I think I've done more reading this year than I've ever done in my life, and with all of that come some truly excellent books. I humbly present to you my top five of 2020, in no particular order and please, let me know which books were your top five of the year!
1. The Wicked King by Holly Black
One of the few books that doesn't have a review on here, simply for the fact that I had read the first in the series, "The Cruel Prince", back before I started the blog and didn't want to review the last two and not the first! I can't remember the last time I enjoyed a series so much. For those who don't know me, I'm not big on series and have the bad habit of picking up the first and never finishing the others - but that all changed with the "Folk of the Air" series. In this one, our main character, Jude, has much more power than in the last book and wields it with Machiavellian ease. She is one of my favorite heroines in a long time, one that isn't afraid to get her hands dirty...sometimes, even, with blood. If you love fairies, amazing worldbuilding, and antiheroes (plus one amazing occasional antiheroine!) then you will adore this series.
2. The Animals at Lockwood Manor by Jane Healey
At the heart of this perfectly Gothic book is a beautiful love story between two damaged women, and for those who are wondering, it does indeed have a happy ending! This book reminded of the classics of the genre, and the house itself was almost as much of a character as the people within it! For the full review check out this post!
3. The Death of Mrs. Westaway by Ruth Ware
This was one that had been on my backburner for a long time and I really kicked myself for not having read it sooner! My sister, who is obsessed with mysteries and thrillers, told me I just had to read it and I'm so glad I listened. I think this is one of the best, most engrossing mysteries I've read in a long while, and if you're unsure about the genre, or are looking for a great place to start, I highly recommend it! See the full review here.
4. The Empress of Salt and Fortune by Nghi Vo
Fairly short at just 112 pages, "The Empress of Salt and Fortune" by Nghi Vo packs quite a punch. I loved seeing this side of fantasy, one that wasn't saturated with the regular medieval Europe and white-centric point of view, and I hope this becomes a trend we see even more of! For something wholly original, check this book out, and read the full review here.
5. The Marrow Thieves by Cherie Dimaline
Another short one that I read in a day, I simply couldn't put down "The Marrow Thieves". A refreshing take on the tried but true Dystopian story, this middle grade book can easily be enjoyed by adults and references the very dark past of the way Indians were treated, and still are, by Canada (and the US). Come and read the full review here!
