Can you believe we are at the end of 2021? *Cue meme about me still trying to process 2019* I decided to only do a roundup of my top 5 books this year since I only read ~52 books. 2021 was definitely the year of me reading less due to some major life changes and also picking up other hobbies, so I found myself gravitating toward books I wanted to read, rather than feeling like I needed to keep up with certain releases/authors. I also was surprised to find that 4 out of my top 5 books are not only fantasy/paranormal, but also books that are midway through series, too!
A Court of Silver Flames | ACOTAR #4 | I am a huge fan of this series, so no surprises here. It was actually pretty refreshing that it focused on Nesta rather than Feyre/Rhys (whom I used to love but started becoming annoying in later books, TBH). I enjoyed seeing how Nesta’s healing journey from her immense trauma looked very different from Feyre’s, and the friendships she cultivated with other female characters was interesting to read, especially toward the end of the book where they all had to face a particular challenge together. I also just loved having the opportunity to explore the ACOTAR world further!
Chain of Iron | The Last Hours #2 | I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again- I absolutely adore the Shadowhunter books that are set in a historical fiction setting. There’s something about them that is so special, and so much more immersive to me. I don’t think there’s a single character in The Last Hours series I don’t enjoy following, and it’s so fun to still glimpse my faves from TID as adults. Also, who isn’t a sucker for a good marriage of convenience trope? This may be my fave gang of fictional characters that I wish I could hang out with IRL!
The Crown of Gilded Bones | Blood and Ash #2 | When I tell you I fell hard and fast for this series unexpectedly, I am not exaggerating. This series has been such a rollercoaster of me, with the first book dragging the first half and then picking up significantly, the second book being such an indulgent read, and then the third letting me down basically chapter by chapter *sobs*. This book, however, was so addictive, and didn’t feel like the *typical* sophomore, filler book in a series. It’s also so easy to read, definitely feels like “fantasy-lite.” However, I don’t know if I’ll ever reread it considering what a letdown the next book in the series is 🙁
The Love Hypothesis | My one non-fantasy, non-series title in this list! I had heard a lot of great things about this one, but I was surprised by how addicted I was to it- I think I read the first half in one sitting, which doesn’t happen often these days. I don’t think I’ve ever read a book set in grad school (I get excited enough with books with an undergrad setting lol) and it was just so fun!
Kingdom of the Cursed | Kingdom of the Wicked #2 | Full disclosure, at the time of writing this I haven’t even finished this book but I already know it’s going to be a fave! It’s SUCH a departure from the first book for me which was OK but felt like the paranormal romances of the mid-2010s, but I personally think this one could carve out a new niche in NA fantasy!
Did any of these make your top books of 2021 list?
The Maas books have such beautiful covers. We have that series but I haven’t read them yet.
Have a happy New Year!!
Thank you so much, Greg! I definitely recommend them!
I agree! The historical Shadowhunter books are my favorites, as well! Fingers crossed Chain of Thorns actually publishes in 2022. 😉
Yesss I understand why the books take so long to write (they’re so long!) but it’s torture waiting so long between books!
THE LOVE HYPOTHESIS & A COURT OF SILVER FLAMES were both on my list!
Ahhhh they are both soooo good! I can’t wait to read all of the novellas Ali Hazelwood is going to release in THE LOVE HYPOTHESIS universe this year!
Great list! I keep meaning to give Kerri Maniscalco’s work a try.
Honestly this is the third book I’ve read by her and is BY FAR the best!
I’ve read none of your favourites. But The Love Hypothesis was one of my most anticipated reads of the year and is on my Kindle waiting to be read so does that count? Hopefully I can make it a favourite of 2022.
I think it counts lol! Definitely worth getting to it!