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Are you a fan of epic fantasy stories? The kind that span across 15 novels, including a prequel novel, three companion books, a pair of short stories, and a TV adaptation? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then you may be prone to enjoying Robert Jordan’s The Wheel of Time series as much as I have. Released from 1990 to 2013, The Wheel of Time is a coming of age story for protagonist Rand al’Thor, but there is also an underlying theme of grappling with one’s identity as well. At the moment, I am currently reading book two, The Great Hunt. Despite only having recently been introduced to the series, I found that it has become a favorite of mine nonetheless, largely due to it being heavily inspired by J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings.

The premise of the story is simple: Rand, along with a large cast of friends and allies, must navigate the complex, ever-changing, and currently unnamed world where it takes place, all in order to defeat the Dark One, a cosmic force of darkness that threatens to undo the very fabric of reality, only to rebuild it in his own image. This tale occurs from the perspective of 148 characters, some of whom have larger roles than others, but despite their overall impact on the narrative, they each contribute to the reader’s understanding of the world in some capacity.

However, while The Wheel of Time is often praised for its worldbuilding in particular, its most powerful writing can be found in scenes featuring the protagonist himself. Rand is a character who fits into the arguably overdone “chosen one” trope well, but it is the manner in which Robert Jordan presents this role that sets him apart from many other authors who play with the same idea. Rather than receiving all of the power, friendships, and plot armor that most “chosen one” protagonists are gifted with, Rand has to deal with enemies who are constantly hunting him, friends who fear the power he is capable of, and “allies” who wish to use his status to push their own agendas.

All in all, The Wheel of Time is a series that has quickly risen to the top of my favorite fantasy novel series, and if that’s your thing then you should consider checking it out for yourself.

Rebecca Yarros masterfully keeps you on your toes through the book, strategically planning for the end of each chapter to be an unanswered question that drives you to keep reading. She beautifully curates the world of Navarre in such a way that you can almost imagine being there and flying the dragon yourself. The series is yet to be completed, but three of the books (five planned) are available now. Fourth Wing ends with the biggest cliffhanger of all, so I recommend having the second book, Iron Flame, at the ready.

—Katie Frank

Wyrd Sisters loosely parodies the plot of Hamlet. A king is murdered, and his throne is usurped by the man who killed him, who was pushed to do so by his wife. Even as the couple settle into their new positions of power, the old king is not completely gone. Instead, he hangs around and tries to protect his son through the aid of a local coven of witches —Granny Weatherwax, Nanny Ogg, and Magrat Garlick. As the king’s son grows, so does his usurper’s hold over the kingdom. Finally, the three witches must prepare for a showdown between the truth of their world as they know it, and the new king’s use of a carefully crafted narrative to change the world to meet his own ends (and his wife’s). Will the king’s plan succeed and push the witches out of the society they are the caretakers of? And does it really matter what route you take to a good result, as long as you don’t start cackling?

So, you’re thinking about cozying up with your next juicy romance novel. We’ve all been there. Whether you’re single or happily locked down, there’s something comforting about a good love story. The fantasy, the catharsis, and oftentimes, the predictability.

When it comes to cliché tropes, the romance genre is full of them. From enemies to lovers to fake dating to the love triangle, there’s no shortage of familiar plot lines. Maybe you have a favorite; maybe you’re indifferent or love them all; maybe there’s a select few you avoid like the plague. You can decide which book you’ll pick up next, sure, but you can’t decide your fate.

Don’t worry though, this quiz can! Answer the questions below and count up your score to find out your romantic destiny*.

*Not single? No problem! Take this quiz as a source of your perfect book recommendation, you lucky dog! 

1. What’s your favorite fiction genre?

1. 1. Fantasy (+0)
   2. Science Fiction (+1)
   3. Realistic Fiction (+2)
   4. Historical Fiction (+3)

2. You’re on vacation. What’s the view from your window?

1. 1. Teal waves crashing on the shore of a coastal town (+0)
   2. The moon glowing over a big city skyline (+1)
   3. A waterfall cascading into a lush jungle (+2)
   4. The Northern Lights gleaming above the mountaintops (+3)

3. What’s your favorite season? 

1. 1. Winter (+0)
   2. Spring (+1)
   3. Summer (+2)
   4. Fall (+3)

4. How do you fall asleep?

1. 1. On my back (+0)
   2. On my side (+1)
   3. On my stomach (+2)
   4. All of the above/ not sure (+3)

