2020 Wrap-Up
Greetings and Happy New Year’s Eve!
As a sort of last hurrah before I start my new review schedule and 2020 comes to a close, I thought I’d share the books I’ve read this year! I’ll link reviews next to the book/brief description if I’ve already written one!
There are 72 books total, so I’ll try to keep it as short as possible!
But first, a bit of a sentimental intro! I always plan a TBR complete with new releases, classics, and the books I think I need to read. But again and again, my plans are derailed, whether by a random urge (I’m definitely a mood reader!), or a commitment, my plans are never quite fulfilled. Yet by the end of the unexpected book, I’m always struck by how much I needed to read it. Sometimes it’s the themes, the characters, or the style. In the end, it’s Olivia that makes the TBR, but the Lord that plans my reading.
1. Starsight – Brandon Sanderson
The sequel to Skyward by the same author, Starsight is the second in a science fiction series filled with action, suspense, and engaging characters and themes.
No review up for Starsight yet, but here’s the review I wrote for Skyward:
https://bookishmusings.com/review/skyward-book-review/
2. Beowulf – Translated by Seamus Heaney
This one I read for English last year, and while I haven’t posted a review yet, I might in the future.
Beowulf is an epic poem that follows a hero by the same name. Monsters, bravery, and swords abound!
3. The Murder of Roger Ackroyd – Agatha Christie
I can’t believe it took me so long to read this one! I started it back in 2019 and didn’t finish it until January 2020, if my memory served me correctly.
This is one of Poirot’s most elaborate and confounding cases, and I enjoyed following all the twists and turns!
I thought I’d reviewed it here, but turns out I haven’t! Expect one soon, though!
4. The Mysterious Benedict Society – Trenton Lee Stewart
A reread for me in preparation for the fourth installment that released last year!
This series is so full of warmth, family, mystery, and humor that even describing it makes me want to read it again!
https://bookishmusings.com/review/the-mysterious-benedict-society-book-review/
5. Eleemosynary – Lee Blessing
I read this one in preparation for a competition (that got cancelled due to COVID), and it’s interesting, to say the least!
No review yet, but expect a very long one in 2021!
6. Flight of the Raven – Morgan L. Busse (The Ravenwood Saga Book #2)
One of my favourite reads of 2020 (though there are so many!), I reread this one in preparation for the third book’s release!
For all my rambling thoughts, check out the review (link below)!
https://bookishmusings.com/review/flight-of-the-raven-book-review/
7. The Secret of the Swamp King – Jonathon Rogers (The Wilderking Trilogy Book #2)
The middle book in a short but sweet trilogy that allegorically traces King David’s rise to power, this series is perfect for middle-grade lovers!
https://bookishmusings.com/review/the-secret-of-the-swamp-king-book-review/
8. The Way of the Wilderking – Jonathon Rogers (The Wilderking Trilogy Book #3)
The conclusion to the series, this installment is filled with all the wisdom and frolicking fun of the previous books!
https://bookishmusings.com/review/the-way-of-the-wilderking-book-review/
9. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone – J.K. Rowling
I think everyone’s familiar with this book, so I’m not sure if I’ll write a review for it, but overall, I was unimpressed. Maybe because of the hype that’s been floating around for over a decade, but it just didn’t click with me.
The setting was whimsical and some scenes were enjoyable, but I struggled to engage with the characters and found the writing style a little lacking.
Maybe I’ll pick up book 2? I’m interested to see where the story goes, so only time will tell!
10. The Maze of Bones – Rick Riordan (The 39 Clues Book #1)
Short but enjoyable, this is a gripping action/adventure/spy series for middle-grade readers! I’m reading the second book now and looking forward to continuing the series.
https://bookishmusings.com/review/the-maze-of-bones-book-review/
11. Cress – Marissa Meyer (The Lunar Chronicles Book #3)
The second book in the series, Scarlet, felt needlessly long and tedious, so I considered abandoning the series. But I’m so glad I didn’t!
I haven’t finished my review for Cress yet, but check out the review for the first book in the series, Cinder:
https://bookishmusings.com/review/cinder-book-review/
And the second book, Scarlet:
https://bookishmusings.com/review/scarlet-book-review/
12. Brand of Light – Ronie Kendig (The Droseran Saga Book #1)
If you love sci-fi and adventures of epic proportions, this one’s for you!
No review yet, but the second book just came out, and I’m looking forward to reviewing both!
13. The Red Pyramid – Rick Riordan (The Kane Chronicles Book #1)
While I didn’t enjoy this as much as the PJO series, I’m hoping to finish this series in 2021 (As you can probably tell by now, I started a lot of series this year and finished very few.)!
Review coming soon!
