Hello everyone! I’m hoping to post more over the next month – I’ve been busy with my academic summer program. However, I am proud to say that I’ve read 100 books as of 7/24 – I thought Darling was my 100th book, but it was actually Radha and Jai’s Recipe for Romance. No spoilers except for plot descriptions to sequels! So minor ish spoilers for We Hunt the Flame, The Tiger at Midnight series.
Favorite Book of 2021?
Obviously, I cannot choose just one: here are three RELEASED books that I consider to be new favorites. We Free the Stars by Hafsah Faizal is about Zafira and Nasir’s journey after WHTF and after magic is restored, the Zumra have to figure out what to do next.
Ace of Spades is one of the best dark academia novels I’ve read. Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé is an author to watch and her debut is definitely a #1 YA must read. AOS talks about anti Blackness and how pervasive it is in schools and how it pervades society and generations. Chiamaka and Devon are great characters and that epilogue!!!
The Chariot at Dusk by Swati Teerdhala is a fantastic ending. I love morally grey characters and will definitely miss Esha and Kunal. I hope to see Teerdhala write more and I hope more people read The Tiger at Midnight series.
Honorable mentions: XOXO by Axie Oh, How We Fall Apart by Katie Zhao (it would be up here too but I don’t have a finished copy yet), Iron Widow by Xiran Jay Zhao (simply magnificent, best new fantasy series of 2021)
Favorite Sequel?
Fun fact: I was on the Zumra (Hafsah Faizal’s street team)!!! That didn’t influence how much I loved WFTS – I am also doing a re-read with some others on bookstagram and I love Nasir and Zafira’s dynamic.
Sequel you haven’t Read Yet, But Want to?
Technically, I am reading these ones right now, but Our Violent Ends and When Night Breaks!! Chloe Gong and Janella Angeles are amazing and Gong was the first author I interviewed on my blog. Also, The Bronzed Beasts by Roshani Chokshi – have not read this one yet.
4. Most anticipated release for the second half of the year
Literally all of these. I don’t think I need to explain.
5. Biggest disappointment?
Oh gosh. Please don’t come at me, but Counting Down With You – listen, the author seems super nice, but I just didn’t like it? And the brown girl is “saved” by the white guy trope is so old. *note: others have read this book differently and I know it is important, so please don’t take my opinion as saying you shouldn’t read it. Also, A Dark and Hollow Star – I noticed after reading a goodreads review that EVERY mc is white – I think there’s a discussion around having token diversity vs. actively seeking out sensitivity readers when white people write about people of color and being inclusive. I am not educated enough about this topic, but I think it is something to think about. (Obviously token diversity is never good.)
6. Biggest surprise
The Iron King by Juliet Kagawa! It made faeries better for me. I am in love.
7. Favorite new author (debut or new to you)
Katie Zhao is incredible and I am so grateful to be a part of the Sinclair Students. I read HWFA before I joined, so I knew I wanted to talk about this book and get others to buy it. It’s the first YA academia book I’ve read with an all Asian cast. HWFA is a murder mystery yes, and it talks about anti Asian racism and mental health.
*Note: I am not East Asian American or an immigrant so I cannot speak on the representation. I also got a copy early from the publisher and that did not influence my opinions of this book, my opinions are only influenced by me.
8. Newest fictional crush
9. Newest favorite character
10. Book that made you cry
I am lying. Brown Boy Nowhere – as a Filipino American I feel very seen.
11. Book that made you happy
XOXO!! I have no pictures but it is on my wishlist!
12. Most beautiful book you’ve bought so far this year (or received)
how i have no images of the entire fairyloot aeita set is wow to me but i bought it last year and got it this year.
13.What books do you need to read by the end of the year?
you already know lol – our violent ends, a psalm of storms and silence, the holiday switch, jade city.
14. Favorite book community member
May @foreverandeverly, Kate @yourtitakate, Shealea @shutupshealea, Humnah @rootedindreams, Sagarika @sagarific, Maya @mnmbooks, Jesse @bowtiesbooks.
Thank you for reading and I hope you all know that you don’t have to read 100+ books a year. I used to read 300 and that was not good because I pressured myself to not DNF a book. On a positive note, I’ve liked a lot of 2021 books!
What has been your favorite books of 2021?
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