Best Standalone Books I Read in 2020

Yesterday I posted about the best series I read in 2020, and then I started thinking about some incredible standalone books I read in the same year. A couple of them are underrated and deserve an honourable mention, and the rest are popular mentions.

The Swallow: A Ghost Story by Charis Cotter 

This is a middle grade story about two girls: Polly and Rose who feel like social outcasts until one day they find each other and believe that the other girl is a ghost. A surprising friendship follows as they both learn how similar they are, and they spend their days feeling invisible and finding solace from their books. This was a beautiful and touching story with a bittersweet ending that shocked me and almost made me want to cry. One of the best middle grade and a standalone book I have read.

Best Series I Read in 2020

Finally the year 2020 is almost done and about damn time. This was a difficult year, personally and mentally. Everything that I used to do at home, at work, and with my family I had to learn to readjust my routine while surviving through this pandemic. It was a tough year and I struggled a lot just to get through the day, and I feel like I have aged a few more years too. I have the rest of this year off to refresh and just relax while counting down to 2021. This also gives me a chance to reflect on the good, the bad, and the ugly. The good part: my reading challenge for 2020. I read 160 books. Let me be specific: I completely finished reading 160 books. Goodreads says that I read 164 but 4 of those books I did not finish and so, they don’t count.

I was thinking about making a list of all the best books I read this year but instead, I decided on writing about the best series I read. It makes it more interesting and you will notice that I listed manga series too. Instead of listing all the volumes (and there are many because mange series are ongoing) I encourage you to look it up. 

Yona of the Dawn by Mizuho Kusanagi

I want to share a special thank you to my friend and manga reader who recommended this to me. Yona of the Dawn is the best shojo series I have read and I am so glad to have started it! It is still ongoing and I love every volume. The characters, the building romance, the friendships, the politics, the betrayal, the geography and history, it’s all in here! I also love the illustrations and the light hearted and comedic moments really add a nice touch and makes the characters more interesting. If you’re looking for a good shojo manga, I highly recommend Yona of the Dawn.

Top Tuesday: Top Ten Books I Really Want to Read But Don’t Own Yet

I’ve started a list like this a couple of times before for Top Thursday, but now I’m switching that weekly event to Top Tuesday.

Top Tuesday is started by the Broke and the Bookish and is a feature/weekly meme. Today’s Top 10 list is books that I want but don’t own yet and is different compared to my pervious Top Thursday lists.

Top Thursday: New Books that I are Coming Out this Year

As always I’m on top of my game when it comes to new releases and thanks to Goodreads, I’ve come up with a list of new books that I’ve set my eyes on (although I’m really bad at remembering publications dates, so it’s a good thing that I’ve written this post).

Quick by Lauren Owen

What caught my attention with the story is the cast of odd and mysterious characters in centuries-old Aegolius Club where James and Charlotte are caught up in an ancient underground battle fought within a secret world of London. This book has everything: mystery, secrets, hidden societies, and strange characters in an underground city.

Note to self: release on June 17, 2014

Ruin and Rising by Leigh Bardugo

The conclusion to an epic battle where the capital is taken over by Darklings, and it’s up to Alina and Mal to unravel their secrets while wielding the power from the firebird that may cost the future that Alina is fighting for. As I finally own the first book to the Grisha Trilogy, I can’t wait till the final book comes out this summer! But I have a long way to go as I have not read Shadow and Bone and the sequel, Siege and Storm yet. Really need to get my game up this month!

Note to self: release on June 17, 2014

Visions by Kelley Armstrong

I think I mentioned this one in previous posts, but out of all the new books I’m looking forward this year, this deserves to be on top of the list. After reading Omens the first in her new paranormal and thriller series, I’m so psyched to read the sequel.

Note to self: release on August 19, 2014

 

The Rosie Effect by Grame Simsion

I absolutely loved The Rosie Project! I don’t usually read romantic comedy but this was an exception. Don Tillman is quirky and funny and I can’t wait to see what new surprises await after his marriage with Rosie (I heard they’re going to have a baby…*gasp*).

