This year I got really into fantasy! I started reading more in 2020 with A Court of Thorns and Roses, and I’ve been exploring the genre ever since.
Highlights of the year included watching Shadow and Bone on Netflix after reading the series and reading A Court of Silver Flames after months of waiting. (So many feelings on the internet about those things!)
I separate my lists by books published in 2021 and backlist titles.
2021 Favorites
A Court of Silver Flames by Sarah J. Maas
This isn’t exactly my favorite FANTASY per se, but the character development and emotional weight of this book was so extraordinary. Plus – the spice. Definitely loved the spice. The anticipation of this book’s release got me through some of the darkest days.
For the Wolf by Hannah Whitten
Was not expecting to love this as much as I did. Great vibes – we’re talking libraries, forests, wolves, etc. It’s kind of a retelling of a few fairy tales but it really takes a life of its own.
Luminous by Mara Rutherford
Character-driven fantasy is something I really go for. This stand-alone book seems simple on the surface but has hidden depths. It’s about a girl who glows! She has to learn to accept and harness her power.
Rule of Wolves by Leigh Bardugo
Ever since we met Nikolai in the second Shadow and Bone book, he’s been a fan favorite. I love his clever wit and charm, and I appreciate that he has real challenges to deal with beyond being a just being a prince (now King). I also love Zoya, who was sort of a mean girl in previous books. She gets her time to shine.
We Free the Stars by Hafsah Faizal
The writing in this book is out of this world. Poetry on every page. Faizal is a master at building tension and vulnerability. The slow-burn romance is worth every second of the wait!
Backlist Fantasy
A Song of Wraiths and Ruin by Roseanne A. Brown 2020
The setting shines in this book! I could see every inch of this West-African inspired fantasy city, which is saying a lot since I’m not a visual person.
Crown of Coral and Pearl by Mara Rutherford 2019
This book enchanted me so much. I loved its commentary on beauty and love. It also features one of my favorite tropes – twin sisters switching places. The audio on this one is excellent.
King of Scars by Leigh Bardugo 2019
Many of the praises I have for Rule of Wolves count for this one as well. This duology is everything; I’m so impressed with the choices Bardugo made. I actually love these two books the most out of all the Grishaverse series. I’ll never get tired of seeing Zoya and Nikolai interact and find their way out of rough situations.
Sky in the Deep by Adrienne Young
This Viking/Norse-esque fantasy is low on actual magic, but it does take place in a world that isn’t ours. It features a warrior who is captured by a rival tribe. This tale was dark and gritty but it also offered a lot of hope and some amazing battle sequences.
The First Girl Child by Amy Harmon 2019
This book is so unique because the reader knows all the secrets. I found this compelling because I just wanted to know how the characters would react when they truth was revealed. I just couldn’t stop reading it. It’s about a land that is cursed and no daughters are born for years.
Tower of Dawn by Sarah J. Maas 2017
What can I say? I love a healing journey! This is probably the most character-driven book in the Throne of Glass Series, so it’s no surprise it’s my favorite. I always liked Chaol but I grew to love him in this book. And Yrene, the healer, was tremendous. I want to be her.
We Hunt the Flame by Hafsah Faizal 2020
Much of the same things I gushed about for the sequel apply to this one as well. This is a series I don’t see as much online and it’s a real shame. It’s so rich! I especially love that the “bad boy” love interest is not morally corrupt.
Meg Loves Words 