So I’m only writing this like a month late but hey, I’m doing it anyway! If you want to read about why I’ve been away from blogging for so long hence why this post is only a tad behind schedule, then check out my latest post here. Regardless of the date, I’m here now with my top rated reads from last year. I read some really awesome books in 2018 and I’m excited to share them with you!
I have a couple of rules that I gave myself when compiling this list:
- I won’t include re-reads. We all know by now that I re-read Sarah J. Maas’ books and every year they are all in my favourites. Same goes for the Off Campus series by Elle Kennedy which I read for the second time this year and loved again!
- I’m not just basing this off the rating I have each book. Looking back over the books I read in 2018 I realised that the rating I gave them at the time does not necessarily reflect the way I feel right now, so some of these books were rated lower others that aren’t included
The Cruel Prince by Holly Black
My first fave of 2018 from way back in January, which incidentally was the last book I read as well in December, is The Cruel Prince. This is the first of Black’s books that I’ve read and I just immediately fell in love with her writing and the Faerie world. It was a gripping, fast paced story and I couldn’t wait for the second book as soon as I closed the first (side note: I have now read The Wicked King and OH MY GOD!) Read my full spoiler free review of The Cruel Prince here.
Truly Devious by Maureen Johnson
Next up is Truly Devious. I don’t often read young adult crime novels but when I read about the book in the Harper360 newsletter I knew I would love it. A diverse, creepy and enthralling read that had me trying to guess what was going to happen each chapter – I was not successful. The ending literally had my jaw dropping and finished on a total cliffhanger. I’m ashamed to say I have not yet picked up the sequel but this is something I will be rectifying shortly! I wrote a spoiler free review here.
Stalking Jack the Ripper by Kerri Maniscalco
This is a book that I’d been hearing so many great things about prior to finally picking it up and boy, was I glad I did. This book was unlike anything I usually read, a historical fiction of sorts. With a plot twist I wasn’t expecting, and a female heroine who was brave and strong and not afraid to be herself in a time where society expected young women to behave a certain way, this book had my full attention. I can’t believe that I haven’t yet continued with the series but I will certainly be picking up the sequel soon!
The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller
Another book I decided to read after hearing everybody’s rave reviews and oh my gosh, this book. The Song of Achilles, which as you may guess is a retelling of Achilles’ story, was an emotional roller coaster that I just could not, and did not want to, get off. The last few chapters had me on the edge of my seat and there were definitely a few tears shed. I highly recommend that you read this if don’t mind feeling like somebody has punched you in the stomach when you put it down.
A Court of Frost and Starlight by Sarah J. Maas
Ok I hear what you’re saying but I said no re-reads, this is the first time I read this book! I was craving the next story in the ACOTAR world and I was not disappointed. I know a lot of people were, but this was exactly what I expected and wanted. A short story about our favourite characters getting on with life after the brutal war while setting up the next story arc, it was perfect. I wish we could read more fluffy stories about characters just “being” and not constantly engaged in action and bloodshed. I wrote a full spoilery fangirl post here.
Blood and Sand by C. V. Wyk
This is a book I hadn’t heard of prior to receiving it in an Illumicrate box and I’m so glad it found its way to me! I read Blood and Sand on holiday in the Summer and sat by the pool turning page after page until I’d finished it in just one day. A retelling of Spartacus with a female heroine, the story was action packed and intriguing, with a romance that warmed my heart. I can’t believe this isn’t hyped way more than it is!
Kingdom of Ash by Sarah J. Maas
I bet you wasn’t expecting to see this here… not. I haven’t yet put into words how incredible the final instalment of the Throne of Glass series was, apart from a very long, rambly note on my phone that I need make some sense of. I think that this was the perfect end to this epic story and evoked so many emotions – I was seriously screeching, crying saying “no no no” at a certain couple on a horse scene, laughing, smiling and feeling such butterflies and warmth. It was bittersweet to turn that final page but I was once again mind-blown by Maas’ writing and how she had turned fictional characters into almost tangible beings that mean so much to me. 10/10!
An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir
My final favourite read of the year that I can’t believe took me so long to pick up! I’d heard nothing but good things and I can totally agree with them. I was engrossed in the story, eager to see how it would develop and where the story would go. The characters were also really well fleshed out, so paired with the world building it was super easy to visualise the action. I’m looking forward to finishing the second book, A Torch Against the Night!
So there we have it, my top reads of 2018. Something I have determined is that I seemed to be rubbish with continuing series last year! This is definitely something I plan to rectify in 2019. Did I read any of your favourites this year? Let me know some of your favourite reads below, I’m always looking to expand my TBR even more!
