Top Five Tuesday | Best Reads of 2019 (So Far)

Top Five Tuesday is back! And back with a bang as I discuss some of my favourite reads this year. Although, the year is not over, I felt as if it was time to delve into what I have read as I’ve nearly completed my Goodreads goal (I’m only three away!) and haven’t talked much about what I’ve completed. So, without further ado, let’s begin!

King of Fools | Amanda Foody

‘King of Fools’ is the second instalment of the Shadow Game series, and what a wild ride it was. Although, a little larger than my average reads, this book kept me gripped throughout. It has everything you want within a fantasy; high stakes, lovable characters and just enough angst to keep you wanting more. Levi and Enne are some of my favourite characters of all-time, and being able to read them develop is such a joy to me. Plus, with Jac’s added narrative within this instalment, there’s yet another character to fall in love with. I love this series so much.

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Shatter Me | Tahereh Mafi

‘Shatter Me’ is the first in the series of the same name, all of which I’ve read this year. However, I felt as if the first instalment was a worthy enough mention on its own. Although, the language is simplistic and the romance within is very fairytale-insta-love, it was still an extremely enjoyable read. Warner is another character I hold close to my heart and made for an incredibly interesting villain in this novel. Plus, the covers are nothing short of breathtaking, making another wonderful addition to my bookcases.

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School Lies | Kimberly G. Giarrantano

‘School Lies’ is a book I received from Netgalley, and one I wasn’t expecting much of at first. However, the twists and the turns this novel takes you makes it a worthy placement in this list. Although, the novel was quite slow paced, it definitely built up the suspense for later in the story. However, my favourite thing about this book was the relationship between the protagonists Troy and Levi. The interactions between another were a joy to read, especially towards the ending, while their journey kept you gripped to the last page.

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The Brightsiders | Jen Wilde

Jen Wilde’s ‘The Brightsiders’ is the LGBT novel I’ve been wanting to read for such a long time coming. It’s been on my Wish List for years, and after picking it up at YALC, it was finally time for me to delve into the story. And what a story it was. There’s portrayal of healthy relationships, use of correct pronouns, and it’s completely unapologetic from the first page to the last. I adored this read, managing it very quickly, and has great character development throughout. Plus, it’s yet another book with a gorgeous cover.

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The Kingdom | Jess Rothenberg

‘The Kingdom’ was a book I picked up on a whim at YALC earlier this year, but it was definitely worth it. It was gripping from the very first page, and felt like such an easy read. I feel as if being a bit of a Disney World fanatic really helped me with this book, always interested in things a little behind-the-scenes and this novel takes that to the extreme by being told through the eyes of one of it’s “Fantasists” – much like Disney’s Princesses. Ana made for an incredible protagonist, and overall, it was an extremely clever read.

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What’s been some of your favourite reads this year?

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