It’s the end of the year, which always seems to be a time for looking back and looking forward. So I thought I’d reflect on what I read this year. I’ve been trying to read more nonfiction lately, as well as delve into books I might not usually pick up. I did manage both those things to an extent, but as this list reflects, I still prefer fantasy, YA, mystery, and anything related to mythology over anything else. Overall, though, this was a great year of reading for me. So here’s a list of the ten books I loved the most.

Note: This list features only books I read this year that were new to me, regardless of when they were published.

10. Kill the Farm Boy

Delilah S. Dawson & Kevin Hearne; Fantasy

This was probably the most surprising book on this list for me, mainly in regards to how much I liked it. Kill the Farm Boy is hilarious and silly, and manages to be exciting and heartfelt. It parodies fantasy in a brilliant, affectionate way, using great characters and an enjoyable, wacky plot.

Check out my full review of this book here!

9. A Darker Shade of Magic

V. E. Schwab; Fantasy

I read Darker Shade twice this year and loved it even more the second time. Fantastic setting, well-rounded characters, and an unexpected storyline make for a fun reading experience. I’ve recommended this to several people, and I can’t wait to get my hands on the rest of this trilogy!

Check out my full review of this book here!

8. The Murder of Roger Ackroyd

Agatha Christie; Mystery

A friend challenged me to figure out whodunit in this, and after a page of notes… I still didn’t know. The ending is surprising but annoyingly obvious when you look back, and seeing Poirot from an outside perspective is great. This book proves that Christie is, as ever, queen of mystery.

Check out my full review of this book here!

7. Conan Doyle for the Defense

Margalit Fox; True Crime

For a change, here’s a nonfiction book! This true crime work is fascinating. It relates a tale I’d never heard before, with Sherlockian intrigue and Victorian debates about issues we still deal with today: racism, class issues, antisemitism, and problematic police work. A timely, memorable book.

Check out my full review of this book here!

6. The Burning Maze

Rick Riordan; Middle Grade

If you know me at all, you knew Riordan would be here. The third book in his Trials of Apollo series is the best yet: a quirky but high-stakes adventure, masterful emotional scenes, and excellent character development. I loved this book—even when it made me want to throw it against the wall.

Check out my full review of this book here!

5. Dry

Neal Shusterman & Jarrod Shusterman; Young Adult

I loved Dry. It’s fictional, but the most grounded in reality of all the fiction on this list. It’s suspenseful, terrifically paced, with good characters, a fabulous premise, and an astoundingly detailed plot. It’s a book I’ll definitely reread, and have already recommended to several people.

Check out my full review of this book here!

4. The Song of Achilles

Madeline Miller; Fantasy

This book is beautiful, innovative, heartbreaking. The legends of Achilles and the Trojan War are given new life, with new interpretations and backstories. The characters, imagery, and plot are all stunning. This book focuses on war, but is ultimately about love. If you haven’t read this, please, do so now.

Check out my full review of this book here!

3. The Dark Descent of Elizabeth Frankenstein

Kiersten White; Young Adult

This is one of the most respectful retellings of Frankenstein I’ve encountered, and the alterations are intelligent and don’t contradict canon. It’s dark, haunting, compelling, and well-written. Fans of Frankenstein and those who haven’t read it could both enjoy it, and that’s its greatest strength.

Check out my full review of this book here!

2. Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard (trilogy)

Rick Riordan; Middle Grade

I feel bad giving two slots to Riordan, but… I have no good reason not to. Not only did I rate his books high this year, but I just love Magnus Chase. So I’ve included the entire series here; it really is fabulous as an entire story arc. Stellar characters, plot, emotional moments, and representation.

Check out my full reviews for books one, two, three, and the short stories!

1. The Hate U Give

Angie Thomas; Young Adult

The hype you’ve heard is correct. This book is timely, important, moving, powerful, savvy, brilliant, and empowering. It deserves all the superlatives. Spectacular characters, excellent writing, outstanding story. This is without a doubt one of the best books I’ve ever read, and is easily a new favorite.

Check out my full review of this book here!

And that’s all she wrote read!

Technically, this is the top 14 books of the year… oh well. Also, several books that I greatly enjoyed did not end up on this list (apologies especially to Bridge of Clay, which was so so so close to being number 10. I’m not sure if I’ll ever forgive myself for putting it at 11).

Some stats: I read 35 books this year, not counting rereads. And at the moment, my to-read list is a mere 127 titles. Let’s see what it is in 365 days! Plus, I have an awesome list for 2019: books I’ve been meaning to read for years, stories to revisit, ARCs that have been on my shelves judging me for not reading them yet, and new works I’m dying to get my hands on. I can’t wait to get started!

Happy New Year to everyone!