Let’s Talk: My favourite reads of 2020 (So far)

I don’t think I will ever stop commenting on how far into the year we are – how are we nearly at the end of November already? It has whizzed past, and I hope everyone is continuing to be safe, wearing their masks and socially distancing! I thought it might be nice to reflect on the year thus far and talk about a few of my favourite reads this year. Without further ado, let’s get into it! 

1. Where Dreams Descend by Janella Angeles.

Wow, what a beautiful debut. This book has everything you could possibly want in it: magic, mystery, and a captivating Phantom of the Opera retelling that will have you turning page after page. This book contains a beautiful writing style with lush descriptions, and characters that are genuinely likable and intriguing. This book was reviewed by my lovely friend Caitlyn, which you can find HERE, and I highly recommend reading that one for more comments and a longer review on this novel. Ultimately, I think this is the perfect read for fantasy lovers, and I can’t wait to continue the series next year. 

Goodreads | TheStorygraph | Bookshop | Indie Bound 

2. The Girl from the Well by Rin Chupeco. 

This book was hauntingly wonderful, with a scary element I wasn’t expecting. I’ve been meaning to pick up their other books, mainlyThe Bone Witch trilogy, so I was super excited to pick up this one first. It’s filled with a wonderful story full of ghosts, Japanese folklore and a beautiful writing style that makes this book not only a page turner, but an enjoyable read as well. I included this book as my pick for our All Hallows Read series, which you can find HERE, for the same reasons as above. This book was truly a surprise favourite, and I’m so glad to have picked it up. 

Goodreads | TheStoryGraph | Bookshop | Indie Bound | Boomerang Books

3. Cemetery Boys by Aiden Thomas 

I know what you’re thinking, Mary you haven’t actually finished this book yet, but it counts okay? Sure, I haven’t finished it, (sorry Cossette, I will finish it soon I promise!), but it’s already so wonderful and magical and overall just a good time. It’s another stellar debut on this list, with Thomas already cementing themselves as an author whose books I anticipate in the coming years. The writing style in this book is so wonderful, blending magic and realism so well that it almost feels like it’s real and happening as you turn the pages. For a better, longer and more comprehensive review of this book (and from someone who has actually finished it), the lovely Cossette has written one as her pick for All Hallow’s Read which you can find HERE. 

Goodreads | TheStorygraph | Bookshop | Indie Bound

4. Aurora Rising by Jay Kristoff and Amie Kaufman

The Illuminae Files is one of my favourite book series of all time, so I was so happy thatThe Aurora Cycle lived up to my many expectations and more. Kristoff and Kaufman just write so well together, their styles mixing to make a pleasant experience and their descriptive prose being wonderful to read. This story is full of excitement, and a band of characters that are just so utterly lovable that it makes you genuinely want to see what’s going to happen next. I am eagerly counting down the days until book 3, it can’t come soon enough.

Goodreads | TheStoryGraph | Bookshop | Indie Bound | Boomerang Books

5. From Blood and Ash by Jennifer L. Armentrout 

I’m sure nobody is surprised about this entry on the list. Pretty much everyone on bookstagram is obsessed with this series, and I can finally see why. It’s an action packed fantasy with an interesting plot, great world building and a fun band of characters that are enjoyable to read about. You don’t see the twists and turns coming, and it left me binge reading in two days, and then immediately starting with the sequel. I’m so excited to see where book 3 takes us, and I’m sure it’ll be nothing short of wonderful! 

Goodreads | TheStoryGraph | Bookshop | Indie Bound 

So there we have it, my top 5 books of the year so far! We’ve still got over a month left of the year, so this list may change, but I’ve truly had the best year reading in 2020. I’ve read so many wonderful books that it was hard to narrow it down to just 5! I hope this list inspires you to pick some of my choices up, and do tell me in the comments below what some of your favorite books of 2020 are so far! Happy reading!