device. Using it once or twice throughout the course of a story is OK, but using it OVER AND OVER becomes repetitive and kinda of annoying??? It detracts from the overall story and it’s just not the most impressive way of building your plot.

There are so many other ways characters can break up or make up or go on an adventure than just through miscommunication. Don’t make it the central part of your story. Please.

The Wandering Camel – What is your favourite book set in a land far away from yours?

I adore Priory with every beat of my heart (drama queen much?). It’s one of my all-time favourite fantasy books because the world building is just STUNNING.

What Would Dodos Do? – A fictional land you wish you could fly away to at any moment?

I would love to go to the land in Sorcery of Thorns with all the libraries and magic. Hanging out with Elisabeth, Nathaniel, and Silas would be fun and exciting, if possibly a little life endangering.