IT’S TIME!! The one! The only! The best books I read this year!!
AAHHHHHH!!
(can you tell I’m excited?!???!!?!)
Seriously, I LOVE doing this post every year- because it’s time to celebrate all my new favourites and share them with you lovely people!! So without further ado, here’s my top ten for 2022…
This Woven Kingdom– I’m actually in shock I haven’t been going on and on about this book since I read it! Because this was a beautifully crafted fantasy inspired by Iranian mythology. I was captivated by the romance and absolutely intrigued by the characters. A stunning start to a series!
Cytonic– I was hesitant to continue the series after Starsight, but this swept in and saved the series for me! Largely, this is down to the plot really taking off and getting more and more out of this world. And I’m super keen to continue now! I can’t wait to see where it takes me- hopefully to infinity and beyond! 😉
The Wild Silence– a stunning sequel to the Salt Path, it takes us away from the UK into even more ethereal landscapes of Iceland. Tying itself to time and history, it is clear Raynor has found her voice and has so much more to say.
Gilded– this retelling of rumplestiltskin was pure gold. Focusing on stories within stories and telling tall tales, I loved how this span something entirely new from a well-worn fairy tale. I loved every second of it and can’t wait for more!
Carrie Soto is Back– Reid is always a winner for me. I mean, I knew it was going to be the book for me- it’s set in the nostalgic 90s and it’s about TENNIS for goodness sake! But I still couldn’t get enough of this sports comeback story. The characterisation was raw and on point; the relationships make you want to pump your fist in the air. And of course, Reid has become a master at historical settings. I just want to cheer on everything she does at this point!
The No Show– Beth O’Leary’s best yet. She absolutely turned up with this layered romance! As much about the character’s individual journeys as a romance book, I was still swept up in the ***ADORABLE*** love story at the heart of this. I swear her books get better and better! This was a showstopper!
A Lady’s Guide to Fortune Hunting– if you’re looking for an Austen-tatious regency romance, this is sure to get your petticoat in a twist! A delightful romp in regency London, this unconventional love story will have you clutching your bonnet and falling head over heels. With a schemer for a lead and a stiff gent as her foil, we know who we’re supposed to be rooting for… because a schemer’s not supposed to get her way, is she? 😉
An Unkindness of Magicians– the best kind of urban fantasy, this keeps one foot in the real world whilst taking us out of the ordinary. Set in an alternate version of New York, this striking novel was an awe-inspiring adventure, filled with heartache and dark intrigue. A brilliant concept, beautifully executed- I definitely suggest picking up this underrated standalone.
Dark Queens– it’s rare that I find a non-fiction history book that reads like the most thrilling fiction- but this was it. A powerful and timeless tale of murder, revenge and political intrigue, it’s a slice of forgotten history. Obscured through time and mythological retellings, this real story is impossible to forget. A vivid book I cannot stop thinking about and one that I would recommend to everyone!
The Sword of Kaigen– ahh this cut me to the quick! No read has made me more emotional this year. A memorable and sharp fantasy, I was swept up in this epic intergenerational tale. And while the magic system and the world building are both very cool- but it’s the characters and their relationships that burn brightest.
And that’s all for now! Have you read any of these? Did you enjoy them as much as me??? Do you plan on giving any of them a go? Let me know in the comments!!
I love that The Sword of Kaigen is your best book of the year! I really want to read it. I have also been curious about The Dark Queens, so I am thrilled you loved it.
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It’s wonderful!! And I loved dark queens!!
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I wanna read The No Show!
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Oh definitely read it!
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I am jealous you’re so excited. Keep it up….
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Thank you!
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Carrie Soto and The No-Show were two standouts for me. I mean that twist in The No-Show. I swear, I just got chills thinking about it. Changed my whole outlook.
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they’re such great books! ahh same!
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Great list! YES to Carrie Soto, I loved that one so much. I read and loved Beth O’Leary’s the Road Trip, so I need to read the No-Show soon!! 🙂
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Thank you! it was really wonderful! And no show might be my favourite beth o’leary yet!
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The only one I’ve read is An Unkindness of Magicians, and yes, I did like it.
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Ah I’m glad you liked an unkindness of magicians!!!
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I bought The Dark Queens for about 3 different people for the holidays!
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That’s so cool!!
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I somehow always thought carrie soto is back was meant to be a cheerleader on the cover 😂😅 I didn’t noticed it was a TENNIS attire, woops.
I just bought The no show, can’t wait to read it !! Hopefully I’ll enjoy it too
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hahaha! Yeah it’s about tennis! Really recommend it!!
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Making a note of This Woven Kingdom and The Wild Silence.
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Brilliant!
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Wild Silence wasn’t as compelling as The Salt Path maybe because it didn’t have the structure of the walk and the question of whether they would make it. I did love her descriptions of nature though. I now have a copy of her latest one Landlines which sounds quite dark because once more they set off on a gruelling walk knowing Moth’s health is deteriorating.
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That’s fair! I just really liked the emotion and writing. I’ve got a copy of landlines too now and really looking forward to reading it!
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Me too, I’ve gathered that Moth’s health has deteriorated which is why they set off on the walk featured in Landlines
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Great list, I really need to pick up Carrie Soto is Back 😊
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Thank you! definitely recommend it!
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I loved This Woven Kingdom, Carrie Soto, and Gilded.
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Ah glad you loved those too!
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#6 is one of my favorites of this year as well.
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So glad you agree!
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Great list!
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Thank you!
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I’m so excited to see The Wild Silence on your list! I absolutely loved The Salt Path, and have been looking forward to reading this one. I loved Carrie Soto and The No-Show too, and look forward to reading Gilded. Great list!!
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Oh it’s wonderful! And she has a new one out now as well called landlines- I need to read it. Ah glad you agree! thank you!
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I’m gonna have to add Sword of Kaigan to the reading list!
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Oh definitely do!!
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