Considering this is the first Top Five post of 2019, I thought I’d take this time to reflect on the year just passed and talk about some of my favourite discoveries of the year. Thankfully, there was quite a few to choose from!
Undead Girl Gang | Lily Anderson
Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy, Paranormal, Witches, Mystery, Contemporary
Contains: Strong Language, Death, Murder, Suicide, Mental Health, Mental Illness, Blood/Gore, Hanging, Drowning
‘Undead Girl Gang’ was one of my most anticipated releases of last year, and became a little saviour to me while I was living away from home in student accommodation. The story itself gripped me from the start, being a cross between Heathers and The Craft and I fell in love with every aspect of it. Mila Flores is a brilliant protagonist, her narrative consisting completely of humour and flair, while the story developed at a fast enough pace to keep up with her. Bonus, the cover is simply gorgeous.
Stalking Jack the Ripper | Kerri Maniscalco
Series: Stalking Jack the Ripper
Genre: Historical Fiction, Young Adult, Mystery, Historical, Horror
Contains: Death, Violence, Blood/Gore, Mental Illness
I don’t think I’ve stopped recommending this series to people since reading it mid last year. Although, I’m yet to progress further into the series after the first book, I already know I’m going to adore every page of it. Audrey Rose Wadsworth is one of my all-time favourite protagonists; she’s fearless, intelligent and full of drive. Her character guides you through the Jack the Ripper mystery, while her interactions with the other characters keep you hooked enough to complete the book in practically one sitting. The cover itself is another beauty, which just reinforces the feeling that this is a book you just wish you wrote yourself.
The Witch Doesn’t Burn in This One | Amanda Lovelace
Series: Women are some kind of magic
Genre: Poetry, Feminism, Mental Health, Witches
Contains: Child Abuse, Abuse, Sexual Assault, Mental Illness, Trauma, Death, Violence, Fire, Transphobia, Body Image
So, as anyone who has ever glanced in my general direction knows, Amanda Lovelace is possibly one of my biggest writing inspirations of all time; I adore every word this woman publishes. In my eyes, her poetry is flawless. So, naturally, at least one of her collections had to take a spot on this list. This collection was released earlier last year and I was so excited for it; I don’t think a day went by where I didn’t mention it to someone, and it did not disappoint. I adore anything even slightly witchy, so an entire anthology of poems following a theme of magic and witchcraft was right up my alley. Some of my favourite work by Lovelace comes from this instalment. It’s flawless.
Noah Could Never | Simon James Green
Series: Noah Can’t Even
Genre: Young Adult, LGBT, Contemporary, Fiction, Romance
Contains: Strong Language, Crude Humour, Alcohol
Yet another extremely predictable mention, however, Simon James Green’s books are a work of brilliance to me. But, this instalment in particular is my favourite work of his. The development of Noah and Harry, both individually and their relationship, was a pure joy to read. In this book, we discover more about Noah’s inner demons and struggles, finally receiving answers to the questions on his behaviour throughout the series, while Harry continues being a delight from the beginning. I just love these characters a lot, okay?
Spark | Alice Broadway
Series: The Skin Books
Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy, Fiction
Contains: Violence, Death, Blood/Gore
This is another book series where the characters inhabit a small section of my heart. Leora Flint is another one of my favourite fictional characters, her entire existence being a joy to read. She’s the perfect protagonist; strong, dedicated and human; she’s not afraid to own up to her mistakes, which she does flawlessly with the help of Broadway’s writing. Alice Broadway is one of my favourite authors, and I had the pleasure of meeting her earlier last year which was one of the highlights of my 2018; she’s one of the most welcoming people I’ve ever met. Also, can we talk about how beautiful the covers to her series are?
A Little Fool Reads 
Ah I really need to read Stalking Jack the Ripper! Happy reading 🙂
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I loved Stalking Jack the Ripper! Undead Girl Gang is on my TBR so I’m glad you loved it!
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