Top 10 books of 2019

I’m a bit late to the wrap-up party, mostly because it’s taken me this long to pick just 10 books out of the 163 that I read last year. After much deliberation, these are the 10 books that really stand out from my 2019 reading year. The ones that were original, that stayed with me and the ones that I just plain loved. The books are in no particular order, I could never pick just one ACTUAL favourite.

Scars Like Wings by Erin Stewart

Ava’s story was beautiful, harrowing and a reminder to always be kind to people, no matter how different to you they may look. Navigating a world that’s totally different post fire, for me the highlight of the book was the family unit that was newly formed, but admirably strong in their grief. A gorgeous book, that I would recommend time and time again.

Skyward by Brandon Sanderson

It’s no surprise to me that a Sanderson book finds its way onto this list, the man is a complete word wizard. What is surprising is that this is a sci-fi novel, the genre that I most struggle to enjoy. I’m thrilled to find one that I totally adore, this was just so easy to read, with so many great characters. Gripping from the word go, until the very last page, I’m so excited to see where this series heads in the future!

Colour Me In By Lydia Ruffles

Colour Me In is quite different to the books I normally enjoy, but I feel like it found its way to me at the perfect time, and it was just what I needed. The imagery, and the writing style, were just beautiful. The portrayal of grief is so carefully handled throughout the book, it was very honest, and relatable. I loved that the locations are never specified, but Lydia paints such a wonderful picture with her words, that you instantly know where the characters are. Melancholy with the occasional burst of colour, I adored it.

The Truth Lies Here by Lindsey Klingele

Another book that touches on the sci-fi genre?! This was one of the first books of the year, and I absolutely adored it. It had all of the feels of a classic 80’s sci-fi movie, with a bit of Stranger Things thrown into the mix. The perfect blend of small town mystery and a few scares, I bought this for the beautiful cover, and was pleasantly surprised to discover a real favourite.

The Boy Who Steals Houses by C.G. Drews

If you’ve read Cait’s first novel, you’ll already know that she’s not afraid to stomp all over your heart. This book is, dare I say it, even better than the first. So many wonderful characters with broken souls, leaving me with so many feelings. The Delainey’s are one of the greatest family’s to grace the pages of literature and I’ll fight anyone that says otherwise.

A Curse So Dark and Lonely (and A Heart So Fierce and Broken) by Brigid Kemmerer

I’m not including Heart as a separate book, as it doesn’t publish until this year, so technically I’m not cheating and adding an 11th book…technically! I love Brigid’s contemporaries, they were the highlight of my 2018 reading list, so I was super excited when Curse landed on my doormat at the start of the year. I love this series so, so much, it’s a beauty and the beast retelling, but there are so many new elements, that it never really feels like a retelling. Emberfall, was magical and horrifying in equal measures, and the addition of Harper coming from DC, was a really nice touch. Grey is my new book bae, and I can’t wait for book 3 to be reunited with him again!!

Call It What You Want by Brigid Kemmerer

Brigid’s contemporaries are amazing, I think I may have mentioned that already! This one of course was going to feature in the top 10. As always, the book isn’t afraid to pack a punch, with serious themes, and heartbreaking moments. Taking a close look at morals, this was another instant favourite, that I recommend to anyone who will listen.

A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson

A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder pleasantly surprised me. It was perfectly crafted, wonderfully written and gripping from the start. It was really refreshing to read something a bit different from the YA genre. There’s a little bit of romance, lots about different relationships, but mostly a whole heap of mystery and intrigue. Pippa’s character spoke to me on so many levels. She’s nerdy, she’s intelligent, but most of all stubborn and determined to get to the truth. I really thought this one was superb!

We Are The Dead by Mike Shackle

Anyone who follows my instagram or twitter will have seen me rave about this book at some point. It has the most incredible opening sequence that is gory, horrifying and utterly gripping. From there, you pretty much know what to expect from the rest of the novel. With an original landscape, a host of complex characters, and villains to be truly fearful of, this was such a smooth and exciting read. Easily one of my favourite fantasy books of the year, the minute I finished it, I thrust it at my husband and insist he read it immediately!

The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah

Last, and by no means least, The Great Alone. Not pictured in the cover image as it was a library book. Utterly stunning and heartbreaking, it transports you to rural Alaska, and into the centre of the action. There are plenty of beautiful moments, all offset with horrifying abuse and violence. Perhaps the book thats stuck with me the most, this is now an all time favourite, that I have recommended and gifted many times.

Honourable mention

The Girl and the Stars by Mark Lawrence

Not included in the top 10, just because it doesn’t publish until this April, but it would have easily waltzed into that list if it had published in 2019. This book is amazing, and definitely one to watch for this year! A book has never had quite such a physical impact on me whilst reading. I felt claustrophobic and breathless through most of the pages, and that is something truly special. Completely unique and unpredictable, a fantasy book that you will not want to miss out on!