We have come to almost the end of the year (WUUUT????), which means it’s time for all those fun yearly recaps. But who cares what I’ve done this year when I could talk about BOOKS?! So today we’re going to look back at my favorite reads of 2019!
(Okay, okay. I’ll have more of a 2019 recap next week. But first, BOOKS.)
This was a good reading year! Due to launching Fairy Tale Central, this was the year of reading fairy tale retellings and like, who’s complaining here? (Read: Not meeee!) I also feel like I actually made more time for reading.
As of right now, I’ve read 49 books (though I hope to read a few more before the end of the year). You’re probably thinking, “Um. That’s a good reading year???” Yeah. I KNOW. I’m a slow reader these days… And lot of those were actually short stories or novellas, so it wasn’t even nearly 50 full books. But being as how I’ve been averaging 30 books per year these last few years, I am muchly pleased with all I managed to get read this year.
And, let me tell ya, I found some gems! I ended up reading a lot more indie books than I usually do, and came across so many delightful ones. Just because a book isn’t popular or found on the Barnes and Nobles shelves doesn’t mean it’s not amazing, people. There’s so much talent in the world!
I was going to do a list of top ten but…THERE WERE JUST TOO MANY. So we’re randomly doing 12 because booooks.
SO LET’S GET TO IT! I’ll be posting these in order of when I read them. (Title links lead to GoodReads. Because you need to add them to your TBR bwahahaha.)
THE ELECTRICAL MENAGERIE
by Mollie E. Reeder
This book. THIS BOOOOK. This was one of my first reads this year, and stayed my top favorite read of 2019. In fact, it’s probably one of my top favorite books now PERIOD. It’s pitched as The Greatest Showman meets fantasy and if that doesn’t pique your interest, well, I really don’t know what to do for you.
Imagine if The Greatest Showman was set on floating islands with automatons powered by stardust and a competition to perform for the Celestial Queen herself all interwoven into an intriguing mystery. Um. Yeah. That’s this book.
UGH. It’s so hard to even express my feelings for this one. There are a few special books in the world we each have, those chosen ones we can always count on to bring a smile, to make us feel warm inside like a hug from a loved one. Those cozy, go-to stories that never let is down or get tiring no matter how many times we read them. The Electrical Menagerie is now one of those books for me.
Sylvester Carthage is our protagonist. And and and…THIS MAN!!! <3 He’s middle aged man with a knack for creating “electricals” which are basically robots that perform in his awe-inspiring traveling circus-esque show. I love how Carthage wasn’t your stereotypical 17-year-old perfect hero. He’s a man struggling with a health problem and to make ends meet but with stardust in his eyes. He clings so tightly to hope and dreams and doing the impossible, while also much preferring to tamper quietly with his electricals than attend parties. I ADORED him.
Then there’s Arbrook Huxley, the younger, charming, smooth-talking business partner who always provided a laugh. He was spectacular. Though I thought I’d fall for Huxley and he’d overshadow Carthage, as the suave characters tend to do. But he DOESN’T. Carthage is always at the heart of the story, and stole my heart right along with it. Carthage was such an inspiration. Sometimes I just want to cry thinking about him. He just…ACK. You just need to read the story!
And the friendship between these two! PURE. GOLD. Possibly one of my most favorite literary friendships in existence. Yes, it’s that good!
The setting of floating islands and flying trains all above the aether sea and set in a steampunk-type atmosphere was of the most unique worlds I’ve ever experienced. The plot full of mystery and friendship and dazzling performances had me enraptured. And the characters stole my heart. I literally cried when I finished it, just because I loved it so much I didn’t want it to end. True story.
Okay, I need to stop or this entire post will just be me gushing over this book but…YOU NEED TO READ IT. Truly one of the most spectacular, beautiful, heartwarming, funny, inspirational stories I’ve ever read in my life. <3
FIVE POISONED APPLES
by Various Authors
This was a fantastic Snow White retelling anthology. I’ve immensely enjoyed all the Rooglewood anthologies I’ve read, and this was a great send off to these fairy tale collections. Each novella was so unique and looked at the story of Snow White in such an interesting way. I loved all the different takes on the tale.
My favorites were The Fairest One by Cortney Manning, Red as Blood by Maddie Morrow, and FALLING SNOW by Skye Hoffert. Falling Snow gets all caps because AKJS:LDKJFLKJSDFJ. THAT STORY. Another one of my favorite stories of all time.
But, truly, this whole anthology is a fantastic read for all fairy tale retelling fans. There’s something in it for everyone and I highly recommend!
Read my full review HERE!
THE STORY PEDDLER
by Lindsay A. Franklin
I had meant to read this one since I got it at Realm Makers 2018! It took me nearly a year to get to it. *facepalm* But I’m SO happy I finally made time for it because EEEEEEE THIS STORY!!! I mean, the tagline is “Selling stories is a deadly business.” Like, how can a book with that tagline not be amazing?
