This has been a strange year. I started out with a reading goal of thirty books. I ended up reading 103 books! The most I’ve ever read in a year. Yes, I’m including comics and manga too. But still, it’s a lot. Over 20k pages. And I’m not even counting the reading my own books for edits and proofreading.
So many books, and still so little chonker points… I didn’t count the manga/comics towards my chonker goal and only got to 32,5. I think it’s still good considering everything. I haven’t read many books worthy of the chonk title, and not one book worth more than one point. So reading this many books is the only reason why I got over 30 points anyway. It was a challenge, and not one I thought I’d make. I’d have to put real effort to get there. 30 was my achievable goal, which I got. So I’m pretty happy about that.
BBNYA only added three books read, but I’ve discovered so many more books. Even just reading the 1000 word and the 10.000 word samples were enticing. Some I really wanted to read more of, others not so much. And that’s fine too, right? But I’m really glad I participated in the event, and I think all of the finalists really deserve to be on that list. Check out the full list, and keep your eyes out for next year’s round if you’re a book blogger or reviewer!
Best reads
Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
There were a handful of books that stood out to me. (One I’m not going to talk about for reasons.) Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia is my absolute top book this year. Even if I don’t read horror or gothic stories that much, this one blew me away. It devoured me. It’s creepy, it made me feel uncomfortable, I was rooting for Noemi, condemning the horrible man.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who dares to read it. Maybe don’t read it before bedtimes. It came out June 30th, so it’s pretty new too!
Read my spoiler-free review here but be aware content warning apply. I haven’t mentioned them as it might be spoiler.
Seven Devils by Laura Lam & Elizabeth May
Seven Devils by Laura Lam and Elizabeth May really surprised me. I was already familiar with Lam’s writing (loved it) but this book is not a genre I usually read. I was approved for a Netgalley in exchange for a review. I’m sad to say the review isn’t written yet, but will be soon. I can already say it’s a five-star book for me, and it would’ve been my top book if Mexican Gothic hadn’t given me all the feels.
Seven Devils is honestly so good. I can’t fault it on any level. The characters are great, the world-building is great, the conflict is amazing, and I love how the authors really don’t have any mercy for their characters. If sci-fi is on your list of genres, please check this out. I can’t wait for the sequel and will hold off buying hardcover versions until their both out so I have a matching set. I know I’ll be rereading it for years to come.
The full review is coming soon.
Moontangled by Stephanie Burgis
On the total opposite site, there is Moontangled by Stephanie Burgis. A beautiful f/f fantasy romance story which made me tear up multiple times. Juliana and Caroline are so adorable together and I cheered them on from the first time I met them in one of the previous books.
Moontangled is part of the Harwood Spellbook series but all of the books are standalone. It’s a feel-good series which is perfect to relax with during these stressing times. Also, this might be one of my favourite covers of the books I read this year. Ravven is such a talented artist.
Gods of Jade and Shadow by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
Gods of Jade and Shadow also by Silvia Moreno-Garcia is the midway point between the two previous books. A lovely romance in between a dark setting with death and abuse. It’s during the 1920s in Mexico and is heavily flavoured with Aztec mythology as the male lead is Hun-Kame, one of the Mayan death gods.
After reading these two books, I can say I’m a fan of Moreno-Garcia’s writing. I absolutely love her style and creativity. More books by here are on my TBR.
Check out my review here.
The Cousins by Karen M. McManus
The Cousins was the first book by Karen M. McManus and I loved it. It’s a really great YA suspense novel, and who doesn’t love uncovering a family secret? Everything about this book is just perfect. I loved the characters, and their actions made sense. There are a few secondary characters which interested me a lot and them not getting enough screentime might be the only downside. It’s a well-crafted mystery with a satisfying ending.
Check out my full review here.
The Inheritance Games by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
The Inheritance Games is much like The Cousins although in this one, the girl invited by the rich family inherits just about everything. The four grandsons aren’t all too happy about her arrival. But with four potential love interests, it was interesting to see where it was headed. And why the billionaire choose this random girl as his heir.
I highly recommend these two books. If you liked one of them, you’ll be sure to love the other. Both are fast-paced, so you might want to start this while you have a few hours because you’ll want to know what happens next.
Check out my full review here.
Other books I’ve read
The complete Wicca-series by Cate Tiernan (15 books)
Wicked As You Wish by Rin Chupeco (review coming soon)
The Wrongful Death by Kenneth B. Andersen
The Die of Death by Kenneth B. Andersen
Dance of Shadows by Yelena Black
Magic Unleashed by Devri Walls
Son of Secrets by N. J. Simmonds
Kingshold by D. P. Wolliscroft
Rise of Gaia by Kristin Ward
The Black Tides of Heaven by JY (Neon) Yang (review coming soon)
The Cake Fairies by Isabella May
Self-editing For Fiction Writers by Renni Browne & Dave King
A Sparrow Alone by Mim Eichmann
Wrapped Up In You by Talia Hibbert
The INFP Book by Catherine Chea
Japan in honderd kleine stukjes by Paulien Cornelisse
Productivity For Writers by Kristina Adams
Frostgilded by Stephanie Burgis
Vultures by Luke Tarzian
The First Of Shadows by Deck Matthews
ARCs
Of Dragons, Feasts and Murder by Aliette de Bodard
The Music The Stars Sand by T.L. Cervantes
Seven Devils by Laura Lam & Elizabeth May
A Girl Made Of Air by Nydia Hetherington
The Cousins by Karen M. McManus
The Beast and the Bethany by Jack Meggitt-Philips
How To Break An Evil Curse by Laura Morrison
Secret Legacy by Carissa Andrews
Soul Legacy by Carissa Andrews
Haunted Legacy by Carissa Andrews
Cursed Legacy by Carissa Andrews
The Ship of Shadows by Maria Kuzniar
The Wolf and the Water by Josie Jaffrey
Killian’s Dead by Josie Jaffrey
May Day by Josie Jaffrey
BBNYA Reads
Marrow Charm by Kristin Jacques
Calico Thunder Rides Again by T. A. Hernandez
Fid’s Crusade by David H. Reiss
Manga & comics
Beck Vol 1 – 36
Love Hina Omnibus 1
The Fox and the Tanuki Vol 1 (ARC)
Cagaster Vol 1 (ARC)
Don’t Call Me Daddy Vol 1 (ARC)
Kakushigoto: My Dad’s Secret Ambition Vol 1 (ARC)
Cat’s Cafe (ARC)
Wheel of Time Vol 1
The Tea Dragon Tapestry (ARC)
Ever After (ARC)
