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 ofย 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!!ย ๐
the night circus has such a memorable ending that i can still remember the last line four years after reading it! this is such a great post stephen!๐
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Thank you, Kaya! ๐ Wow, it’s amazing how the line has stayed with you for so long.
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Endings can really make or break a book. That said, some openings can be just as compelling. Except for the opening of Anne Tyler’s book French Braid, which I still haven’t figured out! Hm… that does make it memorable, though, doesn’t it?
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I agree, openings can certainly be memorable. If you haven’t worked out the opening of French Braid yet, I would say that does make it quite memorable – in a good way or a bad way maybe!
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Well, I certainly remember it, but I still can’t figure out where the characters in that opening passage come into the story!
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Ending are so damn important! They can make a break a book, one of the most memorable endings I have read in 2022 was definitely the ending of The Song of Achilles, I am still healing from that book but it was a truly phenomenal story!
There are so many book on here that are on my TBR, I really wanna priorities getting to These Violent Delights in 2023
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Ah yes, The Song Of Achilles was wonderful and the ending so heartbreaking – I have to agree! Hope you enjoy These Violent Delights ๐
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I canโt wait to get around to reading it
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I’ve been loving your end of year posts and books with memorable endings is such a unique post idea. I love it! I think endings can certainly be the most impactful.
I haven’t gotten to Our Violent Ends yet but I am eager to see how the story concludes, especially as based on R+J. I’m glad you consider it successfully done.
It is nice to see some thrillers on your list as I think powerful endings and thrillers go very well together!
I hope you had a lovely Christmas ๐ฅฐ๐
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Thank you so much, Sophie! ๐ It was bittersweet but I was really happy with how Our Violent Ends concluded the story. And I agree, thrillers can sometimes deliver the most dramatic of endings! I hope you had a wonderful Christmas too ๐ฅฐ๐
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Ohhhh well, I really need to read Truly Devious at some point, so curious about that ending now aha. Love this post! ๐ฅฐ
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Thank you, Marie! ๐ฅฐ I really enjoyed Truly Devious and the ending was a surprise. I’m about to start the second one.
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