Top 19 books of 2019

This post is now officially three months late, oops?

If you haven't read my writing update, then I'd recommend doing so because I kind of go over what's been going on (kind of but not really, maybe I'll do a life update?)

Anyway, despite the wishy-washiness and craziness of 2019 (one of the craziest years of my life), I did read a lot of really good books. And I'd like to talk about them, even if it is months late. So here we go.

My top 19 books of 2019:

19. The Diviners by Libba Gray

The mix of the 1920s atmosphere and the paranormal, dark mystery plot made this book irresistible. Not the mention the characters were fantastic (I love Evie as a main character) and the writing wonderful too. I have high hopes for the rest of the series and I can't believe I haven't gotten ahold of book 2 yet (it will happen soon!!) I think part of my love for this book also stems from the fact that I finished it on Halloween, perfect backdrop to a stellar read.

18. Pride & Prejudice by Jane Austen

I never thought I'd love a classic (except for Anne of Green Gables, my origin story and the love of my childhood) but I was pleasantly surprised by my love for this. I always thought this book to be overhyped and never thought in a million years that I'd adore it like everyone else... But that's what happened. I loved Lizzie and Mr. Darcy and even though the writing style is often a pain to wade through (so. many. words.), I flew through this massive book shockingly fast. I also read a total of three retellings in the same month because I was obsessed.

17. Serpent & Dove by Shelby Mahurin

The synopsis of this book should tell you why I loved it: covens, witches, France (a big buzz word for me, I'm bold enough to admit it), enemies to lovers, arranged marriage, hello??? It was FANTASTIC. And I am desperate for book 2 to come out later this year. I loved Lou and Reid and their dynamic (seriously, witch x witch hunter who doesn't know he's marrying a witch??? best idea ever). Obviously, I loved the romance... And the writing was phenomenal too.

16. Skyward by Brandon Sanderson

This was my first Brandon Sanderson book and I can easily say, I was not disappointed. Spensa is one of my favorite heroines EVER and I pretty much loved every single character introduced (especially M-bot, my boyyy- or should I say, my robottt). This book was a fast-paced sci-fi pilot story that kept me engrossed from beginning to end. There was also just the barest inklings of a romantic pairing that kept me on my toes (I'm a big fan of the pairing and am eager to see where it goes) but also didn't take away from the main story. Sometimes I just want a space story with no romance, and this book gave it to me pretty damn well.

15. Caraval by Stephanie Garber

I've had this book in my house for ages (my sister owns it and she read it months before me and gushed about it, yet it took me forever to finally read it) but when I finally read it, I fell in love. The unique storyline, the characters, the romance, and the atmosphere and setting all weaved together to create a story that I was sad to part with. This is another series I desperately need to continue (I literally don't know why I haven't yet to be honest). Scarlet was so great. Julian was great. I will admit there are cliches and to be perfectly honest, flowery and nonsensical phrases galore, but none of it bothered me. I just loved this book.

14. The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid

I'd find it difficult to believe that if you are involved even a little bit in the bookish community (youtube, blogs, instagram, or even goodreads itself) that you've never heard of this book. Evelyn Hugo took the reading world by storm and no one escaped her charms, especially not me. This book painted a story so real and raw of a woman who seemed more genuine and true that most humans I've met, that's it's honestly hard to believe that none of it is real. It's all fiction and I knew this, yet I still had the urge to google Evelyn Hugo when I finished- like she was a real icon and starlet who I could delve deeper into because this book left me eager for more (but in a good way, not in an 'I'm underwhelmed' way). 10/10 recommend.

13. The Sky is Everywhere by Jandy Nelson

Holy crap, this BOOK! I adored it. I adored it so much and Jandy Nelson instantly became a favorite after reading it. JOE FONTAINE IS A GEM. That is my main takeaway from the book. I just don't know what to say. This book made me feel so many emotions and packed so much in its smaller size. Lenny was a fascinating lead and even though she irked me many times (the whole love triangle was a mess let's be honest), I couldn't help but root for, sympathize for her, and defend her. This book is incredible and I never believed Jandy Nelson could top it but *spoiler alert* she did.

12. Blue Lily, Lily Blue by Maggie Stievater

The Raven Cycle was one of those classic YA series that I was intrigued by but also reluctant because they were often overhyped, even ones like this where everyone swore by it. However, it did not disappoint. The main thing about this series that you have to know is: you don't read it for the story. You read it for the characters and the atmosphere. Both of which are impeccable- I will never love characters as I have loved Blue and her Raven Boys (especially Gansey, my heart) and the atmosphere in this book was almost a tangible feeling. It's hard to explain. You must read. Don't get me wrong, the plot is intriguing too, but it's much more slow-paced and not as high-stakes. It meanders, but no one minds because we're too invested in the relationships of these wonderful people.

11. Becoming by Michelle Obama

Do I even have to say anything about this book? It was eye-opening and enlightening and it taught me stuff about careers and life choices and relationships that I will carry with me for years to come. It was filled with hope and warmth. And it grew my love for this woman and this family more than I ever thought possible.

10. King of Scars by Leigh Bardugo

This book I've definitely raved about before so I'll keep this short. I love Nikolai Lantsov as if he were real flesh and blood. He is everything to me and I am so invested in his story so this book was easy for me to read in comparison to those who were saying it was unbearably slow and bland. I'll admit it could be shorter but I enjoyed it too much to care. Also NINA. MY LOVE. And f/f romance!!! And ZOYA. Never thought I'd ever be happy about her, but here we are. Leigh can make me love and hate anyone. Her power.

