I can swear it was just yesterday when I was writing about all the books I read in 2021, I guess time does fly when your life is falling apart (my life is pretty good just said that for dramatic effect). Anyways, although much of 2022 was spent in a reading slump, the few books I did read were good. Here's all I ended up giving 5 stars too:
Wuthering Heights
I started the year strong with an absolute banger of a book, a book which I still think about periodically from time to time, a book I will never forget. Dark, gripping, and grotesque, Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte captures the story of Heathcliff, his turbulent relationship with the Earnshaws, and his dazzling romance with Catherine - which is perhaps one of the best love stories ever written.
Whatever our souls are made of, his and mine are the same.
2. We Hunt the Flame
I am going to be honest when I say that I do not remember anything about this book (plot-wise) but oh the vibes. The vibes were immaculate. A classic fantasy book with an enchanting enemies-to-lovers romance, an adventurous plot (even though I do not remember the details), good humor, and gorgeous, gorgeous characters, this book is a must-read for all my fellow fantasy lovers out there. Cannot wait to pick up the second book soon, although I will have to reread the first book to know what's up, that's okay because Nasir and Zafirah are the best couple I know.
There is a certain beauty in chaos, magnificence in the uncontrollable.
3. The Folk of the Air (Trilogy)
The Cruel Prince aka the first book in this series was my last read of 2021, and I got to read book 2 and book 3 this year - and it was one of the greatest experiences of my life. When I tell you that this series made me cry, laugh, gasp, stare at the wall for hours, and scream - I am not lying. Book 1 was a slow start to this incredible series, but don't let that scare or bore you, for books 2 and 3 had me in a chokehold. I would sell my soul to experience the ending of book 2 again.
It's you I love. I spent much of my life guarding my heart. I guarded it so well that I could behave as though I didn't have one at all. Even now, it is a shabby, worm-eaten and scabrous thing. But it is yours.
4. The Blood of Olympus
Can't have a list of my favorites without mentioning Percy Jackson, it feels illegal now. This year, not only did I reread the entire Percy Jackson and the Olympian series, but also got to read the entire Blood of Olympus series. Can you imagine? TEN books of Percy goodness. What else could I ask for? The Blood of Olympus was a satisfying conclusion to a good series. I am so happy for my baby Nico, he finally got the happiness he deserved. I actually cried happy tears for the little guy. He has been through so much. Hoping he found solace in Solace ;)
Some pain shouldn't be wished away so easily. It has to be dealt with, even embraced.
That's it for today. I was picky with my ratings this year. Some other honorable mentions include:
Ignite Me
Before the Coffee Gets Cold
Love and Gelato
Here's to hoping that 2023 is the year I can finally conquer this reading slump and stumble upon more great books.