The 12 Days of Christmas Book Tag was created by Ashley @ Falling Down The Book Hole and I’m excited to get into the holiday spirit. I tried to keep it to the books that I read this year (and honestly probably the ones I’ve read in the last few months. They’re strongest in my heart right now.)
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 is tough, because most of the books I read this year were a part of a series.. but Harry Potter and the Cursed Child by J.K. Rowling. That’s what I think I’m going with. I’m pretending its a stand alone… it works, right?
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?
Clary and Jace, they were probably the first pairing I fell in love with.. but as this is supposed to be from books that I read this year – Rowan and Aelin. Where is Aelin? Where is my wife? My heart. I just can’t. (Credit to Taratjah for the fanart.) But let’s be honest, Sarah J Maas writes the best pairings that fill your heart with so much feeling then she rips it out and stomps all over it. Rowan loves Aelin with his whole heart, every part, the good, the bad, the broken and beaten, the assassin, the Queen, the Fae and no one else has ever done that for her. Their love is true and enduring. Heartwrenching and pure.
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?
Delirium, I just recently read it and I was so completely hooked the entire time. The book draws you in and there were so many twists and turns that I did not expect. Loved every minute of it.
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 favourite series?
Right now, I am utterly obsessed and in love with Throne of Glass. It is wonderful and I need everything Sarah J Maas in my life. (I may have even purchased the colouring book earlier this week.)
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?
The Lady Midnight reveal was just… heartbreaking.
On the sixth day of Christmas, my true love sent to me: six geese a laying.
Creation is a beautiful thing. What is your favourite world/world-building?
The world building in Throne of Glass/ACOTAR (even though they’re not the same worlds) are incredibly well done, involved and make me want to delve deeper, learn more. I love fantasy, so the world building of the Fae in each of Sarah J Maas’ novels… incredible.
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 favourite animal sidekick?
Thinking about this made me realize that there aren’t enough animal sidekicks in novels. I’m going to have to keep that in mind with mine (if I ever properly write it). I’m going to cheat and Rowan would murder me with a look.. but I choose Rowan in falcon form. I can’t. (Credit to Taratjah for the fanart.)
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?
Six of Crows/Crooked Kingdom – Nina’s love of food is wonderful although there’s also Throne of Glass, because Celaena’s love of sweets is something else.
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 favourite kickass female lead?
Aelin has all of the skills.. although, so does Feyre. Who doesn’t love our new lead in Emma? Or Laia’s heart (and armlet)? Lena fights for love, no matter what. Or the brilliance that is Annabeth. Seriously, I could go on. But there are so many well-written female protagonists that I can’t truly pick.
On the tenth day of Christmas my true love sent to me: ten lords a leaping.
How about your favourite leading lad?
Magnus Chase, with a little bit of Apollo on the side because Lester Papa… well you know. Hilarious. Rick Riordan write the wittiest and sassiest characters. If Percy was a lead in any of the novels this year, he would be my favourite.. or Jace, even though we don’t really see him in Lady Midnight, as well as Rowan or Rhys. Those delightfully territorial Fae bastards as Aelin affectionately calls hers. There are too many well-written male leads and I have no complaints.
On the eleventh day of Christmas my true love sent to me: eleven pipes piping.
What is your favourite book or bookish thing with musical influence? (It can be about music, reference music a lot etc.)
I know I keep picking Sarah J Maas’ novels, but her writing just speaks to you. The way she describes Celaena at the Opera, playing the pianoforte or anything else relating to music is just so poetic – the notes dance their way across your consciousness and the feelings overtake your body even though there is no sound. That is why it is so well done.
On the twelfth day of Christmas my true love sent to me: 12 drummers drumming.
Drum roll please…what is your favourite read of this year?
A Torch Against the Night by Sabaa Tahir is a close second, but Empire of Storms just tore me open. It was incredible and I can’t believe I have to wait until September to read the next novel.
And I tag you guys – anyone who wants to do this and get in the bookish holiday spirit, have fun! Let me know if you do it and what you think of my picks.
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