I hope everyone had a safe and fun New Year’s Eve and just like that, we say goodbye to 2024 and welcome 2025, which is an incredibly strange thing to say. I’m looking for 2025 to be a year of reconnection across the board. What are you looking forward to in the new year?
I didn’t set myself a reading goal in 2024, only to read as much as I could and enjoy. Without a goal and while focusing on other aspects of my life, I managed to get 35 books read, between my Kindle and physical books. Which books stood out above the others? Which series came out on top? Check out my Awards-style ranking for my favorite books of the 2024 year!
Best Incomplete Series – A Court of Thorns & Roses by Sarah J. Maas
This one may come as a shock, may not, especially since I also read Throne of Glass this year but still, I can’t shake the hold that ACOTAR has on my heart and soul! I’m unashamed to admit that I am among the throngs of readers eagerly awaiting Book 6!
Best Completed Series – Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas
This series took me several months to read from start to finish (and I still technically didn’t read Assassin’s Blade). The world-building and backstories for the large cast of characters are a testament to why Sarah J. Maas is at the front of the Romantasy pack at the moment. A word though: Read Assassin’s Blade first because once you get into the thick of the story, you won’t want to step back into the past.
Best New Series – The Aerytol Saga by Erin P.T. Canning
Another series with brilliant worldbuilding, I’m excited to see where Book 4 will take the main characters. Ruins and Redemption, book 1, starts as a slow-burn but books 2 and 3 remove any “slow” from the equation. If you’re looking for a new, indie author to support, check out Ruins & Redemption by Erin P.T. Canning.
Best MMC – Rhysand, A Court of Wings & Ruin by Sarah J. Maas
Need I go into details? Rhysand seems to be the MMC to which all other MMCs must be measured these days. Not only is he witty and morally gray as all get out, but he is tragically flawed in all of the best ways that make a reader want to forgive any foul deed he may commit and protect him against the evils of his past. The theme of choice runs strongly throughout book 2 and he is always ready to support his FMC. 10 out of 10 would recommend!
Best FMC – Iris, Terms & Conditions by Lauren Asher
In the second book of this contemporary romance trilogy, Iris is a strong, well-rounded female main character. She is fiercely loyal to her boss, her best friend, and her family and has more backbone than anyone gives her credit for. By the time book 2 was coming to a close, I was excited for what the future held for Iris.
Best Supporting Characters – A Court of Mist & Fury by Sarah J. Maas
While the Throne of Glass series has some pretty fantastic supporting characters, the sheer number of side characters is so high that it sometimes becomes difficult to follow each character’s arc, especially as the series goes on. That being said, the Inner Circle at the Night Court is strong, solid, and well-rounded, with just enough characters that they each bring their own unique brand of usefulness to the table. Rhys knows how to pick his advisors carefully and though he could learn a thing or two about leaning on those he loves, the Inner Circle’s position as family to each other is vital to the development of the characters and the story.
Most Feels – Ultimate Justice by Tee O’Fallon
The thrilling conclusion to the K-9 Special Ops trilogy, Ultimate Justice has enough emotion for three books combined. The main characters in this book deal with some very tough situations that may make anyone emotional. Readers with sensitivity to issues involving the death or endangerment of children should take note of my trigger warning in my book review of Ultimate Justice: https://www.bluedandelionpress.com/another-5-star-win-this-book-beauty-reviews-ultimate-justice-by-tee-ofallon/
Most Anticipated Next Book – Fire & Fortitude by Erin P.T Canning
The third book in The Aerytol Saga leaves readers at a turning point for Adeline and Ëólas, as they discover secrets in their world that could change everything. I know there are still great things ahead for Adeline and Ëólas and look forward to book 4’s events. I’m sure with the moving parts that were in the works at the end of book 3, book 4 is going to be a wild ride.
Here’s the link to check out my review of The Aerytol Saga if that sounds like it may be up your alley: https://www.bluedandelionpress.com/bookish-spotlight-the-aerytol-saga-by-erin-p-t-canning/
And as always, happy reading!
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