BLOODY ROSE
I didn't love Kings of the Wyld, so it took me a long time to pick this one up. But Bloody Rose is FANTASTIC. It's everything I want out of a fantasy adventure. Five stars. Two thumbs up. Read it!
BEWARE OF CHICKEN 5
Cozy isekai written with lots of love. My favorite cozy fantasy along with Legends & Lattes. Plus, like, a ninja rooster? What else do I need to say?
IT'S BEGINNING TO LOOK A LOT LIKE CHRISTMAS
If you like Hallmark movies, this is for you. Delightful little rom-com. Less Christmas than promised, but otherwise quite enjoyable. I mentally cast Lacey Chabert, obviously, as the protagonist.
THE HEXOLOGISTS
I love Bancroft's prose, and this British-inspired mystery is just what I needed around the holidays. Lovely story, great writing. Worth a read!
EMPIRE OF THE DAWN
Thou hast best get off thy arse and read this book, or else I shall perish forthwith! HOLY MELODRAMA BATMAN (but so, so good). Fantastic finale to the series. If emo vampires are your thing, this is it.
BRIGANDS AND BREADKNIVES
Less cozy, but fun adventure with Fern, the bookseller from BOOKSHOPS AND BONEDUST. I loved this one. Might be my favorite of the three!
CALAMITOUS BOB
A nice little LitRPG romp, if you're into that sort of things. While I enjoyed it a bit, I think this book solidifies my belief that LitRPG isn't really my jam, with few exceptions. But if you love LitRPG, read this. It's good for LitRPG!
SHADOWS UPON TIME
One of the singular best books I've ever read. I often say that I think books are too verbose or have unnecessary word count. This does not. Every word counts. I wouldn't cut a single sentence. If I could give it 8 stars I would.
STRENGTH OF THE FEW
First 30% super confusing (you'll see), but boy oh boy, what a fantastic story. I love Islington's complex plots and the way he weaves everything together, and the characters are memorable and fun! I can't wait for books 3 and 4!
NOT MY FIRST (SPACE?) RODEO
Clearly inspired by Dungeon Crawler Carl, a great little adventure in LitRPG. Probably the second best LitRPG I've read (not a fan of the genre, in general.) Looking forward to book 2!
GODS OF THE WYRDWOOD
More like Gods of the Weird Book, amirite? I'm having a hard time describing this book. Supernatural woods, forester with magic, chatty monk, bad guys, archery showdown. Anyway, it's good and I'm looking forward to book 2.
A DEADLY EDUCATION
Not what I expected. Classic dark academia, though. Great writing, great characters. Minor nitpicks and complaints about pacing, but otherwise solid story.
THE SANHEDRIN CHRONICLES
Jewish Demon Hunters. What else do I need to say? Quite a gripping story, albeit a little too religious for me. Saw a few typos in the manuscript as well, which costs a star rating. But if you're Jewish and like fantasy, this is it.
CONFESSIONS OF A TRASH DROID: FATAL ERROR
Fun novella that wishes it were Murderbot. Tries a bit too hard to be funny and half the jokes don't land, but otherwise it's a great little adventure. Worth a read.
SPEAR CUTS THROUGH WATER
Got 15% of the way through and DNF'd. Not my jam. Too hard to follow, with no chapter breaks, rapidly shifting POVs, a disjointed narrative. Bummer, because I heard good things, but life's too short not to have fun reading.
TESTED BY TEMPTATION
Great conclusion to the series with a bonus short story! I wasn't crazy about the dark elf plot and I thought the dragon plot felt a little rushed, but what a great ending for the series!
PURSUED BY PERIL
Look, what can I say? I can't get enough of Val and Zavryd from Death before Dragons, but Arwen and Azerdash are fast becoming favorites. Plus, who amongst us doesn't want a semi-sentient lawnmower?
DRIVEN BY DESTINY
Onto book 3! This series is like episodes of your favorite TV show, you just go straight onto the next. Lively, fun, energetic. Highly recommend reading this series.
BOUND BY BLOOD
Went straight to book 2, following Arwen and friends as they hunt down more dark elves. I love the banter, the silliness, and how much Lindsay just embraces her style.
