The Best Books of 2024: My Top 21+ Favorite Reads in Fantasy, Historical Fiction, and More For Your TBR
As 2024 comes to a close, it’s time to celebrate a year of unforgettable reads—the one’s I can’t stop thinking about. I’ve read 104 books in 2024 (there’s a week left, so I’m hoping for at least one more four or five star read before 2025). Now to be clear, not all of the books on this top reads of the year list was perfect—there were actually very few five stars for me this year. But there were a lot of wonderful four star reads that I still enjoyed and would widely recommend depending on the type of book you enjoy. Whether you're seeking your next five-star read or simply curious to discover what stood out most in the world of fantasy (and beyond), this wrap-up probably has a little something for everyone. While BAMTP is a primarily fantasy, sci-fi, and historical fiction blog, I do dabble in many genres, and there were some great reads this year. Maybe you’ll find a new favorite on this list to add to your TBR or confirmation of some reads you also loved. Either way, I hope you enjoy my best reads of the year, in no particular order. They’re totally worth it.
Ruthless Vows by Rebecca Ross
If you’re new to the BAMTP community, you might not know my love for the Letters of Enchantment duology (The first book is Divine Rivals, which I read last year). This duology has firmly been planted on my favorite books of all time list. I absolutely loved that we delved a bit deeper into the gods war in this installment, and of course Kit and Iris have my whole heart. If you love a fantasy with gorgeous writing that reads like a WWI love story with magic, you might also love this duology.
Words of Radiance by Brandon Sanderson
Almost everyone I’ve talked to about the Cosmere says Words of Radiance is their favorite Stormlight Archive book, and I can see why. The Sanderlanche is insane in this one, and I absolutely loved it. I was shocked, hooting and hollering and so, so stressed. While I didn’t love Lift as much in the interludes, she grew on me a bit in Edgedancer (the novella in between WOR and Oathbringer).
Half a Soul by Olivia Atwater
This was such a delight of a read. If you love the idea of Regency + traditional fairies, and the most adorable love story with great banter, you need to pick this up immediately!
The Fury of the Gods by John Gwynne
A long awaited read (it’s been two years since The Hunger of the Gods), so I was feral to get this book in my hands, and it did not disappoint! I laughed, I cried multiple times, and I cheered for my favorites. This was such an amazing conclusion to the Bloodsworn Saga, and I’m still hoping for a novella, as there are still some loose ends to tie up…
Where the Library Hides by Isabel Ibanez
While I had some nitpicks with book one (What the River Knows), I loved this second installment so much more! If you love The Mummy II, Cleopatra, and the Great Library of Alexandria, and you don’t mind a bit of a loose-y goose-y magic system, you might love this duology. The issues I had in book one with the romance were pretty resolved in book two, and by the end, I was pretty obsessed.
The City of Stardust by Georgia Summers
This book desperately needs to find its right readers. I LOVED this book. A portal fantasy told in a series of non-linear vignettes, and beautiful writing. I completely understand this isn’t going to be everyone’s cup of tea, but if you love gorgeous prose, truly loathsome villains, and a soft FMC, give this a try. I think people are put off by the non-linear storytelling, but it makes putting all the pieces together so much fun.
For She is Wrath by Emily Varga
The Count of Monte Cristo retelling, but make it a Pakistani-inspired setting with Djinn magic and sisterhood. Revenge and a love story. Plus, this is a DEBUT! I can’t wait to read whatever Emily writes next!
The Fireborne Blade by Charlotte Bond
Such a great, quick novella if you’re looking for a traditional dragon and knight story. There is super fun dragon lore chapters, and the FMC is like Brienne of Tarth, so if you’re a fan of her, you will love this! Perfect if you need a quick read to hit your reading goals too.
The Love Elixir of Augusta Stern by Lynda Cohen Loigman
A lovely historical fiction, with a perfect grumpy sunshine trope. Goes back and forth between 1920s Brooklyn and 1980s Florida. With unrequited love, and a touch of magic, I adored this. The snark is epic.
The Familiar by Leigh Bardugo
Very different from what you’d usually expect from Leigh Bardugo if you’ve read her other books, but this was captivating. It definitely won’t be for everyone, and it has some content that may be triggering because of the time in history it covers (TW: antisemitism). If you love a languid, meandering pace and a historical fiction with a touch of magic, you might love this!