Note to self: release on September 24, 2014

Exquisite Captive by Heather Demetrios

I have no idea how I found out about this book on Goodreads, except that I ‘accidentally’ stumbled upon it. A story of Nalia, a jinni held captive by her cruel master, Malik her only wish is freedom that may come at a terrible price. Meanwhile, her enemies are near and one of them promises to take her home, but only if she grants him a favor at a huge cost. Inspired by Arabian Nights, this story brings forth a seductive world full of mystery, dark secrets, curses and shadows that are safer than light.

Note to self: release on October 17, 2014

 

So those are just some of the new books that I’m looking for this year. Overtime I’ll most likely come across new books that are coming out and add to my TBR list. What new releases are you looking out for?

Top Thursday: Book Wishlist

Next week is my birthday and it got my thinking of what books I like to have for presents! I’ve already told my brother and sister what books I like to have (I carefully chose 2) but there are way more books that I want to add on my shelf (which is already expanding leaving almost no room for more) and after taking a look at my Goodreads shelf I’ve compiled a wishlist of books:

The Book of Lost Things by John Connolly

I’ve been searching for this book in all the used bookstores so that I can get it for a bargain. No luck at all!

Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor

A popular YA author whose books I’ve never read but would like to now that her entire trilogy is out. Thanks to Chapters I learned that a boxset will be released later this year!

Vampires in the Lemon Grove by Karen Russell

I love reading a collection of short stories. It’s like a box of chocolates, you’ll never know what you’re going to get but there’s always something for everyone.

Smoke and Mirrors by Neil Gaiman

I’ve read his book Fragile Things but can’t wait to read this one!

Flave de Luce series book 1 to 5 by Alan Bradley 

Unfortunately I borrowed copies from the library never realizing how much I was going to love reading his series. Too bad there’s no boxset in sight…yet?

The Language of Dying by Sarah Pinborough

I don’t know how I came across this one on Goodreads but it’s a novella and I heard so many positive reviews about it, including from Neil Gaiman who says that it’s “a beautiful story, honestly told.

Mistborn: The Final Empire by Brandon Sanderson

A booktuber (that’s a book blogger who reviews on YouTube) was reading this one and saying how great the series is describing it as “the best fantasy novel I’ve ever read in my life!”

Game of Thrones boxset by George R.R. Martin

I just got into watching season 1 and I’m waiting until the author finishes the series so that I could get it in a complete boxset.

Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo 

Another popular YA series that I would like to get started on.

Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Saenz

Another book I stumbled upon in Goodreads and heard a lot of great reviews for.

 

Those are my top 10 books on my wishlist! There’s way more than that but these are books that I’ve carefully researched and would love to have for my collection. Looking over this list and the books I currently have, I really should consider getting a new bookcase. Perhaps I should add this on my list too!

Are there any books on your wishlist? I love to hear what they are!

Top Thursday: My To-Read Pile for Next Month

We’re less than a week away until the end of April and I’m wrapping up with two books: Frog Music by Emma Donohague and The Book of Flying by Keith Miller, both great books! One filled with mystery, thriller, and suspense and the latter is of passion, romance, and an ode to stories and storytellers. Meanwhile, I’ve got a pile of books ready to read for the month of May, including books that I’m hoping to get on my birthday, which is only 2 weeks away!

Visit Goodreads for a complete summary of each book.

The Swan Gondola by Timothy Schaffert

A tale of two talented performers who fall in love with each other at the Omaha World Fair. After reading The Night Circus and The Museum of Extraordinary Things, it seems that I’m never tired of reading romantic tales about star-crossed lovers. An enchanting tale set in a magical backdrop filled with plot twists and historical events comes a thrilling love story that I’m very excited to read!

Stories: All New Tales Edited by Neil Gaiman and Al Sarrantonio

A collection of short stories edited by one of the greatest authors I’ve read. There’s also a story written by Neil Gaiman included in this tome as well!

Dorothy Must Die by Danielle Paige

A YA book added to my birthday wishlist! I’ve heard so many great reviews from book bloggers and those who’ve already started reading it have already commented how amazing the story is so I’m really excited about this one!

Cruel Beauty by Rosamund Hodge

This has been on my to-read list for a long time now and I’ve added it on my birthday wishlist too! I love reading dark fantasy books and reading stories that are the retelling of a classic fairy tale. And the illustration on the cover is gorgeous!

The 100 Year Old Man who Climbed Out of the Window and Disappeared by Jonas Jonasson

A book with the longest title I’ve seen! After reading the synopsis I’m interested to read this one, as the story sounds hilarious and heartwarming. A 100-year-old man with an interesting backstory and has played a significant role in 20^th Century events. Meanwhile he goes on an adventure like no other.

