It’s Christmas Eve!!!  I’m just about to start our Festive Tradition of making mince pies and sausage roll (veggie ones for me!) with Biba. Christmas Eve is one of my favourite days of the year, so what better time to talk about my top 10 favourite books (it might actually be 11 as I just couldn’t narrow it down…) that I’ve read this year! You can find my reviews to each book by following the review link at the end of each book summary.

Song of Sorrow by Melinda Salisbury

Honestly, this book was nothing short of perfection. State of Sorrow featured in my top 10 last year and Song of Sorrow was top of my anticipated reads this year and it didn’t disappoint one bit. I adored every page and every twist the story took even when it felt that there was no way out. Also, I love Luvian more than just a little ❤ Review.

Viper by Bex Hogan

Viper took me completely by surprise! I was granted a copy from Netgalley and I couldn’t put it down, the writing was exceptional and the story just felt so alive. I was so pleased to then get a paperback copy in a Fairyloot box and even better, I then got to meet Bex Hogan at #Yalc. She is the sweetest individual and we discovered a mutual love for the game Hero Quest 🙂 Review

Aurora Rising by Jay Kristoff and Amie Kaufman

Whilst I failed during #thegreatbreaking of Goldsboro’s website to get their edition, I did manage to snag a copy of this book from my Illumicrate Box. It was wonderful, full of snark, and squad goals to rival my beloved Rampion Crew! I adored how completely individual every member of Squad 312 was and Zila totally stood out. I have seen the Kal based cover for Aurora Burning and I honestly can’t wait! Review.

Sanctuary by V.V James

I have to admit that Sanctuary was not on my radar at all, until James from Geeky Clean couldn’t stop singing it’s praises at Yalc. Unusual for me in that it is a contemporary setting, the inclusion of modern day Witchcraft in a alternative reality way was brilliant. A brilliant narrative on mob mentality, the closing stages had me full of fear, just fantastic. Review.

The Quiet at the End of the World by Lauren James

Lauren James is fast becoming one of my favourite authors, The Loneliest Girl in the Universe hit my top ten last year and the moment this wonderful stand alone was released I couldn’t wait to grab it. I think there is just something about her writing style that fits so well, unusually narrative twists by way of social media posts brought the story to life in an interesting way. It’s so inclusive and I felt it was a real education too. Review.

Awakening by Bethany Adams

It’s no secret that The Return of the Elves series is one of my favourites but I went into Awakening with a fair bit of trepidation. It focuses on Blood Elf, Vek and I’ve not been his biggest fan in earlier books. I needn’t have worried though as Bethany Adams is such an amazing story teller that she totally turned him around in my estimations. This book also completely nailed complex battle scenes so well that I felt completely consumed by the pages. I can’t wait for Ascent next year! Review.

Darkdawn – Jay Kristoff

For years Nevernight had been one of those books that I had seen everywhere but never quite got round to, so when Harper Voyager were offering a free download of the audio book if you signed up to their newsletter at Yalc, I felt that it was the perfect time! I was so glad that I came to it late because I could just go from book to book and was ready for Darkdawn’s release. Honestly it shattered me. So many revelations, heartbreak and truly epic fantasy, it was the perfect ending to the series, although I just can’t forgive one point, message me if you want to discuss!! I’ve not yet written a review.

The Prince of Dragons by Tameri Etherton

Tameri Etherton is a totally new author to me, I had the joy of meeting her at Chapter.con this year! When she offered copies of the first two books in her Song of Swords series to me I gratefully accepted, although there was no obligation to review from her I just fell so in love with the characters and the story I had to give book one, The Price of Dragons, five stars. It’s truly epic fantasy with a wonderful magic system and characters who actually stand by their oaths and are committed to their causes. I’m so glad I have book two as well! Review.

By the Feet of Men by Grant Price

Grant Price is to be commended firstly for his approach to bloggers, he found me not long after I stopped being Post Apocalyptic Playground and graciously understood that I had moved away from dystopia. However, I had to admit that I loved the premise to his story and actually, it turned out to be just book I needed to reignite my love of post apocalyptic worlds and dystopian environments. A real road movie of a book, it was gritty and stark but also hopeful for human nature and friendship, it also gave a scarily plausible future. Review.

Fighting Back by Rachel Churcher

I had the pleasure of meeting Rachel Churcher at Yalc this year, it’s funny how random encounters lead to something fantastic. I’ve loved reviewing her Battleground series and her guest posts on the blog have been amazing and insightful for the books. It been a steadily high rating series for me but Fighting Back lifted the series to a new level and it was the stand out with the way the story started to flip and the vibrant imagery. You can find my review here but it will contain spoilers for the earlier books.

Dark Shores by Danielle L Jensen

A book that I instantly connected with, I adored the writing style and the alternating POV’s. A gorgeous story with wonderful magics and terrifying lessons to be learned. I loved the Roman feel that made the story instantly accessible. I know that the next book is a parallel with other characters rather than a continuation, but i’m excited for it nonetheless! Review