I’m still finding it hard to grasp that we’re halfway through 2022 already, but here we are. Below you’ll find my favorite reads of 2022 so far. It’s a mix of fantasy, science fiction, historical fiction, a graphic novel, and non-fiction. Plus, I also included a couple of stand out audiobooks. When I was going through my list of books I’ve read this year to put this piece together, I started to feel like it hadn’t been that good of a reading year. There’s been a lot of three stars. Not bad reads, but just ok. I think that’s partially because I’ve been trying to get through more of my physical TBR, and I’ve thrifted a lot of books over the years that sounded good. When I actually get around to reading them, a lot of them are meh with the occasional gem. There’s definitely a lot of mediocre reads out there. BUT, the books below were all four star and above reads for me, and I thoroughly enjoyed them all.

Side Note: Do people leave comments on blogs anymore? Is that a thing? If you want to, drop a comment below and tell me if you’ve read any of these or any books you think I should look at reading for the latter half of the year.

All of Us Villains by Amanda Foody + Christine Lynn Herman

“High magick fell from the stars, and when we found it, we did what humans always do. We decided it was ours to claim.”

A magical mix between The Hunger Games + The Atlas Six. Multiple POVs, morally grey (I like the UK spelling better, ok?) characters, and I loved every second of it. I thought this book was a standalone when I first read it, and it’s not. It’s so not. There is a cliffhanger, but book two comes out in August, so not too long of a wait now. I cannot wait to read it!

Crescent City: House of Sky and Breath by Sarah J Maas

“Our love is stronger than time, greater than any distance. Our love spans across stars and worlds. I will find you again, I promise.”

With reveal after reveal, constant twists, and a mindblowing ending, this might be the best book SJM has ever written (ACOMAF and EOS, you didn’t see this). I couldn’t put it down. If you’re the type of person that loves lots of worldbuilding, where every single detail matters to the story, this is the book. Obviously, you’ve got to get through book one first before picking this one up. Warning: there are a LOT of f-bombs in book one I could have done without, but it’s like an adult Zootopia.

The Shadow of the Gods and The Hunger of the Gods by John Gwynne sitting on a cement floor with various items around them.

The Shadow of the Gods + The Hunger of the Gods by John Gwynne

You can read my review of the first two books in the Bloodsworn Saga here, but this is one of my favorite fantasy series of the past several years. It’s insanely well done. I love the mythology, the Viking setting, dual magic systems, the incredible, complex characters, and the multi POVs. It’s a tale of vengeance, and ultimately love. Orbit if you’re reading this, I desperately need book three…

The Ten Thousand Doors of January by Alix E. Harrow

“Perhaps I keep writing because I was raised in a world where words have power, where curves and spirals of ink adorn sails and skin, where a sufficiently talented word-worker might reach out and remake her world.”

I love a good portal fantasy (I mean I grew up on Narnia), and this was such a gorgeously written book. I had so many quotes saved by the end of it. It’s a beautiful story, with adventure and heartbreak. You can check the full review here, but if magical realism is your cup of tea, this needs to move to the top of your TBR.

This is How You Lose the Time War by Amal El-Mohtar and Max Gladstone

I shared my quick review of this book recently, but if you’re looking for a gorgeously written sci-fi love story that makes zero sense until the end, you might also love this book. And wow, did that ending blow me away. It did take me quite a while to get into it, but once I did, I was swept away. If you like atmospheric writing, check this one out.

Photo of Bucharest by Hari Nandakumar on Unsplash

I Must Betray You by Ruta Sepetys

“Will you remember me? A boy with wings of hope strapped to his back, that never had a chance to open, denied forever knowing what he could have become. What we all could have become.”

ALL THE STARS. For those that love historical fiction, Sepetys is one of my autobuy authors. I have loved every single book I’ve read of hers. This one follows a young high schooler living in the communist regime of Nicolae Ceaușescu in Romania. Ruled by paranoia, and informers in your own family, it’s a heartbreaking story of betrayal, hope, and freedom. An absolute must read.

Think Like a Monk by Jay Shetty

“Fear makes us fiction writers. We devise future scenarios and it imprisons us in our imagination.”

I read a fair amount of non-fiction, but this year I haven’t as much–something I’ll probably remedy in the second half of the year. I’ve followed Jay Shetty for a number of years and used to love his uplifting YouTube videos, so of course, I had to pick up his book. I thoroughly enjoyed it. It makes you think, challenges you to reframe your thoughts in a more constructive way, and to focus on intention. I honestly believe anyone with anxiety should read this.

All Systems Red book by Martha Wells, a sci-fi novella

All Systems Red, Artificial Condition, Rogue Protocol, + Exit Strategy by Martha Wells (Murderbot Diaries)**

This is the perfect series for someone just getting into sci-fi, and doesn’t want anything too heavy. It’s full of snark, loveable characters, and you can read them all in a day. I completely binged the first four novellas and can’t wait to dig into the full length fifth installment.

A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J Maas, Graphic Audio book on the screen of an iphone

Graphic Audio’s version of A Court of Thorns and Roses + A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J Maas

This is my third read-through of this series, and I am having so much fun with these full cast audio versions! While it took me a while to get used to the Disney-prince Rhys voice, most of the character voices are fantastic, and all the sound effects make it such an immersive experience. I honestly wish all fantasy audiobooks were like this. ProTip: You can get these free through the Hoopla app and your local library.

Lore Olympus Vol1 by Rachel Smythe

I’ve read very few graphic novels, but this artwork coupled with several friends raving about how amazing this story is, had me reaching for it. This is not a happy, light story though. I recommend checking trigger warnings, but if you enjoy Greek retellings of Hades and Persephone, and looking for something to get you out of a reading slump, this is a super quick read.

15 Best Reads in 2022 You Should Add to Your TBR, Part One