I was going to only pick my top 10, but I have a feeling the second half of the year will be filled with a ton of new favorites so I might not get the chance to talk about some of these books in my favorites of the year post and I wanted a chance to gush over them one last time. After putting this list together I realized many of the books featured queer characters. Thats probably because Ive been reading a lot of queer books so far this year. I didnt include any book I read after the end of June since I wanted this list to only represent the first six months of the year. As usual to avoid spoilers I shared the summary of the first book for any sequels mentionned.
1. Honor Bound
Honor Among Thieves #2
Honor Among Thieves Summary
Petty criminal Zara Cole has a painful past that’s made her stronger than most, which is why she chose life in New Detroit instead of moving with her family to Mars. In her eyes, living inside a dome isn’t much better than a prison cell.
Still, when Zara commits a crime that has her running scared, jail might be exactly where she’s headed. Instead Zara is recruited into the Honors, an elite team of humans selected by the Leviathan—a race of sentient alien ships—to explore the outer reaches of the universe as their passengers.
Zara seizes the chance to flee Earth’s dangers, but when she meets Nadim, the alien ship she’s assigned, Zara starts to feel at home for the first time. But nothing could have prepared her for the dark, ominous truths that lurk behind the alluring glitter of starlight.
Why I Loved It
The main character Zara is a badass thief while still being super relatable. The sentient alien ship Nadim is not only a well developped character in his own right, he is also very unique. He's like a big space whale who can carry and bond with passengers. He also eats starlight which accelerates his healing. His and Zaras relationship was so precious I dont even have any words for it. They are just so accepting and loving it literally melts my heart. Zaras piloting partner Bea is also super amazing. Shes a sweet girl with nerves of steel. Theres so many beautiful friendships and plenty of diversity. I loved the outlaw colony setting with all the new alien species. We also get to discover some new technology and none of it was difficult to understand. This book has it all, a unique world, a high stakes plot full of action and some of the best characters Ive ever read.
2. The Kingdom
Summary
Welcome to the Kingdom... where 'Happily Ever After' isn't just a promise, but a rule.
Glimmering like a jewel behind its gateway, The Kingdom is an immersive fantasy theme park where guests soar on virtual dragons, castles loom like giants, and bioengineered species--formerly extinct--roam free.
Ana is one of seven Fantasists, beautiful "princesses" engineered to make dreams come true. When she meets park employee Owen, Ana begins to experience emotions beyond her programming including, for the first time... love.
But the fairytale becomes a nightmare when Ana is accused of murdering Owen, igniting the trial of the century. Through courtroom testimony, interviews, and Ana's memories of Owen, emerges a tale of love, lies, and cruelty--and what it truly means to be human.
Why I Loved It
This was such a gripping and twisted fairytale story. Theres definitely a bunch of trigger warnings, but I love me a dark story. I really enjoyed the amusment park park setting and the important themes discussed like animal captivity and gene modification. The murder mystery was very suspenseful and exciting. I also loved how it was told in a dual time line with the present having court case files and interviews. Mixed format has always been something I really enjoy. It gives the story and interactive feel which makes it so much more immersive. Being in the mind of an android was fascinating and the "what it means to be human" trope is one of my favorites. Scifi thrillers are one of my favorite genres and this is one of the best Ive read. I seriously need many more books in this world.
3. In An Absent Dream
Wayward Children #4
Summary
When she finds a doorway to a world founded on logic and reason, riddles and lies, she thinks she's found her paradise. Alas, everything costs at the goblin market, and when her time there is drawing to a close, she makes the kind of bargain that never plays out well.
Why I Loved It
Ive completely fallen for this whimsical series. I seriously wish they were longer or that we got more than one book a year because Im addicted. The audiobooks are so well excuted that I just get completely transported into the world were visiting. I loved exploring the goblin market and learning the nature of fair value in this installment. I also really enjoyed how the main focus of the story was the beautiful female friendship between Lundy and Moon. The struggle of leaving what you know behind to achieve happiness in a new place spoke to me in ways I didnt expect. I think out of all the places we have learned about so far this is the one Id most likely want to visit first. This series just makes me so freaking happy.
4. Rise
Rule #2
Rule Summary
Three girls with three deadly secrets. Only one can wear the crown.
The king is dying, his heir has just been murdered, and rebellion brews in the east. But the kingdom of Kolonya and the outer Reaches has one last option before it descends into leaderless chaos.
Or rather, three unexpected options.
Zofi has spent her entire life trekking through the outer Reaches with her band of Travelers. She would do anything to protect the band, her family. But no one can ever find out how far she's already gone.
