Holy moly you guys, we’ve almost made it to the end, two more days to go! I am amazed that I have kept this up throughout the whole challenge, given how notoriously flaky I am. Anyways, today’s topic is fun, because who does not love telling EVERYONE to read your favorite under the radar book? I had such a hard time choosing just one book but am pumped about the one that I chose, as it’s sequel comes out pretty soon. This post is part of a 15 Day Book Blogger Challenge that I started because I was feeling burnt out and then inspired. Check out the challenge here.
Describe One Under-appreciated Book EVERYONE Should Read.
I’ve decided on a book that I think gets passed over simply based on the premise which comes across as totally ridiculous, or totally niche, but in reality is SUCH A GOOD BOOK. I cannot even, with how good it is.
The Hallowed Ones by Laura Bickle
From Goodreads:
“Katie is on the verge of her Rumspringa, the time in Amish life when teenagers can get a taste of the real world. But the real world comes to her in this dystopian tale with a philosophical bent. Rumors of massive unrest on the “Outside” abound. Something murderous is out there. Amish elders make a rule: No one goes outside, and no outsiders come in. But when Katie finds a gravely injured young man, she can’t leave him to die. She smuggles him into her family’s barn—at what cost to her community? The suspense of this vividly told, truly horrific thriller will keep the pages turning”
I think that people are unwilling to give The Hallowed Ones a shot because it’s about the Amish and vampires, which is basically the weirdest combination ever. I will admit, I read it because it sounded campy. BUT YOU GUYS, this book is not campy at all. And I guess I consider this under-appreciated because there are under 800 ratings as of right now of it on goodreads and under 300 reviews, as of right now typing it.
Here’s why you should add it to your TBR:
- It’s an interesting exploration of the intersection of religion and superstition. Seriously, The Hallowed Ones made me think.
- Katie is such an interesting character, she truly does come of age during this book.
- MORAL DILEMMAS, yo.
- Vampires that are actually scary as hell.
- Religion is portrayed without judgment.
- There is a romance that is blissfully free of love triangles.
- THE HEXENMEISTER.
- Puppies that don’t die.
Of course, there is more, but I am totally not all about the spoilers.
Also, it’s only like $6 on Kindle right now, which I know for some people is steep, but it’s below $9.99, so yeah thought I would mention that.
Anyways, what are your diamonds in the rough? Let me know!
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I loved this book! I’m so glad you picked it to promote because it deserves so much more attention than it’ has received so far. One of my favorite things about it (aside from the horrific vampire monsters) was how it dealt with religion. I don’t know if I just haven’t come across them, but it seems like there’s a significant lack of religious…I’ll say stuff b/c I can’t think of a better word, in YA and I really like that this book a)heavily focused on it and b) focused in a way that was really open-minded, thoughtful and accepting. I can’t wait to read THE OUTSIDE!
Haha. I actually bought this book in paperback last year because of your review, but I never did get around to reading it. Sadly, this is a regular occurance for me.
But even if I hadn’t already had a copy, you would have had me at “puppies that don’t die.” Or and the not love triangle stuff 🙂
I couldn’t just pick one. So I picked two, because I like breaking the rules. Actually, I hate breaking the rules. I’m a total rule follower in general, but I had to talk about two books today. So there 🙂
Oh! I loved this one! Can’t wait until the next one comes out. 🙂
Great choice!
– Amanda
This sounds very interesting. You did a great job of giving compelling reasons to read it 🙂 I will definitely be adding it to my TBR!
I haven’t read it, but it sounds like a good book. Okay, I’ll do you a favor: I’ll add it to my TBR list 😉
Gotta look this up on Goodreads and add it. Sounds like my kind of read. Thanks 🙂
I hadn’t heard of this book, I don’t think. And it does sound like an unusual combo. But I am curious about this Hexenmeister. And the fact that puppies aren’t sacrificed is a good thing.
I just stumbled upon this author’s name yesterday, I hadn’t heard of her before. But I’ll definitely check this one out.
YES! I loved this book! I think everyone I’ve shared it with has loved it, too. Definitely worth all the recommendations!
This one is on my TBR list…I really want to get to it. I’ve heard so many good things about it.
I have awesome awesome news for all lovers of The Hallowed Ones! The sequel is available to request on Netgalley. And it might be that I kinda stalk Netgalley and requested it within hours, but I did get approved so you should too.
I adored The Hallowed Ones! I’m so glad you picked it!
I love that we picked the same book!!
Oh dear, that does sound like an odd combination! But…kinda interesting, not gonna lie. While I doubt I’ll ever actually get to reading it, thanks for putting it on my radar!
I’ll totally admit that I didn’t read this one because of the vampire thing. I’m wary of vampire books now, but the fact that this one involves the Amish is a bit curious. Plus, the way you put it in your first bullet point — that’s an irresistible combination!