The story follow Tanwen, who is able to create strands of color while she tells stories that then turn into crystallized figurines she sells. WELL. Telling stories isn’t that great of a business in a world where the tyrannical king only allows a few “crown-approved” stories to be told. When Tanwen accidentally spills out a tale of treason, her simple life is turned upside down.
I loved the whole magic system of this world. Literal strands of colors flows from Tanwen’s hand when she tells stories. It was so beautiful.
And can we talk about the characters??? Tanwen is so feisty and homely and adorable. She just feels so real. Sure, sometimes I wanted to smack her but, like, in a loving way. And then there’s a PIRATE. So, I mean, need I say more? All the characters were unique and charming in their own ways and I loved them.
One of my favorite things was the theme—how stories have power, and we should never suppress telling them. It’s a theme I have always strongly believed in, and it was told in such a powerful way. I LOVED IT.
This story was cozy, exciting, intriguing, and full of heart all at once. I felt like the beginning took a slower pace, but it only made it all the more exciting when everything…explodes. Things definitely picked up, and I was utterly hooked.
I also read the sequel, The Story Raider, this year, and loved it as well! I thiiink I liked the first one better, but they’re both great reads! (But I need the third book NOW because the cliffhanger of book #2 just a;ldskjflajdsfj.)
GOLDEN BRAIDS AND DRAGON BLADES
by Melanie Karsak
This is one of those hidden gems I found this year! It is a Rapunzel retelling. With Arthurian legend threads. And steampunk. And Jane Austen references. And CAT-SIZED DRAGONS. Like, was there ever a more Christine book???
The whole thing was just a blast! It was such a unique take on Rapunzel. Like Gothel not being the bad guy and her and Rapunzel having a good relationship (but not in a Stockholm syndrome way, don’t worry), all the Arthurian legend strands weaved seamlessly into the plot, the utterly steampunk world, and TINY DRAGONS.
Rapunzel was a great heroine. Fun-loving, kind, honest, with a good head on her shoulders. She was just very likable. And then EWAN. New favorite male protagonist! He was such a loveable dork. I mean, there was like a whole chapter of him professing his love for bacon so YA KNOW. He and Rapunzel were the most adorable, shippable beans of ever.
I do wish this had been longer. It was a very short read, and to have such a great setup, the plot was a bit lacking. But the setting and characters were so delightful, I barely even minded. It was just FUN.
Read my full review HERE!
A FAIR ACCOUNT OF THE TRAITORS SNOW WHITE & ROSE RED
by S.E. Page
*CLUTCHES HEART* Okay, this has to be my second favorite read this year after The Electrical Menagerie. Another one of those hidden gems that no one seems to know about but but but EVERYONE NEEDS TO READ. At least all my fellow fairy tale and/or fantasy fans. Because THIS BOOOOOOK.
This has to be one of the most gorgeous stories I’ve ever read in all my 27 years of life.
It’s a Snow White & Rose Red AND Snow White & the Seven Dwarves retelling, which is fabulous in its own right but wow wow wow. It is just so beautiful and unique. It’s kind of hard to even describe. I don’t know if I’ve ever read anything like it.
It tells the story of crown princess Rosavere, who wasn’t always the crown princess. That title went to her half sister Snow White…until Snow killed their father with her ice powers and was sentenced to death. Things only get messier when the supposedly dead Snow returns with a golden bear and vendetta to kill her stepmother (Rosavere’s mother). Sheesh. Talk about family problems.
This is a sweeping tale of magic and plot twists and complicated relationships and a beautiful but deadly world with some of the most stunning writing you will ever read and wonderfully in depth characters. It is fairy tales at its finest. Both beautiful and dark, twisty and dangerous, filled with chilling villains, deadly forests, intriguing creatures, and a spellbinding plot.
Just read it, guys. PLEASE. More people need to know about this beautiful story! (And I need people to fangirl with.)
Read my full review HERE!
PRINCESS OF SECRETS
by A.G. Marshall
This was just a rollicking fun story! It’s a retelling of The Frog Prince with a mystery, hilarious mishaps, and the most disastrous, lovable characters.
Princess Carina lives in a military-minded kingdom where her free-spirited self isn’t exactly accepted by her family. Across the ocean, Prince Stefan takes to the seas to get the perfect gift for his brother’s wedding. Through unfortunate circumstances, he’s bewitched into a frog, and, of course, the only way to break the curse is to be kissed by a princess. Except part of the curse is that he can’t reveal anything about it to anyone. So…find a princess and get her to randomly kiss a frog. Easy peasy.
After Stefan finds Carina outside her castle and helps her retrieve her magic golden ball from the lake, he knows he needs to stick with her. Maybe, just maybe, he can charm this princess into kissing him.
When the treasury in Carina’s kingdom is broken in to and ships begin to disappear without a trace, she and Stefan work together to solve the mystery. Carina hopes doing so will gain her favor in her father’s eyes, and Stefan hopes spending time with her will aid in his quest to be kissed.
This book was full of fun, mystery, magic, and BANTER. Oh my goodness, the banterrrr. I could just read about Carina and Stefan bantering on forever. Though the overall plot was sometimes simplistic, I didn’t even care because I was here for Carina and Stefan.
