It’s an unfortunate fact that I really got burned this year by reader’s block. I just couldn’t really get into any books, and when I did, it almost felt like a chore. My book goal to read 52 books has been left by the wayside. There are so many books on my TBR shelves that I’m holding onto until I’m in a better place to delve into them.
But that’s not what I’m here to talk about today. Today, I’m talking about a few of my favorite books that I read this year.
Yes, I only read about 20 books this year (not counting The Old Guard Tales Through Time comics). But that’s just the way it went.
So let’s break down some of my favorite books this year.
Lore by Alexandra Bracken
Lore blew me out of the water. I wasn’t really sure what I was getting into when I cracked this one open, but it came from both Owlcrate and Barnes and Noble’s YA Book club, so it couldn’t be terrible. THe premise was complex and worked well. The characters were dynamic and made mistakes with consequences. Yes, there was some suspension of disbelief, but I’m okay with that. It’s an urban fantasy that I highly recommend, especially if you had any love for the Percy Jackson books going up. The mythology alone was perfect.
Good Girl, Bad Blood by Holly Jackson
I knew going into this book that I would really love it or really hate it. And I’m so happy to say that I loved it! Following up the amazing book that was Good Girls Guide to Murder was a tall order, but Ms. Jackson nailed it in every way. The characters have all grown up a little, and are still making mistakes that make sense. The choices they make hurt and have consequences, sometimes devastatingly. But it absolutely lived up to the hype. The third book is already out and I’m praying I get it for Chirsmtas, as my library has a waitlist until next year, ebook included.
Across the Green Grass Fields by Seanan McGuire
This year’s installment into the Wayward Children novella series was well worth the wait. This tale is the sixth (not counting the additional short story), and was written as a good entry point for anyone wanting to come into the series. I was mostly surprised by it, as I loved the characters from the first five entries, but this worked well. There were some minor issues I had with it, which I detailed in my review, but I’m okay with it and eagerly waiting for the seventh novella in January.
Considering that this year, my reading was down, I also want to touch on three disappointing reads. One was a highly anticipated sequel, one was a random “whim” book, and one just didn’t do it.
Lost in the Never Woods by Aiden Thomas
I saw the cover and wanted it. I read the summary and fell in love. Then I read it in one sitting… and walked away disappointed. I feel like it didn’t live up to the hype that it should have. The writing was passable, but the story just felt lost. I wasn’t a fan of most of the twists, and the ending didn’t do it for me. I gave it three stars, but that was a struggle.
City of Villains by Estelle Laure
I happened upon this book via Target, when I needed a few extra bucks for a delivery order. And honestly, I wish I’d left it on the digital shelves. This very much reminded me of a combination of Once Upon a Time and Descendents, but it missed the mark. The worldbuilding didn’t work, the characters felt very one note, the storyline was contrived at best, and honestly? It just wasn’t very good. And I’m sad about it, because it could have been.
Blood & Honey by Shelby Mahurin
I talked up Serpent & Dove when I read it. I’d loved that book and was excited to see where the sequel would take us. The writing had been amazing, the stakes rising with every misstep… It had it in the bag! And then Blood & Honey came out, and wow was I disappointed. Everything felt off. The writing wasn’t engaging anymore. The storyline dragged on. There was an unnecessary character death that was just there to bring tears to the eyes of readers, especially since said character had just had a short pivotal plot line over the back half of the novel. It was a complete betrayal. I have already decided to not read the finale of the series Gods & Monsters, because I feel like I can’t trust the author anymore. I didn’t recognize these characters from page one. Can I trust her to bring them back? No, not at all.
Wrap Up
Those are my three favorite books of 2021, and my three most disappointing reads of 2021. I did read some others (and reread some more), but I’m not sure if I’m going to break them down or not. With me barely scratching the surface on my TBR list because of everything, I may push that until next year. Who knows, maybe I’ll do amazing then.
Until next time!
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