21 Favorite Reads of 2022 You Should Absolutely Add to Your TBR
I was hoping I’d have a much longer list of favorite reads to share from 2022 considering I’m on book 91 of the year as I’m writing this, but unfortunately I had a lot of mediocre reads. More ‘meh’ than ‘wowsa’. Part of this is because I’ve been slowly working my way through my physical TBR, and a lot of those were thrifted. Either they sounded interesting or were recommended on Booktok or Bookstagram, and I’m now questioning everything. Kidding, of course. I’m also not counting my rereads, which would have made the list. So here are 21 of my absolute favorite reads from the year. Maybe some of these were also your favorite books this year, or perhaps you might find something to add to your TBR in 2023.
Sky in the Deep by Adrienne Young
Possibly my last five star read of the year, and it was collecting dust on my bookshelf for almost two years! Do yourself a favor and read this book the next time you find yourself in a reading slump. I read it in one sitting, and it was everything I wanted: epic fight scenes, slow burn romance, badass FMC… Read my full review here.
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…
Cloud Cuckoo Land by Anthony Doerr
I fully recognize this book won’t be for everyone, but I absolutely loved it. There are a LOT of characters, time jumps, and context switching. It’s vibes, not plot. It’s character driven, and heartbreaking. Doerr doesn’t pull any punches. It brings to life many philosophical quandaries. From environmental challenges, to technological progress, impacts and horrors of war, troubled youth, and how narratives and stories are influential to us all. There’s no big villain to fight other than the decay of time. Cloud Cuckoo Land is a tapestry of everyday humans’ stories and how one story’s thread can survive the ages, and impact their lives in different ways. Check my full review here.
I’m Glad my Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy
This was such a difficult read. It was excellent, but horrifying. I feel so bad for child actors because, unfortunately, I think a lot of them probably experienced similar pressures and abuse. Jennette narrates in such a matter-of-fact way–I’d highly recommend listening to the audiobook. Check the trigger warnings on this one–there’s a lot.
Babel by R.F. Kuang
“Reality was, after all, just so malleable–facts could be forgotten, truths suppressed, lives seen from only one angle like a trick prism, if only one resolved never to look too closely.”
After reading Babel, R.F. Kuang is officially on my list of autobuy authors. With a magic system steeped in historical believability, Kuang has achieved, in my opinion, one of the most profound and nuanced takes on the dark effects of colonialism. Is it upsetting? Dark? Tragic? Yes. But, it’s a must read. Check my full review here.
All of Us Villains + All of Our Demise 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 All of Us Villains was a standalone when I first read it, and it’s not. It’s so not. There is a cliffhanger, but thank goodness book two was released this year, and picks up exactly where book one ended. Check my full review of both books here.
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 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.
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.
Inquire Within by In-Q
I’ve been reading more poetry again, and finally got around to reading this. I’ve been lucky enough to hear In-Q perform his spoken word poetry multiple times in person, and even attended a poetry workshop, and there’s something so real and raw about his poetry. It moves you. Highly recommend “85”.
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, and 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, 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.
Lore Olympus Vol1, Lore Olympus Vol2, and Lore Olympus Vol3 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.
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