2020 was a trash fire. But it brought us some amazing debut releases!

These debut authors deserve all the extra hype. I can’t even imagine how difficult and terrifying it was to debut a book in this terrible year. But I’m so grateful that they did – because these books were a light in this otherwise bleak year.

1. Legendborn by Tracy Deonn

Not only is this one of my favorite debuts of the year, it’s one of my favorite books in general! This YA urban fantasy is a King Arthur retelling and it absolutely blew me away. Tracy Deonn packed so much into this amazing novel – family, friendships, love triangles, race issues, badass magical heroines, academic pressures, etc. I don’t think I will ever be able to sing enough praises for this book. If you haven’t picked this up yet, do it immediately!

2. Cemetery Boys by Aiden Thomas

Another new favorite of the year. Aiden Thomas made history when he became the first trans author to debut on the New York Times best seller list. And holy cow did he deserve it for this amazing book. This YA fantasy follows a trans teen who is struggling to prove themselves to their family. It has amazing discussions on identity, family issues, wonderful Latinx representation, and a ghost-y romance for the ages.

3. Where Dreams Descend by Janella Angeles

This was one of my most anticipated releases of 2020 and it didn’t let me down! This YA fantasy was so magical and atmospheric. I was completely swept away by this world. Janella Angeles wove together an amazing setting, a dangerous tournament, and tons of a intrigue and magic into a beautiful story I still think about today. The ending left me reeling and I can’t wait to the conclusion to this story!

4. You Deserve Each Other by Sarah Hogle

This laugh-out-loud funny adult romance was a huge surprise! I didn’t have much in the way of expectations going into this book, but Sarah Hogle still blew them away. This story was one of the funniest books I’ve ever read – I’ve definitely never laughed so hard! This hate to love story follows an engaged couple who are pushing each other to the limits in order to get the other to call the marriage off. Their antics are so outrageous and I was swooning over their relationship by the end.

5. The Year of the Witching the Alexis Henderson

If you’ve been around for a minute, you’re probably sick of seeing me recommend this book 😅 But this dark, witchy horror absolutely blew me away. It’s a slow, atmospheric book that takes place in a puritanical society surrounded by a forest that is home to the ghost of 4 witches. I was not expecting this book to go as dark and eerie as it did and I just couldn’t get enough. I nearly screamed when I learned Alexis Henderson is writing more in this world!

6. Tweet Cute by Emma Lord

This was one of the first books I read in 2020 and it was the perfect way to start the year. This YA contemporary was so much fun. I loved the You’ve Got Mail vibes. This story follows to high school teens who are locked in a Twitter battle between their families companies. It’s a competitors to lovers story with tons of witty banter and a heartwarming romance. I can’t wait for Emma Lord’s sophomore novel in early 2021!

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What 2020 debuts absolutely blew you away? Do we have any in common?

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