I think what really made me fall in love with this story was how much I related to Carina. I so very rarely truly relate to female protagonists. But Carina? I think she’s the closest I’ve ever come to finding myself in a novel. She is bubbly, free-spirited, but also has a good head on her shoulders. Waaaay too often fiction depicts the bubbly characters as childish, immature, or just plain dumb. NOOO. You can be happy-go-lucky and smart at the same time, people! And that’s exactly what Carina is.
Then there’s Stefan, who thinks he’s all suave and charming but in reality is a reckless dork. Oh gosh, I loved him.
And put these two mischief-makers together? HA! Delightful disasters ensues.
This book wasn’t all that deep or mind-blowing, but it made me laugh, and feel good, and just HAPPY. And sometimes that’s exactly the type of book you need.
Read my full review HERE!
THE LADY & THE FROG
by L. Palmer
Oh, look, another hidden gem.
This was another retelling of The Frog Prince but if you’re expecting a fluffy, cutesy fairy tale retelling this time well eheheheheheheh. BUCKLE UP.
This book was so unique. Another one that’s hard to even explain. The story takes place during the early twentieth century in a charming fictional town known as Pippington. It seems like your ordinary, run-of-the-mill town but secret thiiiings go on in this town. Quite possibly magical secret things. *wriggles eyebrows*
Evelyn Havish, our down-to-earth heroine, doesn’t believe in such things and just wants to marry her beau, Henry Kingston. But mild-mannered, logical Henry is dragging his feet. After a falling out, Evelyn fears Henry may not be the one after all.
They just thought their life was messy.
When Henry’s brother Jack comes claiming he was temporarily turned into a frog by a beautiful woman, Evelyn’s and Henry’s lives of work and lovers’ quarrels and practical problems are thrown out the window into a whirlwind of impossible things.
There was basically nothing in this novel I didn’t like. It is so very character driven and oh my heart, THE CHARACTERS. Evelyn had such a good head on her shoulders buuuut would totally punch someone in the face if driven to do so. And HENRY. He was such a little nerd—awkward and quiet and mild-mannered and all about numbers and practical things. He was so very different from you usual fantasy hero, and I loved that! I also love how they were already a couple before the novel even started. It took a really refreshing take on the romance plot. In fact, the romance was a very, very important part of the plot, instead of just being there because “you’re supposed to have romance”. I am very picky about romance in fiction, and this book gave me everything I’ve ever wanted with it.
And, let me tell you, the plot got INTENSE. I was so invested and freaked out for the character by like chapter TWO. Everything was so unique and engaging and just GAH. SO GOOD. You wouldn’t expect it from a Frog Prince retelling of all things but AAAAAAHHHHHH. IT WAS AMAZING!
Read my full (and slightly more coherent) review HERE!
DEADWOOD (Crockett & Crane #2)
by Kyle Robert Shultz
I mean, if you’ve been around my blog for all of 0.7 seconds you know I’m utterly obsessed with this author’s books. And OH MY POOR HEART. This newest one!
This is the direct sequel to Horseman (Crockett & Crane #1) and WHEW BOY. THE STAKES. THE FEELS. EVERYTHING.
These books tell the story of Todd Crane and Amy Crockett, the descendants of Ichabod Crane and Davy Crockett respectively, in a magical alternate universe and are full of humor and FEELS.
This second edition is a Pinocchio retelling with such a unique twist. Humor and twisty retellings are this author’s trademarks and I LOVE IT.
This book may be one of my top favorites of his. It was a wild ride and here months later I’m still reeling.
Read my full (and probably less coherent) review HERE!
THE FIRETHORN CROWN
by Lea Doué
I’ve been wanting to read this one for a while, and I’m sooo glad I finally got the chance.
First thing’s first, this is a retelling of The Twelve Dancing Princesses, my second favorite fairy tale EVER. I basically devour any 12DP retelling I can get my hands on, and this is now one of my FAVES.
Second, there are TINY DRAGONS. So, um, yeah. What more do you need?
Our heroine, Lily, is the eldest of twelve sisters, heir to the crown, annnd must find a husband like NOW. No pressure though. Lol. JK! Sooo much pressure. Especially since her mother is more or less forcing a detestable nobleman on her.
Things aren’t looking so great. But when Lily and her sisters stumble upon an enchanted underground world and get caught up in its curse, things go from bad to DOOOOOM. Fun times, fun times.
This book had such a great mix of humor, fantastic relationships on all sides, a fabulous cast, a fun setting, DRAGONS, and stakes that just kept going up and up.
My favorite was the relationships between the sisters. It was so cozy and sweet. I love sister books, and this one really, truly embraced the whole, um, sister-ness (I swear I’m a writer) of the fairy tale. There was also some fantastic male side characters too and the dynamics between everyone were GOLD. I just love the characters so very much!!!
But it wasn’t just about character relationships. The plot kept getting twistier and the stakes higher by like every chapter. It was such an engaging read! I definitely need to read more from this author!
