Over the last couple years, I started to really enjoy watching book reviews and discussions on YouTube (specifically these channels: Thoughts On Tomes, PersueProject and Daniel Greene). Late last year, I saw a video for the “Tome Topple Read-A-Thon,” which was started by Sam from Thoughts On Tomes. The main objective is simple, to read books with more than 500 pages. I’ve always loved the idea of a read-a-thon or reading prompts (i.e. read a book with a red cover), but I never took the plunge until recently. In February, I decided to participate in Round 10 of Tome Topple. I created my TBR (To Be Read) to align with their reading prompts and was ready to roll. Unfortunately, it didn’t end (or start) well for me. I wasn’t done with my current book when the read-a-thon began, so I got off to a late start. In the end, I didn’t even finish one book (granted, I was reading City of Heavenly Fire by Cassandra Clare and that book is near 750 pages). For Round 11, which started this Saturday (May 9th), I have a whole new plan and I’m ready to read!
Tome Topple uses a “Bingo Card” style format for tracking the prompts (which I’ll share below). These prompts help you to create your TBR, stay engaged and just lighten up the read-a-thon. This is run by a great group of people and they are constantly encouraging you to “read more.” They host reading sprints on Twitter and also have several other ways to interact (like a GoodReads group).
I’m, aggressively, aiming for Sage status which I can accomplish if I read all of the following books (but let’s be honest, I’ll be thrilled if I reach Student):
Eldest (The Inheritance Cycle, #2) by Christopher Paolini
- It has been years since I first read Eragon but I thoroughly enjoyed the story and have been looking to get back into this series. This book will count for the “tome that has been on my TBR for the longest” and “a tome that’s part of a series” prompts.
The Bane Chronicles by Cassandra Clare
- Last year I decided I wanted to start reading Cassandra Clare’s Shadowhunter Chronicles. Little did I know that this was going to become an epic journey. I decided to read the books the way that Clare recommends (The Mortal Instruments 1-3, The Infernal Devices trilogy then The Mortal Instruments 4-6). The Bane Chronicles will be the last of the 3 supplemental books I have to read before I can move on to The Dark Artifices (this series has received nothing but praise, so I’m really looking forward to it). This book will count for the “standalone tome” and a tome with an “AAPI main character” prompts.
Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon
- I have been seeing nothing but great feedback and praise for Priory of the Orange Tree. This is quite the tome and I’ve been a little intimidated by how long it is (coming in at nearly 850 pages). A good friend of mine read this not too long ago and she raved about how great it was! Definitely looking forward to this one! This book will be counting for the “adult tome” and “a genre I don’t typically read” (adult epic fantasy) prompts.
Strange the Dream (Strange the Dream Duology, #1) by Laini Taylor
- This will actually be a re-read for me and I’ll be listening to this via audiobook. I read this early last year and absolutely loved it. The whole concept of this novel was so unique and engrossing but the end was pretty traumatizing. I’d like to read the sequel, Muse of Nightmares, later this year so I thought brushing up on the story with an audiobook was the perfect choice! This book will count towards the “tome audiobook” prompt.
Like I previously mentioned, Tome Topple starts this Saturday (May 9th) and runs through May 22nd. For more information, check out their Twitter account (@TomeTopple) or Sam’s YouTube Channel (Thoughts On Tomes). If you’re able, grab a tome and read along with me! I’ll be providing quick updates on my progress and thoughts on my current reads, both here and on Twitter (@ItsMrGeekToYou), over the coming weeks. Have you read any of the books I mentioned? Feel free to leave some thoughts or feelings about them in the comments but, please, no spoilers!
Until Next Time,
Mr Geek
PS – I am not affiliated with Tome Topple. I think it’s an excellent idea and wanted to help spread the word!
Treat Yo Shelf By Mr Geek 