12 Days of Holiday 12 Fantasy Reads | Tricia Copeland & Maria Jane

Welcome! Excited you hopped to my blog for the 12 Days of Bookish Christmas Blog Hop. Each YA sci-fi fantasy author stop on the tour is sharing something fun for the holidays.

For my blog hop post I’m sharing my 12 favorite young adult Fantasy reads of 2021 including 3 fun holiday themed books, so be ready to add to your TBR. Don’t miss my giveaways below and all the stops of the 12 Days of Bookish Christmas YA Sci-Fi & Fantasy Blog Hop.

12 Favorite Fantasy Books of 2021

These books are by no means in any particular order, but they are my top fantasy reads of 2021 including three magical holiday reads. I’m a big fan of indie authors so I hope you’ll discover new authors to love in this list. I know I did this year!

1

Daughter of the Song by Eliza Tilton

Arabella must use her songspell magic to stop a necromancer from destroying everything she holds dear.

After being kidnapped by occultists, Arabella Grace and her family move to the mining town of Port Tablot to forget the horror they experienced in England. With scars adorning her body, Arabella searches for peace by hiding within her songs. But Port Tablot has its own demons.

My review… I really enjoyed this book. It’s well written, well edited, and the plot drew me in right away, kept me intrigued, and the ending did not disappoint. I loved the characters Arabella and Leo and how we got to see pieces of the story through each of their perspectives. It is a unique story concept that I haven’t heard before. The ending is just the amount of completing the story and leaving you wanting more. I’m definitely buying the second book.

2

Fae Away by Rose Garcia

Princess Celyse has two rules she must obey— never touch a portal, and never kiss a human.

Despite being born into the most powerful house in the faerie realm, Celyse dreads her life of duty and obligation. But everything changes when she finds a shimmery portal that offers a glance at the forbidden human realm. If discovered with the portal, it could mean her death. Yet she dares to peek anyway and finds herself face to face with a gorgeous human. Soon, she is visiting her would-be enemy nightly. Until a malicious suitor threatens her life and her kingdom.

My review… This is the fist fae book I’ve read in years and perhaps only the second one ever (besides my own and Lord of the Rings). I went into this book very excited to learn about this fae realm and Celyse and Julio’s story. It did not disappoint. I finished the book in two sittings and was ready to one-click the next book right away.

This is also my first read from Rose Garcia. I loved every bit of this book. It had great pace, action, world-building, and several great surprises. Celyse is the twin princess of the most powerful rulers in the fae realm of Favenly. Her older twin sister will rise to the position of queen. At eighteen they will enter a year of courtship and marry.

But Celyse finds a shimmer, a portal that lets the fae enter the human realm. Always intrigued with the forbidden human world, she immediately opens the shimmer. She sees a boy named Julio and they become friends, talking every night for many months. But as her eighteenth birthday approaches, she knows she must break ties with him. She has a duty to fulfill and what could be between them when her kiss will kill him?

Her meeting with her first potential suitor goes awry. His actions plunge her into a series of events that lead her to many hidden truths. I won’t say more for this book has lots of juicy secrets to discover.

3

The Vision, Shadow Lake Vampire Society Book 1 by Wendi L. Wilson and Katie French

My name is Piper Williams, and in three weeks I’m going to die.

The summer after Senior Year should be all parties and fun, but for me, the world is about to change. Determined to break out of my reclusive shell and move past the trauma of my father’s unexpected death, I take a job at Camp Shadow Lake, a place where nothing is what it seems.

Every counselor is beautiful and aloof, including Levi Kass—who is as hot as he is hostile. I don’t know what I did to make him hate me, but he seems to want to eat me alive. How can someone so gorgeous be so menacing?

My review… I really liked this book. It was the perfect teen escape without being to teenagery. Piper loses her father and grieves his loss. Her mom and counselor think it will be good idea for her to serve other struggling youth at a summer camp. Her father worked there as a kid as well.

A few of the scenes are a bit vampire cliche, but they have to be. It is obvious, you should not fall in love with a vampire because they are dangerous. The plot was face-paced and held my interest. The characters were endearing and brave. And I can’t wait to see what happens next in Piper’s world.

4

Fire and Frost, Book 3 of the Whitewood Journals by P.M. Hernandez

All three of the books in this series were great….

Can Ellie unite what is left of her patchwork family and save the remaining gargoyles?

ELLIE WHITEWOOD has lost everything: family, friends, her home. Giving up is a temptation almost impossible to resist. Yet, the demon Cain still poses a threat to the survivors of the terrible battle that took the lives of so many Caretakers and Sentinels. If Ellie walks away from her duties, her loved ones—especially her chosen, Gabriel—will be Cain’s next victims. Ellie can’t escape a final showdown with Cain, but the toughest challenge won’t be facing off against the seductive fallen angel with raven-feather wings but confronting the demon inside herself.

