My top 2019 reads | favourite books I’ve read in the year

This year I’ve made a real effort to read more. It’s part of my personal self care. My escapism and slow down. I read before bed every single night because it helps me wind down from the day. If I’m reading something particularly good, I’ll read it in the evenings, foregoing everything else, which reduces my productivity but is pretty great for my soul.

I’ve read 39 books (you can shop my entire 2019 reading list via my Amazon storefront*) this year which is a little shy of my 52 target but I’m OK with that. I’m going to try again next year with that same target. In all honesty I’ve read some really great books this, and not really read much that I didn’t enjoy.

These are my top 5 reads of 2019. I realise there is a bit of a running theme, but I’ve also been sticking with this type of genre for my own book research and because it’s the most perfect escapism. They’re all so far from the real world and my life so they’re perfect.

A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J Maas

So I had a rocky start with this book and had to restart it after reading another book because I just couldn’t get into it. But once I got past the first 100 pages I was hooked! I’ve read it twice this year, buying it after borrowing it initially from the library. The story is perfect, centring around the develop of Feyre after the first book A Court of Thorns and Roses. But it’s the characters from the Night Court, Rhysand, Cassian, Azriel, Mor and Amren that stole my heart. Ultimately this book is a love story set in a fantasy world, which pretty much sums up the best elements of my favourite books.

A Court of Wings and Ruin By Sarah J Maas

The sequel to the above and the last part of the trilogy. This book had me in equal parts laughing, crying and holding my breath. The characters, especially Feyre develop so much in this book, building strength and courage against the King of Hybern. There’s elements of equality teaching, and adjusting to new circumstances. The introduction of the other courts of Prythian is brilliant and Sarah J Maas has created a brilliant and diverse world. I’ve read this book three times this year, and even gotten Dann to listen to the audio book versions because I loved them so much.

The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern

A read from the beginning of the year because my friend Katy recommended it so highly and she has excellent taste in slightly fantasy based stories. Erin Morgenstern is literally a weaver of magic. The Night Circus arrives in town, unannounced, and it magical in all it’s elements. The story intertwines two characters who ultimately belong together and keep it running. It’s captivating and descriptive and feels like it could all be very real.

Legendary by Stephanie Garber

Another sequel (Caraval) which I loved. I think I again loved this more than the original story. Another magical fantasy with a sort of romance blossoming, but with a stronger female character than Caraval. I think one of my favourite things about this series is how beautifully descriptive it is, from the locations to the intricately detailed dresses and outfits. The introduction of the Fates is brilliant too, with villains that are and aren’t villainous so you never know who you’re supposed to trust.

The Wicked King by Holly Black

Book 39 of the year, and the last of the year because I don’t think I can finish my current read before the new year. Another Fae story, but so very different from the ACOTAR series. This centres around Jude, a mortal in the Fae World, and Cardan, the now High King. This is another sequel that beats the original and I read it in about two days, and has an amazing cliffhanger which meant I needed to order the last part of the trilogy on Christmas Day (I finished this book on Christmas Eve). I love the relationship betwen Jude and Cardan, how they love and hate each other, making Cardan a brilliant villain that’s maybe not a villain at all.

I’m so thrilled with some of the books I’ve read this year, and am super excited for new reads in 2020.

What releases are you looking forward to in 2020?

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