Best and Worst of My 2020 Reads

Long time, no see! 

The last time I posted was in September 2020. I’d apologised for my absence, but who cares. I hope you’ve all had a great year despite our universal challenges. When lockdown hit, I (eventually) thought (after the seven stages of grief, naturally): yay, cozy. Time to stay inside for the year, focus on my studies and just keep reading. 

 

For some reason, my university thought “you know what? Here is an unprecedented amount of work and expectations for you all. Enjoy ‘staying at home’, you bludgers.” 

And to top it off, I began my year-long journey for Honours. I can positively say: I hated 2020’s impact on my learning at uni. But that’s over, and I’m not going to think about it again until mid-Feb. 

 

Since I was in my fourth year of university, I’ve had to complete a lot of readings. As in, seven days a week, 9am til 11pm, researching and reading. As you can imagine, I was fatigued on reading, and I didn’t want to spent my breaks picking up an anticipated YA novel or non-YA literature, including SJM and Cassie Clare’s newest releases– who am I? What has uni done to me??? 

 

Here are fave books of 2020: 

The Runner Ups (3 or 4 stars): 

The Perfectionists 

Published: 7/10/14

Format: Audiobook 

Rating + Review: 3.5/5 stars 

Yes No Maybe So 

Published: 4/2/20 

Format: Audiobook 

Rating: 3/5 stars (no review because I got distracted for 6 months) 

The Wicked King 

Published: 8/1/19

Format: Audiobook (even though I pre-ordered a copy) 

Rating + Review: 3/5 stars — this was the worst instalment IMO

The Evil Queen 

Published: 20/7/19

Format: Paperback 

Rating + Review: 4/5 stars

The Hand on the Wall 

Published: 21/1/20

Format: Audiobook 

Rating + Review: 4/5 stars 

Four Dead Queens

Published: 26/1/19

Format: Paperback 

Rating + Review: 4/5 stars

Queen of Air and Darkness 

Published: 4/12/18

Format: Hardback 

Rating + Review: 4/5 stars

 

And now… for the 5/5 stars: 

The Fountains of Silence 

Published: 1/10/19

Format: Paperback 

Review: Read this even if you hate historical fiction

Happily and Madly 

Published: 21/5/19

Format: Hardback 

Review: If you loved We Were Liars and Gossip Girl’s Season 2 Premiere, READ THIS 

Red Hood 

Published: 25/2/20 

Format: Hardback 

Review: FEMINISM. SO MUCH FEMINISM. I FEEL SO EMPOWERED. READ IT. 

House of Salt and Sorrows 

Published: 6/8/19 

Format: Audiobook 

Review: Gruesome and picturesque. Gothic with pretty girls. 

A Curse So Dark and Lonely 

Published: 29/1/19

Format: Paperback 

Review: THE SECOND BEST BEAUTY AND THE BEAST RETELLING AFTER ACOTAR. 

The Queen of Nothing 

Published: 19/11/19

Format: Audiobook 

Review: I’M RUINED. RUINED. 

The Grace Year 

Published: 10/10/19 

Format: Paperback 

Review: I told all of my friends to read this. FEMINISM. SEXY CHARACTERS. DYSTOPIA. LOVE. 

 

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Here are some of the books that I simply ‘did not vibe with‘: 

Call Down the Hawk

Published: 5/11/19

Format: Audiobook 

Rating + Review: 2/5 stars

DEV1AT3

Published: 25/6/19

Format: Paperback 

Rating + Review: 2.5/5 stars 

The Lady Rogue 

Published: 3/9/10 

Format: Hardback (disappointingly, I own this) 

Rating + Review: 2/5 stars

King of Fools

Published: 30/4/19 

Format: Paperback 

Rating + Review: 2/5 stars

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What were your hits and sh*ts of 2020? 

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My First Ever Book Unhaul (18 Books Purged!)

As I grow closer to ending uni, and my new beautiful New Adult hardbacks find a temporary-home on the floor, I find myself needing to rid myself of books I bought back in 2015. It’s time to let go of some classic YA paperbacks, as well as some double ups, as well as 1/5 starred disappointments. 

Library Loot #8 – LIBRARY LOCK-DOWN

Before you read any further, I hope you, your family, and any other loved ones, are safe and healthy during these times. I hope you have been impacted as little as possible due to COVID-19. I know many book bloggers are anxious enough as it is, world-wide pandemics do NOT help with the matter.

Tune in for a quick read at all the books I was lucky enough to loot (borrow) before Central Coast Libraries and Hornsby Shire Libraries shut down. This book blogging meme is hosted by Claire and Sharlene.

Mailbox Monday #9

Mailbox Monday is a great way to think about all the exciting books coming your way. I usually get all of mine from the library, but I still have to wait for the latest releases to be delivered (at the library). Here’s what’s currently in transit/recently ordered.

Anticipated October YA Releases

Happy October! Read more to see the Top 9 anticipated reads I’ve listed for October 2018. There’s a section for spooky/Halloween reads, too!

 

What’s On Your Nightstand? #2

Hosted by 5 Minutes for Books:

You can participate in What’s on Your Nightstand? in several ways. Choose what’s appealing to you:

1. Take a picture or simply give a list of the stack of books that you are in the process of reading or planning to read (it might be on your nightstand, on a bookshelf, or like me, under your bed).
2. Give short reviews of the book or books that you read that month.
3. Tell about what you are reading and why. I love to read the backstory on books. Did someone give it to you? Are you trying out a new genre at the recommendation of a friend (or website)? Did you stumble across a new author in a used bookstore?
4. Fill us in on your reading habits. When are you reading these books? Is one reserved for bedtime reading? Does one stay in your car to be read while you are waiting? Do you read just one book at a time?

Anticipated YA Spring Releases 2018

For many of you, fall is right around the corner. For me, however, it is time for hayfever galore! I’ll be in the mood for contemporaries and sweet romances. Alas, the publishing houses go by the northern hemisphere mood, but fear not! These suggestions will be friendly for both Poles!

Review: Everless

Everless by Sara Holland

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

MY EXPERIENCE WITH THE BOOK:
I’ve forgotten to write a review of this book. I never do that. Ever (except for PJO 3 for some reason? I’m too lazy to go back and review the tiny novel). So please forgive my fuzz brain.

Review: Warcross

Warcross by Marie Lu

My rating: 4 of 5 stars 

Waiting on Wednesday #4

5 YA releases that I’m eagerly anticipating to read! (All but one are YA fantasy)