2021 Book Releases I Am SO Excited About

Typically, I am not the best at tracking all the new book releases: what they are, when they come out, who wrote them, etc. I tend to rely on other bloggers or Goodreads to find new releases. Strolling through the bookstore and perusing the shelves to find new books is also so much fun. But sometimes I end up missing books I would absolutely love, such as sequels to current favorites or a beloved author's upcoming novel. This year, I decided to spend some time browsing Goodreads and blogs to create a list of 2021 book releases I am so excited to read when they come out.

My Favorite Stand Alone Fantasy Novels

Fantasy is by far the best fictional genre. Who does not love a story involving wizards, magic, dragons, and the like? As much as I adore expansive series that thoroughly explore the depths of their detailed worlds, stand alone novels really speak to me. Inside their pages is a compact, singular tale that starts and ends in one volume. You do not have to wait for years on end to discover the secrets and dramatic finales. So I decided to compile a list of my favorite stand alone fantasy novels for everyone to enjoy. Pick one up and read it cover to cover. 

5 Books I Want to Read in 2021

Wow, I have never been so excited for the new year. 2020 flew by at a breakneck pace while also seeming to last a hundred years. We were all thrown through loops nearly every single day, so here's hoping that this year will bring some much needed peace and quiet. For me, reading allows me to escape the current moment and dive into a world of fiction. This hobby has been a lifesaver for many lately. So, as usual, I have a list of books in mind that I would like to read in 2021.

Best Books of 2020

 

2020 was a peculiar year. I do not think anyone expected the pandemic or quarantine. I started off flying to Scotland to study abroad, which got cut short early (thanks COVID), then I spent the rest of the year inside doing online university. How strange. Thankfully, I was able to escape reality and delve into some pretty amazing books. That is the beauty of fiction--they will always be there to transport you to other worlds and lives amidst the chaos of our own. These books made me laugh and cry, but most of all they brought me immense joy. 

Winter Reading List

 

Winter is finally and officially upon us. I am crossing my fingers hoping for snow as well as preparing for a very festive, quiet Christmas. This time of the year is perfect for bundling up in bed with some socks and blankets, a cup of hot chocolate resting nearby, and a good book in your hand. No season conjures such cozy feelings. The dark, cool weather crafts the ideal book reading and movie watching scenario. Here are the six books I want to read this wonderful season. 

Comfort Reads

The past few months have been trying. Living through a pandemic is certainly a strain as daily life has been permanently altered. Many people are experiencing more anxiety and fear than they have previously. During quarantine, reading became a more popular activity due to the extra time on hand. What is more perfect than reading a comforting book that allows you to escape into another life for a while? I  have found myself reaching for some comforting books myself. These are the kind of novels that make you feel at home, where you are relaxed and at ease, which is precisely what we need right now.  

3 Movies I Have LOVED Recently

Even with movie theaters still closed due to the pandemic, I have been watching tons of films. I love a good story--that's one of the reasons I adore reading so much. Movies are a perfect combination of my love of plot and photography (or cinematography). Between Netflix, Disney+, Redbox, and all of the other platforms available to rent or purchase movies on, there is no shortage of content to enjoy. Here are five spectacular movies to watch this weekend.

Best Book Couples

 

I would not dub myself as a "romantic," per say. Romance as a genre is one I tend to avoid. Plots with magic and action appeal to me more than those centered around a relationship. However, I am human, and there are some couples in my favorite books that I simply adore. We all have those couples that we root for or "ship." I suppose you could say this is a list of my fictional OTPs. 

The Best Middle Grade Book Series for All Ages

We all have those books we read as a child and have held dearly in our hearts ever since. These are the books and memories that we look back on fondly. Yet, some middle grade or children's book series are entirely enjoyable at any age. I read some of these as a kid, yes, but some I read as a teen or an adult. My older age did not diminish my adoration for these books. Everyone, old, young, or somewhere in between, can read and appreciate these ones.

2020...a Look on the Positive Side

At the start of this year, we dreamed of a fresh beginning for a new decade. People joked about a Roaring Twenties repeat and moving forward with good intentions. We were going to grab onto life and march decidedly into the coming year. In January, I left on my first international flight alone to study abroad for a semester in Edinburgh, Scotland. Two and a half months later, the pandemic was hitting us in full swing and I got called home to the USA. All of my upcoming travel and study plans were tossed out of the window. Thus began months of ongoing quarantine. I suppose this year did not go as intended, huh?

