My Favorite Reads of 2021
I read 50 books this past year. Some were so mesmerizing that I had to resist the urge to immediately reread them upon turning their final page. Others were less than stellar and have since been relegated to the partially obscured corner of my bookshelf. Eleven books, however, stood out from the pack.
Wintersong by S. Jae-Jones
The 1980s movie Labyrinth + the Hades and Persephone myth = Wintersong. This dark fairy tale features lush, lyrical writing and a captivating story.
A Court of Silver Flames by Sarah J. Maas
This highly anticipated installment in the A Court of Thorns and Roses series does not disappoint. It tells the story of Nesta, Feyre’s prickly and sorely misunderstood sister.
Uprooted by Naomi Novik
This book had me hooked from the very first sentence, and it retained my interest with its imaginative plot featuring magic, monsters, and evil woods. It is a standalone book, so it is an ideal pick for those who want to dip their toes into the fantasy genre without having to commit to an entire series.
Blackmoore by Julianne Donaldson
Jane Austen is one of my favorite authors, and Blackmoore, with its Austenesque characters and setting, enchanted me.
Where the Lost Wander by Amy Harmon
Transporting you back in time to the height of westward migration in the United States, Where the Lost Wander brings the time period to life without romanticizing it. It is a heartbreakingly beautiful story that sticks with you well after you turn the final page.
These Hollow Vows by Lexi Ryan
These Hollow Vows is a fast-paced, escapist read and a promising start to the eponymous duology.
Finale by Stephanie Garber
This finale (pun intended) to the Caraval series is everything I could have hoped for and then some. Filled with action, big reveals, magic, and romance, Finale will have you eagerly turning page after page.
The Bridge Kingdom by Danielle Jensen
The Bridge Kingdom is so good that I am honestly shocked that more people are not talking about it. It has it all: an enemies-to-lovers romance, action, suspense, fleshed-out characters, and world building.
The High Mountain Court by A.K. Mulford
The High Mountain Court is a brilliant debut. Perfect for fans of Sarah J. Maas, it features faeries, witches, and a healthy dose of romance.
The Witches’ Blade by A.K. Mulford
This sequel to The High Mountain Court is just as good, if not better, than its predecessor. The plot is fast-paced and enthralling, and the romance is the perfect mix of slow burn and steamy.
Once upon a Broken Heart by Stephanie Garber
This was truly an unputdownable read for me. From the moment that I opened the book and read the first line, I was hooked. I ended up binge reading the entire book in a little over a day. Once upon a Broken Heart is the first book in a series focusing on Evangeline, a new character in the Caraval universe, and Jacks, the Fate first introduced in Legendary.
Full review of Once upon a Broken Heart
Well, that does it for my favorite reads of the year. What were yours? Let me know in the comments section below!
-Julia
P.S. Want to know what my favorite reads of 2020 were? Find out here.
Also, you can buy all of the books from this list at Bookshop.org.
Disclosure: I am an affiliate of Bookshop.org, and I will earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you) if you click through and make a purchase.
