Another year done, many more pages read and no, the TBR is of course not any smaller.
This year I read over 100 books for the first time, and while number based reading goals don’t mean a whole lot to me, reading that many in one year was something I never expected to accomplish.
Here are some of my top reads of the year. Since it’s not officially over yet there could be a late comer that swoops in (like there was last year) but here are some of the most memorable reads, that I still find myself thinking about. (These are in no particular order).
The Poison Song was one of the first books I read this year. The entire trilogy was fantastic but if I had to pick one of the three this one would be it. A unique world, a well-crafted story with memorable characters and a stunning ending. Not quite like anything I’ve read before.
Yumi captures everything I love about Sanderson as an author. It’s a great example of why I think he is a fantastic story teller. This book was such a comfort read and a new favourite among his many great books for sure.
This Japanese-inspired Indie fantasy debut blew me away. It’s got so many great elements; elemental magic, martial arts, familial bonds, the struggles of motherhood, breaking out of societal constraints, and so much more. It was everything I could ever want from a story. I find myself still thinking about this book so often. *Pssst… it’s also a standalone*
Two books from the same author on the list? Damn right! ML Wang might just be my author of the year. This book blew me away in a different but equally memorable way. This story has dark academia vibes and is a high fantasy story with strong themes of nature vs industry, revenge, prejudice and legacy. Lots of heavy stuff that gives a pretty decent emotional gut punch, but oh was it so good. Also another standalone!
When I started this book I wouldn’t have guessed it would make this list. It was a slow beginning with a bit of world building to get my head around. But a little trust in the author paid off and I’m still thinking about this book months later.
HONORABLE MENTIONS
Despite the mixed reviews this quartet gets, I personally loved it so much. This book in particular. The setting, the world building, the character’s individual journeys, the changes of heart, Hobb’s wonderful writing… just gimme it all. Oh and the dragons!
Steam punk, fantasy, band of misfits, rogues and vagabonds, with vibes that remind me of Indiana Jones and Full Metal Alchemist, plus of course the heists… tell me all of that combined doesn’t sound like a damn good time? Such an underrated series.
This book is everything a sequel should be. It adds so much to this already wonderful story and world. It’s an epic fantasy story following three siblings set on a world where magic users can harness the power of the sun.
Does it feel weird to be mentioning Sarah J Maas on this list? A little, I’m not gonna lie! I have such a love-hate relationship with her writing. However, I’d be lying if I didn’t put this book on the list as a mention because it really was one I loved a whole lot. I loved the style it was written in and more authors should really write novellas like this as additions to their longer series. This book also hit me right in the face with all the sadness and feels…. totally unexpectedly. And for that alone it deserves a mention. I guess I’m turning into a reader who really loves to get her heart broken.
This series is top of my list of ones to continue next year. This book has so many great elements that I love in books; great characters, great friendships, banter, heart, well written action, a great story and just a whole lot of fun.
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