You know who’s feeling festive this year?!
Not me 🤗
HA! I’m kidding. Although my soul curls inwards at the mention of christmas, as a general rule, I’m feeling slightly festive this year because I’ve already made fruit mince pies and that is peak christmas mood for me. I am also over here, poking pitifully at my poor blog and thinking up fresh plans for for it for 2020. Which I will share with you soon! But for now I’m going to be both CHRISTMASSY and BLOGGERY and do the…
book blog tag!
It was created by Falling Down The Book Hole. (I even have a festive Christmassy border below someone award me.)
ON THE FIRST DAY OF CHRISTMAS, MY TRUE LOVE SENT TO ME: A PARTRIDGE IN A PEAR TREE.
The partridge stood alone in the pear tree. What is your favourite stand alone?
I’ll choose standalones I’ve discovered this year! Sooo firstly: SICK KIDS IN LOVE was beyond incredible and left me slightly teary for the loving and heartfelt disabilty rep (#ownvoices narratives MATTER SO MUCH). Also Sasha and Isabel? Are the softest. Then CAN YOU SEE ME is an MG contemporary about an autistic girl and it was so so good, accurate, aching, and important. It was the kind of book I want everyone to read and raise way more understanding of what autism really is. 😭 💛
ON THE SECOND DAY OF CHRISTMAS, MY TRUE LOVE SENT TO ME: TWO TURTLE DOVES.
Love is in the air! Who is your one true pairing?
I feel such PRESSURE when it’s like “one true pairing”…can I not have at least 10 ships, please and thank you.🥺So I’m just going to quietly cheat here and pick two of my favourite 2019 couples. And try not to fall out of your chair with shock but — yes I’ll say Jude and Cardan. These two are hot frikkin messes, and they’re both poisonous for each other and manipulative…until they’re not. 😭 💛They have such a good character arc, and I really think the series explored what it is to be vulnerable after you’ve grown up abused. Then I’ll say Alex and Henry — because omg these two. This is an adult RomCom, aka not my usual genre, but here we have the president’s son and the prince of England who hate each other…except maybe they don’t. Honestly this book is fantastically witty, it’s really heartfelt and wrenching at times, and it’s incredibly written.
ON THE THIRD DAY OF CHRISTMAS, MY TRUE LOVE SENT TO ME: THREE FRENCH HENS.
In the spirit of threes, what is the best trilogy you have read?
This year I finished up The Cruel Prince trilogy (AM OBSESSED; perfect ending was perfect) and also the Caraval trilogy!! Usually I procrastinate finales so hard — what if they don’t live up to expectations? what if my faves die? what dO I DO WITH MYSELF AFTER??? Etc. Etc. The panic never ends. But these two were ones I devoured straight away.😍Expectations = met. Stressful AND satisfying. That’s what I ask.
ON THE FOURTH DAY OF CHRISTMAS, MY TRUE LOVE SENT TO ME: FOUR CALLING BIRDS.
Since series usually consist of four or more books, what is your favourite series?
[slams The Raven Cycle on the table and yells] THIS IS A SURPRISE. And this, I cheat for, because I obviously didn’t discover them in 2019, but I did REread them this year! I basically reread The Raven Cycle every year in order to keep my heart beating, my lungs working, the stars in my eyes shining. 👌🏻And of course this year we were also blessed with Call Down the Hawk, aka an incredible, whimsical, peculiar and clever start of the spin-off Ronan trilogy.
ON THE FIFTH DAY OF CHRISTMAS, MY TRUE LOVE SENT TO ME: FIVE GOLDEN RINGS.
One ring to rule them all! Who is your Favourite Villain/Antagonist?
This year, hmm…look I actually struggle to really loathe villains. I prefer the ones you secretly love, because a lot of the “ultimate badie bad guys” just feel bland and uninteresting to me. I like villains with motives so vicious but cruelly crystal clear that you’re horrified at them, but also understand them a little. Anyway. Never mind me. I’m nice. 🤗So for villains I actually LIKE…guess I’ll be cliche and pick King of Scars. 😌And also Ninth House. So basically, Bardugo wins this category.
ON THE SIXTH DAY OF CHRISTMAS, MY TRUE LOVE SENT TO ME: SIX GEESE A LAYING.
Creation is a beautiful thing. What is your favourite world/world-building?
I’m trying not to nominate the same books over and over😂or I’ll say The Cruel Prince again, soooo: SPIN THE DAWN!! It’s a gorgeous Chinese-inspired fantasy world with a girl disguised as a tailor who must make dresses out of the sun, moon, and stars. So you can imagine the whole world is whimsical and incredible.
And The Hazel Wood was SO GOOD. It actually came out last year, so of course I procrastinated reading it for no good reason. But it’s the perfect blend of bizarre and darkly whimsical fairytales + our world. Bring meeeee more portal fantasy. I LOVE.
ON THE SEVENTH DAY OF CHRISTMAS, MY TRUE LOVE SENT TO ME: SEVEN SWANS A SWIMMING.
