The Best Books of 2018

I have read close to 200 books this year, and it was pretty hard to narrow it down to a few favourites. But eventually, I managed to do it! I have even painstakingly ordered them, from 1 being the best, and 10 being…well, not the worst – these are my top ten books after all – but…less best? Oh help, the deterioration of my grammar is already happening…

But anyway, I have decided to split my favourites into three categories, and in each category there is 10 books. Essentially, one is the best releases of 2018, one is the best “backlist” books (books that were published before 2018), and finally, my favourites overall. Because we all have to pick sides, okay? 

TOP 10 RELEASES OF 2018

1: Muse of Nightmares by Laini Taylor
This was the sequel to Strange the Dreamer, which is, in fact, my favourite book of all time. This sequel was absolute perfection and I am still in awe, This was by far the best release of 2018. If you haven’t read this series yet, it is a must; full of magic and beautiful writing and libraries. Oh, and the softest, purest characters you ever will meet.

2: State of Sorrow by Melinda Salisbury
This book is so underrated! I never see anyone talking about it, which is sad, because I loved this book with all my heart. In my view, it is a super original fantasy, not to mention it has a STUNNING cover. I cannot wait to read the sequel in 2019!

3: The Poppy War by R F Kuang
This book sort of came out of nowhere and then suddenly everyone was raving about it. And I feel kinda special, because I feel like I read it before it was a ‘thing’…maybe? This is a very dark fantasy, with lots of horrible bad stuff that happens in it, but it is extremely brilliant and also who can believe that this was a debut? Not me.

4: Circe by Madeleine Miller
This book was stunning, both inside and out (no, seriously, have you seen that cover?). I loved the mythology and the strong, mature female protagonist. And even though I haven’t read the Song of Achilles (by the same author) I know I will probably read anything Madeleine Miller writes, because this was such a master piece. Loved it.

5: Kingdom of Ash by Sarah J Maas
Look, by now, I think everyone and their donkey has either read or has heard of the Throne of Glass series. I used to love this series so much – it was pretty much my favourite series. Now? Well, I have read a lot more, and things have surpassed it. But it still holds a special place in my heart, and I couldn’t think of a more perfect ending.

6: Reign the Earth by A C Gaughen
If you are looking for a feminist fantasy, then look no further – read this book. It does have some darker themes, but it is a very important book, and furthermore, it was one of the first books I read in 2018 that I really loved. I am eagerly anticipating book two!

7: War Storm by Victoria Aveyard
This was the final instalment in the Red Queen series, and what can I say? I loved it. Some people have really hated this finale, but I actually thought it was really different and touching. The Red Queen series and I got off to a rough start, but four books later and we have finally worked it out.

8: Jane Seymour: The Haunted Queen by Alison Weir
If, like me, you love historical fiction (especially about the Tudors) then you have to read the Six Tudor Queens series. They are such richly detailed books and I adore them. As Jane Seymour is my favourite queen, I had high expectations for this one. They didn’t…quite meet them, but I still loved it a lot, and it makes my favourite releases list.

9: Furyborn by Claire Legrand
In my eyes, now this book will forever be called “Furryborn” but that’s another story. This was a really awesome book and I really enjoyed the concept and characters. It definitely has room to blow me away further with its sequel, for which I am so ready.

10: Ignite the Stars by Maura Milan
I loved this one too, obviously. Even at the bottom of the list, it is still a very worthy release of 2018. There are so many important messages in this book, not to mention epic characters and such a fun plot line. Seriously recommend.

TOP 10 BACKLIST BOOKS I READ IN 2018

1: Strange the Dreamer
If you were paying attention before….you might have seen this coming. But honestly, it feels so odd that I only read this book this year, when it holds such a firm spot in my heart. Nothing will ever exceed this book for me, and I hope that if you decide to read it, you will love it too (but seriously, please, go read it, it’s worth it).

2: Nevernight by Jay Kristoff
This book was epic and would have probably been my favourite book of the year if Strange the Dreamer hadn’t come along. It holds nothing back, and it is darkly and wickedly brilliant. And look, I own the sequel, okay! Why haven’t I read it yet? Good question…

3: Days of Blood and Starlight by Laini Taylor
Hmmm….are you starting to see a theme here? Yes, Laini Taylor has become my favourite author and I had to include a book from her other series on this list. This is book two of three, and this was my favourite in the series. Just as magical and gorgeous as her other books. I highly recommend them.

4: The Invasion of the Tearling by Erika Johansen
Well, the third book would have been on here too if it wasn’t for that terrible ending. But this series is amazing with such complex characters and WOW I loved this book. This is the second book in the Queen of the Tearling series. If you like fantasy/dystopian this is a must read!

5: Crooked Kingdom by Leigh Bardugo
I love the Grishaverse, and this book is spectacular. I don’t know how Leigh Bardugo creates such intricate worlds with such vibrant characters that I can’t seem to help but love. I’ve heard rumours of a third book, but honestly, I can live if I can just have King of Scars right now.

6: Elantris by Brandon Sanderson
This was my first Brandon Sanderson book and wow it was good. I still don’t understand why I haven’t read anymore of his books, because everyone raves about them and they have such good reviews. But if this is his debut, I can’t imagine how good his later books will be.

7: Vicious by V E Schwab
Up until this point, I had read four of Schwab’s books, and was feeling pretty neutral about all of them. And then Vicious came along and hello, I am a rabid fan. I recently bought the second book and I am so ready to read it. How does V E Schwab make me care so much about characters who are actually despicable people??

8: The Dream Thieves by Maggie Stiefvater
I read the Raven Cycle this year, and despite swearing that I would hate it….I loved it. The Dream Thieves was my favourite in the series, though this may change upon a reread (which I am sure will happen soon). And I will never stop protesting that Noah is actually the best and deserves way more page time.

9: Lord of Shadows by Cassandra Clare
In reading the Dark Artifices series, I rediscovered my love for Cassandra Clare books, and her new books are just so accomplished. This was amazing. I really wanted to read Queen of Air and Darkness this year as well, but right now I don’t think it is going to happen. But soon, okay! Soon!

10: Even the Darkest Stars by Heather Fawcett
As well as having one of the most prettiest covers I have ever seen, this book was also fantabulous. It is basically a mountain climbing fantasy based on the Himalayan people, I believe. I love mountain climbing books, and I thought this book captured that element so well. So yep, I stuck it on the end of this list.

THE BEST BOOKS (aka what you actually care about)

• Strange the Dreamer & Muse of Nightmares by Laini Taylor (don’t ask me to choose, okay?)
• Nevernight by Jay Kristoff
• Days of Blood and Starlight by Laini Taylor
• State of Sorrow by Melinda Salisbury
• The Poppy War by R F Kuang
• The Invasion of the Tearling by Erika Johansen
• Crooked Kingdom by Leigh Bardugo
• Elantris by Brandon Sanderson
• Circe by Madeleine Miller

I loved my reading this year! There are still a lot of other books that I really loved which didn’t quite make this list. I hope you all had an amazing time with all your books this year as well. Let me know what your favourites were!