Read my full review HERE!
DARK IS THE NIGHT
by Mirriam Neal
Technically the first time I read this was years back, but that was beta-reading an early version, SO. Now it’s PUBLISHED AND I CAN’T STOP SCREAMING ABOUT IT!!!
I reviewed this book fairly recently on the blog so I’ll try not to gush tooooo long but but but THIS BOOK.
Normally I don’t even read dark urban fantasy, but I will always make exceptions for Mirriam Neal stories. Her writing is always a masterpiece, with some of the best characters in the history of ever. I mean, the banter alone in this book added years to my life, I’m pretty sure. These have been some of my favorite characters for yeeeears, and I just can’t stop squealing that it is out in the world now!
This book is a wild ride of vampires and werewolves and a small southern town and a grumpy vampire hunter and sassmaster vampire becoming friends (…sorta) and high stakes (and stakes in general ‘cause VAMPIRES. Yeah, I’ll see myself out.) and a seamless writing style and humor and HEART. I literally got teary-eyed at the end because of the FEELS and heart of the story and just ALJSLDJ:LKJSDF. I LOVE IT SO MUCH!!!
It is a fantastic read and, even if this genre isn’t your usual thing (mine either), you should still give it a try!
Oh, and did I mention this is a Christian vampire story??? Yeah. Talk about unique! It takes such an interesting look at vampires. I’m so proud of this author for being brave and writing something like this. It’s amazing.
Read my full review HERE! (With a content guide, ‘cause there is a smattering of language and a lot of gore.)
A BRANCH OF SILVER, A BRANCH OF GOLD
by Anne Elisabeth Stengl
I have wanted to read this book since it came out in 2016!!! I cannot believe it took me this long to get to it! Not only is it a Twelve Dancing Princesses retelling (and, as we’ve discussed, I want them ALL), it’s a 12DP retelling from ONE OF MY FAVORITE AUTHORS OF EVER. *SCREAMS*
And oh my gracious me. This story. The beauty. The heart. The sheer wonder. I CAN’T. It’s such an epic, sweeping tale, it’s really hard to sum up. Plus, Anne Elisabeth Stengl always has the most unique, twisty plots of ever. I don’t know how she comes up with these things!
The story follows feisty 14-year-old Heloise as she embarks on a journey to save her sister who has been stolen by mysterious beings. And wow, that makes it sound so simple and cliché but AHAHAHAH. Noooooo. It is anything but simple and cliché.
A magic mirror, a deadly forest, even deadlier villains, and a curse not easily broken, this was such a magical fairy tale read.
The characters were the true gems. Awkward, wild, stubborn Heloise is paired with the even more awkward Benedict who doesn’t know what to do with this wild girl as she literally drags him into her adventure. Their dynamics were hilarious!
AND THE WRITING. As many of us know, AES knows her way around a pen. Her writing style doesn’t even seem human. She must be part fairy or something. No mere mortal can write this beautifully.
I think the true gem of this novel was how it explored the complexities of human emotions in such an extensive way. Heloise’s personal struggles are woven so deeply into the plot, you couldn’t have one without the other. It was such a powerful, moving story.
I do feel like some of it dragged a little. It was a really big book, and I think quite a bit could have been cut without losing anything. BUT STILL. It was 10000000% worth the read. Such a beautiful, poignant tale.
Read my full review HERE!
STRANGE THE DREAMER
by Laini Taylor
Good gracious alive, THIS BOOK. Let me just say, the hype is real. This is one of the most unique, epic fantasies in the general market I’ve read in a while. I feel like YA books are becoming more or less the same thing over and over but THIS ONE. Wow. The plot had such a…grandness to it, I don’t even know how to describe it. And it’s the type of book you don’t want to go in knowing too much because all the reveals were just ALKJS:DLJF:LKJDSF. NO WORDS.
AND THE WRITING STYLE. Laini Taylor also has fairy blood. Seriously. I just wanted to eat her prose, it was so delicious. Like A Branch of Silver, a Branch of Gold, things could have moved along a bit faster. But, also like it, every single word was so delicious, and brought out such a deep look at human emotion, it blew my mind and I was just soaking up every second.
Also LAZLO. Lazlo, the protagonist, is the most precious soul to ever grace the pages of fiction and, not to be dramatic, but I would die for Lazlo. Really ALL the characters were complex and intriguing and either lovable or detestable or some confusing mix of both. BUT LAZLO.
It was just such an amazing read! I literally finished it Saturday (just in time to squeeze it into this post bwahaha) and I am still REELING. THAT ENDING. MY HEART. I’m reading the sequel as we speak because HOW COULD IT END THAT WAY???
Unfortunately, I have to give a warning, it was not squeaky clean in any way. Not surprising for a general market book, but still so very disappointing. It got prettyyyy sensual. Like, seriously, characters, could we dial the hormones down 20 notches??? There was a WHOLE chapter dedicated to kissing, just to give you an example. Yeah. Not a book I’d recommend to everyone, especially the younger crowd. So do be warned!
