I enjoyed a lot of books this year, most of those I read actually, but these are the standouts. There are a few others I can’t mention because they are secret projects that I beta read. 

Many on this list were written by my indie author friends, but there are some big names in the mix too. Many of them are available to buy, but a few were ones I had the privilege of beta reading, and they’re not out (just) yet. 

So without further ado:

Rhythm of War by Brandon Sanderson. I read the bulk of this one on a long car trip to visit family over the Christmas holidays and enjoyed it as much as Oathbringer and Words of Radiance. I didn’t think Taravangian could get any worse, but Brandon found a way. Kaladin’s ordeal was the worst yet.

The Sound of Silence by Hannah Gaudette. I’m not a thriller reader, but Hannah is my friend and I trusted her–with good reason. This book is excellent. Heart-wrenching and heart-warming in equal measure, but chilling at the same time. 

Stories that Bleed by Addison Horner (Kickstarter coming soon!). This is the third book in his Vitalian Chronicles, which I have been involved with as a beta reader from the beginning. I’ll forgive him for the cliffhanger ending this one time, because it’s so good. 

House of Dragons by Kathryn Jordan. This is the first in a new YA series by my wonderful friend. Great characters, great premise, great world. I loved it.

All for Mage and Melody by Emma Hill. This one was a surprise for me! I’m not exactly sure what I was expecting, but it exceeded them! Emma blends disability rep into the story so naturally and authentically, and totally blew me away with the twist at the end. It’s a MG/YA urban fantasy with theatre kids!

Crane Maiden by M.H. Woodscourt. A fantasy re-telling of the story of St Joan of Arc. It’s the first book in a planned duology and finishes on a note of victory. The tragic part of the story comes in the next book. Woodscourt’s fantasy world is the perfect setting for this amazing story.

Declare by Hannah Gaudette. In case you can’t tell, I’m a bit of a fan of Hannah’s! This is the second book in a trilogy that she first thought of in her childhood and it is so wonderful to see her finally tackle it. The story and characters are complex, and Hannah handles it with a deft touch. 

Comes the Night by Isobelle Carmody. It’s been a long time since I’ve read one of Isobelle’s books, but after meeting her, I was excited to dive into this one, and it didn’t disappoint. This is clearly the work of an author comfortable with her craft. A YA urban fantasy where the line between dreams and reality is blurred, with chilling repercussions. 

Vengeance of a Fallen Angel (beta) by Ben Logsdon (not yet available, but Memoirs of a Household Demon, which you must read first, is!). I cannot praise Ben’s writing highly enough. Snappy, action-packed, funny, warm–he blends everything perfectly.

Wind and Truth by Brandon Sanderson. Yup, I began and ended my year with the Big Guy, and honestly, this book counts as three. It was excellent, don’t get me wrong, but Sanderson is capable of brilliance, and this book fell short of that. I really felt it could have been tightened up and polished a bit more. I was really hoping for the standard he set in The Way of Kings, which is still my favourite book in the series. Adolin was probably my favourite in this book. I was glad that Kaladin finally got some ‘happy’, and Dalinar wrecked Hoid’s plans in the best possible way.

My current read is The Road to Freedom by Gabrielle Davis, my partner-in-crime for Fantasciicon!! Set in a fantasy version of ancient France, it’s a YA story about an urchin girl with magical powers who gets caught up in a civil war. I’m really enjoying it.

There were several books I didn’t get to this year that will be high on my TBR for next year:

Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins. That’s right, I haven’t been destroyed by this book yet.

These Hallowed Binds by A.M. Daylin. I’ve heard sooo many good things about this book, and the fact that it has won an award only confirms it. Got to read this one.

Song of the Mysteries by Janny Wurts. I waited 7 years for this final installment in the series, but three door-stopper books in one year was just not going to happen. The Wars of Light and Shadow was a big influence on my own writing though, so I really want to get into it as I work on the second book in my own romantic fantasy trilogy with music as the magic system.

And of course, I read my own book, Son of Osivirius, multiple times during the year for editing purposes! I still enjoy it! Still feel the feels. So it goes on my favourites list too!