2020 was a difficult year, and with many people having to stay indoors, reading as a hobby regained some of the popularity it has lost in recent years. Diego Ruiz Duran, like many who enjoy picking up a book in their spare time, is looking forward to some of the best new releases to enjoy in 2021.
One of the most popular genres in the book world, romance novels are often at the top of the book sales charts. The latest top contender for the genre is From Blood and Ash by Jennifer L. Armentrout. Having garnered a 4.35 out of 5 stars on goodreads.com, this book has received stellar reviews and was recommended most popular of the romance genre by a long shot. The story is about a young woman who is meant to bear the burden of her entire kingdom’s future by remaining solitary and untainted, but is tempted by a guard who is meant to protect her purity. Mixed with fantasy and the paranormal, this read will satisfy the sweet tooth of those interested in romantic reads.
Another highly recommended book that dips into the fantasy realm, House of Earth and Blood by Sarah J. Maas follows the story of Bryce Quinlan and Hunt Athalar throughout Crescent City, hunting a demon that threatens their home and those they love. Having received a 4.43 out of 5 star rating, this is another read that has received amazing reviews and earned its top spot in the genre.
For those who have an interest in science fiction, Christopher Paolini, author of Eragon, has delved into the adult and written To Sleep in a Sea of Stars, a novel about a scientist in the future, exploring a planet that has not yet been colonized. She finds an alien relic on the planet that will change the fate of everything. Another resounding success for Paolini, this sci-fi novel was nominated for the top of the genre by many readers.
Sci-fi and mysteries/thrillers often have the same fans. For this genre, The Guest List by Lucy Foley made it to the top of the charts. Following the events of a glamorous wedding in Ireland, a guest is murdered, and the reader is led on a twisted path to discover who the killer is. Full of thrills and suspense, The Guest List comes highly recommended and is sure to live up to expectation.
Coming to be more and more popular, historical fiction is a genre that has been receiving more attention lately. The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett follows identical twins who choose to live in very different communities in the 1950s. The story examines the argument of nature versus nurture in a sociological light and explores communities divided by race before the time of Civil Rights. Soaring to the top of the historical fiction genre, The Vanishing Half was a longlist nominee for the National Book Award, and its reviews reflect its national recognition.
There are so many good books to read, and so many different genres to explore. Like Diego Ruiz Duran knows, spending some spare time turning pages can be an enjoyable and valuable hobby.