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https://youtu.be/SSnma_RbqXs # How BookTok Saved Barnes & Noble If you’ve walked into a Barnes & Noble recently, you’ve probably noticed the overwhelming presence of BookTok. Entire tables are dedicated to books that have gone viral on TikTok, adorned with colorful signs that boast “#BookTok Made Me Buy It.” But if you take a closer look, you’ll realize that all the books are the same—since romantasy is popular, that’s all that dominates the tables. From the latest romantasy phenomenon to tearjerking contemporary reads, these displays prove that TikTok has played a massive role in revitalizing Barnes & Noble’s book sales. But did it really or make the same authors more popular? The Struggles of Barnes & Noble Before BookTok A few years ago, Barnes & Noble was struggling. The rise of Amazon and digital books put the company in a precarious position, and many thought the brick-and-mortar chain wouldn’t survive. Ebooks surged in popularity, and many readers moved away from physical bookshelves, preferring the convenience of digital libraries. Despite this shift, I have always maintained my physical bookshelf, even though my Nook library contains 310 books and my Kindle holds about 50. Yes, I could probably build a small fortress out of my digital books alone, but there’s just something about seeing a physical book on my shelf that makes me feel like a scholar—or at least someone who has their life together. Meanwhile, my TBR pile continues to grow at an alarming rate, and if books were currency, I’d be a billionaire (but still somehow broke, because I’d just buy more books). And if you’ve ever watched one of my videos that I create alongside these blogs, you’ve likely seen my bookshelves standing proudly behind me, an ever-present testament to my love for physical books. No matter how many ebooks I own, my shelves remain stocked, ever-growing, and sometimes threatening to collapse under the weight of my book-buying habits. The love of physical books never truly faded, and BookTok played a crucial role in bringing readers back to in-store browsing. The viral power of TikTok’s bookish community brought a surge of readers back into physical bookstores, eager to get their hands on the latest sensation. According to reports, sales skyrocketed, and Barnes & Noble even credited BookTok with driving a new generation of young readers into their stores. Studies such as The Rise of BookTok and Its Influence on Publishing by Publishers Weekly and How TikTok Brought Readers Back to Bookstores by The New York Times provide deeper insights into this phenomenon. If you’re curious about the numbers behind this resurgence, NPD BookScan’s Annual Report on Book Sales is also a great resource for understanding just how much BookTok has impacted the industry. The Dual Nature of BookTok But here’s where my feelings on TikTok get complicated. Depending on what side of BookTok you’re on, your experience can be vastly different. Black BookTok: A Hub for Fresh Discoveries If you’re on Black BookTok (or really any space dedicated to diverse authors), you’re constantly exposed to fresh recommendations, underrated gems, and books by authors who don’t always get mainstream recognition. There’s a richness in variety, a chance to discover books outside the repetitive cycle of the same five bestsellers. Black BookTok actively works to uplift books by authors of color, queer authors, and stories that often go ignored by mainstream publishing. It fosters deep discussions about representation, the importance of own-voices narratives, and the way books reflect lived experiences. Instead of cycling through the same viral recommendations, Black BookTok dives into different genres, from hard-hitting contemporary fiction to fantasy epics infused with cultural influences. These spaces also highlight indie and self-published authors, ensuring that a wider range of voices is celebrated. Additionally, readers on Black BookTok engage critically with books, not just hyping them up for the sake of trends. Reviews tend to be more honest, analyzing themes, writing styles, and impact. This makes the community feel like a trusted space for book lovers who are looking for more than just surface-level bookish content. Mainstream BookTok: Repetitive and Homogeneous On the viral (often white-dominated) side of BookTok, however, the recommendations can feel stagnant. The same books—Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros, It Ends With Us by Colleen Hoover, A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas—circulate endlessly. These books are fantastic in their own right, but the homogeneity of recommendations means that lesser-known books, especially those by marginalized authors, struggle to get the same visibility. I also don’t like TikTok for its short-form content and creators’ tendency to chase virality rather than be honest about the books they promote. Many influencers prioritize engagement over genuine recommendations, which can make it difficult to trust the hype around certain titles. Sometimes, it feels like books go viral not because they’re groundbreaking, but because they fit into a trend or a quick aesthetic appeal. This can lead to great books being overlooked while the same few dominate