And there we have it, some favorite reads for the year! I also reread some old favorites, buuuut I was trying to just list the new-to-me ones (though I cheated with Dark is the Night but pffffttt it came out this year so IT STILL COUNTS).
There were definitely some others I absolutely adored though! I tried keeping this down to twelve (I almost did 15 but didn’t want this to get to be a complete and total monster of a post) but wow. Between finding some gems via Fairy Tale Central, friends publishing epic books, and finally getting to ones I’ve meant to forever, it was a spectacular reading year all around! Annnd, if you’re still feeling like a nosy bookdragon, You can see all the stories I devoured this year HERE.
I can’t wait to see what gems are to be found come 2020!
Have you read any of these? (Because you know I need to fangirl!) Do any of these pique your interest? Did I force you to add yet more books to your TBR? (Bwahahahaha! #Unrepentant) And the most important question: What was your favorite read(s) of 2019???
THE STORY PEDDLER!!!!! *screams* I LOVED THAT BOOK SO MUCH OH MY GOODNESS GRACIOUS I NEED BOOK TWO.
Sadly, I haven’t read the rest of the books on this list. *tear falls* Clearly I need to get on that in 2020 because they all sound INCREDIBLE. “Dark Is the Night” sounds like MY kind of book and I need to figure out how to get hold of it. XD
Awesome post, Christine! I hope you find some equally amazing reads next year! 🙂
YESSSS. WASN’T IT SO GOOD???? And the sequel was GREAT. I hope you get to read it soon!
That’s okay! A lot of these were prettyyyy obscure. BUT STILL FANTASTIC. And DARK IS THE NIGHT YES. Oh my gracious, my heart. It’s just so fantastic. I’m just gonna casually leave an Amazon link here where you can buy it. *COUGH, COUGH, COUGH* https://www.amazon.com/dp/1646694945/ref=sr_1_1?qid=1571946714&refinements=p_27%3AMirriam+Elin+Neal&s=books&sr=1-1&text=Mirriam+Elin+Neal
So glad you enjoyed this post! Thanks so much, Nicole! <3
AGHHHHH I need Dark is the Night right now *flails*
also STRANGE STRANGE STRAAAAAAANGE MY BOI MY LAZLO LOOOOVE *sobs* I just wish Muse had stood up to my reread because I was actually…not really a fan of that one the second time through. But just Strange…my baby. Lazlo. LAZLOOOOOOO I agree I would die for him *flails*
YES YOU DO. SO BAD. I think you’d LOVE it.
STRANGE. *SHRIEKS* UGH. I LOVE HIM SO MUCH IT HUUUURTS. That’s such a shame the sequel wasn’t as good to you. D: I’m reading it right now, but only 30 pages in so…WE’LL SEE. But MAN did I love the first book. <333
I seriously need to go read The Story Peddler. Like, I keep saying that to myself, but I just need to go DO IT! It just sounds so incredible!
I really want to get my hands on Five Poisoned Apples, too.
I loved reading this list (though, sadly, I haven’t read really any of them yet)! I hope you have an equally amazing reading year in 2020!
I understand! Like I said, it took me a year to get to it. But it was totally worth the read. Definitely recommend! And Five Poisoned Apples YESSS. Such a good one!
So glad to hear you enjoyed my bookish rambles. Hehe. Thanks, Sarah! <3
What a perfect Monday morning pick-me-up — a CHRISTINE BLOG POST! *shining eyes*
On this list, I’ve read The Electrical Menagerie, The Story Peddler, Five Poisoned Apples! I wasn’t too impressed by the last two – *hides* – I will never forgive that one Apple Author for making the dwarf TALL at the end. *seethes* EQUAL RIGHTS FOR SHORT PEOPLE! Ahem.
But, The Electrical Menagerie, OH MY GOODNESS, THAT IS ONE MY FAVORITE READS OF ALL TIME. I KNEW you would love that one. It’s so heartfelt and brilliant and Carthage is definitely one of my favorite characters. *heart eyes* There were so many unique things about the story. One thing that stands out was the age difference between Huxley and Carthage – it kind of reminded me of Kuzco and Pacha!
Hoooooo boy. Fairy Tale Central kept my TBR growing and growing this year. Did it ever! *eyes website with a mixture of fear and affection*
I really want to read Golden Braids and Dragon Blades, A Fair Account of the Traitor’s Snow White & Rose Red, Princess of Secrets, The Lady & The Frog! They look soooo intriguing!
As always, loved the blog post, Christine! *squeezes*
AWWWWK, ALLISON! YOU ARE TOO SWEET.
I will not hold it against you for not being too enthused over The Story Peddler and Five Poisoned Apples. Not every book is for everybody! And ooooh yeah, that is true that happened in one of the stories. Short people definitely deserve ALL the love!
