Merry Christmas! I couldn’t let the holiday pass by without doing one of my favorite Christmas tags. It was created by Lizzie Loves Books. I always have so much fun with this one, and this year was no different. I’ve read so many great books this year, and I enjoyed trying to decide what books fit each prompt best. If any of these catch your eye, each of the covers links to the book’s Goodreads page.

On the first day of Christmas, my true love sent to me: A partridge in a pear tree.

The partridge stood alone in the pear tree. What is your favorite stand alone this year?

Not only is Alone with You in the Ether one of my favorite standalone books, but it is also the first book I read this year. The writing was beautiful, and it was a gorgeous exploration of mental health and love. It cemented Olivie Blake as one of my favorite authors.

On the second day of Christmas, my true love sent to me: Two turtle doves.

Love is in the air! Who is your one true pairing this year?

Nick and Andy from We Could Be So Good were my favorite couple this year. I loved this book so much and just adored Nick and Andy. The historical setting was clearly researched and written realistically. It all came together to deliver a love story I won’t soon forget.

On the third day of Christmas, my true love sent to me: Three french hens.

In the spirit of threes, what is the best trilogy you have read this year?

How could I not choose The Poppy War trilogy for this prompt? It was brutal, emotional, and one of the most compelling stories I’ve ever read. It’s definitely not for the faint of heart, though.

On the fourth day of Christmas, my true love sent to me: Four calling birds.

Since series usually consist of four or more books, what is your favorite series this year?

The Raven Cycle was so good. The mix of folklore and modern Americana was interesting, and the writing was so atmospheric. I fell in love with the characters, especially Ronan.

On the fifth day of Christmas, my true love sent to me: Five golden rings.

One ring to rule them all! Who is your favorite Villain/Antagonist this year?

I thought the villain in Painted Devils was fascinating and a really smart way to make the main character face important and emotional things about herself. The execution of it all was really well done with more and more slowly being revealed about the villain until the end.

On the sixth day of Christmas, my true love sent to me: Six geese a laying.

Creation is a beautiful thing. What is your favorite world/world-building this year?

This book had just about everything I love about fantasy wrapped up into one book. The world-building in The Will of the Many was superb, and I loved that we got to slowly figure out the mysteries of the world’s history alongside the main character. I’m stoked to see where things go next.

On the seventh day of Christmas, my true love sent to me: Seven swans a swimming.

Who needs seven swans when all it takes is one good animal sidekick? Who’s your favorite animal sidekick this year?

Academy Arcanist was full of all sorts of animal companions and other magical creatures that gave their chosen humans various powers. The main character’s kitten was my favorite, though, because of all his delightful sass.

On the eighth day of Christmas, my true love sent to me: Eight maids a milking.

Milk is so 18th century. Which book or series takes beverages/food to a whole new level?

Kit & Basie was delightfully cozy and included vibrant descriptions of so many baked goods and teas. The copy I bought came with an apple pie recipe and a tea blend created specifically from the book descriptions. So, when I think of this book, I always think of delicious things.

On the ninth day of Christmas, my true love sent to me: Nine ladies dancing.

Dancing is just one skill of a Lady! Who is your favorite kickass female lead this year?

The title character of The Adventures of Amina Al-Sirafi was one of my favorite female characters this year. She’s a badass mother, but she can also adventure the high seas and go up against some pretty chilling foes. I had such a fun time with this book and her character.

On the tenth day of Christmas, my true love sent to me: Ten lords a leaping.

How about your favorite leading lad this year?

I was honestly a bit surprised by this one. Elm from Two Twisted Crowns was the male character that first jumped to mind for favorite leading lad. He played a big role in this sequel, and I loved getting to know him better. He’s such a great character, and he completely stole the spotlight of this second half of the story.

On the eleventh day of Christmas, my true love sent to me: Eleven pipes piping.

What is your favorite book or bookish thing with musical influence? (It can be about music, reference music a lot etc.)

I’m a huge fan of Silvia Moreno Garcia, and Signal to Noise became another favorite for me. I loved how music and magic were blended in this story, and, as always, Garcia brought the setting to life vividly.

On the twelfth day of Christmas, my true love sent to me: twelve drummers drumming.

Drum roll please…what is your favorite read of this year?

I loved A Power Unbound SO MUCH. It did a great job of wrapping up this series by bringing the entire cast together while also giving Hawthorn and Alan their own love story. If you enjoy queer historical fantasy, this trilogy is not to be missed.

I hope you all have a wonderful holiday and are staying warm. If you think the tag looks like fun, do it! I tag anyone who wants to participate.