Hey there, avid readers! My god, time really flew by. The end of the year is approaching, and I almost forgot to create my list of best books! Usually, I keep it to books published this year, but this time, there were just a few that I had to include in the list that had been previously published and that I needed to catch up on the uptake!

So, check out this list of all my 5-star rated books, and let me know in the comments section if you had the pleasure of reading these.

Here’s to another great year!

1. The Silence That Binds Us

Oh, this book was so powerful and the message behind the book has stuck with me this whole year. I can’t begin to tell you how powerful the narrative, characterization, and storytelling are here. Can’t recommend it enough.

2. The Weight of Our Sky

This novel resonated with me all year. It was a powerful way to teach a bit about history and the race wars that took place in Malaysia while also showing a young girl dealing with OCD and not knowing what it is or how to cope—another powerful story.

3. Yesterworld

Yo, this book was soooo good! I’m mad at myself for not realizing it was book two, but I loved that I could still follow along easily. The story moves so quickly, it sucks you in, and, omg, when I was done, I wanted book three in my hands instantly!

4. All the Dead Lie Down

Kyrie McCauley has become one of my favorite authors, and she needs more attention! Her contemporary fiction wrapped in magical realism has always been outstanding, but this genre jump! This was, hands down, mind-blowing!

5. Fall of the School for Good and Evil

Soman Chainani is fantastic. This series is terrific. And you know something? I knew how this story would end. I read the SGE series and knew that one brother would kill the other. But that ending, ugh, it still broke my heart!

6. Sadie

First of all, I realize I’m late to the game on this one. Second of all, while this was one of the best books I read this year, it is not for the faint of heart. This book reached into my chest and tore out my heart, leaving me devastated. But damn, it was excellent.

7. The Three-Body Problem

This book was so good. This has become one of my go-to science-fiction recs since I read it. The story is engaging, it’s easy to understand, and I was hooked, absolutely hooked!

8. Fourth Wing

I bet you guys are tired of seeing this book, huh? Well, you’re going to see it here. Fourth Wing was a fantastic story. I loved Violet’s characterization and how she grew up not being defined by her illness. And those dragons? Tairn is fantastic, and I love him.

9. Lore Olympus: Volume Four

I love Lore Olympus. I love the story; I love how the panels have been adapted to fit into a graphic novel, giving the story a different kind of feel. Rachel Smythe is a fantastic storyteller, and if you love Greek Mythology, you must read this story.

10. Ida in the Middle

You know, this was one of those stories that stuck with me. It was one that the more I talked about it, the more I loved it. And considering everything happening in Palestine right now, this is a must-read. It takes Ida on a magical journey, living two lives. One in America as a Palestinian girl and one in Palestine, where she sees firsthand how her people are mistreated.

11. The Great Texas Dragon Race

This book was so much fun! It was action-packed and followed a young girl racing to save her family’s dragon rehabilitation farm. The dragons are the sweetest things here, and the story was so amazing. If Ritter were to write a sequel, I would snatch that up in a heartbeat!

12. Legends & Lattes

I don’t care who you are or if you even like fantasy because I guarantee you will love this book. It is a cozy fantasy about a bounty hunter opening her coffee shop! Found family trope comes alive here, and the story is wholesome and sweet and made me want to dive in. You’re missing out if you haven’t read this yet.

13. Ever Since

Ugh, this book. This was such a good book dealing with tough topics such as child abuse and grooming. But it was written in such a powerful way. Again, this is not one for the faint of heart, but it needs to be read.

14. Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas

As if it should be any surprise that I put this book here. I loved it. I loved the way Shepherd added to the story without taking away anything and keeping the tone and atmosphere of the original. Its amazing and warmed my heart.

15. The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue

This book! Oh my god this book was so good. I understand the hype now, and I’m even more excited to read more of Schwab’s work. Schwab is a fantastic storyteller and writer. I loved Addie’s story; I loved the bittersweet ending and how it broke my heart. I got teary-eyed talking about it.

16. Dragons of Fate

Dragonlance is the best thing ever, and you cannot convince me otherwise. Honestly, I like this book more than the previous one. Destina’s characterization was so well done, transporting Raistlin and Sturm to the Third Dragon War with Huma! Ahh, it was amazing!