With Goodreads Choice Awards becoming largely a popularity contest, I decided that this year I wanted to share what I consider to be the best new books that I read in 2023.
These are the ones that I would’ve nominated. There may be a couple that overlap, but there are a lot here that I think should have been on the awards list.
Having read and loved every single one of these books, I chose them for their content, enjoyment, and reading experience – rather than the level of ratings or number of reviews they have.
I hope this gives you something new and amazing to add to your tbr!
In no particular order, these are my top, five-star, fantasy and science fiction reads from the past year:
Best Fantasy of 2023:
Mountains Made of Glass by Scarlett St. Clair
This is actually my number one favorite book of all of 2023! So happy they decided to release it in print later in the year, and I can’t wait for the next book in the series.
“All Gesela’s life, her home village of Elk has been cursed. And it isn’t a single curse—it is one after another, each to be broken by a villager, each with devastating consequences.”
Wildblood by Lauren Blackwood
This one hasn’t been getting the greatest ratings, but when I read an ARC of it I thoroughly enjoyed it. It’s got great magic, atmosphere, and characters.
“Eighteen-year-old Victoria is a Wildblood. Since she was kidnapped at the age of six and manipulated by the Exotic Lands Touring Company, she’s worked as a tour guide ever since with a team of fellow Wildbloods who take turns using their magic to protect travelers in a Jamaican jungle teeming with ghostly monsters.”
The Isles of the Gods
One of my favorite authors, I really enjoyed her two previous sci-fi series. This was an epic quest adventure, with great lore and world-building.
“What starts as a leisure cruise will lead to acts of treason and sheer terror on the high seas, bringing two countries to the brink of war, two strangers closer than they ever thought possible and stirring two dangerous gods from centuries of slumber…”
Queen Among the Dead by Lesley Livingston
A rare standalone fantasy that was epic in scale. It’s an action-packed tale of destiny full of mystery and wonder, with darkness lurking in every corner, sizzling romance, and a fierce female protagonist.
“A stunning Celtic YA fantasy adventure set in the ancient kingdom of Eire, inspired by the legend of the first true queen of Ireland, perfect for fans of Shelby Mahurin and Adrienne Young.”
Champion of Fate by Kendare Blake
This is a story unlike anything else I’ve read. It’s one that will stick with you – the characters are endearing, the world is enchanting, the events are harrowing and tumultuous. This book is fantasy perfection.
“Aristene are mythical female warriors, part of a legendary order. Though heroes might be immortalized in stories, it’s the Aristene who guide them to victory. They are the Heromakers.”
The Wishing Game by Meg Shaffer
What an absolutely unexpected gem of a book! This book impacted me so profoundly. The story world is so enchanting, the mysteries and riddles were engrossing, and the characters are so endearing. I can’t believe it’s a debut. it’s that good.
“For Lucy, the chance of winning the most sought-after book in the world means everything to her and Christopher. But first she must contend with ruthless book collectors, wily opponents, and the distractingly handsome (and grumpy) Hugo Reese, the illustrator of the Clock Island books.”
Clytemnestra by Costanza Casati
This book had me from the start and never let go. If you love Greek mythology, its fantastical stories, and the stark reality of its dark nature, should definitely read this one.
“For fans of Madeline Miller’s Circe, a stunning debut following Clytemnestra, the most notorious villainess of the ancient world and the events that forged her into the legendary queen.”
The Shadow of Perseus by Claire Heywood
I love mythology-based fantasy; it’s one of my favorite sub-genres. And this one delivered in every way I could have hoped for.
“Nationally bestselling author of Daughters of Sparta Claire Heywood returns with an imaginative and female-centered reinterpretation of the myth of the great hero Perseus, told through the voices of three women who are sidelined in the traditional version–his mother, Danae; his trophy, Medusa; and his wife, Andromeda–but whose viewpoints reveal a man who is not, in fact, a hero at all.”
The Kingdom of Sweets by Erika Johansen
The perfect holiday read! I love the twisted, dark side of The Nutcracker. I was completely absorbed into this weird, macabre world and I felt so deeply for the characters and all that they go through.
“Bestselling author of the Queen of the Tearling series, Erika Johansen, journeys to a new kingdom in this brilliant stand-alone novel—a darkly magical take on The Nutcracker where two sisters, cursed from birth, are forever changed one memorable Christmas. . . .”