THE ELECTRICAL MENAGERIE IS EVERYTHING AND I WILL LOVE IT FOREVER. And you are so right about the age difference. I just LOVED their friendship and different dynamics and how unique of a protagonist Carthage was and just…EVERYTHING OF EVER. <333
BWAHAHAHAHA. I am so proud to hear FTC is making your TBR grow. #Unrepentant That means we're doing our job. No one said Fairy Godmothers aren't up to mischief. *wicked grin*
YOU ABSOLUTELY NEED TO READ THOSE. I feel like Princess of Secrets and The Lady & The Frog especially seem like Allison reads. They're just so fun!
D'AWWW! SO SO glad you enjoyed my rambles. Thanks so much, Allison! <3
Aaaaahhh this post!! 😀 *hugs it* I adore favorite books wrapups and I adore most of these books and neeeed the others and just afshrfjdkfkfk YESSS!!!
TEM! Carthage and Huxley yes!!!
And Falling Snowwww! Can you believe I still haven’t read the other ones in the collection? *embarrassed laughter* I must do that!
Story Peddler! I loved the themes too!
I’ve been needing Golden Braids and Dragon Blades, and A Fair Account etc., and Princess of Secrets every since you reviewed them, and now that I see them on this top books post I need them even more!! :O They sound delicious!
Lady and the Frog! Deadwood!! And Firethorn Crown! Dark is the Niiiight!! (ANGEL AND SKATA!! I died over your stake pun, oh my word. XDDDD) ALL SO GOOOOOOOD!!!!
I need to read Branch of Silver, clearly. O_O And now that you and Tracey speak so highly of Lazlo and Strang the Dreamer I’m suuuupe curious about it…
So I’ve read like half of these and LOVE THEM ALLLL and I totally need the others, so much, and I absolutely loved seeing all your top reads for the year and hearing about themmmm! It looks like it was an amazing reading year! And so many books!!
I totally need to do a top favorites post myself but I’m not sure what will be on it other than Oath of the Outcast. XD I guess I’ll figure it out but I know I read a lot of good ones this year! I usually wait till after the year ends in case one sneaks in at the end that’s really good, like Echo North did last December. XD
I hope you enjoy the rest you read this year and that 2020 will be an absolutely fabulous year for reading and all the other thingsss! Thanks for sharing!! ^_^
*BEAMS* I’m so happy you enjoyed it! I had a lot of fun writing this post! Because BOOOKS! 😀
CARTHAGE AND HUXLEY MAH BOIS YES. AND FALLING SNOOOOW. I totally get not reading all the others yet. I’ve been meaning to read Five Magic Spindles one since it came out and STILL haven’t. So yeah. So many books, so little time!
YOU SO NEED TO READ THOSE THREE YESSSS. I think you’d LOVE them! But this is so fun you’ve read and love so many of these books. We’re such book twins and it makes me ridiculously happy.
Lazlo is THE most precious soul! Although…I’m not sure Strange the Dreamer would be your favorite read? I DON’T KNOW. It’s so good, but so painful and UGH. FEELINGS. But I also want you to read it so we can fangirl over Lazlo together. XD IT’S WORTH IT FOR HIM.
I totally get waiting until the very end of the year for a post like this. I literally JUST finished Strange the Dreamer in time to sneak it in. And, like, what if I read another favorite before the year is over??? Risky business. XD But it really was a good reading year!
EEP. So happy you enjoyed all my fangirly babbles. Hehe. Thank you so much, m’dear! <3
The Electrical Menagerie! The Story Peddler! Deadwood! All books that I need to read because I’ve heard such good things about them!! (mostly from you xD) And a Snow White and Rose Red x Snow White and the Seven Dwarves story?? Yes please!!
I actually haven’t read any books on this list!! But The Story Peddler is pretty high on my TBR, so hopefully in 2020. 😀
My favorite book I read this year? HOW ABOUT EVERYTHING BY NADINE BRANDES. I read all her books this year for the first time and I’m still in awe of how much I love them. Especially the Out of Time series. I LOVE IT SO MUUUCH and one of the first things I want to do in 2020 is reread it. *swoons* I also read the Angel Eyes trilogy this year and really enjoyed it. I was actually thinking earlier that I could do with a reread of those, too.
I need to read so much in the new year. xD
theonesthatreallymatter.blogspot.com
ALL BOOKS YOU DEFINITELY NEED TO READ YESSSS. I think you’d LOVE them. And I’m happy to hear I’ve screamed about them enough to bring them to everyone’s attention. Bwahahaha. Just doing my job as a fangirl! ;D Butseriouslythey’resogood. And YES. A Fair Account of the Traitors Snow White and Rose Red was AH-MAY-ZIIIING (even if it’s got a huge title XDDD).
Ooooh, The Story Peddler is so good. Can’t wait for you to read it! 😀
YOU READ NADINE BRANDES THIS YEAR? YESSSS. Aren’t her books just amazing? I haven’t red Romanov yet, though it’s on my READ VERY SOON list. Heh. I ADORE her others though.
Oh my goodness, ANGEL EYES. Another series I absolutely adore. Shannon Dittemore’s writing style is so beautiful and poignant. I’m way overdue for a reread of those myself!