Top Thursday: Books about Books

Book nerds love to talk about books and they also love reading books that talk about books too! And nothing completes a book nerd’s shelf then these essentials:

The Book Thief by Marcus Zusak 

A story that feeds the soul. This is about a young girl in Germany who develops a penchant for books before learning how to read. A dark historical novel set in WWII, this story reminds us of the power of words and how they can touch our heart and soul. A beautiful piece of work and a recommended read for book lovers.

The Storied Life of A.J Fikry by Gabrielle Zevin

A heart warming story about A.J. Fikry and his bookstore in New England with the motto: “no man is an island, every book is a world,” and he’s about to discover exactly what that means. Booksellers and book lovers will enjoy this book about transformation, second chances, and an affirmation as to why to read and love books.

The Enchanted by Rene Denfeld

Fantasy lovers will love this story about an enchanting tale of a death row inmate who builds a world for himself using his imagination and the books from the prison library. From golden horses to little men with hammers, this story tells us that even in the most depressing of places there is still beauty and hope.

Mr. Penumbra’s 24-Hour Bookstore by Robin Sloan

Picture this: a man working the night shift of Mr. Penumbra’s 24-hour bookstore discovers something very curious about the customers and soon, his findings take him to the deepest secrets held in the walls of the bookstore. This is a story of a curious establishment that once you enter you may never want to leave.

The Book of Lost Things by John Connolly 

A 12-year-old mourns the death of his mother with only his books for company. But something strange occurs as his books begin whispering to him in the shadows. With his imagination as his only refuge, the boy discovers that reality and fantasy begin to merge and unexpectedly, David is thrown into a new world that is unlike his own. A dark fantasy tale reminding us of the stories in our lives.

 

What are your favorite books about books? I love to hear your recommendations!

Top Thursday: Mystery Thriller Books

I love reading mystery! Whether it’s crime, horror, thriller, or a combination of all three, here are some of my favorite mystery novels that made my spine tingle, blood rushing, and my eyes glued until the last page.

The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie by Alan Bradley 

The first book to Alan Bradley’s new series that got me hooked with the Flavia de Luce character and her ability to seek revenge on her sisters using chemistry. For an 11-year-old girl you’ll be surprised as I was when she discovers a dead body in her garden and handles the mystery using her superb deductive powers and logic. The first book to an exciting series, you’ll love this book and the cast of oddball characters of Bishop’s Lacey.

Red Dragon by Thomas Harris

A definite thrilling read if you don’t mind the psychological craziness. The first book in the Hannibal series introducing the cannibalistic serial killer incarcerated in an asylum, and playing mind games with FBI agent Will Graham while helping him to identify a murderer. I picked up this book after watching the NBC Hannibal TV series and I could feel my blood pulsing and chills down my spine as I read page after page. I couldn’t put the book down and by the time I finished, I was horrified. Not a good idea to read this book before bedtime.

Soulless by Gail Carriger

My friend recommended this when I was looking for a new fantasy book. A mixture of supernatural and steampunk, Gail Carriger adds mystery to the story as Alexia Tarribotti seeks answers to the strange occurrences in the vampire and werewolf community in Victorian London. If you love state-of-the-art gadgets, English desserts, and some erotica then you’ll love this book in the Parasol Protectorate series.

The House of Silk by Anthony Horowitz 

Sherlock Holmes returns with his trusty partner Dr. Watson as they travel around London in search of missing orphan boys. As they dig deeper into this strange case, they suddenly discover a shocking secret that appalls even Sherlock. If you loved the Sir Conan Doyle series as I did, you’ll enjoy this new Sherlock Holmes novel selected by the Arthur Conan Doyle Estate as Anthony Horowitz stays true to the nature of the characters with a case that is scandalous for print…until now.

The Body in the Library by Agatha Christie

I had to add the Queen of Mystery to this list. Widely known as the most published author in history outsold only by the Bible and Shakespeare, Agatha Christie marks her place as one of the greatest mystery writers of her time. Because of her Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple collections did I discover my love for detective mystery, and thanks to her I’ve been a fan of the genre ever since.

 

What are your favorite mystery novels? Feel free to share your recommendations!