In 2022, I fell back in love with reading. I hadn’t read more than one book a year since high school, but this past year alone I managed to read over 70! Much of this is due to discovering the wonderful world of BookTube; with those endless book recommendations, I now have over 500 books on my longterm TBR (to be read) list. Since I had missed so many years of reading, I am playing catch up.
The following books are ones I hope to prioritize in 2023, since I didn’t get to them this past year.
Legendborn & Bloodmarked
Author: Tracy Deonn
Genre: Young Adult Fantasy
I really got into young adult fantasy last year, and the first two books of the Legendborn series are top priority for 2023! I have heard nothing but good things about these books and I am HYPED to get into them.
The Inheritance Games Trilogy
Author: Jennifer Lynn Barnes
Genre: Young Adult, Mystery
I have always enjoyed mystery books, and this trilogy has been so hyped everywhere on the internet! I already own the first two, and plan to buy the third this summer (once it comes out in paperback).
The Truly Devious Trilogy
Author: Maureen Johnson
Genre: Young Adult, Mystery, Thriller
This is another incredibly hyped YA mystery series! Similarly to The Inheritance Games, I do already have the first two, which I bought secondhand! I believe this is a dark academia story and that is a genre I would love to get more into in 2023.
Under the Whispering Door
Author: TJ Klune
Genre: Fantasy
The House in the Cerulean Sea, another book by Klune, was my second favorite book of the year. I am definitely a fan of Klune’s writing and am excited to read more of his work. I haven’t heard much about this book except people wanting to read it.
The Infernal Devices Trilogy
Author: Cassandra Clare
Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy
I never got into the Shadowhunter Chronicles as a middle schooler when they were first released, but I read the first trilogy, The Mortal Instruments (Part 1), and the Red Scrolls of Magic in 2022, per Cassandra Clare’s recommended order, and I was HOOKED. I wanted to step away from these books for a bit to focus on other reads, but I am excited to hop back into the universe Clare created.
This Poison Heart
Author: Kalynn Bayron
Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy
I read Cinderella is Dead and LOVED it so much I hopped online to buy this book immediately once I was finished. Bayron’s writing is so incredible and I love both the sapphic love stories and the vibe of all of her characters. Bayron also has a Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde retelling coming out this year that I hope to find the time to read.
Legends and Lattes
Author: Travis Baldree
Genre: Fantasy
I have gotten very into fantasy and after loving The House in the Cerulean Sea, I went on the lookout for wholesome fantasy novels and received countless recommendations for this book. I think this will probably be a five star read for me!
The Picture of Dorian Grey
Author: Oscar Wilde
Genre: Classic, Horror
Hear me out: I HATE horror movies. I have literally only watched one horror movie in adulthood, Sorry to Bother You, and I threw up the first two times I tried to watch it because I am a wimp. Somehow, I still LOVE horror books. I have heard incredible things about this horror classic and I am so excited to pick it up. I love getting into the less gorey and more creepy and unsettling and this seems to be the perfect fit for me.
Coraline
Author: Neil Gaiman
Genre: Middle Grade, Horror, Fantasy
I never got around to reading Coraline because I was reading adult books by the time this came out (shoutout to my autism!) and I have also never seen the movie, so this year I plan to read it and watch it! It sounds super up my alley as a non-gore horror fan!
The Vanishing Half
Author: Brit Bennett
Genre: Historical Fiction
I have heard nothing but amazing things about this book and I already own it. After getting into a fantasy chokehold it ended up moving down the list of priority but I am determined to get to it this year! I hear Bennett’s writing style is spectacular and I am looking forward to opening this up.
The Six of Crows Duology
Author: Leigh Bardugo
Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy
I adored the Shadow and Bone trilogy and I now want to read all of Leigh Bardugo’s books. I know she is an extremely popular writer and I see why! I also might read the Ninth House series, also by this author, but we will see how I do!
Babel
Author: R.F. Kuang
Genre: Historical Fiction, Fantasy
I got this as my December 2022 Book of the Month pick and haven’t gotten around to it solely because this is a big book! I tend to get intimidated by 500+ page books, but I definitely want to read this because I have yet to see a negative review. This is also a dark academia book!
What books are you looking forward to reading this year?
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Write Through the Night 
Highly recommend The Vanishing Half. The books are greats!
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A lot of these are on my TBR as well! This Poison Heart was such a surprise for me because I was expecting more urban fantasy, angst over hiding powers and wanting a normal life and it just wasn’t that. I loved it so much partly because of how much of a surprise it was (and the family relationships were lovely!). I hope you enjoy it!
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I really love Kalynn Bayron’s writing so I am super excited to read it! The covers on her books are also absolutely breathtaking!
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Awesome! Most of these are on my 2023 list too, hehe 🙂
btw, I recently read Legends and Lattes and absolutely ADORED it. Also, I recently entered the Grishaverse fandom — I’d started with Six of Crows, which is excellent. Would love to hear what you think when you get to these!! 🙂
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I am so excited to read Legends and Lattes! And I will definitely let you know re: Six of Crows! Everyone I know liked it better than Shadow and Bone so I am excited to get into it!
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Highly recommend the Truly Devious trilogy. The books are great fun!
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I am super excited to read them!!
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