Favorite Books Discovered in 2021
1. A Discovery of Witches
By: Deborah Harkness
I discovered this book series because of the television show that is an adaption of the book series. I definitely recommend it to anyone who loves urban fantasy, vampires, magic, and romance. Harkness has a great writing style that really draws in the reader, and her storytelling is fantastic. If you’re wanting an adventure with a steamy romance and lots of danger, you should check this trilogy out along with its tv show adaption.
2. The Eye of the World
By: Robert Jordan
I discovered this book thanks to the fans of the Wheel of Time series on the FFF discord. I had always been a bit wary to try this series since I know that the author died before he completed the series, and another author finished the books. However, it received a lot of high praise and Amazon was releasing a tv show which looked intriguing based on the commercials. So, I decided I’d give it a go and really enjoyed it. It definitely has an older written feel to it. (It reminds me of Lord of the Rings or Sword of Shannara) However, I do really like the world Jordan built as well as the plot even if it is a bit slower moving. If you like a traditional feeling epic fantasy, I think you should definitely give it a try.
3. The Guinevere Deception
By: Kiersten White
I came across the book purely by accident as I perused my library’s digital collection. It was a really great find. If you are someone who prefers books that are very heavily fantasy, then this book might not be for you. The fantasy aspects are very light and it is more historical in feel which works well for the novel since it is based on Arthurian legends. Just like those legends, the book has a bit of fantasy mixed with the historical. I also highly recommend this novel as an audiobook if you like to listen to them. Elizabeth Knowelden is an amazing narrator.
4. A Court of Thrones and Roses
By: Sarah J. Maas
This book was another happy find while searching around for something new to read. If you like stories heavily based in the fae, I would highly recommend this book. It is all about the world of the fae and the politics involved there. The story has a lot of political intrigue, romance, and magic. It is a fairly serious story in the way it is written and the events that happen in the plot. I also saw many similarities to the beauty and the beast trope in the first half of the novel.
5. Dead Witch Walking
By: Kim Harrison
I found this book because of a video commission, and I highly enjoyed it. It is an urban fantasy that I found to be pretty unique in its setting and world building. I like many of the characters and the sass from the main character. I definitely recommend this book to anyone who likes urban fantasy, a sassy main character, and a world where magic and the paranormal are openly incorporated in society.
I’d love to hear what your top finds are for the year of 2021. Did you stumble on any gems? If you try any of these books out, I’d love to hear your thoughts.
Also, if you wish to see my favorite new releases from 2021, check out my recommendations: Here