Autumn Reading List

Autumn: the season of campfires, pumpkins, and sweaters. It is a time for cozying up in bed with a good book or settling down with popcorn to watch a scary movie. Summer fades into world of Halloween, schoolwork, and spices. The heat will linger until the first fall chill chases it away for the rest of the year. Personally, I love autumn. I cannot wait to enjoy a good s'more and bake some pumpkin cupcakes. As usual, I am sharing a short list of books I hope to read this season. With my university work I never know when I will have time for reading but I still try to make it a priority when I can. 

The Most Annoying Book Characters of All Time

Do you ever become so annoyed at a character that you want to throw the book against the wall? Or maybe punch said character in the face if only to knock some sense into them? Honestly, a character can make or break a book. Some books feature such amazing, interesting characters that I can't help but be pulled in. But some have protagonists that I find to be so infuriating that it makes reading the book nearly impossible. Also, this is all in jest so if I mention one of your favorite characters, don't worry! We all just have different preferences.

Is Chain of Gold Worth Reading?

Cassandra Clare has dominated the YA sphere for years with her shadowhunter novels. I, like many others, adored her Mortal Instruments as a teen. As she expanded the world into more and more additional series, doubt grew over me. Were there really more stories to tell or was this a cash-grab? With The Dark Artifices, I was sure she had more to say. The characters were new, the plot was intense, and her writing was better than ever. But do I still feel the same way after reading the newest installment and series, Chain of Gold? (P.S: this review is spoiler free for CoG but not for the other series).

My Favorite Female Authors

For years, women were (and often still are) disrespected as authors. Many would utilize a pseudonym or their initials rather than their full name to make their gender less obvious to the reader. But women make up so many of my favorite authors and are invaluable to literature. This post is meant to celebrate female writers by showing off my favorites. 

My Favorite LGBTQ+ Characters

In celebration of this year's Pride Month, I have decided to share a list of some of my favorite queer characters from books that I love. Whilst compiling this list, I came across an unfortunate conclusion: there are simply not enough LGBTQ+ characters! And especially not enough lesbian, transgender, or bisexual ones. If you have any recommendations for books featuring more LGBTQ+ characters, let me know!

Movies I Have Been Watching + My Thoughts

Let's cut to the chase: I have been using my sudden free time to mindlessly absorb a ton of media. I compiled a list of *some* of the films I have watched since quarantine began to give you my thoughts on them. 

Summer Reading List

Unpopular opinion: summer is my least favorite season. I despise heat and my English rose skin does not deal well with harsh sunlight. Also, bugs love to bite me and shorts are always too short. The only reason I look forward to summer each year is summer break. However, I will be taking two summer courses this time around (which are now online). Will I have as much free time to read? Probably not. But I still have a few key novels I want to pick up this season. 

Classics I Haven't Read But Really Need To

I am not usually a classic literature reader. Fantasy will always hold reign as my favorite genre. The classics I have read were either forced upon me in school or were simply different kinds of classics (i.e. the science fiction ones). Brave New World and The Picture of Dorian Gray are amazing. But as a self-professed reader and book lover, many people are shocked that I haven't read anything by Jane Austen or the Bronte sisters. Honestly, they haven't interested me much due to their general plots. Recently I have admitted to myself that I really ought to just do it and read the books. 

Why I Won't Be Reading the New Sarah J. Maas Book

For years, Sarah J. Maas has been a staple author in the online book world. She rose to popularity through her Throne of Glass and A Court of Thorns and Roses series. Due to their addictive and entertaining nature, I managed to read all of these. However, I agree firmly with the camp of people who generally dislike SJM books. I don't think they are horrible but they are certainly not the best. I guess I just don't understand the hype. Therefore, I have decided to boycott her new publication, House of Earth and Blood. (P.S.: if you love SJM, that is great! She is just not my cup of tea).

Skyward is Epic Science Fiction

Listen, I am a fantasy lover all the way. But being a lifelong nerd means I also adore science fiction. Brandon Sanderson, one of my favorite fantasy authors, released his first sci-fi YA book in 2018. I finally got around to reading it this year and (SPOILERS) I loved it. Skyward is epic, action-packed, and suspenseful. Plus, there are talking space ships, aliens, and a cute slug. If I haven't convinced you to read it yet, keep on reading.