I honestly can‘t believe how quickly this year has flown by or that it’s time to to share some of the books I’ve loved most this year.
I‘ve actually read an astounding 200 books this year which is a huge a personal achievement for me (reading has been a huge coping mechanism the last couple of years, for obvious reasons.)
But, there were soo many incredible books released this year that compiling this list was an extremely difficult task as I wanted to declare soo many of them my favourite.
Fortunately, I did manage to whittle this roundup down to just 25 (painful as it may have been) so without further ado, here are my favourite books of 2021.
This is only the second book by V.E Schwab I’ve ever read and I can promise you it’s not going to be the last. It was everything I had hoped and more; immersive, suspenseful and dripping with the most intoxicating slow-burn romance.
The premise (a woman makes deal with the devil to live forever but, ends up cursed to be forgotten by everyone she meets) was what initially drew me to this.
But, the beautifully detailed writing—which spans several continents and three centuries of Addie’s extraordinary life is what really made this one of my favourites. Well, that and the deliciously intense encounters between Addie and Luca (the Devil-like entity Addie bargains with.)
If you had told me back when I first read the first four books of ACOTAR that someday I would actually like Nesta I’d have laughed at the idea, that’s how annoying she was. But just like a Sarah J. Maas plot twist, I’m now a huge supporter of Nesta’s and will defend her as if she were my own child. (Okay so that maybe a little over dramatic but you get the gist)
A Court of Silver Flames is an emotional rollercoaster of a book and I can see why she made this one Adult rather than YA as it really delves into the themes of grief, depression and sexual violence which really isn’t suitable for younger audience (TW: for sexual assault.)
Nesta’s journey isn’t an easy one— facing the trauma she’s experienced, the fears it has instilled and learning to overcome it but, her character development is utterly exceptional. I’ve loved all of Sarah J. Maas’ books, my favourites being the ACOTAR series, though I have to say this is leaps and bounds ahead of the rest.
I’ve been recommending this hauntingly lush and enchantingly creepy urban fantasy to absolutely everyone who enjoys dark or horror-esque YA fiction. Krystal Sutherland’s writing style is soo beautifully poetic here, in an otherworldly and macabre Grimm’s fairytale kind of way that I knew I had to included it on this list.
Elizabeth Lim has quickly become one of my favourite authors after I discovered her debut, Spin The Dawn at the end of 2019 and absolutely fell in love with her imaginative and vividly detailed world building.
Six Crimson Cranes is no different, it’s a masterful East Asian retelling of The Six Swans with stunning backdrops, magic and mercurial dragons and I for one can’t wait to see where Lim takes it in book 2 (currently entitled The Dragon’s Promise and set to be released in 2022.)
Another highlight for me was the newest instalment in Cassie’s vast world of The Shadowhunters and spinoff of her prequel series The Infernal Devices.
Chain of Iron (book 2 in The Last Hours series) continues the investigations into the murders, schemes and unexplained events that surround the children/family members of TID trio Will,Tessa and Jem and it really doesn’t disappoint.
As with Chain of Gold I adored the Edwardian setting (Cassie is exceptionally good when it comes to incorporating period accurate details) and loved getting to see my favourite sword-wielding Shadowhunter, Cordelia… and of course James (who really needs to communicate more.)
I really enjoyed the plot progression so far and can honestly say, despite puzzling it over I still can’t say for certain what I think will happen in the last book (which is always a good sign.)
I just hope the lengthy wait for Chain of Thorns doesn’t destroy me first.
My list of favourites tends to very fantasy heavy but I did really enjoy some great contemporary YA fiction this year and one of the most memorable was Nicola Yoon’s newest release. Beautifully heart-wrenching and utterly unforgettable it follows Evie, a former romance addict who no longer believes in love after her father leaves them for another woman.
It’s a really emotional read and I did cry while reading this one but I really loved it! It’s a really unique portrayal of love, trust and relationships (in all their varied forms.)
I knew the moment I finished this that it was gonna be on my favourites list, though I knew I’d enjoy it after seeing it compared to both The Cruel Prince and ACOTAR (two of my all time favourite series.)
It’s deliciously action packed with plot twists a plenty, plus it involves sexy fae princes —which are basically like catnip to me. Full of magic, deceit, danger and a phenomenal cast of characters not to mention that utterly spectacular ending. If I could go back and read this one for the first time I would.
