Characters Who Feel Like Family

Posted November 29, 2020 by Kate

hello, loves!

I… am an avid reader. Probably, you are, too! That’s why we are here in this humble book blog-abode. Over the years, I’ve read the stories of hundreds… thousands… of characters that are beloved to me, and that I hold very close to my heart. Here are a shortlist of some my faves <3

Wolfsong by TJ Klune

I would love, love, love to spend the holidays with the Bennett Pack in Greek Creek ✨ Wolfsong by TJ Klune was one of my favorite discoveries this year, and it only gets better with each book! It’s an MM paranormal romance series, that is just so incredibly atmospheric, moody, and emotional. I would protect these characters with my life, and they genuinely feel like family ?

There’s the Bennett family itself, plus the wolf pack and Team Human! It’s such a great gang ? My favorite part of the series is the connection all of them share. Like, sure, many of them are couples, but they all share such a tight bond as PACKPACKPACK. With all the genuine, kind care and teasing, laughing love… this is the house to be at on the holidays.

The Foxhole Court by TJ Klune

This is such a cheesy answer, but anyone who knows me or has followed me on here for a bit should know that this is coming. But I can actually grant this wish! The Foxhole Court by Nora Sakavic is free on Amazon, and it was my favorite book of 2019!

It follows Neil, a homeless orphan who was recruited to play Exy (a fictional incredible sport that’s soccer x lacrosse, but with the aggression of hockey) for Palmetto State on a full ride. He’s on the run and trying to stay out of the spotlight, but he can’t pass up this opportunity. I can’t say too much about what this dangerous series is about, but it is utterly unique from anything you’ve ever read, I promise. It’s a bit raw because it is unedited, but the characters in the book genuinely feel like family to me. Neil’s team, the Foxes, are absolutely incredible ✨ That may be because I read it seven times last year… Anyway, content warning: this series does have every trigger warning imaginable, so go in at your own risk.

Psy-Changeling by Nalini Singh

My favorite series and my favorite set of world-building is the Psy-Changeling series by Nalini Singh. (My Review) This world is surreal and wonderful! It follows three races in the world: human, changeling, and Psy – who are kind of evolved human with mind-powers, but who condition themselves and their children to suppress emotion. The shifters world, in and of itself, is absolutely incredible. It’s full of playfulness, and family, and clearly lovingly crafted. This is hands down the best paranormal series I have ever read. Yeah, I said it ???

It’s a long series, and each book follows a different couple, and we follow a different couple for each book. We visit a handful of different communities (and Packs) throughout the course of this series, and they are all so lovely ✨

A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas

Is this basic? I don’t think I care. “Yearning” is a strong word – that scarily describes my reaction towards most of my favorite reads and bookish couples ? – but wow does that describe the intense emotional pull I have for Rhysand ? Everything about A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas makes it one of my favorite comfort rereads, from Rhysand himself, Feyre’s journey and struggle with PTSD and depression, the emphasis of friends as family, and the city of starlight itself. I feel peace when I read this book, at home amongst the dreams, stars and fierce friendships. I love a group of friends that make each other strong and happy, and that perfect describes Rhys’s inner circle… his Court of Dreams ✨

Kate Daniels by Ilona Andrews

My second favorite series with excellent world-building is the Kate Daniels series by Ilona Andrews. (My Review) This series takes place in post-apocalyptic Atlanta, where times of “magic” come in waves, disrupting phone lines, car engines and causing guns to misfire. Then times of “tech” roll in, where magic doesn’t work and the technology is no longer disabled. But it also is harder for shifters to shift, and takes the truly powerful to work magic. This series is absolutely relentless in mystery, mythology, magic, and the paranormal. I love the unique world the Andrews’ team has crafted (just as I love all their books) ? I haven’t read a series like this one.

Rock Hard by Nalini Singh

Charlotte Baird (aka “Ms. Baird,” aka “Charlie,” aka “Charlie-Mouse”) and Gabriel Bishop (aka “T-Rex”) are two of my favorite fictional characters of all time. I actually just reread this one, and forever treasure the cozy, helpless love that I always get from it. Ms. Singh’s stories… they just feel my heart with their depth and intricacy. They both soothe and energize my romantic side, always soul-stirring and warm with love. Gah, please check Nalini Singh out!!

Gabriel Bishop is an ex-Rugby player, now a CEO of Charlotte’s company, and she’s his secretary. But she’s also extremely fragile after enduring horrific abuse. This book has set the bar for office romances everywhere, and I haven’t found one that matches it yet. Their connection was such a slow-burn, and I loved seeing the fiery intelligence in every page as Gabriel recognizes he has his work cut out for him with Charlotte. (Review)

Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas

Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas was one of those books that I discovered right before I entered the YA Book Community. I’d been on Goodreads for a year by that point, but hadn’t really realized the depth and passion of the community yet on other social media’s and blogs, and this was that gateway book for me. I found it in my school library (we had to read AR books at that time in my education, lol) and became obsessed! At that point, I thought it was a trilogy, and hadn’t realized that Queen of Shadows just hadn’t realized yet! Ah to be young.

But Celaena, Aelin, Chaol, Lasondra, Aedion, Ronan, Fenrys, Dorian, Manon,,, so many loves in this series. My favorite part is this misfit, thrown-together family continues to grow and evolve, and endure strong connections with and for each other!

The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater

Need I explain this one? You know these people. Blue, Ronan, Adam, Gansey, Noah…. how could they be anything but precious to me? The gangsey always has it going on. They’re such tight-knit, reluctant friends/family, and it’s so hilarious to me. Even Ronan, who rages against care; Noah, who is dead; and Adam, who just wants to handle things on his own, can’t shake the wonderful familial friendship this group shares.

I mean… Any group that includes Ronan <3 #Fam

Percy Jackson series by Rick Riordan

Isn’t this list something? Really spanning the genre’s and getting a nice variety in here! But I couldn’t not include this series that has been with me since the beginning of my reading journey in fourth-grade. Unlike several of the other books I read ~back in the day~, it aged well (didn’t later become problematic), and is an instant recommendation to anyone looking for a fun read for most ages!

I read and enjoyed this back in elementary school (and many times thereafter), and my almost-forty brother recently read the series and had a great time, too! Camp Half-Blood will forever be a home, especially the fun gang within <3