5.  What’s your go-to beverage? 

1. 1. Coffee (+0)
   2. Tea (+1)
   3. Juice (+2)
   4. Water (+3)

6. You’re in the market for a new pet. What are you getting?

1. 1. Cat (+0)
   2. Dog (+1)
   3. Bird (+2)
   4. Hamster (+3)

7. What’s doodled in the margins of your notebook?

1. 1. The classic “S” (+0)
   2. A realistic eye (+1)
   3. Literally anything else (how creative!) (+2)
   4. Nothing — they’re pristine! (+3)

8. If you could have a superpower, which would you choose?

1. 1. Flight (+0)
   2. Invisibility (+1)
   3. Super strength (+2)
   4. Telepathy (+3)

9. What mythical creature is your favorite?

1. 1. Unicorn (+0)
   2. Dragon (+1)
   3. Phoenix (+2)
   4. Mermaid (+3)

10. What are you putting on your ice cream sundae?

1. 1. Hot fudge  (+0)
   2. Caramel  (+1)
   3. M&Ms  (+2)
   4. Nothing/ I don’t want one (+3)

Add up your points: your total decides your results!

0-5: Friends to Lovers
A classic, heartwarming trope that makes for a lovely slow burn. Navigating the transition between being friends and something more can be difficult, but the payoff is beautiful. I’m happy for you! Some friends-to-lovers books to try:

• • Before We Were Strangers by Renée Carlino
  • Love and Other Words by Christina Lauren
  • Last Night at the Telegraph Club by Malina Lo

6-11: The Love Triangle
Ooh, the drama! The options! The love triangle fulfills many fantasies! The tricky part — who do you choose? (Or, how do you make the throuple work?) Some love-triangle books to check out:

• • Black Swan Affair by K. L. Kreig
  • An American Marriage by Tayari Jones

12-17: Enemies to Lovers
Tension, transformation, and fiery chemistry — the trope that turns resentment into passion. Whether due to misunderstandings or sheer hatred, the thrill of the build up makes that emotional payoff so incredibly worth it. Here are some enemies-to-lovers books to check out:

• • The Hating Game by Sally Thorne
  • The Cruel Prince by Holly Black

18-23: Fake Dating
Maybe you’re trying to impress family. Maybe you don’t want to be caught in a lie. Whatever the case may be, this romantic facade starts to blur the line between what’s fake and real, when suddenly those pretend feelings aren’t so pretend anymore. Some fake-dating book recommendations:

• • The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood
  • The Wrong Date by Sienna Waters

24-30: Soulmates
No beating around the bush in this trope; this pair is meant for each other! Brought together by fate, no matter the obstacles — your love transcends time and circumstance. Lucky! Some soulmate trope books to try:

• • Every Day by David Levithan
  • Spark of the Everflame by Penn Cole

—Brooke Schoening, Book Quiz Editor

According to Atlas Corrigan of It Ends with Us, “Everything is better in Boston.” While you will not be able to call and reserve a table for two at his Boston restaurant, BIBs, you will have many opportunities for amazing culinary experiences when you travel to the book’s location! Boston has a diverse menu to choose from, including places serving up classic American cuisine, bowls of famous New England clam chowder, a fresh seafood scene, a Chinatown with award-winning sustenance, and, of course, the famous Fenway Frank!

Boston has an ever-evolving and booming food scene, but you can get a taste of more than just food there! The city is full of historic battlefields, museums, harbors, and natural scenery. It is the location of the 2.5-mile-long, red brick Freedom Trail, which guides you to important sites from the American Revolution. You could stroll through Granary Burying Ground and pay your respects to the likes of Paul Revere, John Hancock, Samuel Adams, members of Ben Franklin’s family, victims of the Boston Massacre, or any of the 2,300 marked graves.

Boston is home to Fenway Park and a short commute to MIT and Harvard University. It gives you an opportunity to attend the opera or the ballet, the zoo, or the aquarium. You can shop until you drop for fashion or stroll along the beaches of the Gulf of Maine/Atlantic Ocean.

After a long day of sightseeing, you will need somewhere to take off your shoes for the night. According to TripAdvisor, the most popular neighborhoods for lodging are Downtown Boston, North End, or Back Bay. In these locations, you’ll find yourself protected and safe with a choice of familiar chains or boutique hotels, close to the sites and the food scene. It seems that Boston has something for every person of every age in entertainment, food, and lodging. But you’ll have to go there and experience it yourself to find out if Atlas was right!