Who needs seven swans when all it takes is one good animal sidekick? Who’s your favourite animal sidekick?
Oh if you haven’t tried The Tea Dragon Society then — YOU JUST NEED TO. They’re the most gorgeous graphic novels ever. The artwork is pure and wholesome and divine. 😍I will genuinely gush all day. Do not test me. Plus they’re so diverse! And the sequel, which came out in October (The Tea Dragon Festival) has a nonbinary main character!! They have little dragons. TEA DRAGONS. You make tea with their leaves from their antlers!!
ON THE EIGHTH DAY OF CHRISTMAS, MY TRUE LOVE SENT TO ME: EIGHT MAIDS A MILKING.
Milk is so 18th century. Which book or series takes beverages/food to a whole new level?
Well The Beautiful is here to bring back vampires and they aren’t drinking milk. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ More like a little bloody sip fROM YOUR THROAT. But in less gothic news…I so so adored With Fire on High!! It’s a contemporary focused on FOOD! Emoni wants to be a chef, and ends up working so hard to go on a cooking trip to Spain with her class. She’s also raising her 2yo daughter 😭💛She’s such a good mum and a good cook and just…!! An incredible character you can’t help but love. (I still don’t understand the significance of the title, unless it’s referring to a pot being left on the stove????)
ON THE NINTH DAY OF CHRISTMAS MY TRUE LOVE SENT TO ME: NINE LADIES DANCING.
Dancing is just one skill of a Lady! Who is your favourite kickass female lead?
This is half cheating because I’m still reading Gideon The Ninth but gah, I freaking LOVE Gideon. She’s badass with a sword, she’s snarky, but also has the biggest bleeding heart. And the world is full of skeletons and necromancers and conspiracies, and Gideon is just there. With a snipey comeback, and a sword, and aviator glasses because she’s cool. Aaaand I want to say Kiera from Slay, because she kicks ass virtually with her video game AND also metaphorically with standing up for what she believes in, fighting back racism, protecting black kids, and being indomitable even when it’s really really hard. 😭
ON THE TENTH DAY OF CHRISTMAS MY TRUE LOVE SENT TO ME: TEN LORDS A LEAPING.
How about your favourite leading lad?
Okay but I’ve only mentioned Ronan once so I can mention him twice. This is the rule. 👀Twice is okay and then my obsessions need to sit down and let some other books have a look in. BUT RONAN FREAKING LYNCH — gah, he’s incredibly powerful, also a petty little brother, also if you threaten something in his scope of vision…he will buckle down into attack dog mode. Also for a kid who shaves his head and acts like he’s made of oil and sharp edges — he is so SOFT sometimes. Aaaand I’ll say Simon and Baz from Wayward Son. Not sure how either of these idiot disasters are still alive but I love them. Just wish they’d TALK to each other omg. Communicate your feelings, boys!! I think the whole book was a good look at the trauma of child soldiers.
ON THE ELEVENTH DAY OF CHRISTMAS MY TRUE LOVE SENT TO ME: ELEVEN PIPES PIPING.
What is your favourite book or bookish thing with musical influence? (It can be about music, reference music a lot etc.)
I was nearly blanking on musical-books I’ve read this year…But then DUH!! On the Come Up!! This one is about music and rapping and Bri, who’s tired of stereotypes and wants to be bold and loud and achieve her dreams. Angie Thomas always delivers incredible books. This one was A+ in every way. Also You Asked For Perfect has a violinist overachieving boy who works himself sick with school stress!!! Relatable!!!
ON THE TWELFTH DAY OF CHRISTMAS MY TRUE LOVE SENT TO ME: 12 DRUMMERS DRUMMING.
Drum roll please…what is your favourite read of this year?
Impossible ಠ_ಠ This question lives to TORMENT. I’ll give you a round up of TWELVE of my top reads because I can’t possibly choose one!! And this makes the question make sense.
helloooo! tell me if you’re in a festive spirit this year? and what’s the best standalone AND series you read (or finished) this year?
Great tag blog post! I bought both Sick Kids in Love and Can You See Me? based on your recommendations. I also have With the Fire on High on my TBR (though both that and Sick Kids in Love, are in their delivery box because I ordered them recently but haven’t opened up the box yet. I’m waiting for the last book to come in from my order, then I’ll open up the boxes in one go). Oooh Slay is another one that I recently ordered but haven’t unpacked yet haha. I really liked Carry On but have heard mixed things of Wayward Son, the book is on my wishlist but I haven’t bought it yet. I have On the Come Up on my TBR. Omg yes, I Wish You All The Best was such a good read. I think it’d be in my top10 / top12 reads of the year too.
Hmm okay, Cait now I guess I have to do this tag too!!! Hope you don’t mind me stealing it *wink wink*
I want to read Sick Kids in Love SO BAD AHHH. Also, I am SO ready to binge the Folk of The Air series, definitely starting it after I finish my current read. I AM SO PSYCHED!! IT BETTER BE GOOD!! Oh, I also can’t wait for CDTH, must reread TRC first though… welp! Really need to read With The Fire On High asap because I know it’ll be great.