14. Chosen – Ted Dekker (The Lost Books #1)
While this book wasn’t one of my favorites of the year, I still enjoyed it, and I think lovers of middle-grade fantasy adventures will too!
Review coming soon!
15. The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes – Suzanne Collins
I have very mixed feelings about this book, and I detailed them all in my review. So instead of repeating everything I’ve already said, check out my review here:
https://bookishmusings.com/review/the-ballad-of-songbirds-and-snakes-book-review/
16. The Mysterious Benedict Society and the Perilous Journey – Trenton Lee Stewart (Mysterious Benedict Society Book #2)
The second book in a series I love so very much!
Check out my review below if you’re interested in a heart-warming mystery series!
17. The Mysterious Benedict Society and the Prisoner’s Dilemma – Trenton Lee Stewart (Mysterious Benedict Society #3)
The completion of the original trilogy! There’s a certain scene that always makes me tear up, but I couldn’t possibly love this series more!
This is one of those series where every installment I read this week was exactly what I needed in the season I read it.
18. The Mysterious Benedict Society and the Riddle of Ages – Trenton Lee Stewart (Mysterious Benedict Society #4)
The final book in the series! Sure, I didn’t enjoy it as much as the original trilogy, but I relished the opportunity to return to a part of my childhood and early reader life.
So thank you to this series for teaching me something new every reread and helping me grow up.
A very fond farewell (unless there’s a book #5 – Trenton Lee Stewart, please???) to this beautiful series.
Review coming soon!
19. Book Girl: A Journey Through the Treasures and Transforming Power of a Reading Life – Sarah Clarkson
One of my favorite reads of the year! This was powerful and inspiring and renewed my love for books and reading. It’s filled with book lists that I can’t read to someday check off as I read classics and newer releases alike!
Review coming soon!
20. Sherwood – Megan Spooner
This read is so atmospheric and action-packed! I truly enjoyed it (especially since I read most of it during a rainstorm).
https://bookishmusings.com/review/sherwood-book-review/
21. The Story Raider – Lindsay Franklin (The Weaver Trilogy Book #2)
I think I’ve read this book twice this year, but no complaints here! It’s so beautiful, stirring, and hopeful even in the face of darkness!
For more fangirling:
https://bookishmusings.com/review/the-story-raider-book-review/
22. The Choosing – Rachelle Dekker (Seer Book #1)
The beginning of a dystopian series, this one is haunting and suspenseful! I have the next two books out from the library and can’t wait to read/review those!
https://bookishmusings.com/review/the-choosing-book-review/
23. Rebel Rising – Beth Revis
I wanted to love this book! Rogue One is my favorite Star Wars movie (which is apparently treason to Star Wars, but oh well!), so I couldn’t wait to read a book centered on the events before the movie. Unfortunately, it just fell sort of flat for me, but I would read another Star Wars book in the future!
Review coming soon!
24. Hidden Current – Sharon Hinck (The Dancing Realms Book #1)
This book is so powerful and enchanting! It may have been small, but it’s enthralling and exciting! I can’t wait to finish the trilogy, and this series is perfect for dancers, fantasy fans, and really anyone!
https://bookishmusings.com/review/hidden-current-book-review/
25. The Vault Between Spaces – Chawna Shroeder
It’s been several months since I read this one, but I still haven’t decided how I feel about it. It’s deeply metaphorical and filled with symbolism to the extent I’m sure I missed some! But the story was engaging and atmospheric even when I was slightly confused…so I liked it???
More coherent thoughts to come!
26. Beowulf – Translated by Seamus Heaney
I read this one for school, but ended up enjoying it! It’s a story of chivalry, nobility, courage, and of course, epic monsters!
Review coming soon!
27. Flights and Chimes and Mysterious Times – Emma Trevayne
I tried with this one, I really did. But it didn’t pull me in by the middle, so I ended up DNF-ing it. The main character was incorrigible, and, while I don’t mind a morally grey character occasionally, this one just never interested me or seemed like he would change.
So it’s unlikely I’ll write a review, but I’ll still count it towards my 2020 goal!
28. The Story Hunter – Lindsay A. Franklin (The Weaver Trilogy Book #3)
*sigh* This is quite possibly my favorite read of the year! Every loose end from the past two books is tied so beautifully! Last books always make me a little sad. I’ll never get to read those characters’ journeys for the first time again. But this ending felt so right and like a homecoming.
I could ramble about this book for the rest of the post, but I suppose I’ll save that for the review coming soon!
29. The Traitor’s Game – Jennifer A. Nielsen (The Traitor’s Game Book #1)
I love Nielsen’s other fantasy, The Ascendance Series, but I struggled to connect with this story. I wanted to enjoy it so much, but every scene felt overwhelmed with tropes. I didn’t like any of the characters, and I predicted the ending pretty early. However, there’s still some part of me that’s determined to finish the series, so we’ll see!