My review… This was a great ending to an amazing series. I’ve followed this author from the beginning and could not wait for the conclusion to this series. She did an amazing job of craftily paying homage to the characters in an exciting finale!

One thing I love about this series is the heroine is not perfect, far from it. And she lets her imperfection, struggles, challenges, and victories surrounding them fly free.

I’d never read a gargoyle book before picking up the first book of the series so had no idea what to expect. I love the lore and world built in the series and how none of the characters are 100% black or white.

Kudos to P.M. Hernandez

5

Song of Destiny by Kris Faryn

My voice kills.

His touch silences my song.

Together we’ll either save the world…

Or destroy it.

I once believed sirens had mermaid tails, crustacean companions, and you know…weren’t real.

How wrong I was.

Turns out sirens have wings, a talking owl spirit guide, and are very, very real.

Not only that, they’re cursed with wings to soar the skies, searching for the lost goddess Persephone, because it was their fault she was kidnapped by Hades.

I loved the book so much, I’ve already read the second in the series..

My review… Seventeen-year-old Korrina has an inkling she’s not normal. And whatever lies deep within her is evil. But what she thinks she knows is just the tip of the iceberg.

I haven’t read many books about sirens or much of their lore, but I really enjoyed this read. Korrina’s story and plight draw you in. I became endeared to her and her band of friends quickly. I loved how the author hides secrets within layers of the story and the twists of the plot and discoveries kept me turning pages.

6

Before Autumn Fades by Christian Andreo

Loving a ghost is tricky. Living for one is nearly impossible.

Psychic soulmates, linked across the boundary of life and death, take on a poltergeist and their own depression. Jordan lost the fight years ago; so Wren has to fight for both of them.

As if life didn’t already suck. New town, snobby private academy, and of course Autumn, the ghost girl that won’t stop until Wren kills herself… Maybe Jordan had the right idea.

My review… Before Autumn Fades is a solid paranormal YA read with lots of great twists and surprises. Wren, the main character, and her mother move to a new town in New York after losing her father. Being in a new town with a new school, Wren assumes it will be hard to meet people and make friends. But she meets a nice, cute guy on the beach. The only problem with Jordan is that he’s dead. He’s a ghost and she’s the only person who can see him. It turns out he lived in her house. Spookier yet another girl died in her new house as well. And this girl, Autumn, is not quite as nice.

I’d never heard of the term sasayakimasu before but in Andreo’s book this means a person who can see ghosts. Wren finds this means so much more and she and her friend Emo start a quest to discover just how much. I liked that this book shared a new type of paranormal being (at least to me) and that the plot wasn’t predictable. Wren is pretty damaged and that aspect of the book was hard to read. The book may include triggers for those struggling with depression and suicidal thoughts and behaviors.

A solid first book for this, in my opinion, up and coming new author.

7

The Tomb by Carl Novakovich

John Gideon, a former homicide detective turned P.I., has dug too deep and discovered the truth about the world while searching for the only family he has left.

John and his new partner, Beth May – a spell-wielding demon who has turned her back on Hell – are humanity’s last hope to stop a collective of Fallen Angels known as The Watchers and a hierarchy of demons from breaking the first of the Seven Seals of Revelation.

My review… I, Zombie, Supernatural, and The Originals rolled into one…

Jax is a detective whose mentor and partner, Walter, worked to find his mother when she went missing when Jax was a child. Now they’re trying to solve another missing person’s case. They apprehend the suspect, Steve, but that night Steve and Walter go missing. Two years later, having left the police force to dedicate himself to finding Walter, Jax finally gets a lead. Steve resurfaces.

This story has multiple POVs which keep it interesting. The characters and story line are well written, have depth, and are unique. I enjoyed the banter between characters and growth in their relationships. If you like supernatural mystery, then this is your book.

8

Aftermath by Sandy Goldsworhty

I’m patiently awaiting the conclusion to this series… (hint, hint Ms. Goldsworthy)

After losing her father, Emma Bennett moves to her aunt’s small town of Westport to finish out her senior year of high school. Emma wants to forget the pain and loss of the past few weeks, finding relief in the company of Ben Parker—a local boy who she has an instant attraction and uncanny connection with. When Ben seems a little too preoccupied with other responsibilities and has no time for her, Emma turns to the town’s hottest flirt—Lucas Crandon—for affection. Unfortunately, she realizes a little too late that, sometimes, bad boys really can be bad for you.

My review… I loved this book. Aftermath follows two characters Ben (an immortal) and Emma (a high school student). Ben has been searching for Emma for decades and now he’s finally found her. But evil surrounds her and he worries he may not be able to protect her. Emma has no clue that Ben is an immortal. All she knows is that she is strangely drawn to him.

Both characters are wonderfully written and the plot and story line held my attention from beginning to end. I loved how the author gave you just the right amount of information at the right time creating suspense, intrigue, and surprise at every turn. I’m one-clicking the second book right away!

