“Eight? Can’t you go up to ten instead? It’s much nicer and prettier.”
But why not eight?
Every year, I make the effort to read as many book releases as possible throughout the year and 2018 is no different. It’s been quite a year with so many great releases and so little time to read them all, but with great effort and searching throughout my Goodreads and various reviews scattered across the interwebs, I managed to get my bookish hands on a few books released throughout the year.
Too bad I didn’t enjoy them all, and the ones I enjoyed enough to yell from the rooftops round up to 8 books. Unless someone wants me to drag some books around, but despite the amount of entertainment that could entail, that’s not the point of this list, is it?
Three Mages and a Margarita by Annette Marie
Annette Marie delivers a fast-paced and action-packed first book in her latest series, The Guild Codex: Spellbound as Tori is sucked into a new world of Mystics after taking on a new job. This New Adult novel is perfect for those who enjoy a sassy main character who doesn’t beat around the bush.
Keeper of the Bees by Meg Kassel
Set in Missouri, Keeper of the Bees is the companion novel to Kassel’s debut, Black Bird of the Gallows, exploring tragedy and death. I adored the companion novel because Kassel explores the villain’s side of the story with Dresden and champions mental health advocacy through Aunt Bel. Although it is not required to read the first novel, it is strongly encouraged as there are references and spoilers.
American Panda is one of the cutest novels I’ve read in 2018. While some parts of the story are not funny, there were many scenes I enjoyed reading and found hilarious. Gloria Chao’s debut is something I would have loved to have a few years ago as a Chinese American teen as I related to the main character Mei so much throughout the book. (Note: Mei is a Taiwanese American teen.)
#murdertrending by Gretchen McNeil
McNeil’s latest novel in a new series is strangely fascinating and keeps you glued despite the amount of blood that is spilled. Despite how grossed out I felt while reading, McNeil kept me turning the pages of #murdertrending until I was done and wanted more.
Shadow of the Fox by Julie Kagawa
Julie Kagawa brings Japanese mythology and folklore to life in the first book of her new series. Readers are taken on an exciting journey throughout feudal Japan with the perspectives of three different characters and being introduced to a variety of different creatures.
Bring Me Their Hearts by Sara Wolf
After reading Sara Wolf’s debut series, I’ve quickly associated her writing with sass, snark, and dark humor, which I loved. There is a good amount of that Wolf brings into her newest series, which is perfect for those who love characters with a good comeback. I expected a lot more blood involved considering the title, but I enjoyed Bring Me Their Hearts nonetheless.
Reflection by Elizabeth Lim
Reflection is the fourth novel of Disney’s newest retellings of the movies dealing with “What if this happened instead of what actually happened?” Elizabeth Lim’s novel is a retelling of Mulan and captures the voices of the characters perfectly, which will bring readers nostalgia. This is a fun adventure to read exploring a different side of the movie.
Let’s Talk About Love by Claire Kann
Claire Kann’s debut novel follows a biromantic asexual college student named Alice struggling to become independent and exploring her career paths while dealing with a bad breakup. Let’s Talk About Love is adorable, light-hearted and perfect for those who want a fluffy contemporary novel that will bring out all the feels. | Hannah Sophia Lin
Shadow of the Fox is one of my favourite books of the year too! I would love to check out American Panda it looks so cute!
I loved American Panda and highly recommend it! It is definitely cute, adorable and hilarious, although some of the humor fell short. I hope you get the chance to read and enjoy it as well, Lisa!