2021 Book Wrap Up [Part five: Series]

 The fifth and final part of my 2021 Book Wrap Up! 

These are the series I read this year; the ones that I loved, and the ones that I've become absolutely enamored/obsessed with. Some of these series are from a few years ago and I only got into them this year, and some I had the pleasure of reading the sequels as they were published this year! 

Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe - 4.5★

Aristotle and Dante Dive into the Waters of the World - 3.5★

Benjamin Alire Sáenz

    I read the first Ari and Dante book over the summer and I loved it. The writing is so unique and it almost flows like spoken word poetry more than a novel. Ari's internal thoughts are so personal and emotional, and his growth and love for the people in his life really shows in the writing. 

    The Second Ari and Dante book continues on with the same writing style, but it felt almost as though less time was spent on Ari's actual emotions and processing the things that happen to him (even though a considerable amount more happens in his life in book two). However, it's still written with the same wonderful voice, and the ending is very sweet. 

Gentleman's Guide to Vice and Virtue - 5★

Gentleman's Guide to Getting Lucky - 4.5★

Lady's Guide to Petticoats and Piracy - 5★

Nobleman's Guide to Shipwrecks and Scandal - 4.5★

Mackenzi Lee

    I also started this series over the summer and immediately fell in love with Monty and Percy in Gentleman's Guide. It was my first introduction to historical fiction that was both historically accurate and incredibly fun and enjoyable. All the Montague siblings have such unique, well-developed personalities. The three individual voices from them over the series read like completely unique people, but also carry the distinct "Montague Strength" in their thoughts and actions that unite them as siblings. Gentleman's Guide was probably my favourite of the series because I am a sucker for "friends to lovers" and immediately became enamored with Monty and Percy's relationship. Love, love, love and highly recommend.

How to Bang a Billionaire - 4.5★

How to Blow it with a Billionaire - 4.5★

How to Belong with a Billionaire - 4.5★

Alexis Hall

    Arden St. Ives is a peach. He is the narrating voice throughout this series, and Alexis Hall manages to keep Arden's innocent (world innocent, not sexually) voice present even during level five heat sex scenes. Caspian's personal trauma is woven throughout the story and brings a depth to his character to keep him human and attainable, not just "the sexy, powerful billionaire". For a series that is basically porn with a plot, the plot is pretty damn good. The side characters are charming and engaging, even the rotten ones, and the passion between Arden and Caspian is undeniable. 

Heartstopper Vol. 1 - 4★

Heartstopper Vol. 2 - 4★

Heartstopper Vol. 3 - 4★

Heartstopper Vol. 4 - 3.5★

Nick and Charlie - 3★

This Winter - 3★

Alice Oseman

    The Heartstopper graphic novels are adorable, emotional, and really special. The art style is so cute and it makes the story incredibly easy to follow. The main characters, Charlie and Nick, each deal with their own problems throughout the story, while also falling for each other and trying to be there for each other as best as they can. Their relationship is sweet and innocent, and Oseman does a wonderful job of writing their healthy communication style and the illustrating their emotions and reactions.

Maybe it's just the lack of graphic novel format and the brilliant expression that brings to the work, but I felt like the accompanying novels were slightly lacking compared to the graphic novels.

The Foxhole Court - 5★

The Raven King - 5★

The Kings Men - 5★

Nora Sakavich

    This series is chaos and I love it. I have absolutely no idea how to describe this series other than how it's widely known on the internet, which is the "gay sports mafia books". That about sums it up. It is chaos, and it is brilliant.

Prosperity - 5★

Liberty and Other Stories - 4★

There will be Phlogiston - 4★

Alexis Hall

    This series is so unique. Prosperity is a sci-fi/fantasy story that takes place in a Sky City over London and follows a band of insanely unique, magical, slightly morally grey characters through their journey on the aethership, Shadowless, and a massive sky battle against a bunch of krakens. It's gripping and exciting from start to finish. 

The Raven Boys - 5★

The Dream Thieves - 5★

Blue Lily, Lily Blue - 5★

The Raven King - 5★

Maggie Steifvater

    I don't know if I've ever read a series I loved this much in my life. I don't even know what to say about these books, other than that they are incredible. I cried, I laughed, my heart hurt and soared for these characters. There will be a separate blog post for this series at some point because I can't fit all my love for it in this post. 

Call Down the Hawk - 5★

Mister Impossible - 5★

Maggie Steifvater

    The Dreamer Trilogy. This is the follow up series to The Raven Cycle, and it follows Ronan through his life after TRC storyline, and his attempts to save the world. The third book is out in 2022 and I literally couldn't be more excited! A full review of this trilogy will be a separate blog post as well after I read the third book.

Darius the Great is Not Okay - 5★

Darius the Great Deserves Better - 5★

Adib Khorram

    The last series of the year. I didn't originally know this was a series, but I'm so glad it is. The emotions and relationships in these books are so beautifully, maturely written, but still have an air of youth and innocence about them as they're from the POV of a teenage boy. The ending of each book feels like it wraps up the story nicely, but they also leave you wanting more and wanting to make sure that these beloved characters are doing okay. Not sure if it will ever happen, but I'd be very on board for a third book that focused more on Darius and Sohrab's friendship as they grow up. "Darius the Great is Doing Alright"? Yes, please.