Merry Christmas! I couldn’t let the holiday pass by without doing one of my favorite Christmas tags. The 12 Days of Christmas Book Tag 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?

I could not get enough of the beautiful writing in The Starless Sea. I definitely plan to reread it in the future, and I’m sure I’ll discover something new when I do.

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?

The Phoenix Bride was such a great historical romance. I just had to make David and Cecilia my one true pairing this year. Their story was full of love, heartache, and calamity. I was riveted.

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?

Melissa Caruso became one of my favorite authors this year with my read of the Rooks and Ruin trilogy. This was such a great follow up to her first trilogy, and it deepened the lore and world-building of this setting. I really loved the characters, too. This story was one of my favorite things I read this year.

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?

I have to pick Star Wars: The High Republic for my favorite series this year. I didn’t read many series, most of my reading was standalones, duologies, trilogies, or single entries in a series. So, Star Wars wins almost by default. I have been enjoying this latest phase of The High Republic, though, and I’m looking forward to seeing where the story goes next.

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 really “liked” the antagonist in The Enchanted Lies of Celeste Artois. He was powerful, mysterious, and quite cunning, and I could see why he was able to tempt and corrupt so many people.

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?

The world-building in The Tainted Cup was so unique. The author did a brilliant job of bringing it to life in vivid detail that left me in awe at times.

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?

I mean. How could I not pick The Disreputable Dog and Mogget for this prompt? They are probably some of my favorite animal companions ever.

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?

I loved the cozy teashop in Can’t Spell Treason without Tea. It was the first thing that came to mind when I read this prompt. I can’t wait to finally pick up the sequel sometime soon since it is already on my bookshelf. 🙂

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?

Pretty much any of the female characters in These Burning Stars fit this bill. I cannot stress how much I LOVED this book and the characters in it. If you are looking for great science fiction with plenty of action and twists, look no further.

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

How about your favorite leading lad this year?

Avra. He is the bisexual disaster of my heart. I had such a great time following his hijinks in Running Close to the Wind. This book made me laugh out loud so much. It was truly over the top ridiculous.

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.)

One of my current reads was my first thought for this prompt. One of the characters uses his magic by playing instruments and can use them as weapons. It’s actually really cool. I’m enjoying this one so far.

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 struggled with this answer so much, but I just kept coming back to one book every time I thought about it, The Undermining of Twyla and Frank. I honestly don’t think I have anything negative to say about this book. The friends to lovers romance was excellent. The take on dragons was adorable and unique. The story was interesting and added a lot of depth to the world-building set up in the first book, and I was so happy to see Duckers back as a recurring character.

I hope you all have a wonderful holiday and are staying warm. If you think the 12 Days of Christmas Book Tag looks like fun, do it! I tag anyone who wants to participate.