My top ten reads of 2019

Human student Phineas Smith has been cursed with a power no one could control. Unseelie Prince Roark Lyne is his worst enemy…and his only hope.

Genre: low fantasy | LGBT+

Series: The Darkest Court #1

My thoughts: This story had everything I love in an urban fantasy: lots of creatures, political intrigue, and fascinating characters that I just can’t get enough of!

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The dreamers walk among us…and so do the dreamed. Then there are those who are drawn to the dreamers. To use them. To trap them. To kill them before their dreams destroy us all.

Genre: low fantasy | LGBT+ | YA

Series: The Dreamer Trilogy #1

My thoughts: I loved it! All the dream-y stuff was absolutely amazing, and I loved seeing the Lynch brothers develop both in themselves and in their bonds with each other.

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Simon Snow is the worst Chosen One who’s ever been chosen. That’s what his roommate and nemesis, Baz, says. And Baz might be evil and a vampire…but he’s probably right.

Genre: low fantasy | LGBT+ | YA

Series: Simon Snow #1

My thoughts: Devoured this in one sitting! Witty and full-of-feels, I loved the world-building, the plot, the side characters, and of course Simon and Baz!

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Can Sam and his autistic brother Avery find a perfect home? They’ve been abandoned by everyone they’ve known, but Sam has a secret, and his past is about to catch up with him.

Genre: contemporary | YA

Series: (stand alone)

My thoughts: C.G. Drews ripped my heart out and stomped all over it! I consumed this book in a single night and was bawling my eyes out by the end. Just beautiful!

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The dream chooses the dreamer, not the other way around, and Lazlo Strange, war orphan and junior librarian, must seize his chance or risk losing his dream forever.

Genre: high fantasy | YA

Series: Strange the Dreamer #1

My thoughts: Wow—just wow. Lazlo is the type of character I can never get enough of, and Laini Taylor’s writing is absolutely stunning! I won’t soon forget this story!

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Noam is the sole survivor of a viral magic outbreak. Now a technopath who has caught the attention of a minister, he secretly begins to plot the government’s downfall.

Genre: sci-fi| LGBT+ | YA

Series: Feverwake #1

My thoughts: With complex characters, political intrigue, and an exploration of sensitive issues such as xenophobia and abuse, this book kept me guessing until the end!

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The treaties holding the preternatural world in check are fraying, and only combat mage Patrick and the werewolf he’s soulbound to can keep everything from falling apart.

Genre: paranormal | LGBT+

Series: Soulbound #2

My thoughts: I could just get lost in this amazing paranormal world Hailey Turner has created, and it’s only made better by the growing bond between Patrick and Jono!

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Maximoff Hale has found love with his maverick, know-it-all bodyguard Farrow. But fame comes with a cost, and neither could ever have prepared for the storm to come…

Genre: contemporary | LGBT+

Series: Like Us #3

My thoughts: I am literally beaming and weeping tears of joy! Maximoff and Farrow have cemented their place as one of my all-time favourite couples.

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What happens when America’s First Son falls in love with the Prince of England? Chaos…and a secret romance that could derail an election campaign and upend two nations.

Genre: contemporary | LGBT+ | NA

Series: (stand alone)

My thoughts: I am in love with this book! The banter! The friendship! The politics! The ROMANCE! Alex and Henry were the best thing ever and I want more!!

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Speak again the ancient oaths: life before death, strength before weakness, journey before destination. The Knights Radiant must stand again!

Genre: epic fantasy

Series: The Stormlight Archive #2

My thoughts: I have no words. Seriously. This series has just absolutely blown me away, and this volume in particular. Epic fantasy at its best, folks. Go and check it out!

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