the conversation. How Barnes & Noble Reflects These Trends It’s frustrating when Barnes & Noble’s BookTok tables reflect this lack of diversity. Walk into any store, and you’ll see the same trending books prominently displayed, while other incredible books—especially those outside the mainstream—are buried in less noticeable sections. Even within different genres, the selections remain limited to what has already proven to be a bestseller. This creates a feedback loop where only the most hyped books continue to dominate while fresh voices struggle to gain exposure. Meanwhile, on Black BookTok, you’ll see readers hyping up books like Blood Debts by Terry J. Benton-Walker, Legendborn by Tracy Deonn, or The Blood Trials by N.E. Davenport—books that are just as gripping, yet rarely get the same level of bookstore promotion. What This Means for Other Brick-and-Mortar Bookstores While Barnes & Noble has benefited greatly from BookTok, the impact on smaller, independent bookstores is more nuanced. Many indie bookstores have adapted by curating their own BookTok sections, often with a more diverse selection than mainstream retailers. Some even

https://youtu.be/l-dmkDd8-cE If you’re a fantasy book lover like me, then you know the thrill of diving into a sequel that absolutely delivers. Today, I’m breaking down two books that completely blew me away—Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros and Legendary by Stephanie Garber. Both are brilliant in their own ways, and I have so much to say about them. And because I know the debate never ends, we’re also tackling the big question: Do audiobooks count as reading? (Spoiler: YES, they do!). Let’s get into it. Iron Flame – A Brutal, Heart-Pounding Sequel I knew Iron Flame was going to be intense, but I was not prepared for how much it would wreck me. If Fourth Wing was about survival, Iron Flame was about pushing past every imaginable limit—physically, mentally, and emotionally. Picking Up Where We Left Off We jump right back into Violet Sorrengail’s story. She barely survived her first year at Basgiath War College, and now she’s dealing with: Xaden’s secret—he’s marked by rebel magic. Navarre’s lies—they’ve been hiding the truth about Venin and wyvern. New enemies—and the fact that second year at Basgiath makes year one look easy. The War College Becomes a Living Nightmare Violet is stronger, smarter, and more determined, but that doesn’t mean life gets easier. In fact, it gets ten times worse. Vice Commandant Kaori is her new worst nightmare, making sure Violet suffers every step of the way. Xaden is struggling more than ever—being a marked rebel puts him in an impossible position. Andarna’s powers evolve, and Violet has to figure out how to control her dragons before it’s too late. The battles? Absolutely brutal. The betrayals? Gut-wrenching. And the ending? I still haven’t recovered. This book is non-stop action, but what I loved most is how it forced Violet to grow, adapt, and fight like never before. If I wasn’t already obsessed with this series, Iron Flame sealed the deal. Legendary – A Darker, More Dangerous Caraval If you thought Caraval was all about illusion, Legendary is all about truth—and sometimes, the truth is terrifying. I loved this book. It took everything Caraval built and raised the stakes dramatically. It’s bigger, darker, and even more intoxicating. Tella’s Turn to Play This time, Scarlett isn’t the player—Tella is. And the game is far more dangerous than she ever imagined. The grand prize? A wish that could change everything. But this Caraval isn’t a performance anymore—it’s real. And the Fates—ancient, deadly beings—are waking up. Tella is bold, reckless, and brilliant, and I loved watching her navigate this high-stakes, magical mystery. The Fates & A Deadly Game The Prince of Hearts is back, and let’s just say… he’s trouble. The game is filled with deception—nothing is what it seems. Tella must decide who to trust and how far she’ll go to win. I was hooked from start to finish. The romance, the tension, the magic—it was all perfection. I loved Legendary even more than Caraval, and I cannot wait to talk about Finale next. Do Audiobooks Count as Reading? (Spoiler: YES.) Alright, let’s get into it—because this debate needs to end. YES, audiobooks count as reading. And here’s why. 1. Your Brain Processes Audio the Same as Text Studies show that whether you read a book or listen to one, your brain processes and comprehends the story the same way. So if someone tries to say, “Listening isn’t reading”… science disagrees. 2. Storytelling Started as Oral Tradition For thousands of years, people passed down stories orally. Long before books, we learned through listening. Audiobooks are just modern-day storytelling—and they’re just as valid. 3. Accessibility & Inclusion Matter Audiobooks make reading possible for people with visual impairments or learning disabilities like dyslexia. Busy people—parents, commuters, students—can enjoy books on the go. And let’s be real—if an audiobook has ever wrecked you emotionally, you READ that book. End of debate. Final Thoughts Iron Flame and Legendary were both phenomenal. One was intense and brutal, the other was mysterious and mesmerizing—but both completely captivated me. And as for audiobooks? They’re reading. Period. Now, I want to hear from you!📖 Which sequel was your favorite?🎧 Do you listen to audiobooks? Let’s talk in the comments! And if you love deep-dive book discussions, make sure to subscribe for more! 🚀📚🎧