MARKED BY MAGIC
After a long hiatus, jumping back to one of my favorite authors in the world of Death Before Dragons, this time tracking (ha!) a half-dark-elf farmer and her half-dragon love interest. So good!
FATE'S BANE
i just finished fate’s bane and i need everyone to understand that cherae committed emotional violence in 166 pages. don’t look it up. go in blind. just read it. suffer. thrive. go into the woods alone. trust.
RISE OF ENDYMION
It's been a long ass time since I got so immersed in a new world. Absolutely phenomenal conclusion to the quartet (Cantos, if you will). Loved it from start to finish. There's a reason this is one of the top sci-fi series of all time!
ENDYMION
Fast forward a few hundred years and the galaxy has CHANGED, MAN, CHANGED. This is a rip-roaring adventure through the ruins of the civilization from Books 1 & 2. Great characters, great action. Loved it.
THE FALL OF HYPERION
Picks up right where the first book left off, and it gets even crazier. I was hooked and couldn't put it down.
HYPERION
I feel terrible for not having read this before, but it's absolutely fantastic. There's a reason it's at the top of the "best scifi books ever" lists year after year.
IRON WIDOW
Phenomenal story--not at all what I was expecting. A Chinese history-inspired futuristic scifi with kaiju robots? And a protagonist who, simply, does not give a shit? It's fantastic. I devoured the whole book in a day. Phenomenal.
WORLDBREAKER
The first four were almost swashbuckling adventures, where book 5 went into more meta-exploration of the magic system. Felt like a lot was ret-conned. The ending was fantastic, but I'd day the rest of the book was mid.
BEWARE OF CHICKEN 4
This one centers around the source of Jin's power, and there's a big reveal about the nature of the world that has been forgotten. Add in cozy, heart-warming scenes... it's great!
BEWARE OF CHICKEN 3
We finally get to the "world gets bigger" portion of the story! Super fun dueling tournament! I love how positive and uplifting this story is. If you like Cradle and Legends & Lattes, you'll like this.
ALCHEMY AND A CUP OF TEA
Delightful conclusion to the Tomes & Tea series! If you like cozy fantasy with a dash of adventure, a plot where -- for once -- the romance isn't the hard part, and found family tropes, this series is for you!
KUSHIEL'S DART
Finally got around to reading this. It's very long, and it's got some messed up elements. But it's also incredibly well written and emotionally powerful. Teared up at the end, for sure.
BEWARE OF CHICKEN 2
Again, a silly book. The rooster and fish go off on a separate adventures; the cat is jealous of the houseguest; the camera is invented. I mean... I enjoyed it.
BEWARE OF CHICKEN
Quite possibly one of the silliest books I've read. A xianxia (think Dragon Ball Z) world in which the MC (think: Goku) retires to be a farmer and accidentally feeds his farm animals magic herbs that makes them sapient ninjas. It's wild.
THE RAVEN SCHOLAR
"I'd say this was the best book I've read this year, except that I've read a LOT of VERY GOOD BOOKS" out of 10.
THE VERY SECRET SOCIETY OF IRREGULAR WITCHES
PROJECT HAIL MARY
After The Martian, I had high hopes. I really enjoyed the story. I found the voice a bit irritating, but all's well that ends well, eh? Great book. Now I want a meburger...
ARTIFICIAL CONDITION
SEAL OF THE WORM
OK, I've never read a book series this long that absolutely NAILS the ending! What a fantastic series. If you want a wildly imaginative world with heartfelt characters, explosive action, and epic worldbuilding, THIS IS IT.
WAR MASTER'S GATE
The penultimate book in the series raises the stakes even higher, with yet another war on Collegium. Most of our friends are dead, but the story must go on with new heroes! I devoured this one. Onto the finale!
A HAUNT FOR JACKALS
Went straight to book 2 and it did not disappoint! Great military fantasy with characters you actually care about. Looking forward to book 3!
THE AIR WAR
Look, a fantasy blitzkrieg sounds crazy, but when you throw in spies and orthopters and magic? It's pretty frickin' awesome. Plus, we get some foreshadowing of the mysterious end game... Only two more to go in this awesome series!