Oh man, I FEEL YOU. At this point I own more unread books than read and just??? WHAT IS WRONG WITH ME? I need more tiiime. *flails* (Though I guess it’s not a bad problem to have. Eheh.)
These all sound so cool!!!!! <3 Especially the Electrical Menagerie. I love it when authors look beyond the stereotypical or easy MC's and create someone REAL. I'm definitely gonna add that to my TBR.
Oh my goodness, The Electrical Menagerie was just THE. BEST. I think you’d LOVE it!!! 😀 And YESSS. I so, so agree. The stereotypes are running rampant in YA fiction. It was so refreshing having something DIFFERENT.
Electrical Menagerie, Story Peddler, The Firethorn Crown, and A Branch of Silver, A Branch of Gold are all sooooo good. I haven’t read Deadwood yet, but I read Horseman this year and I am super excited to read Deadwood soooon, but I have heard concerning things about the ending so I’m nervous. I have a deal with my husband, though, and he gets to read it first. So… gotta wait on him. 🙂 hehe.
Loved getting to see a glimpse of your favorite reads this year!
YES, YES, YES, and YESSSS. I just loved those stories so very much! Which…I guess is obvious, but ya know. XD OOOOH MAN. Get ready for Deadwood! It was…something. Something amazing, but still SOMETHING. *grins* Can’t wait for you to read it!
Awww, glad you enjoyed it! Thanks, Jenelle! <3
The Electrical Menagerie! Good grief, I need to read that book!
Glad to see A Branch of Silver, A Branch of Gold on this list! Fantastic story!
I’ve had a good year for reading, with some notables being Heidi, The Gammage Cup, Irenaeus’ Against Heresies, and re-reading the Mysterious Benedict Society with my brother.
Do you count webtoons in your readings? I came across this one, and I think you and the crew at Fairytale Central might take interest in it: https://www.webtoons.com/en/fantasy/house-of-stars/list?title_no=1620&page=3
It’s fairly clean, and includes many fairytales such as Rapunzel, Baba Yaga and Tam Lin.
YOU DOOOO. It’s just so good!
Oh my goodness, RIGHT?! I can’t believe it took me so long to read it. It was just magical.
OOOH. The Gammage Cup! LOVE that one! Heidi is always a great one too. And The Mysterious Benedict Society, YES. So much fun!
You know, I never really read webtoons, but that one looks SO GOOD. I will absolutely have to give it a try. Thank you so much for the link! 😀
The only book I’ve read on this list was A Branch of Silver, A Branch of Gold, but all the others sound so good! I actually have most of them on my TBR… 😛
A lot of the books I read this year feel like I read them a couple of years ago- does that make any sense?. Illusionarium by Heather Dixon (my first time reading steampunk!) is probably my Favorite Book of 2019. The Jackaby series would’ve been up there too except for some major issues I had with Ghostly Echoes (the third book) that pretty much ruined the series for me… (I guess I still haven’t gotten over how disappointed I was with it, lol) I loved the Prophet series (can’t remember what the series is actually called) by R.J. Larson as well as the Ravenwood Saga by Morgan L. Busse. And Reversal Zone by J. Grace Pennington… man, the feels. So, yeah. I have others I could mention, and there are a bunch of books I got on Black Friday (eeeep! 😃) that I haven’t even started yet. So, yeah. I honestly can’t believe it’s going to be 2020.
They’re all sooo good!
That does make sense! Although for me the year went SO fast, books I read even in January felt like just yesterday. Haha. OH ILLUSIONARIUM. I LOVE THAT ONE!!!!! That is really disappointing about the Jackaby series. I have those and have been meaning to read them forEVER. I hate when series gets ruined. *pouts* Ravenwood is another I want to read! ALL the ones you mention sound awesome!
It is INSANE it’s almost 2020. It doesn’t even seem real!
I haven’t read any of these but they all sound AMAZING. :-O <33
THEY’RE SO GOOD! 😀
Ooh, this is a really great list! I haven’t heard of a lot of these, but they look super good, especially The Lady and the Frog and A Branch of Silver, A Branch of Gold!
I’ve had The Electrical Menagerie on my TBR for WAY too long for such an AWESOME LOOKING BOOK. I can’t wait until I read it!
AAAAH THE STORY PEDDLER I LOVE THAT SERIES SO SO SO MUCH!!!
Thanks! Both of those are so, so good. And THE ELECTRICAL MENAGERIE YESSS. Can’t wait for you to read it! Definitely one of my favorite books of all time! <3333 The Story Peddler was awesome too! I cannot waaaait for the third book MEEP.
Shamefully, I’ve not read a single one of these books. But I did have a lot of books that I enjoyed this year. My favourite rereads were The Eagle of the Ninth and The Silver Branch and I tried quite a lot of new release contemporaries (not my usual genre at all) which I really enjoyed, particularly The Surprising Power of a Good Dumpling and Summer Bird Blue.
Probably my favourite read of the year was A Monster Calls.
I definitely need to give Strange the Dreamer a go though!
