Hello everyone,
As we all know, the ending to a book is vitally important. It goes a long way towards determining our overall thoughts on the book, and depending on whether it is good or bad, can affect the star ratings we award it and just how fondly we think back on it.
In this final post before Christmas I am sharing five books I read this year which contained endings that were either very dramatic, or have indelibly etched themselves into my memory.
Without further ado, here they are!
Hostage by Clare Mackintosh
This was as tense a thriller as you could possibly get; a breathtaking and rather unsettling ride. Lots of crazy things happen along the way, but there are further surprises waiting at the end, which takes place three years on from all of the main action.
It begins with one twist which is dramatic enough, but one that you might see coming. And then in the final few lines, a total bombshell which makes the book stay in your head long after you have finished.
Our Violent Ends by Chloe Gong
The ending to this incredible duology was always going to be emotional and intense, especially when you consider it is a retelling of Romeo and Juliet. So much happened and the connection I felt to the story meant I was hanging on every word, and the way the ending played out was thrilling.
For me, it was just about perfect. Yes, it was bittersweet, but it was also incredibly fitting and the decision to close the story from Alisa’s perspective with certain things implied rather than made explicit, was inspired.
The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
This book did not completely live up to expectations for me, but the ending was certainly memorable. It was where all the magic culminated, leading to a race against time, the outcome of a love story, and just reading it all play out was just so captivating.
I Know You Did It by Sue Wallman
This young adult thriller is so clever as it attempts to pull the wool over your eyes and convince you that there are numerous suspects, when you know deep down who the villain really is. It is done so convincingly that the final twist is a real shock to the senses.
This ending came with a sense of build-up and having felt a connection to the story, I was on the edge of my seat and it was all very menacing. Another thing I liked was that nothing was wrapped up too neatly.
Truly Devious by Maureen Johnson
The ending to this book does divide opinion as it provides very few concrete answers on some of the mysteries that run throughout the plot, instead leaving several loose ends for the rest of the series. That said, it does end memorably with a twist that comes out of nowhere and really affects the dynamic between some of the characters.
I am planning to read the second book in the series soon, so I am looking forward to seeing how those events unfold!
Let’s Chat
Have you read any of these books? Which books did you read in 2021 that had memorable or brilliant endings? Let me know in the comments!
Happy Christmas!! 🎄
Stephen Reads Books 