Akeylah was raised in the Eastern Reach, surrounded by whispers of rebellion and abused by her father. Desperate to escape, she makes a decision that threatens the whole kingdom.
Ren grew up in Kolonya, serving as a lady's maid and scheming her way out of the servants' chambers. But one such plot could get her hung for treason if anyone ever discovers what she's done.
When the king summons the girls, they arrive expecting arrest or even execution. Instead they learn the truth: they are his illegitimate daughters, and one must become his new heir. But someone in Kolonya knows their secrets, and that someone will stop at nothing to keep the sisters from their destiny... to rule.
Magic, mystery, and blackmail abound in this sensational and striking fantasy debut.
Why I Loved It
The relationship between the three sisters was so heartwarming. It had a wonderful message of being able to accomplish more together with all the three sisters having different strengths and weaknesses that compliment each other perfectly. Each sister gets involved in a compelling romance that felt very authentic. Theres Akeylahs sapphic romance, Zofis unlikely alliance with a guard, and Rens hate to love relationship with a court diplomat. On top of all three sisters and their romances being well developped we also get a gripping plot with the threat of the sisters darkest secrets being exposed by a mysterious blackmailer. There was a sense of danger and intensity that made the pace very engaging. Not to mention I loved the worlds magic system and the Traveler history.
5. Red Scrolls of Magic
Summary
All Magnus Bane wanted was a vacation—a lavish trip across Europe with Alec Lightwood, the Shadowhunter who against all odds is finally his boyfriend. But as soon as the pair settles in Paris, an old friend arrives with news about a demon-worshipping cult called the Crimson Hand that is bent on causing chaos around the world. A cult that was apparently founded by Magnus himself. Years ago. As a joke.
Now Magnus and Alec must race across Europe to track down the Crimson Hand and its elusive new leader before the cult can cause any more damage. As if it wasn’t bad enough that their romantic getaway has been sidetracked, demons are now dogging their every step, and it is becoming harder to tell friend from foe. As their quest for answers becomes increasingly dire, Magnus and Alec will have to trust each other more than ever—even if it means revealing the secrets they’ve both been keeping.
Why I Loved It
I dont think Ive ever shipped a couple as much as I have Magnus and Alec. This book has so many adorable moments and romantic angst. They have this beautiful and healthy relationship. This is probably the best Shadowhunter book Ive read to date. We get so many awesome character cameos from other books. Helen and Aline were two of the most prominent side characters and I just loved seeing how they first met. It was also fun following Magnus and Alec all over Europe as they try to track down the cult Magnus is rumored to have started. The world is so immersive and well developped with rich history that it feels very lived in. We get action scenes and demon fighting all throughout while still getting some wonderfully dynamic characters with a lot of depth.
6. The Darkest Part of the Forest
Summary
Children can have a cruel, absolute sense of justice. Children can kill a monster and feel quite proud of themselves. A girl can look at her brother and believe they’re destined to be a knight and a bard who battle evil. She can believe she’s found the thing she’s been made for.
Hazel lives with her brother, Ben, in the strange town of Fairfold where humans and fae exist side by side. The faeries’ seemingly harmless magic attracts tourists, but Hazel knows how dangerous they can be, and she knows how to stop them. Or she did, once.
At the center of it all, there is a glass coffin in the woods. It rests right on the ground and in it sleeps a boy with horns on his head and ears as pointed as knives. Hazel and Ben were both in love with him as children. The boy has slept there for generations, never waking.
Until one day, he does…
As the world turns upside down, Hazel tries to remember her years pretending to be a knight. But swept up in new love, shifting loyalties, and the fresh sting of betrayal, will it be enough?
Why I Loved It
Ive just grown to love the small town setting with a sense of danger lurking in the woods. In this case we have some sinister and duplicitous fae to watch out for. This book just really took me by surprised and the more I thought about it the more I fell in love with it. The narrator did such a great job keeping me engaged and bringing the story to life that I flew through the entire audiobook in like 2 days. I dont often connect with characters, but I found myself relating to Hazel and rooting for her romamce with the changling named Jack. Kind and a little wild is totally my type. I also loved her bond with her brother and their complicated relationship with their parents. Her brothers romance with a certain fairie prince was adorable. The plot had a sense of danger and mystery that I found super compelling
7. Sorcery of Thorns
Summary
All sorcerers are evil. Elisabeth has known that as long as she has known anything. Raised as a foundling in one of Austermeer’s Great Libraries, Elisabeth has grown up among the tools of sorcery—magical grimoires that whisper on shelves and rattle beneath iron chains. If provoked, they transform into grotesque monsters of ink and leather. She hopes to become a warden, charged with protecting the kingdom from their power.
