Hello to all the gift-giving procrastinators out there: there's currently only nine days until Christmas. And the start of Hanukkah. And I am sure there are other gift-giving occasions outside of what I know of within the US culture that have presents in December. As there are so many options and not enough time, I am providing you with a perfect last-minute gift giving guide. Just narrow down to your recipient's favorite genre, and get the book off the list. Hopefully, it'll inspire you, and make sure you don't get overwhelmed with holiday stress.
1. Romantasy: Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas
I know I'm biased considering I just finished Throne of Glass, but I will admit I now understand the hype. The worldbuilding is fascinating, considering it's a fantasy world where magic disappeared, giving it a vibe I haven't read in the genre before. I also appreciated the realism within the romance - it was a slow burn and full of yearning, and it didn't just immediately jump into spicy scenes like I see so often in fiction. I loved how realistic the characters were, and the overarching mystery has me so hooked, that I am ready for the sequel. However, if you are giving this to the romantasy lover in your life - I highly recommend checking to see if they already have it. Just to make sure.
2. Urban Fantasy: Dominion of Magic by Eleanor Rose, August Oliver, and Chase St. Clare
Urban fantasy is one of my all-time favorite subgenres of fantasy - and it's one I truly feel needs more love. And Dominion of Magic is a shining example of why. Part historical mystery, part mythology, and part DaVinci code, the book seamlessly blends these into a race-against-the-clock adventure. This book was one of my top five reads this year, and with its amazing representation in addition to twists that will leave your jaw on the floor, the person you're giving it to as a present will thank you while they anxiously await the sequel.
3. Romance: A Novel Love Story by Ashley Poston
Have you ever wondered what it would be like if you were able to step into your favorite cozy romance series? That is exactly what happened to the main character of A Novel Love Story. It's a sweet romance, where Elsy finds herself in the world of her favorite romance series - one that is tragically unfinished due to the author's tragic death. On her arrival, she starts to help the characters who have been stuck in an unhappy loop move toward their conclusion. And starts to fall for the grumpy bookseller she is certain was supposed to be the love interest in the final book. But what happens when she has very real feelings for a very fictional man? Well, you'll just have to find out by getting two copies of the book: one for yourself and one as a present.
4. Sci-Fi: Snowglobe by Soyoung Park
When I finished this book, I had half a mind to download Duolingo to teach me Korean so I could attempt to read the sequel before the translation came out. Snowglobe is truly that good! In this world, reality TV is how the population is kept in line. Anything from noir shows about a murderess whose heart keeps getting broken, to family shows similar to the Kardashians. But when Chobahm gets recruited, she discovers there's a dark side to this world: and the adventure that follows is one any reader will love to experience.
5. Crime Thriller: Batman: Resurrection by John Jackson Miller
Do you know a Batman fan? Buy them this book. Do you know a crime thriller fan? Buy them this book. Do you know a mystery fan? Buy them this book. Honestly, if it was up to me, everyone would buy this book, as Batman: Resurrection is my top read for the year. I have not been able to stop thinking about it since I read it, and I truly wish I could read it for the first time all over again. Between bringing us back to the Tim Burton Batman universe, and giving amazing disability representation in a genre that historically has been terrible at it, it's a read you won't be able to put down.
6. Mystery: The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year by Ally Carter
Ally Carter has been one of my all-time favorite authors since I was 16, and The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year shows off why I have been a fan for so long. It's a cozy mystery and a rom-com - and where many books claim to have Knives Out vibes, this one is the only one I have found that feels like it could exist in the same universe. Not to mention, it's an ode to mystery writers and pulls back some of the common misconceptions people have about the publishing industry. All wrapped up in a bow, that may or may not be poisoned.
7. Historical Fiction: By Any Other Name by Jodi Picoult
It is not often I read a book that shakes my understanding of history. There's long been theories William Shakespeare didn't write his plays, or at least, didn't write all of them. And what I loved most about By Any Other Name is it took evidence and clues written down by history and presented a theory as to who could have written them: a woman named Emilia Bassano. Combining the facts of her life and how they seem to intertwine with Shakespeare's legacy is one I found especially fascinating. And while we will never know for sure, I left this book believing Shakespeare was an amazing salesman and a terrible writer.
8. Short Story Anthology: Naughty and Nice by Finch Benson Publishing
What I love most about this anthology is there is truly something for everyone in it. It has horror, romance, thrillers, and action stories. Some feel like they belong on Hallmark as a Christmas movie, while others make you feel like you're in the middle of a nightmare. So if you're not entirely sure what genre the reader in your life is interested in, buy Naughty and Nice just to be safe. There will definitely be a story for them in it.