Best Books of 2022

This post is a little later than usual, but I wanted to wait to post until my new website launched. So, here we are. Last year, I read 27 books which was two books over my goal of 25 books, but that doesn’t count the rereads I did of three of the Top 9 books listed. As always, my reading productivity was up and down. A lot of the reading I did was due to weekend binge-reading. I just still haven’t found a good place in my daily routine for reading, but I am trying my best.

My reading goal for the year is 30 books, but I also have the goal to read 80% of my already owned books. Here is a list of what I am hoping to get to:

• Bite Me (You Know I Like It) by Fae Quin (currently reading)

• A Conjuring of Light by V.E. Schwab

• Mister Impossible & Greywaren by Maggie Stiefvater

• Wild Sky by Zaya Feli

• The Paladin Caper by Patrick Weekes

• Vengeful by V.E. Schwab

• Heartsong & Brothersong by T.J. Klune

• King of Scars & Rule of Wolves by Leigh Bardugo

• Chain of Gold & Chain of Iron by Cassandra Clare

Most of these are last books in series that I just haven’t got to. I also have a couple more books that I would like to get to, but they are going to be slow reads. It is a doable goal if I just get my ass in gear and start reading every day. I am trying to not buy myself new books, but here are some new releases this year that are definitely going to make me break that goal:

• The Stolen Heir by Holly Black (1/3)

• Chain of Thorns by Cassandra Clare (1/31)

• The Devil Takes by Fae Quin (2/23)

• The Fox and the Dryad by Kellen Graves (2/24)

• Spell Bound by F.T. Lukens (4/4)

• The Sun and the Star by Rick Riordan (5/2)

Now let us get on to my top 9 reads of 2022. This was definitely the hardest year to narrow down. You can find my full reads list complete with reviews on my StoryGraph.

1. Oak King Holly King by Sebastian Nothwell

For once, I have an actual favorite read of the year. This book blew my mind. I finished it in two days and have reread it twice so far. Two well-crafted interwoven plots told by two beautifully written characters with Victorian romance, Celtic wheel of the year folklore, and sex rituals. Ticked all the boxes. The author also started following me on Instagram and I got to beta-read (and am in the dedication) of the book of sequel novellas to this book: Tales from Blackthorn Briar. (Make sure you read Oak King Holly King first!) I also got a tattoo devoted to this book and am currently rereading it again and annotating. I binged almost all of Sebastian Nothwell’s other books this year, Hold Fast almost edging out Oak King Holly King as my favorite, but there was just something about this book that imprinted itself on my heart and I know it will be my favorite book of all time for years to come.

2. Dark Rise by C.S. Pacat

You all should know C.S. Pacat’s Captive Prince series is one of my favorite series of all time so I was so excited when I heard about her new series and boy, it didn’t disappoint. A dark, compelling story that kept you guessing until the end, which was one of the greatest cliffhangers I’ve ever read. I need the sequel like yesterday. If you like alternate Londons, chaotic bisexual MCs and plot twists that leave you reeling, you will love this book.

3. Tentacles & Triathlons by Ashley Bennett

Disclaimer: I did not know this was a second book in a series until I read it, so I have not read the first book, but I feel you can read them as stand-alones. My first true monsterfucker book and it has me hooked. Fast-paced, sweet and spicy as hell, I enjoyed every second. This was another book I reread as it is just over a hundred pages so can be read in an afternoon. Even in such a short time, the characters’ relationship growth feels natural and not rushed at all. Also the spicy is top notch.

4. The Wisdom of the Shire by Noble Smith

The only book on this list below 5 stars, but the only reason is because I felt some of the footnotes seemed pointless and there was too many of them. But I definitely think it is a worth-while read, especially for fans of J.R.R. Tolkien and his hobbits. It was incredible and moving and chapter 13 had me laughing out loud.

5. Prince of Sorrows by Kellen Graves

Wow, this book was quite a ride. It did feel a bit much for a first book in a series which is why I rated it 3.5 stars. The plot moved very fast and I feel like there should have been more character development for all characters (and villains) besides the MCs and more world development and explanation because it was all crafted with such rich detail you just wanted more. I loved the mix of fantasy and dark academia along with the detailed Celtic mythology and folklore. The second book, Lord of Silver Ashes, is out, but I haven’t had the chance to pick it up yet though I am dying for a happy ending.

6. In Deeper Waters by F.T. Lukens

I read this after the author’s newest release, So This Is Ever After, which was also really good, but I really loved this one more. In both, the story and plot were fast-paced, but the characters were so fleshed out and lovable even for such a big cast. I connected to them and the world more than So This Is Ever After. I’m sad In Deeper Waters is a stand-alone because I would have loved to explore this world and its magic system. Another new author (one of many) for me this year and another I will be picking up their books as they come out.

7. Loki and Sigyn: Lessons on Chaos, Laughter & Loyalty from the Norse Gods by Lea Svendsen

If you have been here a while, you will know I am a pagan witch and my patron is Loki, Norse god of mischief. He was always my favorite mythological figure growing up so devoting to him was no surprise when I started on my path. But, there are very few (that I could find) books and references for Loki and his following so this book was an insta-buy for me. It was truly a wonderful read that helped me accept and deepen my connection to Loki. I am planning to reread sometime this year for a full study.

8. King of Immortal Tithe by Ben Alderson

Note: second book in a series of stand-alones set in the same world so characters do cross over, but can be read separately. I’ve been waiting for this book since it was a concept and boy it did not disappoint. It was indeed a perfect gay fantasy Hades and Persephone retelling. Arlo and Faenir’s relationship and journey was incredible and the spicy was filthy good. I cannot wait for more from this world and the next book, Alpha of Mortal Flesh (a Red Riding Hood retelling), is coming out this year!

9. Let Your Hearts Be Light & There’s a Monster in the Woods by Fae Quin Two books in one because I couldn’t chose between them.

First, Let Your Hearts Be Light:

The perfect holiday read with adorable fluff and high-intense heat with two of my favorite spicy tropes: possessive alpha and mild Dom/Sub vibes. Definitely a new Christmas tradition that I read twice last holiday season. I am currently reading her debut novel, Bite Me (You Know I Like It), and am loving it as well. Also highly anticipating her next release, The Devil Takes, coming February 23. For amazing art and sneak peaks, check out her Instagram @fae.loves.art and her Patreon.

There’s a Monster in the Woods:

You get this story for free if you sign up to Fae’s newsletter and it is 100% worth it! This did not feel like a short story. The world and characters were amazingly real and flushed out in such a short time. It had perfect autumn vibes and incredible monster smut. Fae writes some of the best spicy scenes I have ever read. I can’t wait to own a physical copy of this book one day.

Hope you enjoyed my first official post on my new website and me raving about books. Follow me on StoryGraph for updates and reviews.

What are you planning to read this year?

Happy reading!