9

Dragon Princess: Sleeping Beauty Reimagined by Lihelle Slater

I normally don’t read fairytale retellings but this one grabbed my eye…

A curse upon her head I place,
that all will see her truest face.

Princess Elisa has more than guests to worry about on her birthday. She was cursed to transform into a dragon, the faeries who vowed to save her are being murdered, and her mother has arranged her marriage to a handsome stranger from the northern kingdoms.

When Prince Gerard leaves on a quest to find a cure for her, Elisa decides she’s done being like the girls in the stories. She’s not going to wait for her prince to save her.

But there’s more to her curse than she could have ever imagined. If Elisa accepts the dragon within, she could destroy her kingdom. But if she doesn’t, an entire race will be killed, and she’ll lose the one person she’s learned to love.

Elisa must save herself before she burns her kingdom to the ground.

My review… The Dragon Princess is an interesting take on Sleeping Beauty, veering far from the original plot line to weave an imaginative and fun tale about a princess who believes she is cursed to become a dragon at age 18. The story is about finding your own voice and bravery. Lichelle Slater does an excellent job of world building, introducing many types of characters into the story line, and giving you plenty of plot twists. Anyone who loves fairy tales and princess/heroine stories will love this book.

10

A Spirit’s Las Gift by Kathy-Lynn Cross

Juslynn Vaxton is an average teenager trying to adjust to the changes of her senior year, life without her mom, her dad remarrying, creating memories with friends and planning for the future. But there is one little secret keeping the hands of time frozen – she’s hopelessly in love with her best friend, Carter.

On top of keeping her feelings hidden, she also has to deal with the town’s socialite, Cher. With cryptic messages from her rival, unresolved questions about her mother’s death, and Carter’s electrically charged touch clouds her judgment. The last thing Juslynn needed was to catch Carter kissing Cher. Emotionally imploding; she flees in four-inch heels on ice-coated stairs. Running away ends up costing her everything.

My review… I first read a version of this story in Echoes of Winter and loved it. So when I saw it in longer form one-clicked. This novella takes the original story a bit farther. I love the twist into the paranormal. Juslynn is in love with her best friend, Carter. Drama ensues and Jusylnn trips and falls. When she wakes up, she’s not alive. Now she has even more turmoil to deal with.

11

Echoes of Winter Anthology

This anthology has so many good authors I love in it… L.A. Starkey, D.B. Nielsen, C.K. Dawn, Chess Desalls, K.K. Allen, & Kathy-Lynn Cross… how could you go wrong. I love Kathy’s version of A Spirit’s Last Gift in this anthology!

12

‘Twas the Night Before by S.J. Pierce, Jo Michaels, & Tia Silverthorne Bach

Angels, witches, and vampires. Three magical Christmas romance tales that will take you back in time and leave you breathless.

Spell of Snow – by S. J. Pierce
Life can be a witch…

Six years ago, I discovered my powers – I can make flowers bloom. But in a world where anything magical is met with judgement and swinging from a rope, I have to be careful… until one day I wasn’t. The Witch Hunters have been alerted, and now no one, including my loved ones, can save me.

My name is Rosanna Frey, Snow Queen of Ipswich, and this is my story.

Christmas Savior – by Jo Michaels
Angel Victoria is on a mission from God: Save the illegitimate royal Catherine Carey from the dark ones.

Vampire Vance is on a mission from the head vampress, Cleopatra: Bring Catherine Carey into the coven so she can lead them to victory over the humans.

When the angel and the vampire meet, sparks fly. A bird may love a fish, too, but where do they reside?

Immortal Faith – by Tia Silverthorne Bach
Sometimes, faith is all that’s required.

Lucent has lost everything: his mortality, his hope, and the love of his life. His faith is wavering, but he clings to it like a lifeline. When he meets a beautiful witch who makes his dead heart skip a beat, he fights choosing between the brightness of hope and the darkness he’s become accustomed to.

Holidays past brought great loss and heartache, but a witch just might bring him a Christmas miracle.

My review… I love these fun entertaining stories. They’re great twists on magic and witches, vampire lore, and the paranormal. Each of the stories is well written with great plots and characters.

Thanks for stopping by. I hope you found some perfect books to add to your TBR.

Don’t miss all my special gifts for you including coloring sheets & a FREE YA urban fantasy e-book bonus delivered to your inbox by signing up here!

Thanks to YA Sci-Fi & Fantasy Addicts for hosting the blog hop! Check out their reviews, sneak previews, cover reveals, book lists, quizzes, giveaways, and more on their site with links below.

Continue with the 12 Days of Bookish Christmas YA Sci-Fi & Fantasy Blog Hop with the links to author websites below for cool content & giveaways. Click over to their blogs to complete the hop.

Don’t miss the the grand prize giveaway signup below! Even though we have dates listed all posts are up Dec. 1, 2021 for your enjoyment.

Happy reading! Tricia