2021 Bookshelf

Happy Wednesday! 

Honestly, I've been struggling a lot to come up with the motivation and inspiration to write on here. I love this blog and I love writing faith based posts on here, but at the moment I'm experiencing a bit of a dry season when it comes to this blog. I skipped last week's post because I didn't have a post and felt like I didn't have anything to say and this week... I still kind of feel like that. I'd like to write something poetic and pretty about Christmas or faith, but I don't think I have any pretty words in me right now. It may be partly because I wrote two first drafts in two months and am now having a little bit of burnout/writer's block. 

Last December I had a lot to say. Every week I had a post lined up and ready to go. But this December I've found myself feeling like anything I have to say is inadequate. And that's Ok. Not everything that I need to post on here needs to be profound and amazing. I'd like it to be. I'd like to always have an overflowing well of ideas and inspiration. But sometimes there are dry spells and that's alright. I don't want to neglect this blog just cus I'm going through one of those though, so I decided to do a fun post! A wrap up of all the books I read this year with ratings and a little review! Thank goodness for Goodreads that helps me keep track of all the books I've read this year or I wouldn't be able to remember half of them haha 

The Gilded Wolves by Roshani Chokshi 

(A reread) 

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 

Hands down one of my favorite reads of the last few years. The historical fantasy and treasure hunt aspect of this book helped inspire Golden Touch. I love the diversity of the ensemble cast and how we get to see the Golden Age of Paris from the view points of those who didn't benefit from all being of a higher class status during that time period. The banter between the characters was A+ and the magic system is so unique and unlike anything I've read before. 

The Silvered Serpents by Roshani Chokshi

⭐⭐⭐⭐

The sequel to The Gilded Wolves. I remember this one taking me a bit longer to get into, but it was still so good! I loved getting to see the characters being fleshed out and all the twists and turns of the mystery and treasure hunt that had begun in book one. The tension between Severin and the rest of the characters was great and I both loved and was so frustrated with Severin the entire book! 

Fighting Forward: Your Nitty Gritty Guide to Beating the Lies that Hold You Back by Hannah Brencher 

⭐⭐⭐⭐

I read this during a really difficult time. I was going through a friend break up, was confused and having a lot of questions with my faith. Honestly, I don't remember much about this book. I was leery of it if only because at the time I wanted to focus only on ingesting the straight word of God without having any biases or personal stories. I ended up reading it anyways if only out of desperation. I was hoping maybe I would have an epiphany or find some sort of encouragement and healing in her words. Maybe if I read it now I would have found those things, but at that point... nothing except for the Bible was going to be able to give me solace and the answers I needed. Nonetheless, I love Hannah Brencher's writing and I still got some good out of this book. 

A Court of Silver Flames by Sarah J. Maas 

⭐⭐⭐⭐

This book is wildly out of my comfort zone. I went into it knowing there would be a lot of spice and man was I right. The only reason I read is because I am hooked on ACOTAR and deeply invested in all of these characters haha It was cool seeing Cassian and Nesta's stories and getting to see Nesta's point of view. Honestly, if you can skip over all the spice, Nesta's character arc is beautiful. Maas has a true gift when it comes to portraying PTSD and depression. Beneath all the spice and fantasy is a story routed in human brokenness and the journey to heal and put yourself back together after falling apart. 

Daughter of the Deep by Lina C. Amarego 

⭐⭐⭐

I've followed Lina on Instagram for a while now and was excited to read her pirate fantasy when it came out. Honestly, I had a bit of a hard time getting into the story and I didn't connect with the characters the way I thought I would. But I enjoyed the romance and dynamic between Keira and Ronan. Also, can't go wrong with pirates haha 

The Chaos Circus by Renee Dugan 

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

This is a novella and I loved every second of this story! It gave me major Caraval vibes which I loved so much. The world is so vibrant and alive, dangerous and darkly magical. I became so invested in these characters and would honestly really love a book set in this world haha The ending was so creative and unique too! If you're a fan of the Caraval series, I would definitely check this one out! :) 

Shadow and Bone, Siege and Storm and Ruin and Rising by Leigh Bardugo 

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

For reasons I can't explain I never read this series until this year! I've heard a lot about it from bookstagram and people raving about it and everything, but just never cared enough to check it out until I saw the trailer for the Shadow and Bone TV show. Then I was like heck yeah, I need to read these books. And... I fell completely in love with them and read them all I think it was within the span of less than a month. The TV show did not disappoint either. It had to be one of the most accurate to the books TV show I've ever seen. (Siege and Storm was my favorite of the series if only because we are introduced to the treasure that is Nikolai Lantsov. 😍 Who needs Mal or the Darkling when you have Nikolai??) 

Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo 

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

I was tempted to deduct a star just because of how much I disliked Kaz. He was and is such a jerk and was so mean to all of his friends all the time. TV show Kaz is way nicer than book Kaz. I ranted to him to everyone who would listen because he got on my nerves so much reading both Six of Crows and Crooked Kingdom. Besides Kaz, I enjoyed the book immensely. My favorite part was Matthias and Nina. Everything about them is perfection. 😍 Also, the sheer genius of the plot and all the twists and kept me turning the page and left me slack jawed. 