That’s okay! So many of these are prettyyyy obscure, but I’d definitely recommend them! That’s great you read some good books this year. 😀 Now it’s mine turn to say I’ve never read those you mentioned. *hides in shame* I need to check them out. I’ve been meaning to read A Monster Calls forEVER. Gotta do that!
Strange the Dreamer was spectacular! Not always super clean though, sadly. And the second book has even MORE content. Blergh. But man, such a gorgeous read!
Falling Snow, though *heart eyesssssssssssssssssss*
I’d like to try Strange the Dreamer!! I keep hearing good things about it and it sounds Interesting.
YESSSS. SOMEONE WHO UNDERSTANDS. Falling Snow is the BESSST.
Oh man, yes. Strange the Dreamer is THE most gorgeous, unique read! Not always, erm, CLEAN. Sadly. And the second book is proving to have even more content. *siiiigh* But otherwise, they really are amazing books!
HELLO I AM VERY LATE TO THE PARTY BUT LISTEN. I MUST TELL YOU THAT YOU HAVE ADDED EXACTLY TWELVE BOOKS TO MY TBR PILE. I literally tore myself away from the Firethorn Crown preview on Goodreads to come back and write this comment lol. And Electrical Menagerie, Dark is the Night, and A Fair Account of the Traitors have all been on my maybe list for quite a while, so your endorsements may very well prove the decisive points!
As for me, I definitely had a better than usual reading year. I haven’t sat down and ranked my top ten reads yet, but off the top of my head, some of my very favorites were We Have Always Lived in the Castle by Shirley Jackson, King of Scars by Leigh Bardugo, and The Thief Who Knocked on Sorrow’s Gate by Michael McClung.
– Eleanor
OH MY GOODNESS. YOU SHOULD SEE MY GRIN RIGHT NOW. My mission of this post has been achieved–to add to everyone’s TBRs. Bwahahaha! But YESSS. The Firethorn Crown, The Electrical Menagerie, Dark is the Night, and A Fair Account were just SO SO GOOD. I cannot recommend them enough! (Especially The Electrical Menagerie, oh my gracious DAT BOOOOOK. <3)
That's wonderful you had a good reading year! I've shamefully never read those you mentioned, but I have heard of We Have Always Lived in the Castle. It looks like such an interesting one! And King of Scars is one I actually OWN. I went to a book signing for that book just...because, even though I've never read any Leigh Bardugo. XD But hey, when I big-time YA author is nearby, how can you not go and see them??? I want to get and read all the books before King of Scars before I read it but SOMEDAY I'll get there! I don't think I've heard of he Thief Who Knocked on Sorrow’s Gate at all. Such an interesting title though. I need to check it out!
I have not read nor heard of most of these books but they seem like good picks! Happy reading in 2020! Ooo and your new header looks so pretty!
I did read a lot of obscure ones this year. Haha. But such good ones! And THANK YOU!!! I’m working on sprucing up the place a bit for the new year. So glad you like the new header. ^_^
I don’t think I knew you loved The Electrical Menagerie THAT much. :O I need to read it even more now!
.
The Story Peddler! I loved its themes too.
.
A steampunk Rapunzel with Arthurian threads? WHAT? This does sound extremely Christine-like, and I’m adding it to my Goodreads TBR right this second!
.
DARK IS THE NIGHT. I HAVE it sitting in my AMAZON CART—thank you for reminding me. o.o
.
Oh gosh, I’ve been meaning to read A Branch of Silver, a Branch of Gold since it came out too. Has it really been years already?
.
You already know my undying love for Strange the Dreamer. I was nodding along to every word you said about it! <333 Anyway, I’m so glad to hear you’ve had such a fantastic reading year, and I love how many fairytale retellings you managed to read, too! Here’s to another great year of books!
*GASP* Then I have failed as a rabid book dragon. Clearly I need to scream about this book MORE. IT WAS SO SO GOOD. <3 <3 <3
Golden Braids and Dragon Blades was so. much. fun. I think I had a smile on my face for like 85% of that book. It was a delight!
YES. DARK IS THE NIGHT NEEDS TO BE PURCHASED. I actually need to get myself a physical copy. Right now I only have an ebook. I need a copy I can hold in my hands!
That makes me feel better about A Branch of Silver, a Branch of Gold! It doesn't FEEL like it was years ago when it was published! In my head it's still kind of a new book but...it's not. o.o It was soooooo good though. I think you will LOVE it!
Ugh. Strange the Dreamer. I just can't with that book. It's basically ruined all other books for me. It was just so good! D': <3
Awww, thanks, Tracey! YES. Let's consume ALL the good books this year! 😀
[…] If you want to here more about my reading year, last week I did a post on just […]
*Writes down all the book titles, even though my tbr is towering over me *
Also dies, because my book is on here, and I’m not worthy!!
<333
Feed the TBR. Feed iiiiit! Bwahahaha.
EXCUSE ME. YOU ARE 100% WORTHY BECAUSE YOUR STORY IS THE BEST THING EVER AND I SHALL BE FANGIRLING OVER IT TO THE END OF TIME.