A book that literally needs no introduction, Ali Hazelwood’s STEM romance with a grumpy-sunshine pairing and fake dating premise (with a TON of spice) has had incredible success, especially on Tiktok where literally everyone was talking about it and I have to admit, in wanting to see what all the fuss was about I did indeed pick this one up too.
It’s funny, self aware and has just the right amount of romance tropes to make this entertaining *cough* Only One Bed *cough*—despite all the hype I absolutely loved it! Given the craziness this year has brought I’m glad I managed to take a breather and enjoy this spectacular Rom-Com—I’ll certainly be reading whatever Hazelwood writes next.
I’m soo glad I finally managed to read the conclusion to the Raybearer duology this year and it was an absolute pleasure! The lush descriptions, endearingly vibrant characters and LGBTQ+ rep (especially asexual rep) was superb. I’m a sucker for a beautifully written fantasy, especially when it has well developed characters and a lot of edge of your seat action and I can guarantee Redemptor has all that and more—I highly recommend you read this (and the first book Raybearer) if you haven’t already.
I loved the decadence of Chloe Gong’s 1920s Shanghai retelling of Romeo and Juliet, These Violent Delights and can say-without a shadow of a doubt that it’s follow up, the exceptionally thrilling Our Violent Ends is even better! Gong’s writing alone made this a standout of the year but those perfectly placed, heart stopping twists, not to mention that phenomenal ending only reaffirmed it.
Another series conclusion that I absolutely loved and one of my most anticipated books of 2021, Gods&Monsters was an absolutely breathtaking read. It’s jam packed with action and really had me experiencing virtually every emotion possible—I loved it soo much I just couldn’t put it down. I don’t think words can do justice to how amazing this was. The world building is outstanding, the cast of characters are thoroughly entertaining (even in the most dire of circumstances) and the magic system is still surprisingly unique even this is the third book with this system, I’m still pleasantly surprised by how it all works (and how problems are cleverly dealt with). If you love witchy YA Fantasy as much as I do then I urge you to go check this series out for yourselves.
Anyone who knows me, knows I have four favourite genres: Fantasy,YA, Historical and Romance and Freya Marske’s enchantingly funny debut combines three of them! Magic, mystery and the attention to detail are amazing (especially the mention of William Morris wallpaper and Tiffany Glass) but it’s the slowburn and chemistry laden romance between hostile, standoffish Edwin and sociable, funloving Robin that truly make this one of my favourites.
It’s an LGBTQ+, Agatha Christie meets Deborah Harkness, historical fantasy—with all the charm of Downton Abbey and all the spice of Bridgerton!
2021 was the year I got really into reading Greek mythological retellings and luckily, several incredible new female centric retellings hit shelves this year (including Ariadne, Daughters of Sparta, and the beautifully illustrated Medusa.) But, my favourite was the book that started my obsession-Circe by Madeline Miller.
I vaguely remember her from lessons at school, but I’d never really known much past her turning men into pigs. But with such rich and transportive writing she really came to life on the page- and showing just how integral she was to so many popular myths.
After reading, I went down a rabbit hole of research on the women in Greek mythology and honestly there are soo many amazing stories that can still be told.
With Jennifer Saint’s Elektra released in 2022 and Madeline Miller’s upcoming Persephone retelling I know my infatuation is going nowhere for quite some time.
Off the back of my Greek myth obsession I picked up Kalynn Bayron’s newest book, This Poison Heart-about a girl with a deadly power and the dark forces she must conquer to protect the ones she loves, which I found absolutely enthralling.
Briseis was a marvellously strong and well adjusted character and her relationship with her parents was a breath (open and with a fairly decent amount of communication.)
I loved everything about it: the secret garden, deadly plant-life, the poison ivy-like protagonist, the fascinatingly creepy house filled with strange objects, Greek mythology, mysterious family history and even betrayal!
This dazzlingly addictive spinoff of Garber’s bestselling Caraval series really caught my attention this year, mostly for the enchantingly villainous Jacks who finally got his own series!
I adored the expansion on the lore and world building of Caraval and thought Evangeline was an even more endearing protagonist than either Scarlett or Donatella—was absolutely spellbound by her chemistry with Jacks and I’m definitely looking forward to The Ballad of Never After which is scheduled for release next year.
