Welcome to my book club for busy millennial parents (and anyone who’s looking for their next book).
Reading has always been my escape; it’s the original binge mode. I grew up tearing through Goosebumps, re-reading The Twenty-One Balloons, and lining up at Barnes & Noble for the next Harry Potter release. I still remember staying up all night with Half-Blood Prince, crying at the end and loving every page.
But somewhere between adulthood and parenting, reading for myself slipped down the priority list. I grew up watching my mom read constantly. My kids love reading and I want them to continue loving it. I want them to see me with a book in my hands; not just reading The Very Hungry Caterpillar for the 1000th time.
So, here’s my new chapter: every few months, I’ll be sharing my latest reads with quick, spoiler-free reviews and reflections. Think of this as a laid-back book club: perfect for anyone looking to rediscover their love for reading or just find their next favorite book. I’ll always let you know what’s coming up so you can read along. Let’s read together together.
These books were independently chosen by Brian because they peaked his interest. Brian was not paid for mentioning these books. Lilies and Loafers has affiliate relationships, so we may get a small share of revenue from your purchases. Items are sold by the retailer, not by Lilies and Loafers.
Here’s what’s covered in this review:
- The Final Orchard by CJ Rivera
- Iron Gold by Pierce Brown
- Dark Age by Pierce Brown
- Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros (Empyrean series, book 1)
- You Were Born for This by Chani Nicholas
The books I’ll be reading before our next book club meeting:
- Light Bringer by Pierce Brown (Red Rising series, book 6)
- Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros (Empyrean series, book 2)
- Friends, Lovers, and The Big Terrible Thing by Matthew Perry
- Top of the Rock by Warren Littlefield
The Final Orchard by CJ Rivera
Fair warning, you might lose sleep over this one. This book had me questioning everything. Who’s the real villain? What would I do in this situation? And why aren’t we talking more about how terrifyingly real this could be? Let’s dive into The Final Orchard.
I love a good sci-fi thriller, but this one? It’s different. The Final Orchard throws you into a world where technology and biology collide, and the stakes are everything. Dr. Rosio Arata is on the edge of a breakthrough, but when tragedy strikes, she’s pulled into a dark reality she never saw coming. And then there’s Ever, fighting to survive in an underground colony where nothing is what it seems.
It’s fast-paced. Those last 100 pages? Heart. Racing. The characters feel real, so much so that I kept flipping pages, desperate to see who would make it out. Plus, the themes? Friendship, love, power, survival; it’s all here. If you love Black Mirror or Silo, you’re gonna devour this.
This book is new, just released in November 2024, so if you want in on the conversation before it blows up, now’s the time. When it becomes a television show, you’ll want to be that person who read it first.
Have you read The Final Orchard yet? Are you adding it to your list? Drop a comment and let’s discuss.
Iron Gold (Red Rising series, book 4)
Not every sequel is worth reading, but this one? This one might just be better than the original. If you’re reading Red Rising, you already know this universe is ruthless, the stakes are high, and Pierce Brown does not hold back. And Iron Gold? It takes everything you thought you knew and flips it upside down. A decade has passed since Darrow’s revolution, but instead of peace, there’s chaos. War. Betrayal. And new characters who will completely mess with your emotions.
That’s what I love about this book. It’s not just a continuation—it’s an expansion. The world is bigger. The characters are deeper. And the writing? It’s the kind of writing that makes you stop mid-page just to process how good it is.
The story is emotional. It’s intense. And if you love sci-fi with a Shakespearean edge, you’re going to binge this one.
And here’s the thing, you have three books before this one to read. Catch up first, and then dive in. You don’t want to wait to read this. Once you do, you’ll see why people are calling it one of the best books in the series. And trust me, you’ll want to be caught up before the next one pulls you even deeper into this universe.
Have you read Iron Gold? Or are you still recovering from Morning Star? Drop a comment and let’s talk about it!
Dark Age (Red Rising series, book 5)
Speaking of the next book in the Red Rising series…
Dark Age, the fifth book in Pierce Brown’s Red Rising series, is not just a sequel, it’s a blood-soaked, heart-wrenching descent into chaos. It’s brutal, it’s brilliant, and it will rip your heart out in the best way possible. This left me shook.
Pierce Brown doesn’t just write a story, he throws you into a war zone from the first page. The multiple character arcs? Flawless. The tension? Unbearable. One moment, you’re cheering for Darrow’s rebellion; the next, you’re questioning everything. And the emotional gut punches? They don’t stop coming.
Personally, I couldn’t put it down. The world-building is rich, the action is intense, and the political intrigue continues to add layers of complexity. If you love high-stakes storytelling where no one is safe, this book will have your heart racing.
The next book in the series, Light Bringer, is already out, and trust me, you’re going to want to jump straight into it after this cliffhanger. I’m doing that right now.
Have you read Dark Age? Did it wreck you emotionally like it did me? Drop a comment below with your thoughts.
Fourth Wing (Empyrean series, book 1)
I know I’m late to this party, but what did I get myself into? Fourth Wing is like Twilight, plus Harry Potter, plus Tell Me Lies? My mom read this and Iron Flame and gifted this book to me for Christmas. Her pitch was, “It’s about dragons, you’ll love it.”
I loved it. I binged this. And now I’m fully invested.
That ending?! I didn’t see that coming. The third book, Onyx Storm just came out, but I’m waiting for the paperback version of book 2, Iron Flame to drop before I move on. I love a paperback book.
Are you reading Fourth Wing? What’s your take? Leave a comment below.
You Were Born for This
Most of us check our horoscopes like it’s a weather report (guilty!). What if I told you that’s the least useful part of astrology? Your weekly horoscope is barely scratching the surface. You Were Born for This takes astrology from being a fun party trick to a full-blown roadmap for understanding yourself in ways you never imagined.
This isn’t just another astrology book, it’s a toolkit for self-discovery. Chani breaks down your birth chart into three powerful keys: your Sun (your life’s purpose), your Moon (your emotional needs), and your Ascendant (your motivation in life). What I love is how easy she makes it. No confusing jargon, no complicated math. It’s just clear, thoughtful guidance that actually makes sense.
But here’s the real magic: this book doesn’t just tell you about yourself, it shows you. Through journal prompts and affirmations, it pushes you to reflect, embrace your strengths, and rewrite the old stories you’ve been telling yourself. It’s like Chani is sitting right there with you, helping you see how miraculous and capable you really are.
We’re in a time where self-awareness is power. Whether you’re looking for clarity, healing, or just trying to make sense of the chaos around you, this book gives you the tools to navigate it. And trust me, once you start diving into your chart, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without this knowledge. Remember, it’s not about predicting your future, it’s about taking charge of it.
Drop a comment with your sun, moon, and rising signs!