Then an act of sabotage releases the library’s most dangerous grimoire. Elisabeth’s desperate intervention implicates her in the crime, and she is torn from her home to face justice in the capital. With no one to turn to but her sworn enemy, the sorcerer Nathaniel Thorn, and his mysterious demonic servant, she finds herself entangled in a centuries-old conspiracy. Not only could the Great Libraries go up in flames, but the world along with them.
As her alliance with Nathaniel grows stronger, Elisabeth starts to question everything she’s been taught—about sorcerers, about the libraries she loves, even about herself. For Elisabeth has a power she has never guessed, and a future she could never have imagined.
Why I Loved It
Elisabeth gets some great character development as she goes from being a sheltered orphan to this brave and selfless woman. I loved her connection with the grimoires and the slow burn romance with Nathaniel. After going through so much as a child hes cut himself off from everyone, but his demon servant Silas and I absolutely adored their friendship. Silas is such a complexe character with his century old wisdom and insatiable hunger. The way he's upfront about what he is was refreshing and heartbreaking all at once. I loved how Elisabeths best friend wasnt just there to support Elisabeth, but had her own thing going on. The world with its magical libraries and grimoires turned monster was fascinating. I cant explain how much I loved how the villain actually thought they were being the hero. Those are my absolute favorite villains.
8.The Bone Charmer
Summary
In Saskia’s world, bones are the source of all power. They tell the future, reveal the past, and expose secrets in the present. Each village has a designated seer who performs readings for the townsfolk, and in Midwood, the Bone Charmer is Saskia’s mother.
On the day of her kenning—a special bone reading that determines the apprenticeships of all seventeen-year-olds—Saskia’s worst fears come true. She receives an assignment to train as a Bone Charmer, like her mother, and even worse, a match-making reading that pairs her with Bram—a boy who has suspicious tattoos that hint of violence.
Saskia knows her mother saw multiple paths for her, yet chose one she knew Saskia wouldn’t want. Their argument leads to a fracture in one of the bones. Broken bones are always bad luck, but this particular set of bones have been infused with extra magic, and so the break has devastating consequences—Saskia’s future has split as well. Now she will live her two potential paths simultaneously. Only one future can survive. And Saskia’s life is in danger in both.
Why I Loved It
Both of Saskias two possible futures were very compelling, and I liked that she still felt like herself in both time lines. The switch between the two time lines was well paced and felt cohesive despite the situations being different. The contrast between the reassurance of knowing ones future and feeling caged by it was fantastic. It was super interesting seeing the outcomes of the future she hoped to avoid and the one where she gets exactly what she wished for. It had a wonderful message about believing that our decisions can shape our future while still trusting that things happen for a reason even if its not what we want right now. The mystery and danger in both futures were gripping. I really enjoyed how the bone magic was completely integrated in every aspect of the world and the way it played an important role in the characters lives. It was such a fascinating and intricate magic system.
9. Lost Coast
Summary
The spellbinding tale of six queer witches forging their own paths, shrouded in the mist, magic, and secrets of the ancient California redwoods.
Danny didn't know what she was looking for when she and her mother spread out a map of the United States and Danny put her finger down on Tempest, California. What she finds are the Grays: a group of friends who throw around terms like queer and witch like they're ordinary and everyday, though they feel like an earthquake to Danny. But Danny didn't just find the Grays. They cast a spell that calls her halfway across the country, because she has something they need: she can bring back Imogen, the most powerful of the Grays, missing since the summer night she wandered into the woods alone. But before Danny can find Imogen, she finds a dead boy with a redwood branch through his heart. Something is very wrong amid the trees and fog of the Lost Coast, and whatever it is, it can kill. Lush, eerie, and imaginative, Amy Rose Capetta's tale overflows with the perils and power of discovery — and what it means to find your home, yourself, and your way forward.
Why I Loved It
I related to the main character Danny in so many ways. One of them being her search for a place where she belongs and friends who know and accept her like family. I was overjoyed when she meets the Tempest witches and finally feels like she's exactly where she wants to be. Seeing the coven slowly accept her as one of them while she worked on finding one their missing sister witches was extremely satisfying. They each had their own unique personalities and backstories. The female friendships were amazing and I loved the wide range of representation. Danny and Rush have become one of my absolute favorites sapphic couple. I also really enjoyed the atmospheric redwood forest and the witches different affinities. We get chapters from ravens and the redwood trees themselves which was super fascinating. The mystery did a great job of keeping me engaged.
