2021 has been a year of wonderful highs and heartbreaking lows, but the one thing that always got me through it was a good book.
Picking my favorite books of the year is always difficult, especially because I read so many amazing ones this year.
But, without further ado, I give you my top reads of 2021
(in no particular order):
Down Comes the Night by Allison Saft
I've said it once and I'll say it again: I love this book! It's a murder-mystery-esque gothic fantasy that swept me off my feet at the beginning of this year and hasn't set me down since! I fell for these characters hard, and it turned me into an Allison Saft fan for life. You better believe I'm already waiting not-so-patiently for her next book , A Far Wilder Magic, to hit shelves March 8, 2022!
The Nature of Witches by Rachel Griffin
Quoted as "the most unputdownable book" by myself in my review, The Nature of Witches was a fantastic read that I'm still raving about. If you haven't read this one yet, do yourself a favor and go get it right this instant. Griffin is a beautiful writer, and her main character is so relatable it hurts. And, if you like to fall in love with imaginary characters, boy do I have the book for you! Her next book comes out 2022 and I cannot WAIT!
All the Stars and Teeth by Adalyn Grace
Okay, I know I'm a little late to this party since book one came out in 2020, but better late than never right? I devoured this first book and found myself in Barnes and Noble the minute I finished it in search of book two, All the Tides of Fate. I love magic and high seas adventures! Add in a swoony love interest and you have a recipe I will die for. The author's next book (though not another adventure with Amora and the gang) comes out next year and I am counting down the days!
Six Crimson Cranes by Elizabeth Lim
I fell in love with Lim's writing in Spin the Dawn, and Six Crimson Cranes did not
disappoint in the slightest. Fairytales, dragons, magic, friendship, family, secrets, love--this story truly has it all. The book will surprise you again and again, and by the time I reached its end I was eager for more. The twists and turns are ones I promise you won't see coming. I can't wait until book two, which comes out NEXT YEAR!
Lore by Alexandra Bracken
I wasn't too late to the party this time! This is the first Alexandra Bracken book I've read, and I've got to say I really loved it. Maybe it's my love for all things mythology (I'll always have a soft spot for Greek myths), but I thought this was a really exciting adventure with enough twisty twists to keep me flipping the pages!
The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller
Yes, I know this came out like, 10 years ago, but I'm here now. I've read it. I loved it. What else do you want from me? After reading Circe, I knew I'd have to pick up A Song of Achilles. Needless to say, it was a great life choice. And in case you missed it, she IS writing a Persephone book!!!!
Lakesedge by Lyndall Clipstone
Gothic fantasy? Say no more! One of my most anticipated reads of the year, it most definitely lived up to all the hype I internally gave it. The characters? Perfect. The setting? Deliciously creepy. The magic? Equal parts light and dark...well, maybe a little more dark. The love? Heartbreaking. What more could you ask for?! Book two is set to hit shelves Fall 2022!
Little Thieves by Margaret Owen
I absolutely loved the voice of this book. This was such a fun read, and enjoyed every single second of it! While I've never read The Goose Girl, the tale this is a retelling of, I most definitely will have to brush up on the original. The characters are to die for, and I promise you won't be disappointed. Not to mention, a second book is slated for release in 2023! *SQUEAL*
All of Us Villains by Amanda Foody and Christine Lynn Herman
This. Book. It is the dark fantasy tournament of my dreams. The Hunger Games with magic, it will have you second guessing your own moral compass by the end. Filled with more POVs than you'll know what to do with, All of Us Villains is sure to be your next favorite dark and twisty fantasy. It looks like a 2022 release date for book two, and you know I'm already freaking out!
The Midnight Girls by Alicia Jasinska
This is such a great read. It gave me fantasy and fairytale vibes, and I loved that it was inspired by 18th century Poland! It’s the perfect winter read, with winter wonderland scenes and fairytale costumes, and characters you can’t help but root for—even if they’re trying to steal the hearts of princes. Monsters, witches, and princes—oh my! If you love cat and mouse, rivals to lovers, and magic then this is the book you’re looking for!