Review coming soon!
30. Faith County – Mark Landon Smith
Another play! This one’s a small-town comedy, but it fell a little flat for me. In all honesty, I don’t remember much of it as I read it but never ended up performing it. I remember taking detailed-ish notes for a review so there’ll be one coming soon!
31. Batman: Nightwalker – Marie Lu (DC Icons Book #2)
I read this book in the middle of the summer when our AC was out and I just needed a light read. It’s fun, angsty, and a fast read that I flew through!
There’s a fair amount of content to wade through, but I ended up enjoying it anyway.
Review coming soon!
32. Disney’s Frozen Jr.
I couldn’t find a good pic for this one, but yes I’m counting the script for my spring 2020 show that never happened towards my goal.
33. Cry of the Raven – Morgan L. Busse (The Ravenwood Saga Book #3)
One of my favorite reads this year! The series finale is so full of hope, redemption, and beauty, and I can’t wait to reread the series!
https://bookishmusings.com/review/cry-of-the-raven-book-review/
34. Hamlet – William Shakespeare
Sure, I read this one for school, but I did find myself enjoying it so maybe I’ll review it at some point!
35. Dr. Faustus – Christopher Marlowe
Another play for school – It was…interesting, but a cool play? It’s been a while since I read it so I don’t remember too much about it, but I didn’t dislike it so that’s something!
36. Space Boy Volume #1 – Stephen McCranie
I don’t usually read comics, but someone recommended this series on Instagram as a fun, wholesome sci-fi series so I hesitantly checked out the first volume. But it didn’t stop there! I fell in love with the artwork, themes, and characters and hope to finish the series!
It’s about a girl who moves to Earth and has to adjust to a new high school and life in a futuristic society.
37. Opposite of Always – Justin A. Reynolds
I didn’t intend to read this book when I did, but I needed a light read in the midst of tech week and finals craziness, so I ended up reading it in a couple of days.
The reader follows Jack and Katie as their friendship and eventual romance blossoms. Until Katie dies. But Jack finds himself in a strange situation when he can’t stop time traveling to the day he met her, and he begins to wonder if he can change the narrative.
Review coming soon!
38. The Stonekeeper – Kazu Kibuishi (Amulet Volume #1)
A mysterious amulet, a creepy house, and a sibling adventure!
Review coming soon!
39. Reformed – H.L. Burke (The Supervillain Rehabilitation Project Book #1)
I’ll admit, it took me a little while to get into this series, but once I did I was hooked! Dynamic characters, an intriguing plot, and superheroes! What more could you ask for?
https://bookishmusings.com/review/reformed-book-review/
40. Songflight – Michelle M. Bruhn (Dragon Singer Chronicles Book #1)
*sigh* I could ramble about this book all day, I definitely would!
I had the great privilege of being part of the blog tour for Songflight, so instead of a rambling description, check out my review/tour stop for more info about this dragon-filled, adventurous, fantasy!
https://bookishmusings.com/review/songflight-book-review-and-book-tour/
41. Redeemed – H.L. Burke (Supervillain Rehabilitation Project #2)
More superhero shenanigans! I flew through this series, and I’ll be reviewing it in the next week-ish, so I won’t elaborate any more than saying check out this series!
42-45. Space Boy Volumes #2-5
These are the rest of the Space Boy volumes I read in 2020, and since there’s not too much to say other than how much I love them, I’ll leave it at that.
Reviews coming soon!
46. Saving Moby Dick – L.L. Samson (The Enchanted Attic Book #2)
I picked this one up on a whim and ended up really enjoying it! It’s a middle-grade story that ties together classic literature and our world in an engaging way.
Review coming soon!
47. The Great Gatsby – F. Scott Fitzgerald
I’ll be honest, I probably won’t review this one because I didn’t really enjoy it. The characters are obnoxious, and, while I understand that’s the point, it made the book difficult to engage with or get excited about reading.
48. The Crownless King – Kara Linaburg (The Broken Prince Book #2)
Another favorite read of 2020! I didn’t know what to expect when I signed up for the book tour since I haven’t read the first book, but I was able to keep up with the story!
https://bookishmusings.com/review/the-crownless-king-book-review/
49. My Mates and I – Amy Catherine Walton
A sweet story of redemption and growing up from Lamplighter Publishing!
Review coming soon!
50. The Lost Clue – Mrs. O.F. Walton
A gripping mystery with strong themes for all ages!
Review coming soon!
51. The Lightning Thief – Rick Riordan (Percy Jackson and the Olympians Book #1)
I started rereading this series for a readathon that I epically failed after a couple months, but I’m hoping to finish my reread sometime this year.
Review coming soon!
