My favourite books of 2021

As part of the writing community, I get to read lots of books from relatively unknown authors. Let me tell you, this is such a pleasure and an honour. These days I find it difficult to pick up a traditionally published book after exploring the treasures in the world of self-publishing. From now until New Year’s Eve, I’m going to showcase my favourites. If your book is not on here, it doesn’t mean I didn’t enjoy it. It’s been a very difficult decision choosing these books! They’re also not in any particular order.

Right, is that all my disclaimers out of the way with? I hope so!

Kingdom of Thorns by Katherine Macdonald

This post is a bit of a cheat because although I want to tell you about Kingdom of Thorns, I also want to tell you to just pick up ANY of Katherine’s books. I promise you won’t be disappointed. She writes the most wonderful fairytale retellings. I didn’t even know I needed them in my life until I started reading the first page. If you’re looking for a modern approach to a fairytale, then these books are perfect!

Kingdom of Thorns is a Sleeping Beauty retelling, but like nothing you have ever imagined. On her seventeenth birthday, Briar pricks her finger and falls into an enchanted sleep. The only thing that can awaken her is the kiss from true love. Leo is determined to enter the enchanted forest and kiss the princess awake. Can ranger, Talia, help him find the princess and her heart?

My Review

This is the second book I’ve read by Katherine Macdonald and it definitely won’t be the last. I absolutely LOVED this story and could not put it down. The plot is incredibly well thought through and magical. There’s a twist in the book that had my heart soaring. I can honestly say that I loved every page of this story and felt all the emotions that were pouring from the pages. It was well written and I must say I prefer it to the original Sleeping Beauty!

Other books by Katherine that I’ve enjoyed

The Rose and the Thorn

I’ve always been a bit dubious of reading retellings of fairytales but I when I stumbled across this book I knew I had to give it a go. Honestly, why haven’t I read these sooner?! The Rose and the Thorn: A Beauty and the Beast Retelling is a true fairytale – filled with magical descriptions and an enviable romance. The magic flowed off of the pages and pulled me into the story within the first few seconds of opening this book. Rose and Thorn were perfectly created to mirror Beauty and the Beast and yet they were different enough to know that you’re reading something unique. The story is undoubtedly Beauty and the Beast and yet I felt as though I was reading something new. I really didn’t know what was going to happen next.

A beautiful story told in a truly magical way. Katherine is a very talented author and I look forward to devouring more of her writing in the future.

Of Snow and Scarlet

I don’t think I can put into words how much I loved this book, but I’ll give it a go! I’ve read many of Macdonald’s stories and adored each one, but this one has to be my favourite. This story is enchanting and brings Little Red Riding Hood to life in ways I never could have imagined. Andesine DeWinter is a wonderful character, with a good heart, courage, and intellect. She’s always been made to feel like a village outcast until she meets Finn. As the village hunt the wolves, Andesine is in fear of Finn being hurt. However, she soon discovers a family secret that will leave her in fear of losing her loved ones.

The world building and description is simply wonderful. I found myself immediately pulled into the story and unable to put the book down. This book is filled with family, sizzling romance, supernatural, and a bad ass grandma! What more could you want from a Red Riding Hood retelling?

A Tale of Ice and Ash

The more I read Katherine Macdonald’s books the more I love her! A Tale of Ice and Ash is a Snow White retelling and it is everything you could possibly want. The characters were simply wonderful and each of the dwarves were incredibly endearing in their own way. Katherine has created a truly magical story staring a brave princess with a good heart. The relationship between Snow and the prince is perfect. There’s no love and first sight, it’s real and it’s believable. A strong female lead with lots of twists and the odd poisoned apple.

A Song of Sea and Shore

I’ve never been a big fan of the Little Mermaid, but A Song of Sea and Shore has completely changed my opinion. This book was amazingly written and the plot was simply wonderful. I loved the combination of mermaids, love, kingdoms, and family tension. My heart was in my mouth on a number of occasions and I just could not put this book down.

Neri cannot speak and yet her charm still shines through and captures the reader’s heart. Her relationship with Prince Kai left me with a huge smile on my face.

Another wonderful fairytale retelling by an incredibly talented author.

Heart of Thorns

I’ve never been a big fan of the Little Mermaid, but A Song of Sea and Shore has completely changed my opinion. This book was amazingly written and the plot was simply wonderful. I loved the combination of mermaids, love, kingdoms, and family tension. My heart was in my mouth on a number of occasions and I just could not put this book down.

Neri cannot speak and yet her charm still shines through and captures the reader’s heart. Her relationship with Prince Kai left me with a huge smile on my face.

Another wonderful fairytale retelling by an incredibly talented author.

Where can you find Katherine?

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My favourite books of 2021 – Kingdom of Thorns by Katherine Macdonald