Despite the title, this isn’t a post where we plan to poo-poo on authors who have disappointed us. It’s more to be reflective of the books we were initially anticipating or desperate for.. and how they fared in execution vs expectation. Also please know that if any of these books, or authors, are your favourites, that’s great! Every reading experience is different.
Worth noting is some of these books might have been three stars. But if we expected it to be a five, it’s kind of disappointing to only like, not love, it. Please bear that in mind. Disappointment doesn’t mean hate; but there might be some on those in this list, too.
For clarity, these are books we read in 2021, not necessary books published in 2021, and presented in no particular order.
And so with those disclaimer out of the way..
Hollis’ Top Ten Disappointing Reads :
Second First Impressions by Sally Thorne
A Lesson in Vengeance by Victoria Lee
Dark Rise by C.S. Pacat
The Heart Principle by Helen Hoang
Mister Impossible by Maggie Stiefvater
The Secret History by Donna Tartt
When Night Breaks by Janella Angeles
The Ippos King by Grace Draven
King of Scars Duology by Leigh Bardugo
Micky’s Top Ten Disappointing Reads :
Once and Future Witches by Alix E Harlow
The Four Winds by Kristin Hannah
Madam by Phoebe Wynn
Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins-Reid
Second First Impressions by Sally Thorne
The Forevers by Chris Whittaker
An Emotion of Great Delight by Tarereh Mafi
Little Thieves by Margaret Owen
Dial A for Aunties by Jesse Santoro
The Deathless Girls by Kiran Millwood-Hargrave
If you were one of those “lucky” few who caught us (Hollis) accidentally publishing a draft of this early, sorry! But sURPRISE, the nature of our post has changed, so you likely didn’t actually get spoiled by our list. And speaking of which.. do you have a list of any disappointments? Let us know in the comments!