Crooked Kingdom by Leigh Bardugo 

⭐⭐⭐⭐

If you read this book, you know why it only got four stars. There's a certain chapter near the end that made me so mad I couldn't even. I still disliked Kaz but I grew to have respect for him and could appreciate his genius. Also Inej and him are OTP all the way. I love them together so much and I especially love how the fandom freaks out every time they brush hands. 

King of Scars by Leigh Bardugo 

⭐⭐⭐

Honestly, this book disappointed me. I expected way more from a book about Nikolai and Zoya. The writing was not up the normal standard of Bardugo's regular writing. I felt like it fell flat and I don't know... it just disappointed me a lot because I was so excited for a book about Nikolai and then it ended up also being about Zoya and I'm pretty sure Nina too. Not that I don't like Nina and Zoya... but I was hoping for a book specifically about Nikolai.

Enchantee by Gita Trelease 

⭐⭐⭐

This was a fun, light read that I read for my book club. I did expect more than what I got, but I did honestly really love the love interest. I'm also a sucker for historical fantasy and though I would have preferred a little more fantasy, it was still fun to read. 

Rule of Wolves by Leigh Bardugo 

⭐⭐

I actually DNF-ed this book. Personally, I feel like she butchered Nina's character for the sake of these books. She should have left Nina to the world of the Crows and not involved her in this at all. There was something that happened in this book that made me so mad and I couldn't keep reading because it was just so ridiculous. I honestly wish she had never written King of Scars and Rule of Wolves... It sort of felt like they ruined the world and characters for me. (If you enjoyed these books I'm glad you did! This is just my personal opinion on them <3) 

The Caraval Series (Caraval, Legendary and Finale) by Stephanie Garber 

(A reread) 

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

It's always a delight to read and reread these books. By far one of my favorite series ever. Also, when I first read this series Tella was my favorite sister and I related to her, but rereading it, I actually enjoyed Scarlett's POV and related to her more. Not to say I don't love Tella anymore cus I still definitely do. Legendary has some of my favorite scenes in it and I love that book if only because it gave us Jacks (another treasure of a character in my book haha). 

Yesterday or Long Ago by Jenni Sauer 

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

A book of adorable, soft characters whom I love very much. I'm still waiting to me my own Tov. I've also never felt so seen before or related so much to a character as I did with Rinity. Rinity is my fictional counterpart. I am also completely in love with Amya and Gibbs and ship them so hard. 

Shadow by Kara Swanson 

⭐⭐⭐⭐

This book is not for the faint of heart! Oh my gosh, it was gut wrenching, but so good too! The ending had me literally in tears because it was so beautiful. My only thing is, the plot did feel a little rushed in some areas. Other than that though, the perfect ending to Kara Swanson's Peter Pan continuation. 

The Saltwater Heir by Cassidy Clarke 

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

This book surprised me! I honestly read it because the cover is so gorgeous... and then ended up sticking around for literally all the rest of it. The plot, the characters, the action, the world, all of it. This book was right up my alley and I loved literally everything about it. I loved the dynamic of the Atlas family and the friendship between Elias and Soren. The only thing I will say is there is some swearing in the book if that sort of thing bothers you. It wasn't enough to make me put it down or bother me too much, but figured it would be worth mentioning. I seriously can't wait for book 2! 

The Inheritance Games by Jennifer Lynn Barnes 

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

I don't normally read contemporary, but man, this book had me hooked! I am a sucker for a good mystery and crazy plot twists and this book had them all. If you love treasure hunts, mysteries, complicated family drama and brothers, this is the book for you. The writing felt a little simple to me but what she lacked in writing style she made up for in character development and a crazy genius plot.

 

Angel: After the Fall Vol. 1-4 by Brian Lynch 

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Ever since I finished the Angel series with it's horrible cliff hanger ending and the Buffy the Vampire Slayer comics, I've wanted to get my hands on the Angel comics. It took a while but my library finally got them in and I'm so glad they did. This comic series gives the Angel TV series and all the characters the ending they deserved. Also, my favorite part was getting to see Spike again. Any time I get to see Spike again in anything I am happy haha 

The Lux Series by Jennifer L. Armentrout 

(A reread) 

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

I end up rereading this series at least once a year. This is one of my favorite series of all time. Katie and Daemon are some of my favorite characters and I just really love the whole alien/human romance trope. Pretty much any supernatural-ish creature and human romance is my jam. There is low level spice (nowhere near SJM books) but still enough to be worthy of noting. I don't know, you just can never go wrong with this series. This series actually heavily inspired my St. Croix Falls series, especially Wayward haha 

Dearest Josephine by Caroline George 

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Again, I don't usually read contemporary books, but this was hands down one of the most beautiful books I've read all year. It spoke to my heart on so many different levels and means a lot to me. I'm grateful that my best friend Keturah pushed me to read this book until I gave in cus I needed Dearest Josephine in my life. We all need Dearest Josephine in our lives so I suggest you check it out. Caroline George's writing is profound, beautiful and deeply meaningful. 

