My Top 5 BookTok Reads From 2023
#5 A Shadow in the Ember by Jennifer L. Armentrout
A Shadow in the Ember was not the first book I had read from Jennifer L. Armentrout, but it WAS the first fantasy novel that I found from her collection. Her romance books were KILLER, so I knew the relationship aspect of the book would be spectacular. What I WAS unsure of was if her stellar writing would translate well into a book of this genre. SHE DID NOT DISAPPOINT! The storyline was complex, and the worldbuilding was very unique. The relationship between the two main characters did not follow the typical pattern of the books in her romance genre, which was refreshing and engaging. The ending left me wanting to jump into the book #2 IMMEDIATELY! You won’t like this one if you don’t like mythology or cliffhangers, though. If you are looking for a fantasy book with mild spice and a twisty conclusion, then this one is for you!
#4 Rhapsodic by Laura Thalassa
Rhapsodic was absolutely enchanting. I could NOT put this book down. The story alternates between the present time and 7 years earlier when the two main characters first meet, which creates a lot of mystery and intimacy in the relationships within the story. The writing was solid and the storyline was distinctive. I immediately purchased a hard copy of this book and recommended it to all of my bookish friends! However, you won’t like this book if you’re looking for a super complex plot. If you’re looking for a slow burn, second chance fantasy, you will love this one.
#3 Curse of Shadows And Thorns by L.J. Andrews
I have to say… This book surprised me. Often times I struggle to get through books with lots of “kingdom politics,” because I just get bored honestly. This one REALLY kept me hooked though. There was a good mix of fantasy, politics, action, and romance. I would describe this book as a very loose retelling of Beauty and The Beast. Very loose, but it has a similar concept. The characters in Curse of Shadows And Thorns were really quite likable and realistic, and the ending had me SHOOK. If you want a standalone, high fantasy, smutty book, maybe pass on this one. If you like tortured, morally grey men and a relatable female lead, you should check this one out!
#2 Haunting Adeline by H.D. Carlton
Okay, so I absolutely loved this one… but it is DARK. Like really dark. Do NOT read this before reading the warning at the beginning of the book. It is extremely intense and could trigger you if you have a sensitivity to anything in the warning. That being said, Haunting Adeline AND the sequel Hunting Adeline are both stunning. Basically it is a story about a powerful guy who falls in love with an author and stalks her. That is super mildly put, but I don’t want to spoil anything. The LAYERS of emotion in this book (and the sequel) are so well done, and I truly could not put it down. There is also a slight paranormal/mystery element to it that I wasn’t expecting, but I think that made the book even more fascinating. If you read this one, you HAVE to read the sequel, because it is even better than the first. BUT if you don’t like books with toxic relationships, morally grey characters, and upsetting endings, you probably shouldn’t read Haunting Adeline. If you’re looking for an offbeat, stalker romance with action and mystery, I highly recommend this one! Please note though… this one is definitely x-rated and very graphic.
#1 The Serpent and the Wings of Night by Carissa Broadbent
A few of my bookish friends and I read The Serpent and the Wings of Night and there were mixed reviews on this one. Personally, I thought it was one of the best stories I had read in a good while. I really love books with vampires, but I have a really hard time finding any that aren’t Twilight level cringey. (Don’t get me wrong; I love Twilight! But even I have to laugh at the “spider monkey” line!) This book, however, was extremely well written, and the ending made me GASP! If I had to describe this one, I would say… a more drawn out Hunger Games with vampires and an enemies-to-lovers trope. Soooooo good!! I finished it on my kindle and IMMEDIATELY preordered the hardback. Don’t pick this one up if you’re looking for poetic writing and a happy ending. If you liked The Hunger Games but want an adult version with more spice and fantasy, you would like this one!