For the past few years Margaret Rogerson’s signature blend of lyrical prose and compelling characters has quickly made her one of my favourite authors, so when she released Vespertine (the first book in a new series) I knew it was going to be good.
But it exceeded all my expectations- it’s a little darker than her other books, serving bleak and atmospheric imagery that wouldn’t look out of place in a Witcher novel, we’re talking ravenous souls, sword wielding nuns and ancient relics.
I loved how much darker and grittier this was but it’s Artemisia and her entertaining dynamic with the haughty and irritable revenant that really made this a highlight of the year—trust me, the verbal sparring is phenomenal!
I managed to read all three of Stacey Halls’ books this year and though I enjoyed all of them it was Halls’ second novel, The Foundling that really resonated with me the most. It’s a tale of motherhood, class and grief that just pulled at my heartstrings. It’s definitely a deeply moving and human portrayal of 18th C life (particularly for women of all classes.)
If you love historical fiction then you should definitely give this one a read.
I read Kingdom of The Wicked (book 1) after seeing it pop up all over social media for months and though I did enjoy it (I usually enjoy any paranormal/ witchy book I can get ahold of) it wasn’t until I read Kingdom of The Cursed that I absolutely fell in love with this series. Kerri Maniscalco really steps up the romance between Emilia and Wrath with some much needed spice (which is probably why I love it soo much), not to mention the unbelievably well crafted world building of the courts/houses of Hell (and the princes who govern them.)
With vividly descriptive prose and a grittier, more realistic view at circus performers of the era; Elizabeth Macneal weaves a stunning tale of jealousy, exploitation and control into a story of love, survival and hope that I literally couldn’t put down.
I read this at the beginning of the year and instantly loved it—the fact that I’m still thinking about it months later is a testament to Macneal’s phenomenal writing skills.
I know this next group of books aren’t released until 2022 but I was fortunate enough to read early copies (ARCs) of them this year and absolutely fell in love with them. So much so in fact, that I just couldn’t wait to share them with you.
Masterfully blurring the lines of good and evil, Vanessa Len’s debut was honestly one to the most unique and deliciously addictive books I’ve read all year!
It has all the elements I love in a good fantasy: edge of your seat action, a compelling protagonist and marvellously crafted magic system, not to mention the gloriously brilliant twist on the Hero vs. Monster trope. And time-travel…or more specifically it has monsters who time-travel, trust me you’ve got to preorder this one—you’ll thank me for it later!
Another breathtaking 2022 debut that grabbed my attention, Daughter of The Moon Goddess is inspired by the legend of the Chinese moon goddess, Chang’e and Tan’s beautifully ethereal prose captures the dreamy, fairytale-esque world building and charming characters to perfection. It’s got exiled goddesses, ancient myths, vast and evocative cast characters and plenty of romance (with an exceptional take on the Friends to Lovers to Enemies trope.)
The physical edition doesn’t actually hit shelves in the UK until March 2022 but I know the ebook is already out and I urge you to go buy this one now!
I really loved this Pan African inspired magical YA fantasy, Ayana Gray serves up a veritable feast for the senses with her vividly detailed prose and intoxicatingly immersive lore.
It’s already a bestseller stateside and has also been optioned for a film adaptation by Netflix so I definitely recommend you get your hands on this one ASAP.
This is an exquisitely lush feminist retelling of the classic Korean folktale “The Tale of Shim Cheong” and I was blown away by just how much I loved Mina, a strong and compassionate protagonist who chooses her own destiny.
Dealing with themes of love, perseverance, family and sacrifice, I was fully immersed in all the richly detailed settings and loveable characters that wouldn’t look out of place in a Studio Ghibli movie.
Fans of Elizabeth Macneal’s Circus of Wonders are really going to enjoy this empowering tale of identity and morality from debut author Lianne Dillsworth.
As you’ve probably guessed by now I’m a sucker for Victorian-era historical fiction and this one is an absolute gem. The characters are well crafted with rich and complex backstories and the level of historical accuracy that I loved.
Expertly tackling themes of slavery, exploitation and racism, Dillsworth has created a compelling, unforgettable and utterly unputdownable read.