I just got a copy of The Raven Boys! I can finally start that series and see what all the hype is about. Wayward Son is on my Christmas list. I’m crossing my fingers that Santa brings it.
I really need to read The Wicked King, but I really don’t want to do the long cliffhanger wait. Now that the final book is already released, I have no excuse to put it off anymore! Tea Dragons are the cutest, I love them so much! <3
I’ve been in the festive spirit for about a month now haha! If I could, I’d be doing nothing but watching Christmas films and reading but I have to finish this semester of uni first *insert a never ending stream of tears*.
ooh I love this tag!! and that’s a very lovely Christmassy border you’ve got there 😂 I loved With the Fire on High so much! it made me so hungry whilst reading about all of the dishes but definitely worth the read anyway, haha. STILL haven’t read Wayward Son but it looks so pretty sitting on my shelf so all is well. I loved Queen of Air and Darkness, too (that ending!). going to need to give The Tea Dragon Society a go soon because everyone has given it glowing reviews. loved the post!! xx
Hi!
I love your christmas border -looks so festive!
My whole family is skipping christmas this year, which is nice for a change. I am kind of in christmas mood, though. Can’t really escape all the decorations and lights and stuff in the “outside” world and all the glittery things. 😀
I haven’t read a standalone this year? Hmmm…
But my favorite series will be V.E.Schwabs The color of magic. I re-readed the first two and finally got around to the last – I think this will be one of my all-time favorites!
Book Traveller
This tag is too fun!! I really want to do it now :’) You have so many great picks here that I have yet to read, and I’m excited to read them in 2020 hehe xx
I’m starting to now! I’ve been working in retail, so Christmas started mid-November, and I was feeling a bit Scrooge-like, but I’ve started to feel more festive over the past week or so, thankfully, I did not want retail to ruin Christmas for me! Favourite stand-alone was To Kill A Kingdom. I’ve actually only read one series in full this year, though I’ve obviously read a lot of sequels, that series was The Diviners, I’m so excited for King of Crows!
I completely relate to not being able to just choose one book for each category! Also relate to wanting to put the Folk of the Air series as the answer for everything 😂. (And completely agree with Red, White, & Royal Blue and The Folk of the Air having favourite OTPs).
I think my favourite leading girls this year so far have been Fang Runin from The Dragon Republic, and Jude from The Folk of the Air (obviously)!!
My favourite books this year so far have been The Wicked King, The Dragon Republic, and Red, White, and Royal Blue!!
I agree having to pick your favorites ARE stressful!!! But, anyways my favorite series, cause I can’t pick just one, are Kiling November by Adriana Mather, a thrilling and mysterious book about a girl who finds herself at a boarding school for to-be assassins and spies, A Date With Darcy by Tiffany Schmidt, a witty romance where the mc starts to realise that her life is mirroring some certain classic novels after her new teacher instructs her to read some books for school. Also, as if I haven’t already written a novel of a comment, I LOVED Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins, which I read for the first time even though it’s been out for nine years, about a teen witch who is sent to a school for wayward magical beings, like shapeshifters, vampires, and witches, after she casts a spell that goes incredibly wrong. I also really liked these two stand-alones A Treason Of Thorns by Laura E. Weymouth, which was dark and magical, and If Your Out There by Katy Loutzenhiser, which was funny and fast paced.
This book tag had me laughing. I really enjoyed seeing your round up, these books have all been on my radar for far too long. Enjoy the holidays!
Christmassy and bloggery is a great way to be! I love your answers for this tag although I am VERY SURPRISED to see TRC and Ronan mentioned so often….. (is my gleeful sarcasm obvious enough? Hehehe. BEST EVER FOREVER AND EVER).
standalone I loved Sorcery of Thorns and for series, I read the entirety of the Raven Cycle and obviously they were wonderful!
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas… AND it’s the end of a decade, although I guess we can all do the end of decade posts in early 2020. :’) This is such a cool tag!! I need to get a handle on wrap-ups and things, because right now I have NOTHING. Best book of the year was DEFINITELY Call Down the Hawk.
Hiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii I haven’t been here in forever!! I am So Sorry. My old email account where I was getting all your notifications shut down . . . *sighs* #computers
But anyways!! Love this tag 😀 The best series I finished reading this year WAS DEFINITELY THE RAVEN CYCLE (*feeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeels*), and the best standalone was Let Me Hear a Rhyme by Tiffany D. Jackson.
This is a super fun tag Cait, I think I might just have to do it myself now *puts thinking face on*. I’ve got Gideon on my radar but I haven’t honestly heard a whole heap about it (but then again, I feel like I’ve been a bit out of the blogging world for the last month *gulp*). My favourite standalone from this year would have to be Jane Steele – I cannot stop thinking about that book! One of my favourite series for this year would have to be Arc of a Scythe!
This tag was actually created by me. It is very similar to the one Lizzie made but the prompts are different and these prompts are from the one I made. I don’t want to seem petty, it’s just frustrating when you create something and it gets credited to another.