My top reads of 2021 NOT from 2021!
That’s right! I’m back.
Yesterday I presented my best-of list of the top collections/anthologies I read in 2021 (regardless of year).
Today, I present my top reads that I read this past year that were not released in 2021. Confusing? Sure? But my list of top 2021 reads FROM 2021 will be arriving at Kendall Reviews in the next month or so, and this gives me an extra way to celebrate more books. I’m zeroing in on my goal of reading 200 books in 2021 and honestly, there are so many amazing releases each and every MONTH! let alone year, that I want to try and spread the love as much as I can.
So, without further wait – here we go! And remember, this is in no particular order!
A Cosmology of Monsters by Shaun Hamill (Released September 17th, 2019)
This book has so much going on within that it is a perfect read for dark fiction lovers. Coming of age, monsters, portals, romance and family dynamics. Hamill really knocked this one out of the park. Loved it.
Temple of Ghosts (GhostWriters #3) by J.H. Moncrieff (Released November 6th, 2017)
I’m a massive fan of all things Moncrieff and her GhostWriters Series is a ton of fun. Book three takes the action to Egypt and we get some amazing action-packed storytelling. Moncrieff seems to have really hit her stride with each thing she’s releasing and this series is a must read for dark fiction fans!
All Systems Red (The Murderbot Diaries #1) by Martha Wells (Released May 2nd, 2017)
Oh Murderbot. The first entry in the fantastic The Murderbot Diaries by Martha Wells is a truly amazing sci-fi adventure novella. Full of action and emotion, this will get you hooked and you’ll be diving deeper into the follow up books, just as I have.
Dear Laura by Gemma Amor (Released July 2nd, 2019)
JFC is this dread personified or what? From the very first sentence until the grand finale I sprinted through this book without breathing. When it was done and over with I was gasping for air. What a ride. Amor is a stunning talent and ‘Dear Laura’ shows just why she’s so widely regarded.
The Hunger by Alma Katsu (Released March 6th, 2018)
We’ve all heard the stories around The Donner Party. But Katsu takes a piece of American History and inserts depth, emotions and conflict within these characters, bringing them to life. Katsu’s fictional take on the bad, bad decisions made was phenomenal and made me kick myself that I didn’t get to this book sooner.
The Human Son by Adrian J. Walker (Released April 28th, 2020)
A dystopian, science fiction story that will never leave my head. Set in the future where humans have become extinct, Walker crafts a story of rebirth, trust and family that filled me with so many emotions. This book is so well done, but what would you expect from Adrian?
Black Heart Boys’ Choir by Curtis M. Lawson (Released September 8th, 2019)
A horribly bleak coming-of-age story, Curtis M. Lawson crafted such a fantastic story with ‘Black Heart Boys’ Choir.’ This book will transport you back to high school, and whether that’s a good thing or a bad thing, Lawson will show you what can happen when something goes off the rails and poor decisions are made. Outstanding.
A Head Full of Ghosts by Paul Tremblay (Released June 2nd, 2015)
The premise of this book is top notch and the “is it happening/isn’t it happening” aspect will leave you unsettled. Tremblay writes books that feel cinematic while also asking you tough questions and on occasion, delivering tougher answers. This one got under my skin.
Suffer the Children by Craig DiLouie (Released May 20th, 2014)
This book will completely destroy you. That’s not being overdramatic or “click-bait”-ish, that’s telling it like it is. All of the world’s children suddenly die. Then, they all start to come back. Only they’re slightly different. And hunger. And good Lord does DiLouie make you wish you were reading this outside on a warm Summer afternoon versus in the dark with your feet dangling like a fishing line waiting for a monster to latch on.
Lastly, a four pack. You may have figured out by now that I’m a fan of Andrew Pyper’s work. This past year, I reread four of his novels and each and everyone was better than I remembered.
Lost Girls by Andrew Pyper (Released April 13th, 2000)
Two girls go missing and their teacher is the suspect. A hot-shot lawyer is assigned the teacher’s defense case. Pyper crafts a spellbinding court procedural that is really a back drop for the real story, the true narrative, about the lady at the lake and an unexpected connection.
The Demonologist by Andrew Pyper (Released March 5th, 2013)
The book that introduced me to Pyper still resonates to this day. This is dark, aching and drenched in anxiety and chaos. The scene where Ullman takes some stairs to find out what is in the room at the top will leave you drenched in sweat and wishing like hell you’d paused before there for the night. So many emotions and the ending is sublime.
The Damned by Andrew Pyper (Released January 1st, 2015)
A fascinating story about a near death experience, Detroit, the connection of twins and what happens when something comes back from the other side. There’s a scene in this one with Danny and his mom that left me shattered and will most likely haunt my dreams until my time on this plain is over.
The Only Child by Andrew Pyper (Released June 6th, 2017)
The plot of this story is so utterly fascinating. A forensic psychiatrist is told her new patient believes they are the living inspiration for Dracula, Frankenstein’s Monster and Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. From there a dark fiction/action/thriller unfolds that connects some dots and arrives at a finale that is truly phenomenal.
So, there we are. My fav books of 2021 NOT from 2021. I’m excited for you all to see my list of the best of 2021 FROM 2021 soon, over on Kendall Reviews. Until then, what books did you read that you loved this year?