HEIRS OF THE BLADE
Accidentally bought two Broken Binding editions of this. Anyone want to buy the other off me? Fantastic continuation of the story where Tynisa confronts her past and Che helps. Samurai, ghosts, monsters. It's got it all.
THE SEA WATCH
It's been a long time since I've read a series this consistently good. The world of the Apt (and Inapt!) expands... under the sea! (under the sea!) Fantastic story, Stenwold is the best, etc etc. Start this series yesterday please!
THE DEVILS
14/10, no notes. Who's my favorite character? Whichever one I'm reading. Seriously, drop everything, go read this. Phenomenal.
A DROP OF CORRUPTION
If I could give it a 12/10, I would. Hell, it's my feed, I can do what I want. 12/10, no notes.
THE BOOK THAT HELD HER HEART
I really enjoyed the first two books, so was super excited for the ending. I enjoyed it, it's worth reading, but the ending wasn't very satisfying to me. Kind of a bummer. I wanted something a bit different than what we got.
LABYRINTH'S HEART
Super satisfying conclusion to the story. If you like Dickens, Batman/Catwoman, tarot cards, and/or Eastern European influences, this is a good series for you.
THE LIAR'S KNOT
I enjoyed this one a bit more than book one! Few new characters, but the primary characters are getting deeper and more nuanced. The magic expands a bit, too, which is dope.
THE MASK OF MIRRORS
An enjoyable adventure with a Bridgerton feel in an Eastern European-style locale. Tarot magic, masked hero, con artists. It's got it all. Worth a read if this sounds appealing!
A BRIEF HISTORY OF CHRONOMANCY
Excellent addition to the Arcane Ascension series. If you like hard magic systems (Sanderson) and progression fantasy (Cradle), this might be up your alley! This was more Corin-centric than the others, but very enjoyable.
TEA YOU AT THE ALTAR
Look, y'all, I read this in one sitting. It's that good. Reyna (more like "Reina", amirite?) and Kianthe are adorable. The in-law meeting def came from real life. Just fantastic all around. Read it.
GUARD IN THE GARDEN
Read this from a local Denver author. Very cute, cozy fantasy about an injured dwarf who discovers the joys of small town life. Delightful and fun! If you liked Legends & Lattes, you'll like this.
THE SCARAB PATH
This one follows a narrower scope of characters (albeit the best ones) and reminds me a bit of a Stargate episode, though obviously fantasy and with no Teal'c murmuring, "Indeed."
ONYX STORM
Look, these books have no right to be this good. I'm low key kinda mad I gotta wait for the next one.
IRON FLAME
Actually really liked this one! What's not to love about dragon riders and love polygons?
THE FOURTH WING
Better than Stormlight. Don't @ me.
SALUTE THE DARK
Well... this just ratcheted the stakes up to the next level. Not going to spoil anything, but clearly NOBODY IS SAFE. Also, uh, more gladiator stuff, please. That was rad. Also, I never did like mosquitoes.
BLOOD OF THE MANTIS
This Shadow Box is super intriguing. The war against the Wasps gets bigger! I love the characterization of the Spiderlands, very Locke Lamora-y. And I love how different the races are!
DRAGONFLY FALLING
At no point did I have any idea what was going to happen next, but I'm SO EXCITED FOR THE SPIDERLANDS. Also, Totho can kiss my butt. Jerk. This year's reading is off to a fantastic start!
THE YOU YOU ARE: A SPIRITUAL BIOGRAPHY OF YOU
Brilliant and disturbing at all once. I award no stars and pray that someone invents time travel so I can get these 30 minutes back in my life. books.apple.com/us/book/the-...
THE SOVEREIGN
I had the great pleasure of reading this book early. It's phenomenal, one of those "the best book is the third book" trilogies. I wrote the author a 10 page essay about everything I loved. Can't fit it here. But when it comes out, READ IT ASAP.
EMPIRE IN BLACK & GOLD
Phenomenal. Wildly imaginative, creative, and the action is non-stop. Actual sentences and coherent prose and plots without fart jokes! This is a sleeper series you should read now!