10. Once & Future
Summary
I’ve been chased my whole life. As a fugitive refugee in the territory controlled by the tyrannical Mercer corporation, I’ve always had to hide who I am. Until I found Excalibur.
Now I’m done hiding.
My name is Ari Helix. I have a magic sword, a cranky wizard, and a revolution to start.
When Ari crash-lands on Old Earth and pulls a magic sword from its ancient resting place, she is revealed to be the newest reincarnation of King Arthur. Then she meets Merlin, who has aged backward over the centuries into a teenager, and together they must break the curse that keeps Arthur coming back. Their quest? Defeat the cruel, oppressive government and bring peace and equality to all humankind.
No pressure.
Why I Loved It
Ive never been into the King Arthur story, but this book has definielty won my heart. The diversity and the characters were amazing. I loved seeing a female version of Arthur. Ari has a compelling back story and Merlin was so funny he had me laughing out loud. We get awesome friendships and a cute romance. Their quest to reunite the reincarnations of the knights and take down the evil Mercer corporation was a lot of fun. We get some crazy twists I didnt see coming. I loved the space setting and the medival world of Lionel. The writing was captivating and totally bingeable. I seriously cant wait for the next book in this series
11. Wilder Girls
Summary
It's been eighteen months since the Raxter School for Girls was put under quarantine. Since the Tox hit and pulled Hetty's life out from under her.
It started slow. First the teachers died one by one. Then it began to infect the students, turning their bodies strange and foreign. Now, cut off from the rest of the world and left to fend for themselves on their island home, the girls don't dare wander outside the school's fence, where the Tox has made the woods wild and dangerous. They wait for the cure they were promised as the Tox seeps into everything.
But when Byatt goes missing, Hetty will do anything to find her, even if it means breaking quarantine and braving the horrors that lie beyond the fence. And when she does, Hetty learns that there's more to their story, to their life at Raxter, than she could have ever thought true.
Why I Loved It
All three girls were flawed in some serious way and at first I wasnt into it, but the more I read the more I came to appreciate it. Ones passive and needy, ones violent and closed off, and the other is a pathological liar who seems to care very little for animal or even human life. Despite all their issues I found myself rooting for them. They're all very compelling characters. At first I thought their friendship wasnt very strong, but I came to realize that just because they do some stupid shit to each other that doesnt mean they dont care deeply for one another. I did find a couple things that didnt add up or that werent quite believable. This book had so many of my favorite things like sapphic girls, a creepy mysterious plot as well as the whole secluded island and sinister forest setting. I just needed to know what was being hidden from them beyond the schools fences.
12. Hounded
Summary
Atticus O’Sullivan, last of the Druids, lives peacefully in Arizona, running an occult bookshop and shape-shifting in his spare time to hunt with his Irish wolfhound. His neighbors and customers think that this handsome, tattooed Irish dude is about twenty-one years old—when in actuality, he’s twenty-one centuries old. Not to mention: He draws his power from the earth, possesses a sharp wit, and wields an even sharper magical sword known as Fragarach, the Answerer.
Unfortunately, a very angry Celtic god wants that sword, and he’s hounded Atticus for centuries. Now the determined deity has tracked him down, and Atticus will need all his power—plus the help of a seductive goddess of death, his vampire and werewolf team of attorneys, a bartender possessed by a Hindu witch, and some good old-fashioned luck of the Irish—to kick some Celtic arse and deliver himself from evil.
Why I Loved It
I was hesitant at first since adult fantasy hasnt been working for me, but I was totally impressed by how entertaining this was. The quick pace and action filled plot made it hard to put down. I also loved the main characters personality and unique voice. His talking dog Oberon is the absolute best. It has some great humour and an awesome world where all religions are true. Theres all kinds of paranormal creatures like fae, vampires, witches, werewolves, and demons. Its all so well written that the whole things feels real. Im now completely addicted to the series.
13. King of Fools
Ace of Shades #2
Ace of Shades Summary
Welcome to the City of Sin, where casino families reign, gangs infest the streets…and secrets hide in every shadow.
Enne Salta was raised as a proper young lady, and no lady would willingly visit New Reynes, the so-called City of Sin. But when her mother goes missing, Enne must leave her finishing school—and her reputation—behind to follow her mother’s trail to the city where no one survives uncorrupted.
Frightened and alone, Enne has only one lead: the name Levi Glaisyer. Unfortunately, Levi is not the gentleman she expected—he’s a street lord and a con man. Levi is also only one payment away from cleaning up a rapidly unraveling investment scam, so he doesn't have time to investigate a woman leading a dangerous double life. Enne's offer of compensation, however, could be the solution to all his problems.