52. The Sea of Monsters – Rick Riordan (Percy Jackson and the Olympians Book #2)
The only other book I finished from the readathon (which was supposed to be all 5 PJO books and all 5 Heroes of Olympus books – oh well!)
Review coming soon!
53. One False Note – Gordon Korman (The 39 Clues Book #2)
The spy adventure continues! Fun and mysterious, this was a perfect short read between longer ones!
Review coming soon!
53. The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin
Another one I probably won’t review because I read it for a class and we analyzed it to death, so I’m pretty tired of good ole Benny Frank.
54. The Plastic Dinos of Doom – J.J. Johnson (Iggy & Oz Book #1)
This is the first book in a charming, whimsical middle-grade series following Iggy and Oz, to suburban siblings who live in a neighborhood that’s more than meets the eye.
Review coming soon!
55. The Soda Pop Wars – J.J. Johnson (Iggy & Oz Book #2)
Equally as fun as the first installment!
Review coming soon!
56. Dark Road – Laura Lundgren Smith
Behold! The play I did for the fall semester! It lives up to its name, but it’s also tinged with hope and redemption.
Posts and review coming soon!
57. My Hero Academia – Kohei Horikoshi (My Hero Academia Volume #1)
I don’t usually read manga, but two of my best friends do so occasionally I get roped in. And in return, they let me rope them into my fandoms so it all works out ;).
I was surprised to enjoy this one! The characters are quirky and fun, and who knows? I might pick up the next one!
Review possibly coming soon!
58. The Legend of Sleepy Hollow – Washington Irving
I unexpectedly enjoyed this story, so maybe I’ll read some more Irving in the future!
Review coming soon!
59. Reborn – H.L. Burke (Supervillain Rehabilitation Project Book #3)
Probably my favorite in the series so far!
Review coming soon!
60. The Scarlet Letter – Nathaniel Hawthorne
Another school read! I enjoyed the Romantic writing style, but the story wasn’t for me. Nevertheless, I might make a review? Only time will tell!
61. The Lady of Lanaria – Michaela Bush
Such a fun, uplifting fairy tale-esque fantasy! I could gush forever, so just check out my review before I do!
https://bookishmusings.com/review/the-lady-of-lanaria-blog-tour-and-book-review/
62. The Flame of Olympus – Kate O’Hearn (Pegasus Book #1)
I started this book with a fair deal of skepticism, but a friend had lent it to me in a book swap so I felt obliged to finish it. But I ended up really enjoying it, and now I can’t wait to read the next one (can you tell that I really should trust my reader friends’ judgment more than I do?)!
Review coming soon!
63. Greenglass House – Kate Milford (Greenglass Hosue Book #1)
This book is so atmospheric and winter-y, I would be happy to reread!
https://bookishmusings.com/review/greenglass-house-book-review/
64. Empire of Blood – Olivia Cornwell (Rebel Empire Book #1)
Another amazing urban fantasy (Plus, the author and I share a first name, so she must be awesome!)!
https://bookishmusings.com/review/empire-of-blood-blog-tour-and-review/
65. A Time to Die – Nadine Brandes (Out of Time Book #1)
One of my all-time favorite books so I decided to reread!
Review coming soon!
66. The False Prince – Jennifer A. Nielsen (The Ascendance Series Book #1)
Reread in anticipation of the new book that just came out (and I still haven’t read book 4)!
https://bookishmusings.com/review/the-false-prince-book-review/
67-69. Beautiful Chaos, Something New, & Keeping Cassie – Michaela Bush (Mount Sterling Collection Book #1-3)
I did not intend to read this series as quickly as I did, and contemporary isn’t my usual genre of choice. And yet, this series is so sweet and compelling, and I’m so glad I read it! I wish the series was longer, but for now, I’ll have to be satisfied with reading the author’s author works!
Reviews coming soon!
70. Prince of Shadow and Ash – Selina R. Gonzalez (The Mercenary and the Mage Book #1)
I flew through this book so quickly, and I loved every moment! Perfect for fans of fantasy and romance!
Review coming soon!
71. Waiting Here for You: An Advent Journey of Hope – Louie Giglio
A dear friend gave me this book last year, but I didn’t start reading it until the middle of the month. This year, however, I was able to start from the beginning (it’s a 1/day devotional), and I’m so glad I did!
I don’t usually review nonfiction, but we’ll see!
72. A Christmas Carol – Charles Dickens
I’ve always wanted to read this one around Christmas, and it was so sweet and perfect! Granted, I feel like I knew a lot of the lines from The Muppets’ Christmas Carol, but I still enjoyed this short book!
Review coming soon!
And that’s it! If you stuck with me through this whole post, you deserve a prize! Merry (belated) Christmas and Happy New Year!