Silver in the Bone by Alexandra Bracken
here’s sweet found family connections, adorable enemies-to-more tension, tragedy and betrayals, thrilling battle scenes, worlds in peril, prophecies and tales of destiny, legends come to life, magical beings and menacing creatures, just literally everything could ever hope for in a fantasy.
“A series opener inspired by Arthurian legend and fueled by love, revenge, and pure adrenaline!”
Weyward by Emilia Hart
An ode to the power of women, this story illustrates the fear that it has instilled in men throughout history, and maybe even still to this day. The stories of these three women show how we are finally taking our power back and are stronger than ever before, especially when we champion one another, with reverence and respect for the natural world.
“Weaving together the stories of three extraordinary women across five centuries, Emilia Hart’s Weyward is an enthralling novel of female resilience and the transformative power of the natural world.”
The Adventures of Amina Al-Sirafi by Shannon Chakraborty
This was probably be one of my favorite fantasy reads of all time. I loved everything about it and I am highly anticipating the sequel this year. I would love to get a special edition for my shelves.
“Shannon Chakraborty, the bestselling author of The City of Brass, spins a new trilogy of magic and mayhem on the high seas in this tale of pirates and sorcerers, forbidden artifacts and ancient mysteries, in one woman’s determined quest to seize a final chance at glory—and write her own legend.”
Court of the Undying Seasons by A.M. Strickland
I had so much fun reading this. That’s the best way I can describe it to you. This was just such a fun and enjoyable reading experience. A perfect standalone fantasy world, characters, magic system, and romance.
“Sarah J. Maas meets A Deadly Education in A.M. Strickland’s lush, queer YA dark fantasy novel.”
A Ruinous Fate by Kaylie Smith
I don’t read a lot of young adult anymore, but this one has a surprising amount of depth to it. Everything feels real, natural, believable, immersive. It’s an expertly crafted narrative experience. This book has all you could want in a fantasy world: prophecies, witches, sirens, valkyrie, old gods, legendary monstrous creatures, and so much more.
“Featuring a charming and chaotic ensemble cast of characters, this first book in a planned series by debut author Kaylie Smith will sweep readers away with its utterly immersive world building, swoon-worthy romance, and action-packed storytelling.”
Bring Me Your Midnight by Rachel Griffin
I’ve read all of this author’s books, and this is my favorite one to date. Another young adult book that was truly enjoyable and relatable. If you’ve been thinking about trying this author, I definitely recommend starting with this one.
“From the New York Times bestselling author of The Nature of Witches and Wild is the Witch comes a lush romantic fantasy about forbidden love, the choices we make, and the pull between duty and desire.”
The Last Tale of the Flower Bride by Roshani Chokshi
WOW, this book! At times it is devastating and haunting, and at others it’s wistful and whimsical. Chokshi expertly weaves together the fictional and fanciful with the macabre realities of the human experience. The beautiful prose perfectly juxtaposes the gothic horror. This story will work its way into your psyche and become a part of you.
“A sumptuous, gothic-infused story about a marriage that is unraveled by dark secrets, a friendship cursed to end in tragedy, and the danger of believing in fairy tales—the breathtaking adult debut from New York Times bestselling author Roshani Chokshi.”
Bonesmith by Nicki Pau Preto
I’m obsessed with this book and I need the second book like right now! If you like this cover, you’ll love this book, it perfectly matches and it delivered in every way.
“Gideon the Ninth meets the Game of Thrones White Walkers in this dark young adult fantasy about a disgraced ghost-fighting warrior who must journey into a haunted wasteland to rescue a kidnapped prince.”
Dark Water Daughter by H.M. Long
If you love Adrienne Young and want more stories like hers, I highly recommend giving this one a read. Honestly, it’s the best thing since Pirates of the Caribbean!
“A stormsinger and pirate hunter join forces against a deathless pirate lord in this swashbuckling Jacobean adventure on the high-seas.”
Spice Road by Maiya Ibrahim
This book was such a fun adventure and I can’t wait to see where the story goes from here. It’s not too dense, has interesting lore, and loveable characters.
