Bookbug’s Featured Blogger Series | Episode 12

Dear Bookbugs,

 

It is that time of the year, when you can curl up with a cozy fantasy read on a cool afternoon. With that in mind, Featured Blogger Series is trying to pick the brains of the die-hard fantasy genre lovers. First on that list, is Leelynn from the blog, Sometimes Leelynn Reads . You can also follow her on Twitter  : @LeelynnReads

 

 

 

Here is a Q and A where she shares her love for the genre, Fantasy books.

 

 

• What do you think is the perfect weather to enjoy a good old fantasy book?

 

Sunny but not too hot, where you can still feel a good breeze and close your eyes and imagine that you’re in that world before waking up again. Comfortable, but still warm enough to keep you on your toes.

 

• How did you discover your love for the genre – Fantasy ?

 

I think it was when I realized that I would rather live in the worlds of my books than in the real world. I mean, who wouldn’t want to live in a world where you could use magic, be friends with dragons or other mythical creatures and it not be something completely crazy?

 

• Name your favorite read in the genre for 2019?

 

It would be between Want by Cindy Pon, Nevernight by Jay Kristoff, or The Bear and the Nightingale by Katherine Arden. They didn’t come out in 2019 but I read them in 2019.

 

• What do you think is a fantasy trope which is slowly losing it’s focus because of repetition?

 

I’m not sure if there’s really one that I feel is really repetitive, but maybe one where there are magical people that end up using their powers for bad, and a group of rebels need to save the world. That’s the only one that I can really think so.

 

• Which fictional fantasy creature would you have as a pet?

 

Definitely a dragon!

 

via GIPHY

 

 

• Have you read any classic fantasy book? If so, suggest one to a beginner.

 

 

For a beginner, I’d definitely try to read Eragon by Christopher Paolini. It’s a little bit on the long side, but I feel like it’s a worthwhile read, and any age can enjoy it! It’s not a “classic” but I would consider it a pretty classic story.

 

• Have you ever let your passion for your favorite series, clouded your verdict in a review? Would you like share which one?

 

No I don’t think I have. I know I have certain feelings about different series, but I try to not let my feelings about one series cloud my judgment on another one. A good example of that would be my review on An Enchantment of Ravens by Margaret Rogerson. It was very reminiscent of A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas and I did make a note of that in my review, but I didn’t take my feelings of ACOTAR into why I felt a certain way with An Enchatment of Ravens.

 

 

• Who is your favorite fantasy author? What books would you suggest to a novice?

 

I think Leigh Bardugo and Sarah Glenn Marsh are my favorites so far. For Leigh, I would suggest Wonder Woman: Warbringer and for Sarah Glenn Marsh, definitely Reign of the Fallen.

 

• What do you look for in a good fantasy book? Is it all about mythical creatures, thrilling action and mind-blowing twists? Or do you enjoy stories that are more character-driven than the

action?

I want to be able to root for the MCs – even the side characters if there are any that make a good impression. I want the world building to be unique and believable, where I’m not always questioning whether something would make sense or wondering why the author would choose a certain aspect to be included that is sort of problematic. I absolutely love seeing new takes on mythical creatures as much as possible – within reason. Like dragons that are both good and evil, that can speak and think for themselves since they are intelligent creatures.

• If you are to keep one of these which will you pick – The Lord of the Rings Series or A Song of Ice and Fire series? ( Or any other series which you cannot part with even in an apocalypse)

 

The Lord of the Rings. I didn’t end up finishing the books the movies have such a special place in my heart and I don’t think I would ever stop loving them.

 

 

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So, that was our little exchange on the fantasy genre. Are you a fantasy book lover? Do you love the same books as Leelynn? Do you have your own recommendations? Please leave your opinions and suggestions in the comments section below.