As this year comes to a close, I realized that I read more books this year than I have in a while. I’m definitely not one of those 100-books-a-year BookTokers, so I’m personally very happy with myself for just breaking the average of how many Americans read a year, with thirteen books finished this year. In every aspect of my life I try to hold to the idea that quality is far more important than quantity, and books are no exception.

I am somewhat particular when it comes to my reading, so I can say with confidence that the books that I did finish reading this year were all top tier. There were also a lot of books that I started but didn’t finish reading. Some that I decided to never finish, and others I just picked up at the wrong time, and will finish sometime in the future.

I’ve been trying to decide what my favorite book was this year, and over close and careful consideration, I have realized that it is impossible to choose, so I have narrowed it down to three. (Technically five, but I’m counting each series as one.) Each of these books have not only made it into my top ranking books this year, but have made it into my top ten books that I have ever read in my entire life. They have exceeded any and all expectations I had for reading this year. So without further ado, here they are.

The Shepherd King duology by Rachel Gillig (One Dark Window and Two Twisted Crowns) – They say not to judge a book by its cover but I think this is one of those books with a cover that is a perfect reflection of what’s inside. A beautiful gothic romantasy that includes a stellar romance without taking anything away from the fantasy. The romance is actually important to the plot, instead of being something to hinder it. The fantasy aspects are excellent, with a magic system that is so well thought out, and is understandable to the reader while still being original and interesting. I am particularly drawn to books with gothic elements, so these books really hit the spot for me in every way.

If We Were Villains my M. L. Rio – Where do I even begin? This book altered my brain chemistry. I sincerely hope that a hundred years from now this book will be on the list of the classics, because this book has every element required to go down in history as one of the greats. This dark academia tragedy explores the darkest and dirtiest depths of the human experience, through the story of seven acting students. The story leans heavy in the Shakespearean aspect, which was a big plus for me as I am heavily influenced by his work. Most importantly, this book left me in tears in a very similar way to Dead Poets Society. This is one of the few BookTok books that I believe is fully worth the hype, and maybe even deserves more love than it has gotten.

The Alex Stern series by Leigh Bardugo (Ninth House and Hell Bent) – I already knew I would love these since Leigh Bardugo has been my favorite author since Six of Crows, but I was unprepared for the fact that as an adult series, this has given her the chance to explore her full potential as an author, exploring concepts and themes that would not be a good fit for YA novels. We all know that I’m a sucker for modern-day urban fantasy, so seeing that paired with dark academia was absolutely perfection. It included the thing that I love the most about her writing, which is that she is always one step ahead of you as a reader. These books are further proof that she is a master of plot, and I am eagerly awaiting the release of the third book in the series.

Honorable mentions: The Thorns Remain by J.J.A. Harwood and The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson, which are too good not to mention. The Thorns Remain is a fantastic historical fantasy including Fae based in Scottish Folklore, and The Haunting of Hill House is gothic psychological horror/thriller, and the book with the most quotes underlined in my entire collection.

This year has been a great year for me, as I seem to have finally left the reading slump that I had been in for the last few years. I wholeheartedly believe that the things we read will influence everything we write, so I am happy to have read so many excellent pieces of literature this year. Maybe I my novel will someday have a space on the shelves next to theirs.

*Note – As per usual, be sure to check content warnings before reading any recommended novels.