“The first book in an epic fantasy series for fans of Sabaa Tahir, Hafsah Faizal and Elizabeth Lim, set in an Arabian-inspired land. Raised to protect her nation from the monsters lurking in the sands, seventeen-year-old Imani must fight to find her brother whose betrayal is now their greatest threat. In this epic and action-packed fantasy, one young heroine navigates the treacherous road between protecting the ones you love and staying loyal to the place you call home.”
The Unmaking of June Farrow by Adrienne Young
Although I didn’t love this one as much as her adult debut from 2022, it was still a really emotional and exciting story. Young has such a unique way of telling magical stories and weaving it in a way that feels viscerally real.
“A woman risks everything to end her family’s centuries-old curse, solve her mother’s disappearance, and find love in this mesmerizing novel from the New York Times bestselling author of Spells for Forgetting.”
A Study in Drowning by Ava Reid
I’ve read all of this author’s books and will continue to read everything she writes. She never disappoints and she has perfected the craft of a satisfying standalone fantasy.
“Effy Sayre has always believed in fairy tales. Haunted by visions of the Fairy King since childhood, she’s had no choice. Her tattered copy of Angharad—Emrys Myrddin’s epic about a mortal girl who falls in love with the Fairy King, then destroys him—is the only thing keeping her afloat. So when Myrddin’s family announces a contest to redesign the late author’s estate, Effy feels certain it’s her destiny.”
Blade Breaker by Victoria Aveyard
This is the second book in this series, and the third one is one of my most anticipated books of 2024. I’m not sure why I put off reading this series but this year I ended up reading them back to back because I was so invested in the story. The author said she was heavily inspired by Tolkien, so it’s no wonder I loved it so much.
“Alongside an unlikely group of reluctant allies, Corayne finds herself on a desperate journey to complete an impossible task, with untold magic singing in her blood and the fate of the world on her shoulders.”
The Foxglove King by Hannah Whitten
The world is complex, the characters are nuanced, and the plot is thrilling. Forbidden romance and forced proximity tropes work wonders in this story. I can’t wait to see where it takes us next. The ending is a satisfying completion of act one of this saga and it leaves me dying to know what happens next.
“When Lore was thirteen, she escaped a cult in the catacombs beneath the city of Dellaire. And in the ten years since, she’s lived by one rule: don’t let them find you. Easier said than done, when her death magic ties her to the city.”
The Invisible Hour by Alice Hoffman
This was so whimsical and enchanting. If you like a cozy fantasy that is maybe a little darker, this is the one for you. It’s an emotional read, that allows you to suspend your belief and contemplate the metaphysical aspects of our world and the impact of stories we tell.
“As a girl Mia fell in love with a book. Now as a young woman she falls in love with a brilliant writer as she makes her way back in time. But what if Nathaniel Hawthorne never wrote The Scarlet Letter? And what if Mia Jacob never found it on the day she planned to die?”
Best Science Fiction of 2023:
Star Bringer by Tracy Wolff and Nina Croft
The best thing since Firefly! If you loved that show, you HAVE to read this book. I’m as obsessed with this story as I was with that one. It’s everything I could have wanted and I’m dying for the next book in the series.
“With the clock ticking, the Nine Planets’ only hope of survival rests on a fancy space station and the alien artifact it’s carrying. Which is why it really sucks when some jackass doesn’t want the universe saved and blows that station up-while you’re still on it.”
Loki’s Ring by Stina Leicht
Epic space opera! Delivered on all of my expectations. I loved the multiple points of view, the intergalactic political intrigue, unique personalities and relationships, unknown contagions, and new exciting beings and worlds!
“Gita Chithra embarks on a mission through space to save the robot she loves as a daughter—or risk losing her in the depths of Loki’s Ring—in this intergalactic space adventure from beloved author Stina Leicht.”
Star Splitter by Matthew J. Kirby
This one had me in my feels, and contemplating existential ideas. This book deserves so much more hype and I will definitely be anticipating whatever this author writes next! I am obsessed with this book and I would absolutely love a longer, adult science fiction from this author too. The symbolism of the cover will mean so much after you’ve read it.
“Crash-landed on a desolate planet lightyears from Earth, sixteen-year-old Jessica Mathers must unravel the mystery of the destruction all around her–and the questionable intentions of a familiar stranger. Pulse-pounding YA science fiction from award-winning author Matthew J. Kirby.”
What were your favorite books of 2023?
Let me know in the comments below ⬇️
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