SHADOW & CLAW
Heard great things! I enjoy the main character, but the story's a bit too weird for me. Probably not going to continue.
WIND AND TRUTH
There’s a solid 400 page book in here somewhere.
THE LIONS OF AL-RASSAN
THIS INEVITABLE RUIN
@mattdinniman.bsky.social "You've been cursed: if you get an erection, your dick will fall off." Need I say more? Five stars. Read this series now.
EMPIRE OF THE DAMNED
Fantastic sequel to the first book! This is officially my favorite take on vampires. Really engaging, and I love it. Not a huge fan of the story-within-a-story conceit, but otherwise a practically perfect story.
THE FIREBORN BLADE
Fun little story about knights that slay dragons. Format has a reference book-style entry about various dragon slayers and their gruesome deaths, with other chapters as main story. Enjoyed it. Overpriced at $12, though.
THE PRICE OF SPRING
This is one of the better series I've ever read, with Book 4 solidifying itself as an amazing series. It has some Jade City vibes, if you like that. One quibble with the ending, but otherwise really loved the series.
AN AUTUMN WAR
Book 3 was dope. This time it has all-out war, with highly complex characters and backstabbing and intrigue and... well, let's just say I didn't see the end coming. Can't wait to dive into Book 4!
A BETRAYAL IN WINTER
Book two rocked, even better than the first. An Asian-inspired succession plotline with lots of murder and mistaken identity. Very good. Onto book 3!
A SHADOW IN SUMMER
I loved The Expanse, and Abraham is one half of James S.A. Corey, so I obviously had to read this series. I didn't expect it to be so Asian-inspired, but I dig it. Looking forward to #2. x.com/BrianTheGlee...
TESTED
Book 4 comes hot off the heels of book 3, and Matti and her almost-boyfriend elven assassin have to somehow get into the dwarven kingdom... whose princess wants to murder both of them! Fun adventure! Onto book 5!
TROLLED
Matti and her buff assassin bf try to track down her missing mother, but run into TROLLS. The action kicks up a notch, the sexual tension grows, and the hilarious goblin tinkers turn blenders into flamethrowers!
BETRAYED
The enemies start to have FEELINGS. The best part of the trope, tbh. This book hit all the right beats and satisfies my urban fantasy itch. I love the take on goblins, too!
HAMMERED
A sequel series to my favorite DEATH BEFORE DRAGONS, starring a new witty half-dwarf and an elf assassin. I love enemies-to-lovers trope, snarky heroines, and Lindsay herself. Just a great story.
HE WHO DROWNED THE WORLD
OMG. Well, let me put it this way. I stayed up til 2am to finish this and my bedtime is normally 11pm, so... yeah. It's great. Go read SHE WHO BECAME THE SUN. Seriously, stop scrolling, go read. Now.
PERDIDO STREET STATION
Excellent worldbuilding, good prose, meh plot. Didn't like it much.
ASHES OF MAN
Ruocchio is vying for a close second place to Robin Hobb for exemplifying the phrase "kill your darlings." The horrors that Hadrian has been through is devastating. Book 6 in April!!!
KINGDOMS OF DEATH
The Sun Eater saga continues to amaze me. Epic scifi storytelling. Aliens, religion, worldbuilding, carnage. It's powerful and moving, as well. I was near tears at the end.
THE 5 SENTENCE METHOD: WRITE YOUR DAMN BOOK ALREADY
A short craft book on Becca's writing method. It's basically a style that should theoretically work perfectly for a wanna be plantser like me. I'll give it a shot in my next story.
THE WILL OF THE MANY
I picked this up because it was highly rated across the board, and this did NOT disappoint. It definitely has some Red Rising Book 1 meets Sun Eater book 1 vibes (must be a trend?), but it is its own awesomeness. Must read!
SPELLMAKER
Excellent sequel to SPELLBREAKER (see last year's list). Ups the ante on the romance, doubles down on the thriller aspect, and a creative magic system to boot. Wonderful duology!
WARFORMED: STORMWEAVER
Book 2 of the incredible Iron Prince series. I was RIVETED for all 1000 pages. It's like the scifi version of Cradle -- arguably better! If you like Cradle or progression fantasy, read this!