Book covers often contain some beautiful (or awful) artworks, so I decided to start this topic here. What kind of book covers do you like? Are there any covers you don't like? And, very important question, have you ever judged a book by its cover? 

I used to judge books by their cover and thought the cover of Breaking Dawn was one of the prettiest I've ever seen, but while reading I realised covers can be deceiving. (Still like the Breaking Dawn cover, though, and the others in the Twilight series are nice as well. There's still a painting of the New Moon cover hanging on the wall  )

Nowadays I like the covers of Terry Pratchett's books, the ones drawn by Josh Kirby. It's a pitty the latest books don't have these beautiful, detailed and colourful covers anymore. 

I'm not a fan of film editions I have to say, not even when the film edition has a beautiful cover. It just doesn't seem right to me, though I can't even say why.

Well, I'm sure there's a lot more I can say about book covers, but I would like to hear all your thoughts now. 

I think THE HUNGER GAMES was great. One could argue that Suzanne Collins' writing is amazing too. Although it is not exceptionnal and very literary etc., she has this amazing writing style that sucks you in, and how many authors can accomplish that?

To go back on-topic:

My absolute worst book, ever?
THE SELECTION by Kiera Cass. It is a YA dystopian, The Hunger Games meets The Bachelor. Great premise, poor execution. There is no distinguishable plot, the heroine is even worse than Bella, no swoon-worthy love interests, weak world building and I could go on for a long while. The worst thing was that this story could have been great. (On top of that, there was a lot of drama surrounding this book, with the author's agent publicly bashing a reviewer.)
The worst fantasy books? Terry Brooks is definitely a front-runner. There was no originality involved, and I'm tired of the LOTR rip-offs. Christopher Paolini's BRISINGR was quite horrible as well.

So, the best fantasy books? Harry Potter, but that is obvious. I enjoy Robin Hobb books as well, but her Liveship Traders Trilogy will always hold a special place in my heart. I fell in love with her world and her characters and I really hope she'll continue to write books set in the Realm of the Elderlings.

Welcome back and thank you!

Lol, still haven't read a single book from Robin Hobb, even though I heard so much about them. The problem is, I just don't know which book to read first So, maybe you know which one is the first in the series? xD (or the best to start with)

And well, of your favourite fantasy readings of the past year I haven't read a single one I'm afraid, but it's definitely a list to keep in mind when I'm looking for new books to read. You sure read a lot, but that's - like you said - a good thing!

I'm currently reading several books.

First of all, Harry Potter ŕ l'école des sorciers by J.K. Rowling, the first installment of the series. I am trying to improve my French, and this is how I started out improving my English.

Secondly, SENSE AND SENSIBILITY by Jane Austen. I loved PRIDE AND PREJUDICE (and Mr. Darcy, of course) and started the book during my holiday, but have not found the time to continue reading.

Thirdly, SHIVER by Maggie Stiefvater. I started this on my holiday as well, but it is definitely not as good as THE SCORPIO RACES. You can't really compare the awesome flesh-eating horses to these silly werewolves, but still, the story is not bad (except for the instalove). Somehow, it's just not for me. I've resigned to reading it on my phone whenever I get bored somewhere. I really don't like not finishing a book (which is why I am going to try to be a little more picky about the books I read).

Finally, I am going to start in Dan Krokos' FALSE MEMORY, a YA dystopian. I have heard great things about this book so I'm very excited.

(And here I was, a couple weeks ago, dreading to read more than one thing at once.)

Hi there!

My name is Saphira (some of you will remember me, as I was a member of the previous THOI and the Eragon forum before that), I'm 20 years old, live in Belgium and have two pet ferrets. Some of you may know I had three, but one had to be put down. Later this year I will probably get another one, since the two remaining ones are a bit lost and need someone to boss them around a new friend.

I am obsessed with books (and have been told I read too many last year... I know, one can never read too many books!). My favorite author is J.K. Rowling. I am still a Harry Potter geek, and proud of it! Another favorite author of mine is Robin Hobb. She is brilliant, no doubt about that, and I keep wanting more.

(Warning: I am going to start listing my favorite reads. If you are not interested in that, stop reading here.)

Some of my favorite fantasy reads from the past year are FINNIKIN OF THE ROCK by Melina Marchetta (!), POISON STUDY by Maria V. Snyder, THE SCORPIO RACES by Maggie Stiefvater (!), GRAVE MERCY by Robin LaFevers, THE GIRL OF FIRE AND THORNS by Rae Carson (!), SHADOW AND BONE by Leigh Bardugo, CITY OF DRAGONS by Robin Hobb and SERAPHINA by Rachel Hartman. I know. That's a lot, and those are only the fantasy ones. You should definitely check the (!) ones out, but I would recommend all of them. They are amazing. And if anyone can direct me to even more Fantasy books, especially YA Fantasy, please do so! Despite my impossible to-read pile (which is so huge I don't even dare to count it anymore) I want more books. I'm addicted.

Anyway, I try to read in other (sub)genres as well, but usually stay within the YA genre. Some of my other favorite reads are IF I LIE by Corrine Jackson (contemporary), Obsidian by Jennifer L. Armentrout, which I definitely recommend if you are in need of some boy candy (paranormal romance), DIVERGENT by Veronica Roth (dystopian), EASY by Tammara Webber (contemporary and part of the New Adult trend), SOMETHING STRANGE AND DEADLY by Susan Dennard (steampunk), UNEARTHLY by Cynthia Hand (paranormal romance), ANNA AND THE FRENCH KISS by Stephanie Perkins (contemporary) and a couple more.

Phew, that seems like a huge list, but I read 96 books and novellas last year (not counting non-fiction books) and am aiming for a 100 this year (17 books and 6 novellas so far!). I write a little as well, but nothing I am comfortable with sharing yet.

And on a final note, great job guys! I was a little surprised to see a new forum, but it looks amazing!