The Top 20 from 2020!

Welcome to 2021, my friends! I know it’s popular to, at the end of the year, to show off your “favorite” lists, but I always hold out hope that something may creep along in those final days to surprise me, so I never like compiling these lists until we’ve officially closed the book (heh) on the year. So, as such, I have my Top 20 from 2020 for you! This isn’t just a book list either, though we will start there. But it also includes some of my favorite bookish shops and artists of the year as well. These are shops and artists I’ve worked with or have purchased from, and while it may be a bit too late for holiday presents to utilize them for, you can now keep them in mind for other gift giving opportunities. Probably ones where they aren’t over burdened with Holiday requests too, which probably works out better for you in the long run, just saying. But, as for the books, there is never a bad time to check out these lovelies! Though I will say that putting together even my modest list of books has shown me just how few 5 star reviews I give out… Maybe 2021 will be the year where that changes? We’ll see! But, until then, please enjoy some of my favorite things from this year.

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Top 10 Books of 2020

These are all books I have either given 5 stars too, or are a very high 4 star. They range from True Crime, to Science Fiction, to most sub-genres of Fantasy from both mega big authors, and lesser known indies, but all were incredible and were my favorite reads of the year! You can click the link to see the books on Goodreads, and read my reviews at the same time in case you're curious:

1. The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue - Literary Fantasy Fiction by V.E. Schwab, a book full of feels and stubborn joy, this was my first foray with Schwab but definitely won't be my last!
2. American Predator - true crime account of Israel Keyes by Maureen Callahan, true crime isn't for everyone, and while this is graphic at times, I found it a well written and fascinating story that made sure you never forgot the true victims, and never excused the serial killer's behavior.
3. Ventus (Book 3 of The Thanantos Trilogy) - epic YA Fantasy by Tyffany Hackett, this is the last book of an amazing trilogy full of magic, found family, love and heartbreak. I loved the end of this series, but loved all the previous books in the trilogy, too!
4. Dawn till Dusk (Book 1 of the Genesis Crystal Saga) (New Adult Urban Fantasy) - Urban Fantasy New Adult by Becky Moynihan and Tyffany Hackett, this series is perfect for fans of shifters, fae, and that delicious enemies to lovers and grumpy boys liking sunshine girls trope!
   
5. The Helm of Darkness - YA Fantasy with Greek Mythology by A.P. Mobley, is a wonderful start of a series that does a great spin on classic Greek myths and their characters, all while bringing them into the modern age.
   
6. World After (Book 2 of the Penryn & the End of Days Trilogy) - YA Dystopian / Apocalyptic with angels by Susan Ee, and even though this book is the middle of a series, it didn't suffer from the middle book slump at all, and introduced the reader to a wonderful new character! definitely read this series from the very beginning, though.
   
7. The Black Flamingo - Contemporary YA fiction written in verse by Dean Atta, this was my first book written in verse and I loved the beauty and pain this author is able to bring when telling the story of a young, Black man loving himself through Drag.
   
8. Alter Ego (League of Independent Operatives Book 1) - Urban Fantasy with vigilante heroes, by Kate Sheeran Swed, this is a fun start to a new urban fantasy centered on Avenger style leagues of vigilante heroes and villains where everyone is a bit morally grey.
   
9. Ruin and Rising (Shadow and Bone book 3) - YA fantasy by Leigh Bardugo, this fantasy didn't have the strongest start for me, but did finish very strong! Highly recommend reading the entire Shadow and Bone trilogy before the Netflix show comes out.
   
10. Prodigal Storm (Toccata System Book 3) - New Adult Science Fiction by Kate Sheeran Swed, this is the final book in the trilogy of sci-fi that takes a twist of classic literature. I loved every single book in the series, and they are best enjoyed when read in order, just saying!
    

Top  5 Bookish Shops

These shops range from coffee, to candles, pins, book merch, and even book boxes! The shops change practically monthly too, which means that they are great any time of the year and not just during seasonal buying periods:

1. Fable Grounds - delicious bookish coffee! Need I say more?
   
2. The Rogue Dust Bunny - everything from bookish shirts to bookmarks from a group of talented designers. They really do have something for everyone.
   
3. Flick the Wick - book inspired candles! These candles help you enjoy your favorite character even longer, and in new, wonderful ways.
   
4. Dreamy&Co - a little bit of everything from art prints, to book sleeves, but I always loved their bookish enamel pins most!
   
5. Nerdy Book Box - a monthly subscription box that specializes in indie books and artists! If you love supporting small businesses, this box does that in spades.
   

Top 5 Artists

You know me, I love having art commissioned for my characters in all my books. These artists are marvelous to work with, and their commissions are either open now, or open periodically throughout the year. They'll even do your favorite character from a book series, DnD character, or even a personal portrait, so even if you don't write books, they can still offer some real works of art for you. Click the link of each artist to see if their style matches the vibe you're looking for, but I've used each artist for my fantasy books, if that helps:

1. Golden Rose Art
2. Lady Holy
3. Arz
4. Dominique Wesson
5. OdetteAB