Best Books of 2021
Well when I said last year I would make reading a priority again…I lied. I did try, but I still haven’t found the perfect place to fit reading into my everyday routine so that is definitely a top goal for this coming year. Though I did not achieve my yearly goal of 25 books, the few I read I really enjoyed.
Also this year I switched over to using StoryGraph, an independently-owned reading tracker app instead of Amazon-owned GoodReads. StoryGraph works very similar to GoodReads, but actually gives you more information about your reading progress and recommends you a lot more indie reads. It isn’t perfect yet, but it can only get better with user feedback so if you set a yearly reading goal or just like to keep track of the books you are reading, consider giving StoryGraph a try.
My reading goal for 2022 will be 25 books again, but I also want to make it a goal to catch up on at least four series plus read all the books I already own.
Anyway, in no particular order, here are my top 9 reads of 2021:
1. Fence: Disarmed by Sarah Rees Brennan (contemporary)
Like the first book, I binged this in one day. It is funny and angsty and fluffy, full of friendship and fencing. The cast of characters is unique and I love every single one of them. Fingers crossed there will be another book.
2. The Folk of the Air & How the King of Elfhame Learned to Hate Stories by Holly Black (fantasy)
I finally picked up the rest of this series and I’m so glad I did. It has all my favorites; fantasy creatures in the modern world, enemies-to-lovers and dark faeries. Its fast-pace kept me turning pages until the last. My favorite honestly is the collection of short stories from Cardan’s POV and I can’t wait for the next series in this world.
3. Sex Witch: Magickal Spells for Love, Lust and Self-Protection by Sophie Saint Thomas (witchy)
It has been a while since I read a book on witchcraft that really made me want to spice up my practice (no pun intended), but this is now one of my favorite references. It is written for everyone, even if you aren’t really into the idea of tapping into sex magic, this book gives you alternatives to all the spells and practices discussed. Beautifully written and honestly flawless.
4. Here at Dawn by Beau Taplin (poetry)
Finally picked up another book from my favorite poet. ‘Words of You’ is still probably my (second) favorite collection and this book stood up to it and I look forward to more. A few samples are in the pictures so you can get a taste.
5. Cemetery Boys by Aiden Thomas (urban fantasy)
A new LGBT+ novel by a debut author. The description of magic, ghosts and culture in this book was amazing. Though at times the plot was a little predictable, it was still a very enjoyable read.
6. DragonLight by Donita K. Paul (high fantasy)
The last book in one of my all-time favorite series. These books have been with me for years and it’s crazy that I am just now finishing it. A gentle, easy to follow fantasy with lovable characters and so many dragons.
7. The Ultimate Sin by Reginee Sephus (LGBT+, werewolf)
When I found out the Wattpad series that got me into the werewolf genre had the first book edited and published in a physical form, I was over the moon! The new editing brought more to the story and I can’t wait until I can have the whole series on my shelf.
8. Any Way the Wind Blows by Rainbow Rowell (urban fantasy)
This might be my favorite book of the year for nostalgia and how beautiful Baz and Simon’s resolved relationship is. I like to think of this series just as Carry On and Any Way the Wind Blows. I am definitely sad that this amazing series is over, but I think it ended perfectly.
9. Year of the Witch: Connecting with Nature’s Seasons Through Intuitive Magick by Temperance Alden (witchy)
As a SoCal witch, I don’t get to experience the seasons like other places so this was a great inspiration and had some great tips for connecting with the change of season as well as Mother Earth and the eight sabbets along with creating your own Wheel of the Year, which you will be seeing more posts on this year.