I’ve reviewed 37 books this year and I’ve read even more that I didn’t get time to review, so it’s difficult to narrow it down to just a few favourites! But I finally managed it and here they are…
‘The Mars House’ by Natasha Pulley
A familiar favourite, Natasha Pulley makes it onto this list for the fourth year in a row with her upcoming 2024 release. I don’t usually read science fiction, but I think I would love Natasha Pulley characters in any genre. Their complexities and emotions steal the show in every book she writes and this one is no exception.
It doesn’t come out until March 2024, but I recommend using any gifted book tokens on a pre-order or on catching up with her wonderful back-catalogue.
‘The Flight of Swans’ by Sarah McGuire
Based on my favourite fairy tale, this book was a must read read for me and it didn’t disappoint. Sarah McGuire stays true to the original story, whilst still managing to include just enough twists and added detail to keep her readers guessing. The character depth is something you just don’t get in fairy tales and is exactly what brings this story brightly to life.
This book has been out a while so it’s not so easy to track down a paperback copy, but would be a great way for kindle owners to spend an Amazon voucher!
‘The Adventures of Amina al-Sirafi’ by Shannon Chakraborty
As well as having a stunningly pretty cover, this book also features a particularly impressive female protagonist. Whilst many might relate to Amina’s tug-of-war between her family and her career, the out-of-this-world stakes are sure to pull any reader straight out of their own life. The word ‘adventure’ in the title sums this book up perfectly!
‘The City of Brass’ by S.A. Chakraborty
Shannon Chakraborty clearly made her mark on me this year, with this being her second book on my list.
The first in an enchanting trilogy, this book is bursting with magic and mystery – both of which are unravelled gradually and expertly across all three books.
I devoured all three books in as many weeks and highly recommend that you do the same!
‘Girl, Goddess, Queen’ by Bea Fitzgerald
I loved this book so much, I read it on kindle and then immediately went out to buy a hardback edition for my bookshelf. (I had to – it’s so pretty!)
For lovers of mythology and romance, this book takes the classic story of Hades and Persephone and turns it promptly on its head. Bea Fitzgerald happily throws all stereotypes out of the window to give us a fierce female protagonist and a beautiful love story.
This book pulled me out of my January reading slump and has stayed with me for the rest of the year. The unique concept and characters come together perfectly to form an un-putdownable book. What started out as a fairly low stakes plot, gradually escalated throughout the book until each turn of the page felt fraught with tension. Plus, with such an inclusive and varied cast of characters, I’m sure everyone will find something to love.
The second book comes out in 2024 so this is the perfect time to catch up on what’s happened so far. (I know I will be re-reading it over my Christmas break)
‘Her Radiant Curse’ by Elizabeth Lim
A prequel to ‘Six Crimson Cranes’ and ‘The Dragon’s Promise’ ,this book can be read as an accompaniment to the duology or as a enchanting standalone.
It follows the tragic story of two sisters, each with far more underneath the surface than anyone around them would have guessed. Their emotional and unpredictable journey will reel you in from the start and the magic scattered throughout will keep you constantly guessing.
As with her previous books, Jennifer Saint has pulled an obscure reference from mythology and built it up into a fully fledged story. Atalanta is usually a footnote in most retellings of the Argonauts, but here she is given centre stage as a fully developed and complex female character. Raised without men, her sudden immersion in the real world is tumultuous, but makes for an inspiring read.
‘Unraveller’ by Frances Hardinge
Another unique premise with unique characters, this book makes for an absorbing but easy read. The magic is woven so tightly into the plot and characters that it doesn’t even seem unusual. However, it is the setting that steals the show as it grows stranger and darker the further into the book you read.
‘The Temple of Fortuna’ by Elodie Harper
A gripping and emotional conclusion to an stunning trilogy, this book kept me up reading until the early hours. It rounds off Amara’s story in ever way you could possibly want, whilst still leaving her future wide open for the imagination. Furthermore, it gives a devastating insight into an incredible moment in history and makes the reader feel as though they have fully gone back in time.
This book will stay with me for a very long time and I fully recommend gifting someone the full trilogy for Christmas!
Escape to the Bookshelf 