Once Upon a Broken Heart by Stephanie Garber 

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Can this book have ten stars? Because this book deserves ten stars haha I love the Caraval series very much, but I think OUABH takes the cake for best Stephanie Garber book as of yet. This book spoke to my heart in so many ways and felt like it was written just for me. It has everything I love. Jacks, beautiful themes, a protagonist that I didn't think I'd like but ended up falling in love with, vampires, epic romance and a chilly, enchanting setting. I'm dying for book 2!

 

The Hawthorne Legacy by Jennifer Lynn Barnes 

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

The sequel to The Inheritance Games. I thought The Inheritance Games gave me jaw dropping twists and then I read this book. This book kept me ripping through the pages to find out what was even going on and what was going to happen! I could not put it down. Honestly, I loved the ending a lot and kind of wish there wasn't a third book coming out. I feel like the story and characters got wrapped up really nicely at the end of this one, but I'll be interested to see what she does for book three. 

Lakesedge by Lyndall Clipstone 

⭐⭐

I went into this book with high expectations and saw a lot of potential in it. The beginning started out strong and then the whole rest of the book fell flat for me. It was super disappointing and I barely managed to finish it. There was also a weird spice scene near the middle that seemed really out of place. 

A Thieving Curse by Selina R. Gonzalez 

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

One of the best Beauty and Beast retellings I've ever read. I ship Alexander and Raelyn so hard! I loved all of their interactions and thought it was such a unique, fun twist on the story while also remaining true to the fairytale. I think my favorite part of this book was Alexander's character and all of dragon aspects to him haha 

Sorcery of Thorns by Margaret Rogerson

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

I read this book because I saw some amazing fanart of Elizabeth, Nathaniel and Silas and was like, yeah, I need to read this. The world of Sorcery of Thorns is one of my favorite fantasy worlds I've ever read. I love the magic system and would gladly read more books set in this world. Honestly, I just loved everything about this book. I loved Elizabeth as a main character and her connection to grimoires, I loved Nathaniel and Silas' relationship and I loved the themes of the way women were treated during the Victorian age. The book did feel a little slow in certain places, I prefer my books to have more dialogue in them than this one did, but it didn't bother me enough to deduct a star or make it any less enjoyable to read. 

The Dragon Prince's Heart: An A Thieving Curse Companion Novella by Selina R. Gonzalez 

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

A fun companion to A Thieving Curse telling the beginning of the story in Alexander's POV. 

On These Black Sands by Vanessa Rasanen 

⭐⭐⭐

This one started out strong and then by the end I had a hard time finishing it. I loved the characters and I liked that the main character Aoife has anxiety. It was cool to see that represented in a fantasy book like this. It was another fun pirate read, but just wasn't my thing I guess. 

A Little Beside You by Jenni Sauer 

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Another book full of soft characters who have my whole heart. I got very excited when I realized Bender can't swallow pills like me. I've never read a character with such a specific quirk like mine and it was just cool to read haha Bender and Cori are adorable together and I loved the sweet softness of this book mixed with meaningful themes and the gang politics. Also, I'm ready to read a book about Aldean. He was one of my favorite characters of the book haha 

Wait Until Tomorrow by Jenni Sauer 

⭐⭐⭐⭐

A cute read with more soft characters (yes, I love all of Jenni's soft characters, Okay??). Definitely gave me more fairytale vibes, but I still enjoyed it a lot. Super fun and cute read. 

Small Favors by Erin A. Craig 

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

This book messed with my head so much! I went in expecting a dark Fae fantasy, like the kind of dark that's The Cruel Prince or 13 Treasures but what I got instead was like a full on horror story and psychological thriller. It was masterfully done and I could relate to the Ellerie in a lot of ways. Also, I fell in love with Whitaker immediately (who doesn't love a handsome, mysterious and flirty stranger?). Whitaker is my new book boyfriend all the way haha But seriously, there were certain scenes/parts that gave me the creeps and made me a little paranoid and couldn't read at night because it freaked me out. Also, was pretty unhappy with the ending but I guess the ending stuck true to the train wreck of events that happened in the rest of the book. Still... definitely a bittersweet ending. 

Little Thieves by Margaret Owen 

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 

Thanks to Jenni Sauer for raving about this book so much that I had to read it. This book was so good and I'm having a major book hangover after finishing it. The world was so cool and I loved the magic involved in the story a lot. Vanja is such a unique main character that kept me guessing the whole time. I also wasn't expecting it to be so comedic but I'm not complaining cus apparently Margaret Owens and I have the same kind of humor haha I don't know if I have the words to full express how much I enjoyed this book. It's the kind of book that inspires me to want to write a book as good as this one. Also, someone please give me more Vanja and Emeric cuz they are also OTP material. 

(I also am in the middle of reading Six Crimson Cranes by Elizabeth Lim, but since I haven't finished it yet, I didn't add it to this list, but I do plan to finish it before the end of this year and so far, it's getting five stars from me.) 

If you made it to the end of this very long blog post, congratulations and thank you for sticking through to the end! This was such a fun post to write and I hope maybe was helpful to you when it comes to picking one of the books from this list! 

What were some of your favorite reads of this year??