My Favorite Reads of 2023

Hey, everyone! It’s that time of the year again, where I get to obsess over my favorite books from the last twelve months. I only read 39 books last year, which is much less than the amount I read in 2022, but we’re just going to go with it.

I usually do my top ten favorite reads, but I don’t think I have enough books that I truly enjoyed to make up ten. My average rating was 3.94, dropping from the 4.16 average rating I had in 2022. So, this post will consist of only seven books.

#7: The Fountains of Silence by Ruta Sepetys

“Truth breaks the chains of silence.” Puri puts a trembling hand to her chest. Her voice drops to a whisper. “It sets us all free.”

I first discovered Ruta Sepetys through I Will Betray You, which I thought was okay. I decided to give her another chance, and I’m so glad I did.

It was fascinating to learn about life in Spain under Franco’s rule. I’ve never read a book that was set in this time period and place. I loved learning about the country through both Daniel and Ana’s eyes; they were experiencing and discovering the horrors of the city through different perspectives, and I like that we got both of them.

There are other books by Ruta Sepetys that I’m interested in, so I have a feeling I’ll be reading more of her books in the future. I like how her stories are set in historical time periods that aren’t commonly written about.

#6: Light From Uncommon Stars by Ryka Aoki

“. . . no matter who you are, where you came from, what sins you have committed or hurt you have endured . . . when you are alone and there is no universe left to remember you. You can always, always rewrite your song.”

I had this book on my shelf for the longest time, and I only got around to reading it a few months ago.

The plot line for this book was so unique. A soul-stealing violin teacher, transgender violinist runaway, and an alien whose family runs a donut shop. The storyline with Shizuka and Katrina and the storyline with Shizuka and Lan worked alongside each other really well, as well as them mixing sometimes.

I loved the music aspect as well, obviously. I play violin, so that was what initially intrigued me about this book. I like how it highlighted video game music, showing that it’s just as valid of music as classical music.

#5: Promise Boys by Nick Brooks

“No matter what, everyone already thinks I’m guilty. But what’s new? In this world it feels like I always have guilty painted on my back. This time it’s just written in blood.”

I met Nick Brooks at a book festival, and it was fascinating to hear him talk about how he wrote Promise Boys.

I loved the mystery in this, and how we get all three perspectives. J.B., Trey, and Ramon all had different backgrounds, but I liked all of them. This mystery definitely kept me on my toes; I didn’t have many ideas for suspects, but they definitely weren’t the person who actually turned out to be the murderer.

This book takes a look at racism and how society automatically assumes the boys to criminals based on their skin color. It also explores how the school system is flawed; the principal believes that rigidity and a lot of rules will helped “troubled kids” become successful.

#4: Six of Crows Duology by Leigh Bardugo

“I have been made to protect you. Only in death will I be kept from this oath.”

Yes, I finally read it! And I enjoyed it immensely.

It was so fun to explore a different part of the Grishaverse with this cast of characters. I loved the variety between the characters and the relationships they all had with each other. The heists were a lot of fun to read; I think I like Six of Crows more for the heist, but Crooked Kingdom for how the relationships between the characters develop.

I want to watch the Shadow and Bone TV show, which I know combines the Shadow and Bone storyline with the Six of Crows storyline. Now that I’ve read the books, I can finally see it. (I’m a “book before film adaptation” kind of person.)

#3: Shadow and Bone Trilogy by Leigh Bardugo

“The Darkling slumped back in his chair. ‘Fine,’ he said with a weary shrug. ‘Make me your villain.’”

I loved getting introduced to the Grishaverse, finally. I knew I wanted to read Six of Crows because everyone was talking about it, but obviously, I needed to start at the beginning.

This trilogy was amazing! I love the magic system and the whole world that Leigh Bardugo creates. All of the books were engaging, and I’m glad that Siege and Storm didn’t suffer from middle book syndrome. Alina and Mal’s relationship was so sweet, and I was rooting for them the whole time. I didn’t love the little love triangle that went on, but I am reading YA, so it wasn’t unexpected.

I also read Demon in the Wood, which I enjoyed. Getting a look at the Darkling’s background was interesting, and the artwork in the graphic novel was beautiful.

#2: Of Starlight and Bone by Emily Layne

“Aurelia Peri […] You burn with the light of ten thousand suns. […] And suns aren’t concerned with their origin story. They’re too busy lighting up the entire galaxy.”

With books I read earlier in the year, I usually don’t remember a whole lot from them. However, Of Starlight and Bone has stuck with me. Maybe it’s because I reviewed it, and I took notes for it because it was an ARC, but still.

This was a book that I was immediately engaged with. The action starts right away, and the worldbuilding is easy to understand, while still being detailed. The found family was one of my favorite parts, and I love the relationships that Auri forms with the crew. And of course, I can’t forget about Birdie, Auri’s ever-reliable poodle sidekick.

I’m intrigued to know what happens next and how it ties into the original Roanoke Colony, so I’ll definitely be reading book 2 when it comes out.

#1: Firekeeper’s Daughter by Angeline Boulley

“We love imperfect people. We can love them and not condone their actions and beliefs.”

Firekeeper’s Daughter blew me away. Angeline Boulley was another one of the authors I met at that book festival. I’ve never read a book that focused on the native tribes in the US, so I’m really happy that I read this.

This book is not for the faint of heart. It is a brutal and honest look at how drugs affected teenagers in the Michigan area. The mystery was so intriguing, and I was freaking out the whole time during the trailer section. Also, Daunis and Jamie’s relationship drove me crazy at times but what YA book doesn’t have a relationship that drives me crazy at some point?

I’m currently listening to Warrior Girl Unearthed on audiobook, which is narrated by Perry, the cousin of the MC in Firekeeper’s Daughter, around 10 years later. It’s just as good and dives even further into Native American tribes, specifically focusing on repatriation.

---

Have you read any of the books I mentioned?
What were some of your favorite reads from 2023?