The Book of Doors by Gareth Brown
This book was SO GOOD. Another portal fantasy (one of my favorite subgenres of fantasy), and it’s a recent read. There’s also time travel, and a very minor romantic subplot. I LOVED how Brown was able to tie everything together by the end, and it works and makes sense. I feel like that’s hard to do with time travel, and he did it so well.
Black Tide Son by H.M. Long
The second book in the Winter Sea trilogy, and it was every bit as good as the first book. Definitely moves at a slower pace, but the coolest magic system, and magical creatures, and the slowest of slow burns. There’s more political intrigue in this one, but the world is so cool, and I loved getting more insight into the various cultures. Can’t wait for book three, which comes out in 2025!
Wisteria by Adalyn Grace
I have to be honest, I didn’t get the hype with this series. I thought the first two books were just ok (Belladonna and Foxglove). I liked them enough that I wanted to find out how the trilogy ended, but I didn’t go into this one with the highest expectations. And it was so good! By far the best book in the series, and such a good enemies to lovers. I will say, she literally leaves you hanging until the last possible second.
A Sorceress Comes to Call by T. Kingfisher
For such a dark book with lots of trauma, this dual POV had me equally horrified and cackling. Kingfisher writes the best characters, and you know I’m a sucker for a Regency era story with magic. (TW: child abuse)
The Cartographers by Peng Shepherd
Magical maps, and a portal fantasy?! This was such a good fantasy mystery. While it’s predictable, I still had a great time reading it, and the magical realism was so cool. Imagine an entire town that’s hidden from everyone…unless you have the map to get you there.
A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman
If Scrooge-like characters are your vibe, you will love this story. And prepare to bawl your eyes out by the end. The writing is superb (it’s a translated work), and the more you learn about Ove, the more you feel for this grouchy old man. This book made me want to read Backman’s entire backlist.
Vampires of El Norte by Isabel Cañas
Don’t expect the vampires to be a big part of this story and you’ll probably enjoy it a lot more. It’s first and foremost a romance and a story of unrequited love. If you loved Cormac McCarthy’s All the Pretty Horses, and the vampires from the movie Priest, you will devour this horror adjacent novel. The audiobook was also fantastic.
Wildbound by Elayne Audrey Becker
The second book in a duology. While I did enjoy the first book, this YA fantasy was so great. Think shifters with magical abilities that are treated like second class citizens, rescues, epic battles, and of course, a bit of romance.
Bonesmith by Nicki Pau Preto
This was such an expected read. I initially picked up my special edition from Illumicrate because I thought it might be too scary for me based on the cover, and would be a quick DNF, but I ended up loving it. The banter was great, the magic was super unique and interesting, and while still technically YA, it had a lot of grittiness.
Five Broken Blades by Mai Corland
I also went into this book with pretty low expectations, and I’ll be honest, the first POV had me thinking it wasn’t going to be great. It’s not a perfect read, and was pretty predictable, but it was fast paced, and I enjoyed switching between the different POVs. I ended up really enjoying it! And I’m looking forward to the second book in the series.
A Stroke of the Pen by Terry Pratchett
If you like absurdist Fantasy stories, you will love this collection of short stories! While not all of them were five stars, I enjoyed the vast majority of them. This is super great if you’re looking for a quick read, or something where you could read a story a night.
Honorable Mentions:
House of Flame and Shadow by Sarah J. Maas
While the book itself was not my favorite of SJM, I still had a great time reading it, and have some fun memories related to this release. A highly anticipated read, myself and several other Booktokers rented a house in Texas and had a reading retreat week to read it together. Highly recommend!
Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros
This book also got a lot of hate, but I still had a great time. It wasn’t perfect for me (the miscommunication trope was strong in this one), but did I devour it? Yep. And I can’t wait for Onyx Storm!
A Fate Inked in Blood by Danielle L. Jensen
This was one of my most anticipated reads of the year because I loved Jensen’s other novels, and I think Romance readers will really love it. It was a bit too insta-love and spicy for me, but I’m still super excited to read the next one because yes, there is a huge cliffhanger. And I loved the Viking setting and bits of magic.
What were your favorite reads of the year? Anything you were hoping to get to but didn’t? Drop them in the comments below!
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