One half of 2018 is over and behind us. Never mind that I am still emotionally in 2017 - I wouldn't be surprised if tomorrow is 2019. Why is time flying, really??? - but it means that it's time to look back at the first half of 2018 and see if I've made progress - verdict, I haven't. I haven't actually read much this year, as I would've liked to, but I read some really good books, so here's a list of my favourite reads of 2018 so far!
Is it too early to declare my favourite book from 2018? If you follow me on twitter, you would've seen me hollering about this book to anyone who can hear, and let me tell you once again, this book is AMAZING!!! A space opera inspired by the Indian epic Mahabharata, the story tracks the life and choices of an antihero - who is inspired by one of the greatest and most complicated antiheroes in the history of literature in my opinion - who is in the wrong side of the war. It's a beautiful, thrilling, heart breaking and gripping story about love, loyalty, war, ambition, power, family, betrayal and inner strength. This is definitely a book you do not want to miss ( Check back for my review in a few days, I'll convince you to pre order if I haven't already )
1. A Spark of White Fire by Sangu Mandanna
2. Girl Made of Stars by Ashley Herring Blake
Ashley Herring Blake takes the ugly realities of life and human beings and presents them in books that are beautiful and whimsical. I absolutely adored the emotional ride that was How to Make a Wish, and I was preparing for feels with Girl Made of Stars, but it still wrecked me. Girl Made of Stars is not an easy book. It's a powerful tale about sexual harassment, rape and victim blaming. It's a relevant and timely story that makes you question yourself. It's a book that needs to be read, in the current political climate.
Check out my review here
Check out my review here
3. To Kill a Kingdom by Alexandra Christo
To Kill A Kingdom is an enthralling and fast-paced fantasy that screams “Slytherin.” With the classic trope of a forbidden romance between a siren and a siren killer, this retelling of The Little Mermaid is so so good.. Lira is a badass antiheroine, and Elian is a perfect match for her. Also if you are fan of books that take you on sea adventures, this is something you absolutely have to read.
Check out my review here
4. Chaotic Good by Whitney Gardner
Chaotic Good is the ultimate feminist geek girl anthem. It's the book for anyone who has ever been frustrated by fan boys and the pre conceived notion that you have to know everything about a fandom to be a "true fan." Whitney gives us a realistic and relatable main character, an utterly soft and lovable love interest and a heartwarming sibling relationship. More than anything the book touches on the amazing things about being a passionate geek, yet the ugly side of fandom life, especially the sexism.
Check out my review here
5. Running With Lions by Julian Winters
Running With Lions is the cute, soft, diverse and Hufflepuff sports contemporary the world needs. A heart warming story about a group of endearing friends and teammates, the book will make a place in your heart, so would the characters. Whether you are a fan of sports or not, you'll love this book - take me for example, I know next to nothing about soccer :D - and the cute romance between Sebastian and Emir is everything!
Check out my review here ( P.S - There's a giveaway for the book on the blog right now! )
6. Batman by Marie Lu
I might be a black sheep here. Batman didn't garner as much love as Leigh Bardugo's Wonder Woman did, and I consider it a shame. I loved this book so much! I was just expecting a thrilling, action packed tale about Batman's adventures, instead I was pleasantly surprised by the origin story of a very Hufflepuff Bruce Wayne, and I instantly fell in love. While the cunning and badass Madeleine was a huge plus, my favourite thing about the book was Bruce's character arc with regards to his privilege. He was a perfect superhero in the making, and I could totally see him transforming into the famous caped crusader in the future.
Check out my review here
7. Reign of the Fallen by Sarah Glenn Marsh
You don't always expect perfect queer AND mental health rep in a fantasy. These are rare gems, and Reign of the Fallen is one of them. While Odessa's necromancer abilities, the world building in general, well developed diverse characters and the writing all made the book fantastic, my favourite aspect was something I never expected from the book. Reign of the Fallen gets real about death and grief, and the portrayal of Odessa's grief was so poignant, it drowned me in tears. Also kudos to my badass bisexual MC.
Check out my review here
8. A Thousand Perfect Notes by C.G.Drews
I knew I'd love Cait's book, but I was still surprised. A Thousand Perfect Notes is intense and powerful, and flirts around the thin lines between passion, ambition, obsession and destruction. Beck is a cinnamon roll you'll come to care for, and the Maestro is someone you'll hate like you hated Umbridge. It's a story of hope and pain, it gets real about mental health and will resonate to anyone who has ever wanted to fly free from obligations and obstructions.
9. What If It's Us by Adam Silvera and Becky Albertalli
What If It's Us is the dream author collab, and the bittersweet and cute romance derives the best aspects of both Adam and Becky. While the ardent Adam fan wasn't impressed with the story as an Adam Silvera book - I guess this would be my least favourite Adam book? I am a sadist who really wants my books sad - I still loved it! Ben and Arthur's story is so realistic, adorable and fun, and the reading experience was made more awesome since I read it in the city the story's based on.
Check out my review here
10. Blood and Sand by C.V.Wyk
The combination of history and violence is enough to grasp my attention - I promise I had a happy childhood. I am just morbid for no reason. Blood and Sand is the genderbent rendition of Spartacus, which follows the story of two slaves who have lost their home country, identity, freedom and family, yet not their spirit and courage. It's a story of bravery, vengeance and revenge. The author doesn't hold back on the brutality, and I loved every gruesome minute of it.
Check out my review here
What are your favourite reads from 2018 so far? Have you read any of the books from the list?
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