Favourite Books of 2023
How BookTok influenced my reading
Looking back at my 2022 and 2023 reading lists, I now realise just how much I have been influenced by BookTok. I don’t even have TikTok, yet many popular titles championed by BookTok users have found their way into my life. While I won’t do a deep dive into BookTok and its influence on the publishing industry (let’s save that for a later blog), I think the reason I picked up so many of these BookTok favourites is a professional want to learn about trends in publishing and a personal fear of missing out on the latest craze (such as Fourth Wing). I’m also always just looking for a good book recommendation.
Now, not all the BookTok books were great reads, in my opinion, but there are a few gems that I am very thankful for.
Divine Rivals by Rebecca Ross
I adored this book! Divine Rivals is a romance story at its core, with fantasy elements blended in to create an intriguing world for the relationship to unfold in. Ross artfully plays with the enemies-to-lovers trope, hitting all the right notes while staying true to the characters and world. The book also beautifully touches on the feelings and impact of grief in an authentic way (not just a plot device, which is all too often the case). The story begins with Iris, a journalist, writing letters to her missing brother. When she slips them under the wardrobe door, they vanish, only to magically appear before rival journalist Roman. This book was the perfect blend of romance and fantasy, with characters and a world I cannot wait to dive back into with the sequel, Ruthless Vows.
Legends & Lattes by Travis Baldree
This BookTok recommendation was exactly as advertised: a delightful, cozy fantasy. Set in a world highly influenced by Dungeons & Dragons, the story follows Viv, a battle-weary orc who decides to open a coffee shop. I normally prefer more traditional fantasy, with epic quests and battles, but this quiet story still grabbed me with its interesting characters and atmosphere. There is enough plot to add a bit of intrigue, but the main joy comes from Viv and the wholesome relationships she creates with the other characters in the town. This was a cute and quick read that continues to make me smile whenever I think about it.
As well as my BookTok favourites, here are some other books I highly recommend.
The Tilt by Chris Hammer
Chris Hammer builds such vivid pictures of towns or places in his novels. He has done it again in The Tilt, slowly revealing and piecing together a story of people and place, with the perfect blend of intrigue and action. I particularly enjoyed the perspective of homicide detective Nell Buchanan as she returns to her hometown.
Wake by Shelley Burr
I recommend Shelley Burr’s Wake to anyone who enjoys Aussie crime and mystery. The strength of this book is the intriguing characters who propel the plot forward. This is a book that I truly could not put down.
Lily and the Octopus by Steven Rowley
I enjoy everything I read by Steven Rowley. The narration always feels so authentic, and Rowley explores universal themes of loss, love, grief, loneliness, change and hope with wit and humour. Greatly moving, this was the one book that made me cry this year.
Lockwood & Co series by Johnathan Stroud
I came to read this series after watching the TV adaptation on Netflix. Sadly, the show was cancelled after one season, but the books are great on their own. These are fun young adult novels featuring a strong female protagonist, found family, a super cool talking skull, and dangerous and exciting adventures.
I could keep going with more recommendations, but these were the standouts for me this year. Not all of these books are new, but they were new to me in 2023. Let me know what your favourite books were and if you have any recommendations for what I should read in 2024.
Happy New Year!
