There is so much I could say about 2024 and yet, the only thing I want to say is, AT LEAST WE GOT GOOD BOOKS. In the best of times and in the worst of times, literature can be a comforting companion; a thrilling escape; a beacon of hope; a delicious distraction. And we are thankful, y’all!
So without further ado, here are the books that were any/all of the above, a.k.a. our favorite reads of 2024.
Mandy C.
Title: Icarus
Author: K. Ancrum
I’m head over heels for this book. Ancrum’s style is different in every book of hers I’ve read, but each has the engaging and gorgeous prose I’ve come to expect from her. Icarus is one of her best yet.
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Title: Sunrise Nights
Authors: Jeff Zentner and Brittany Cavallaro
What a gorgeous dream of a novel. I’m not usually a verse fan, but books like this one make me rethink that stance.
Title: Defiant
Author: Brandon Sanderson
Such a great finale to a truly epic series. I’m sad to see it go, but loved the ride. (And v. happy about the sequel series!)
Title: The Lies We Conjure
Author: Sarah Henning
Such a lush, dark, and engrossing novel! Henning mixes contemporary themes and magic to amazing effect.
Title: Sleep Like Death
Author: Kalynn Bayron
Another great reimagining from Bayron, filled with great characters and vivid world-building.
Sarah
Title: Funny Story
Author: Emily Henry
Um, duh?!! Emily Henry once again delivers a layered, simmering hot romance, this time starring a librarian and a bearded bartender. Cheers to that!
Seconded by Mandy C.
Title: Darkly
Author: Marisha Pessl
As a huge fan of Marisha Pessl, I have been DYING for this book to arrive, and y’all it did NOT disappoint! I was blown away by the imagination of the world-building; the dark twists of the game play; and the ever-shifting identity of an eccentric billionaire named Louisiana Veda. If you manage to guess the ending, well, you should win a million dollars. (Review coming soon!)
Title: The Ministry of Time
Author: Kaliane Bradley
Apologies because the rest of my faves are not YA, but I still want to call them out! From its intricate exploration of time travel’s effects to actually teaching me some history (?!!), this book was utterly captivating and brilliant. Also, truly a nailbiter!!
Title: Rebel Girl: My Life as a Feminist Punk
Author: Kathleen Hanna
Whether you discovered Bikini Kill on your own or via Jennifer Mathieu’s Moxie, Kathleen Hanna’s memoir is an electric journey through feminism and the ’90s indie music scene. This woman has STORIES, y’all. And Le Tigre rules!
Title: Come and Get It
Author: Kiley Reid
I hadn’t read Such a Fun Age (but read it immediately after!) so Kiley Reid’s acerbic—and hilarious—social commentary was new to me, and damn if this novel didn’t make me think AND make me laugh. I will never get over the one sorority girl who won’t use stairwells because “they feel like a 9/11”.
Stephanie
Title: The Murderbot Diaries Series
Author: Martha Wells
At the start of the year I was deep in a reading funk and the only cure seemed to be the sarcastic, anti-social musings of a sentient robot named Murderbot. I tried to make so many people read this series this year, I’m surprised I haven’t written a review for book one (All Systems Red) yet!
Title: Emily Wilde’s Map of the Otherlands (Emily Wilde #2)
Author: Heather Fawcett
I have the third book ARC in my grubby little hands and I’ve been waiting for the perfect moment to read it, but I think a reread of this one is in order! Emily is such a fun protagonist, and seeing more of her romance with Wendell in this book was fantastic.
Title: Dreadful
Author: Caitlin Rozakis
I love a good tongue-in-cheek meta fantasy, and this debut delighted from page one.
Title: Kill Her Twice
Author: Stacey Lee
It’s got to be a rare moment when a Stacey Lee book comes out and it’s NOT on my yearly faves list. Lee always writes her historical fiction with little-known facts, interesting settings, and fierce protagonists.
Title: Clockwork Boys (Clocktaur War #1)
Author: T. Kingfisher
Not a new release, but new to me. I’m slowly making my way through Kingfisher’s backlog and every book surprises me like it was made FOR me. This duology has a weird name, yes, but I loved every moment with it.
Regina
Title: Songlight (Torch #1)
Author: Moira Buffini
Mystical powers meet hard truths in this fantasy dystopian series opener.
Title: There Is A Door In This Darkness
Author: Kristin Cashore
A hopeful story set in the year 2020 may feel out of place for some readers, but for others, it might be just what the doctor ordered.
Title: The Perils of Lady Catherine de Bourgh
Author: Claudia Gray
It’s a country house mystery set in the world of Jane Austen. What’s not to love?
Title: Remember Me Tomorrow
Author: Farah Heron
Investigating a missing-person case gets complicated when time travel – and romance – are involved.
Title: Skater Boy
Author: Anthony Nerada
This gay punk romance reads like an Avril Lavigne song come to life. Bonus points for complicated friendships, a loving stepfather, and mother-son soap opera nights.
Brian
Title: Kindling
Author: Traci Chee
Great, multiple POV battle story.
Title: Every Time You Hear That Song
Author: Jenna Voris
A nice, dual POV book that spans decades and involves a mystery.
Title: No Escape
Author: Maren Stoffels
An evil escape room. Need I say more?
Title: Ruin Road
Author: Lamar Giles
One of my favorite authors with a fantasy story about racism.
Title: Influencer
Author: Adam Cesare
My favorite book of the year, though by far the most disturbing of the decade.
Which 2024 releases were your favorites? Stay tuned for our Reader Poll so you can let us know!