9. Capturing the Devil by Kerri Maniscalco

The fourth and final book in the Stalking Jack the Ripper series, aka one of my favorite series of all time. The finale was not disappointing. I love Audrey Rose and Thomas with all my heart and I love the mystery aspect of this series and the historical fiction aspect as well. The writing: phenomenal. The story: incredible. The mystery itself: so well done. I love this series and I will push it on everyone. There were twists and shocks a plenty and it was a wild journey from start to finish. I loved every second of it.

8. Aru Shah and the Song of Death by Roshani Chokshi

One of my favorite middle grade series of all time. Hindu mythology + Rick Riordan-esque quest plot + Indian main character(s) = perfection designed especially for me. I love love love this series and Aru and Mini and Brynne and Aiden. Is the humor more immature and childish? Yes. Do I love it anyway? Yes. Is the mythology portrayed ridiculously? At times. Do I mind? Hell no. I love this series. And it's own voices which is so important!!! I love Rick Riordan for starting his imprint and giving kids a chance to see themselves represented in stories.

7. Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston

Like literally everyone else in the reader world, this book entranced me. Gay enemies to lovers president's son x prince of England???? With a fake-friendship political plot thrown in??? Hello, yes!!!! This book has a plot to a Wattpad book DONE WELL! Let's be real, we all love common fanfiction tropes but the issue is how they're executed. This book did it really well. I adored Alex and Henry and their relationship and I probably squealed out loud more than once in the process of reading this book. Oops? I also don't normally read adult romance but I loved this.

6. Clockwork Princess by Cassandra Clare

My thoughts for this book can be summed up in: AGHHHHUHHHHHHAHHAHHH. This book was a journey I will NEVER recover from. The Infernal Devices is my favorite Cassie Clare book and choosing which one between Clockwork Prince (which made me cry like a baby) and Clockwork Princess was my baby was IMPOSSIBLE. So just keep that in mind. I love Tessa and Jem and WILL HERONDALE, THE LOVE OF MY LIFE so fricking much. I'd do anything for them. This book was so emotional and perfect and even though the results of the love triangle will forever leave me with mixed feelings (I could rant about it for hours but I'll spare you), I love this book with all my heart.

TOP FIVE:

5. Foolish Hearts by Emma Mills

This book was pure perfection. Theater + enemies to friends + best love interest EVER + video games + what else do you need really? = amazing. Okay, but Claudia is the best. And so is Iris and GIDEON PREWITT!! I need a Gideon yesterday, please and thank you (I hate that the only time I can bask in the presence of respectful and funny and sweet guys is through books, haha #whenyourhighschoolhasaracisthomophobicassholemalepopulation

Anyway. Emma Mills is one of my favorite contemporary authors especially because she always make me laugh and/or smile.

4. The Vanishing Stair by Maureen Johnson

The sequel to Truly Devious by Maureen Johnson and holy shit was is incredible. I've said it before and I'll say it again- I love these characters so much and the mystery and I'm so eager to know what happens next (especially with that crazy cliff hanger, jeez). If you want a boarding school mystery trilogy with great characters and lots of diversity, then I highly recommend this.

Okay the final three don't really have a set ranking because I can't choose between them so they're all just 1.s I guess (but I'm still going to count down because why not).

3. I'll Give You the Sun by Jandy Nelson

I told you she'd top it. This book is an utter masterpiece. There's no other way to describe it. It changed the standard I have for five star books and for life if we're completely honest. The characters in this book fly off the page as if they were real. And the story was so intriguing and I was invested from the beginning. The writing style is beautiful and I love this book with all my heart. I don't know if Jandy Nelson will ever write another book but I will await the day she does with a full heart. Noah and Jude. And Oscar. And Brian, my sweetheart. I love this book so so so much. Everyone needs to read it and The Sky Is Everywhere (that one first or you'll be disappointed).

2. Bloodwitch by Susan Dennard

I've talked about how much I love Susan Dennard as an author and as a person, she provides so many useful and amazing resources for aspiring authors in her newsletter. But her books are incredible too. I really liked Truthwitch and Windwitch too but this book just brought the series to a whole other level. I wrote an extremely long review for this book so if you want you can check it out on Goodreads because that will better explain my feelings (and I have a lot of them for this book). The writing, the worldbuilding, the characters, the story, the relationships- all of it was SO GOOD AND SO WELL DONE.

1. The Wicked King by Holly Black

The Folk of the Air quickly stole my heart like it stole the hearts of many in the last couple of years. The aspect of fae and all the politics and corruption and plotting. The characters and how everyone is so gray and complex especially Jude and Cardan. The electric dynamic between Jude and Cardan. Just Jude and Cardan in general. The atmosphere. The drama of it all. The Wicked King is my favorite from the trilogy (I read the Queen of Nothing this year too but though I loved it, it also left me with some missing pieces I wanted answered or clarified). I fell so hard for this story. And the ENDING. It destroyed me and I reread it probably ten times in the next few days.

Well. I didn't expect to go that in depth for all of these books but I guess that's better than being too vague (even though 90% of it was just me gushing about them- to be fair, that's why they were my favorites).

The point is, all of these books (and series) are incredible and I highly recommend them to all of you. Hopefully you heard of one you want to try out. And until next time (hopefully early April or even the end of this month if I manage to be productive).

No mourners, no funerals,

-SureenaWrites