- Introduction
It’s been a long year of reading and writing! I have made new writing and book friends, and converted some old ones! I know I’ve tried a lot of different blog topics since I’ve started this website, and it’s made discovering what I like and what kind of writer I am so enjoyable. Sharing my thoughts on books I love and authors who inspire me has given me more opportunities to try and explore than I could have imagined. But now, the story that brought me here has found shape and direction, and I have many other ideas to explore as well. There are now relevant books, authors, and concepts to study that will enhance my writing and make me someone worth publishing in the coming years.
So instead of being whimsical with my book choice, I will now be focused on non-fiction writing books, comparison titles for books I’m working on, and classics I’m using as inspiration for one particular storyline I can’t wait to share.
Before I change the direction this blog is taking to focus more on my writing, I thought I would take a moment to explore all my favorite books from the year. I thought about going farther back and doing all the books from the blog, but if I looked at every book from the last three years, this post would be way too long. But of course, I couldn’t narrow it down that far. So I offer you this: a far too long essay with the authors I fell in love with, the books that shocked me, and the series I couldn’t avoid saying yes to (even though I’m trying hard to stick to finished series to save my poor, strung-out brain).
2. Authors I discovered this year
- Sangu Mandanna
As with most of my favorite authors, I came across Mandanna on accident, and now I will most likely be collecting all over her books for the rest of her career. She writes cozy, encouraging, body positive stories about women finding and creating communities for themselves. Of course, she uses witchcraft to do so, as womxn (of every kind) are the most magical of creatures. Her book highlights found family and self-identification. These are inclusive, sweet stories with a wholesome plot line. I can’t wait to see what she puts out next!
Books I’ve Read
A. The Very Secret of Irregular Witches
B. A Witch’s Guide to Magical Innkeeping
2. Chante A. Campbell
I did not know these books were going to turn into such a milestone for my reading journey this year. I try to find independent authors to buy during shopping sprees, and she was one of them. All to find out she writes fantasy better than the Romantasy writers, her characters are fierce and stereotype-defying. She has dragons and love and magic and found family and very literally everything the mainstream stories have, at a much more intimate and creative level, honestly. After I had followed her for a while I learned that she’s an extra independent author, with her career and family on her shoulders.
Even though the Public hasn’t quite discovered this author yet, as soon as I realized they were going to defy all gender and romantay rules almost in mirror image, I knew they would be the best Fantasy of the year for me for sure. I signed up for their ARC, and then found out they’re doing all their publicity on their own. So if you see Cinnamon Rolls and Villainy in your store, buy it!
Books I’ve Read
A. Cinnamon Rolls and Villainy
B. Chocolate Pudding and Wicked Queens
3. Sarah Beth Durst
When I started reading her work, I had no idea her catalogue was already so extensive. Durst has been writing young adult and children’s books and I can’t wait to dive in (and get them for my library) next year! Durst is an active and engaging social media presence, giving an honest and politically aware perspective, while also encouraging authors and readers alike.
Books I’ve Read
A.The Spellshop
B. The Enchanted Greenhouse
4. Alexandra Vasti
I read the ARC of Ladies in Hating on Netgalley and pretty much became obsessed.
Since then, I’ve read
A. Ne’er Duke Well
B. Earl Crush
C. Both of the Halifax sisters novels
3. Top 10 Books of the Year
10. Ladies in Hating by Alexandra Vasti
9. Wild Side by Elsie Silver
8. A Day of Fallen Night by Samantha Shannon
7. Chocolate Pudding and Wicked Queens by Chante A. Campbell
6. Under Loch and Key by Lana Ferguson
5. Alchemy of Secrets by Stephanie Garber
Why – the writing is impeccable, the mystery is fantastic, there’s just enough romantic intrigue. It really has the making of literature, which is still as few and far between as it’s ever been.
4. My Roommate is a Vampire by Jenna Levine
Why – this is one of a series I discovered this year, and they’re all great! This was my favorite because Frederick is just delightful. There really is no other option but to love him. I checked out the whole series based on this book, and I was not disappointed. This holds a special place in my heart, though. Holding out to see if this is an author I can get behind, as I follow the rest of her work (and try to get books that aren’t just library audiobook check outs lol)
3. Ruthless Vows – Rebecca Ross
Why – This is part of a duology that changed my DNA on the same level that seeing The Notebook as a teenager did. It’s star-crossed lovers and magic and incredible writing. No notes.
2. The Bones Beneath My Skin by TJ Klune
TJ Klune brought us a new adventure this year, with car chases and crazy people and even a cult this time! I loved every minute of this, including the trip three counties away to see him and get a signed copy, and the immediate purchase of the audiobook.
- Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil by V.E. Schwab
Why – This is every genre, honestly. I wish I could explain it. I wish I weren’t half in love with all three women. Neither can be changed. This is also true vampiric literature – right up there with Dracula.
4. Series I Fell Victim To
I try to stay away from unfinished series, but a few got me! All of these are five stars, some down to the point of
4. Quicksilver and Brimstone by Callie Hart
3. The Never List by Jake Presley (the way I wish I’d discovered this series two books from now ahhhh)
2. Shield of Sparrows by Devney Perry
1. Fear the Flames, Wrath of the Dragons by Olivia Rose Darling (at least we got two but DAMN. I read them so fast)
5. Conclusion
This has not been a good year for our country, but I am so proud of us for persevering. I hope there is more love than hate next year. Our books are so important. I’ve spent this year reading anything and everything, and I’ll be spending the next year reading far more intentionally (except for those series I started – I’ll be irresponsibly buying beautiful copies and we allll know it). So my posts will be more intentional. Join me on the next leg of my writing journey, as I discover exactly what my style is.
See you next year!
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