Tuesday 28 December 2021

Top Ten Tuesday | The Best Books I Read In 2021


Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly feature that highlights ten books that all relate to a certain topic and is  hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl. 

This Weeks Topic Is...


The Best Books I Read In 2021!  Here we go, my favourite books that I read this year. Out of 78 books, I actually only gave out seven 5 stars and one of those was a re-read so it doesn't technically belong on this list.  So we have my six 5 stars plus a few 4 stars that were so close to being a five and were still incredible books. In no particular order...
 
 

 

Threadneedle (The Language of Magic #1) by Cari Thomas

An incredibly magical debut that exceeded all my expectations. The only Netgalley ARC that I've ordered a physical copy of. Witchy and wonderful, I loved the magic system and how the author inserted a load of magical locations inside London. The characters all had such depth to them and I adored the friendship group that is born during the course of the story. If you want 'The Craft' vibes then look no further then this gem of a book. The only downside is that the sequel isn't out until 2023 😭. You can read my full review here.    
 

The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman

I still need to read the sequel to this one however, I just need to get my hands on a copy. I know some people weren't overly keen on this one but it's exactly the kind of mystery that I just adore. Cozy and warm, following four elderly amateur sleuths in their retirement village as they solve a murder. It has the British humour that I love and a riot of a cast that you can't help fall in love with. 
 

Legendborn by Tracy Deonn  

This one was more like a 4.5 star for me, but such a solid fantasy. I loved the twist on Arthurian legend, the incorporation of magic, secret societies, and just how action-packed it was. There's a lot going on in this book which is maybe why it wasn't a five star as everything happens at break neck speed towards the end. It handled topics such as grief and trauma really, really well though and I can't wait for the sequel to come out in November 2022.    
 
 

Ghosts by Dolly Alderton  

This was probably my favourite audiobook listen of the year, much in part to the fact that it was narrated by Holliday Grainger, who I adore and could listen to talk all day. The MC in here just has such a relatable voice, all the situations and shit she goes through is equal parts hilarious and heartbreakingly real. I just really liked listening to Nina sorting through her relationships whether they were friends, family or romantic in nature and in turn learning more about herself and what she needs. 
 

My Sister, the Serial Killer by Oyinkan Braithwaite

A fast paced thriller that had me gripped from the first page. Such a cleverly written book about the bond between sisters, the lengths we go to to protect family and how we compare ourselves to others. Satisfying and darkly entertaining. 
 

The Wolf's Curse by Jessica Vitalis  

A well executed fantasy adventure that has so much heart and rich world-building. It managed to depict how we deal with losing a loved one and the traditions and practices we have that help us to move forward in a way that was realistic but at the same time exceptionally comforting. Ultimately a beautifully written, original story that will stay with me for a long time. Emotional but uplifting at the same time, it's reflection on death and how we process grief as well as it's strong themes of friendship and finding yourself were just superb.  
 

Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng  

This was such a thought provoking read, filled with complex family dynamics and small town drama. I was engrossed with the Richardson and Warren families, how they blended together and how different Mia and Elena were. The writing from Celeste Ng is so readable and before you know it you're halfway through the book. I was shocked in places and emotional in others, a really fantastic read.
 
 

The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V. E. Schwab  

I said this was in no particular order but I think this one just takes the top spot. Surprising seeing as it was the first book I read this year and it has stuck with me ever since, a sign that it's made a lasting impression. I'm actually desperate to reread this book so I can bask in it's beautiful writing and characters all over again. This is a book that will remain a favourite for years to come and I can't wait for Gallant to be released next year.
 

The Burning Girls by C. J. Tudor    

The most recent read on this list and one that I didn't expect to love as much as I did. I do really like mystery/thrillers but they often don't get five stars because something about the plot or the twists doesn't quite work for me. However, this one just manages to do everything right. I loved the small village setting, the historical backstory, the fact that a female vicar is the main character (!), the mysteries were all gripping and I just wasn't expecting the big twist at the end. I remember just sitting there with my mouth open for ages! I'm definitely looking forward to picking up more by C. J. Tudor. 
 

Strange the Dreamer by Lainie Taylor 

This is a strange one to include as whilst it was a high 4.5 stars for me, I also read it right in the middle of a really bad reading slump which meant it took me around two and a half months to finish it. This is just a really dreamy (ha) book though and the storyline and characters had me captivated. It's so beautifully written and has such a unique quality to it that I can see why it's so beloved by many. I will read the sequel at some point in 2022, I just hope I can finish it a little quicker this time!     
 

What were your favourite books of 2021? Have you read any of the ones on my list? Leave a comment or link your own Top Ten Tuesday's for me to check out! Happy Reading!

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9 comments

  1. I have Legendborn on my list as well. Bloodmarked can't get here soon enough!

    Pam @ Read! Bake! Create!
    https://readbakecreate.com/the-10-best-books-i-read-in-2021/

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  2. Looking forward to The Thursday Murder Club, it just sounds too funny!

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  3. Some of my favourite books on this list, I loved Strange the Dreamer, Addie Large and Legendborn.

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  4. I loved Little Fires Everywhere and Addie LaRue. I've been wanting to read Strange the Dreamer for a long time, and I also have Legendborn on my list. Thread the Needle and The Burning Girls also sound interesting. Thanks for the recommendations!

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  5. I read Addie last year and loved that book so much. Glad you enjoyed it.

    Here is my list: https://nashvillebookworm.wordpress.com/2021/12/28/top-ten-tuesday-favorites-and-not-favorites-of-2021/

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  6. British humor is right up my alley too, so I better go check out Thursday Murder Club! :) ~Lex (lexlingua.co)

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  7. Some of these are on my TBR list, so thanks for making me look forward to them even more.

    Kate @ bitchbookshelf.com

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  8. I've seen so many of these books around and everyone loving them. I'm glad you did, too! Happy New Year!

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  9. I own and need to read Legendborn and Addie LaRue!

    Lauren @ www.shootingstarsmag.net

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