The quote emphasizes the valuable contributions of diverse cultures, perspectives, and experiences. This richness enhances creativity, innovation, and compassion within our globalized society. Each individual brings unique ideas and traditions, deepening our understanding of what it means to be human.

Engaging with those from various backgrounds allows us to appreciate different viewpoints, fostering empathy and collaboration. By embracing these differences, we can build a more vibrant and harmonious community, enabling us to grow together and celebrate the intricate tapestry of our interconnected world.

“It is not our differences that divide us. It is our inability to recognize, accept, and celebrate those differences.” —Audre Lorde

Black History Month, observed from February to March 1, serves as an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the significant contributions of Black Americans across various fields throughout history. 38th President Gerald R. Ford (1974-77) emphasized the importance of this month by encouraging Americans to acknowledge the often-overlooked achievements of Black individuals when he stated, “Seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.”

“The greatest happiness of life is the conviction that we are loved; loved for ourselves, or rather, loved in spite of ourselves.” —Victor Hugo

Victor Hugo’s quote beautifully reminds us that the open joy in life often springs from the experience of being loved. It’s not merely about being appreciated for our best traits; it’s about the profound comfort of being cherished even with our flaws and imperfections. This unconditional love brings a sense of security and belonging, affirming our worth just as we are. Ultimately, it underscores the vital role of love as a basis of happiness in our lives, illuminating the profound connection we all seek.

Valentine’s Day evolved from traditions and stories and has become a holiday. So, this month and throughout the year, let’s also reflect on the order of love.

“If you have no one to love, love yourself.” —Buddha

Hotness: ★★★★☆
Maybe I am a little biased, but Matthew Lillard playing William Afton in the FNAF movie was giving major silver fox. Matthew Lillard stabbed into our hearts in Scream, and he stabbed into our hearts once again as William Afton. Why Lillard keeps looking as hot as he does while acting as a murderer, I really don’t know. Just make sure to completely ignore his character and space out while he’s on the screen like I did, and his rating here can continue to be high! (This rating will deteriorate as you get further in the movie.)

Safety: ★☆☆☆☆
Not very safe to date. If you’re lucky, maybe you’ll get to pick the animatronic that’ll hold your soul for the rest of eternity

Affection: ★☆☆☆☆
The man stabbed his own daughter, I wouldn’t count on him being too affectionate.

Charisma: ★★☆☆☆
Even though he was charismatic and funny during parts of the FNAF movie, it was mostly a rouse to hide his serial-killer identity.

Intelligence: ★★★☆☆
He’s smart enough to manufacture murder machines, own several businesses, launder money, and keep a secret identity, but he also isn’t smart enough to kill a night guard who sleeps more than he does his own job.

Romanticness: ★☆☆☆☆
I have the feeling this guy’s idea of a romantic night would be to take you to a Freddy Fazbear’s location and brag about how cool everything about said Fazbear’s location is. At least you’ll enjoy some Fazbear Pizza while you’re out with him.

Overall Dateability: ★☆☆☆☆
Siri, please remove “Mama, I’m in Love with a Criminal” by Britney Spears from my playlist, because I am NOT!

—Kendall Cox, TV Editor

Ugly Betty

Looking for an early 2000’s show with a relatable protagonist who critiques the beauty standards that plague us all? Well, Ugly Betty might be the next TV show for you to watch! Ugly Betty is an American comedy-drama series with four seasons and 85 episodes. Staring America Ferrera as Betty Suarez, the show dives into the life of Betty when she lands a job at the prestigious fashion magazine, MODE. Hired for her less-than-ideal looks, the unfashionable Betty is thrust into a world where she is suddenly the ugliest girl in the room. The show explores romance, drama, and humor for the whole family, all while examining difficult themes like the objectification of women and societal beauty standards.

For its time, the show was noted as being rather progressive as it starred Betty as an “unattractive,” braces-wearing, brown-skinned woman. It delved into Latin American issues and had characters who were openly gay and transgender. The popularity of the show in its time showed that audiences wanted to see diversity and representation in media instead of all-straight, all-White cast lists. The show received high acclaim and eventually won an Emmy “despite” its diverse focus. To this day, America Ferrera has been the first and the only Latinx actress to have ever won an Emmy for best actress. Stream on Netflix and Disney+.