Their search for clues leads them through glamorous casinos, illicit cabarets and into the clutches of a ruthless Mafia donna. As Enne unearths an impossible secret about her past, Levi's enemies catch up to them, ensnaring him in a vicious execution game where the players always lose. To save him, Enne will need to surrender herself to the city…
And she’ll need to play.
Why I Loved It
I really enjoyed the gritty sin city setting and the magic system. The characters have quickly become some of my favorites. Im so happy we got to see Jacs point of view and his struggle with addiction recovery. For the most part, I thought that representation was done with care. I also loved how Enne became a Lord in her own right with some awesome girls by her side. The female friendships and girl gang vibes were amazing. As for Levi he's a little full of himself, but he usually means well. I can appreciate a realistically flawed character. I also really loved how Tock kept checking his ego. The stakes and the danger is amped up even higher than the first book since we have the war breaking out on the North Side and the focus on shady politics.
14. Wicked Fox
Summary
A fresh and addictive fantasy-romance set in modern-day Seoul.
Eighteen-year-old Gu Miyoung has a secret--she's a gumiho, a nine-tailed fox who must devour the energy of men in order to survive. Because so few believe in the old tales anymore, and with so many evil men no one will miss, the modern city of Seoul is the perfect place to hide and hunt.
But after feeding one full moon, Miyoung crosses paths with Jihoon, a human boy, being attacked by a goblin deep in the forest. Against her better judgment, she violates the rules of survival to rescue the boy, losing her fox bead--her gumiho soul--in the process.
Jihoon knows Miyoung is more than just a beautiful girl--he saw her nine tails the night she saved his life. His grandmother used to tell him stories of the gumiho, of their power and the danger they pose to humans. He's drawn to her anyway.
With murderous forces lurking in the background, Miyoung and Jihoon develop a tenuous friendship that blossoms into something more. But when a young shaman tries to reunite Miyoung with her bead, the consequences are disastrous . . . forcing Miyoung to choose between her immortal life and Jihoon's.
Why I Loved It
I loved Miyoungs growth from pushing everyone away to finally being open to the possibility of having friends. Her struggle between her Gumiho and her human side was done extemely well. I liked her dark and cynical side just as much as her vulnerable and caring side. Her friendship and eventual romance with Jihoon was amazing. It takes a while for Miyoung to warm up to him, but Jihoon is very persistent at winning her over. The way he always saw the best in her and was upfront about his feelings was admirable. I loved how his group of friends accepted Miyoung as one of their own. I also found Jihoons relationship with his grandmother super heartwarming. Miyoungs relationship with her mother on the other hand was pretty strained, but we get to see just how much her mother cares through her actions to protect Miyoung. I loved immersing myself in this modern day Seoul setting with its seamless blend of fantasy and contemporary. I also loved learning more about Gumiho lore.
15. Ruse
Want #2
Want Summary
Jason Zhou survives in a divided society where the elite use their wealth to buy longer lives. The rich wear special suits that protect them from the pollution and viruses that plague the city, while those without suffer illness and early deaths. Frustrated by his city’s corruption and still grieving the loss of his mother, who died as a result of it, Zhou is determined to change things, no matter the cost.
With the help of his friends, Zhou infiltrates the lives of the wealthy in hopes of destroying the international Jin Corporation from within. Jin Corp not only manufactures the special suits the rich rely on, but they may also be manufacturing the pollution that makes them necessary.
Yet the deeper Zhou delves into this new world of excess and wealth, the more muddled his plans become. And against his better judgment, Zhou finds himself falling for Daiyu, the daughter of Jin Corp’s CEO. Can Zhou save his city without compromising who he is or destroying his own heart?
Why I Loved It
I loved how this sequel not only had the main character from the first books perspective, but it also added two female point of views. I absolutely adored the sapphic romance between Lingyi and Iris, especially when we get to see Iris softer side come out around Lingyi. The romance between Daiyu and Jason was also pretty great. I just really loved all the friendships and was happy to see the group come together again. I also appreciated how the muscle and the brains of their group had a mix of both genders. The plot featured a thrilling heist. It felt very high stakes as we know the antagonist isnt above murder to get what he wants. I missed Taipei, but I really enjoyed exploring Shanghai. The writing was easy to read and totally gripped me from start to finish. I liked the message that people can accomplish a lot when they come together as well as the need for big corporations to prioritize the environment when making decisions.
Thanks For Reading!
Great list! I already have a copy of Wilder Girls! I might read it after the book I'm reading now.
ReplyDeleteI hope you love it! It took me a little bit to appreciate the characters but once I did it was great
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