https://youtu.be/EK4if8CV7DQ Hey Hey Y’all. What’s up?!  Tropes are like keys to hidden doors in literature. And I am here to unlock a few of them with you. These storytelling elements have been around forever, yet they never fail to lure us back for more. Like wandering through a shadowy library filled with ancient books, there’s something comforting and thrilling about knowing where the story might go, even when it surprises us. Today, let’s chat about some of my favorite tropes in fantasy and romance, all with a touch of that dark academia vibe I know you love. 1. Age Gap Romance You know the feeling: two people from different stages of life, bound by something inexplicable. The age gap trope explores the tension between experience and expectation. It’s all about whispered conversations under towering arches and finding a connection where you least expect it. Books that come to mind are Birthday Girl by Penelope Douglas for a slow-burn romance and Sarah J. Maas’s A Court of Mist and Fury for a high-fantasy twist on fate and desire. These stories remind us that sometimes, the beauty lies in how much time separates—or ultimately unites—us. However, I do not like the realistic age gap! I don’t know what it is. My idea of an enjoyable age gap is Quicksilver by Callie Hart – Shadow Daddies to the Rescue! For real, I’m okay with centuries a part, but not 20 years.  2. Enemies to Lovers Ah, enemies to lovers. This trope is the literary equivalent of a thunderstorm over an old manor house. You’ve got sharp words, fierce stares, and that undeniable spark. In One Dark Window by Rachel Gillig, you’ll find secrets and rivalries and I am here for it 100%. For even more tension, dive into The Cruel Prince by Holly Black or From Blood and Ash by Jennifer L. Armentrout. If it’s on author I will recommend, it Armentrout. She is AWESOME! These stories pulse with electricity, and when that moment of realization hits—that they’re not so different after all—it’s like lightning striking. Sometimes they take forever to get there, but when that is written well I am all in.  3. Forced Proximity Picture this: an isolated mansion, thick with mist, where two characters are stuck together—for better or worse. Forced proximity creates those deliciously awkward and emotionally charged moments that reveal who people really are. Rachel Schneider’s Metal Slinger thrusts its characters into survival mode, and you’ll see walls—literal and emotional—crumble. If you’re more into romantic comedy, The Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren or It Happened One Summer by Tessa Bailey turn up the heat and hilarity when characters are forced to endure each other’s company. It’s the ultimate test of patience—and attraction. 4. Fake Relationship There’s something so irresistible about a fake relationship, isn’t there? It’s a masquerade of emotions where both characters and readers wonder when reality will take over the charade. In The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood, you’ll find humor and heart as two people pretend they’re a couple for science’s sake. Meanwhile, Jenny Han’s To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before captures the thrill and awkwardness of high school romance with its delightful fake-dating setup. These stories feel like secret letters you stumble upon, each line blurring the line between act and affection. 5. The Quest Who doesn’t love a good quest? It’s the backbone of epic fantasy, where characters set out into the unknown and find themselves along the way. Natasha Bowen’s Skin of the Sea and Tomi Adeyemi’s Children of Blood and Bone take us on journeys steeped in myth and destiny, blending African lore with powerful storytelling. And of course, there’s the classic The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien and the expansive world of The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon. These quests are more than adventures; they’re transformative experiences that stay with you long after the last page. This comes to a close second behind enemies to lovers. There is just so much you can do with a quest, so many different avenues, and even though there is a typical ARC, it’s the journey that counts. In the video, I  go on a tangent about romance. How I don’t really like romance because it’s predictable, the ARC. I recommend Robbie Renee Somebody’s Husband as a book where the journey (The Quest) is good it makes up for the fact that I know they will get together.  Why Tropes Matter Here’s the thing about tropes: they’re familiar, imperfect, and full of character. Some people call them clichés, but I’d argue that’s missing the point. Tropes give us a foundation to build on. Whether it’s enemies finding common ground or heroes answering the call of adventure, these tropes hold a kind of magic that keeps us turning the pages. Spied: A Deceptive High Novel as well as Sister Assassins: Vigilante have their share of tropes! Write in the comments which ones they are.  So, go ahead. Step into these stories. Who knows what dreams, dangers, and destinies you’ll encounter?