If you are in the mood for a feel-good, easy watch, How I Met Your Mother is a great option that has about 20-22 episodes in each of its nine seasons. It centers around a group of friends living in the “greatest city in the world,” New York City, and follows the silly situations they get themselves into. Despite being very similar to other sitcoms, what sets this show apart is we are being told the story through the mode of a father recounting to his children the stories from his young-adult life that lead up to how he met their mother. (Hence the name.)

Ted is the main character and narrator of the show. He is a hopeless romantic who is obsessed with the idea of finding “the one” and is willing to go to some excessive lengths to do so. Some of his best friends are Lily and Marshall, a couple that are so cute, it is almost disgusting. Marshall is a law student who is working towards becoming a lawyer so he can fight to protect the environment, and Lily is a kindergarten teacher who aspires toward being an artist. Next is Barney, a stereotypical bro. By day, he works a corporate job where he makes tons of money but no one really knows exactly what it is that he does, and by night, he plots and concocts crazy stories to seduce the women of New York. Last but not least is Robin. She is the newest member of the group, joining the gang after moving to NYC from Canada to pursue a job in TV broadcasting. She is constantly deciding if she should put her career or her love life first, which can get her into some silly and sticky situations. The group dynamic makes for some hilarious happenings and is what gives the show its charm. Stream on Netflix, Hulu, Disney+ Apple TV, and Amazon Prime.

Elden Ring

A fallen order, a populace tormented by immortality, and a god who has forsaken both their family and followers. In this damned realm you stand alone, a wretched “Tarnished.”  A warrior, banished from The Lands Between long ago, has now come back to tear down the old and dying order that plagues a land once blessed and prosperous. This is the world of Elden Ring. Released in February 2022, it shook the foundations of the gaming world. In stark contrast to FromSoftware games of years past, Elden Ring is an open-world game, with most of the game being optional content. 
Difficulty is a common staple of FromSoftware games, and Elden Ring is no different in this regard. It’s a challenging experience, and defeat is common. Where this game diverges from past titles such as Dark Souls is how the player can go about dealing with this difficulty. Elden Ring gives the player countless ways to advance, not merely one or two. This is where the open world comes into play. Those who are looking for a challenge similar to past titles are free to focus on the more difficult main story bosses, or simply run to a higher leveled area from the beginning! That doesn’t leave those looking for a more casual experience without options, though. Areas are immense, and even the beginning, lowest level areas have many enemies and bosses to offer. This creates a slower, easier progression for more casual players.
The final part of this masterpiece is the story. Elden Ring is packed to the brim with stories to tell, Interesting characters to encounter, and endless misery. To those who enjoy stories of tragedy, Elden Ring is an unmatched holy grail. The stories are deep, interconnected, simple to understand, and easy to become invested in. Interacting with the characters from these stories is what brings it to the next level. The player must put down legendary beasts, demigods, and warriors who’ve succumbed to madness. No matter how great or powerful your enemies, you are the end of their story.Available on Playstation 4/5, Xbox One, and Steam. 

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim is the latest installment in The Elder Scrolls series from Bethesda. This game holds a special place in my heart, as it served as my introduction into the wild, enchanting world of The Elder Scrolls. While Skyrim is a fairly  easy game to pick up and understand, the deeper lore of the series is not, and that’s precisely what makes this game so captivating to me. Skyrim is not simply an open-world RPG experience; it’s a portal into a magical world full of legendary warriors, theological endeavors, and world-ending catastrophes. 
An empire flailing in its slow descent into oblivion, an Elven cultural conquest in the face of Nordic resistance, and the Psijic Order has returned to Tamriel. At the same time, an ancient deity banished from the past and into the present threatens to claim dominion over the world. Among this chaos, you’re caught by an Imperial troop when attempting to cross the border of Skyrim. Unexpectedly, you’re grouped in with a band of rebel soldiers, including their leader.They’re determined to put you to death with the rest of the rebels, despite the fact you’re uncatalogued. You watch as a rebel is executed, and you’re called up next. Just as the headsman raises his axe to take your life, a dragon attacks — the first to appear in hundreds of years. You manage to survive the attack as the Imperial troop’s focus is set on the larger threat. After escaping, you soon find that you’re the Dragonborn, a Nord folk hero of old. While the fate of the world hangs in the balance, you may still act freely. Whether you want to become a war hero, an assassin, or a loathed and disgusted cultist in service to an ancient evil, the choice is yours. This freedom of choice makes Skyrim infinitely replayable, and no matter how hard I try, I can’t stop coming back to this war-torn province of Tamriel.