Having set a target of 50 books for 2018 following my 48 reads of 2017, I think it’s safe to say I hit my target and then some! Below is my 2018 in books, with star ratings and a quick review of each. There are quite a few rereads this year too, so I’ve marked where these are.

  1. A Gathering of Shadows, V.E. Schwab. A stunning sequel to A Darker Shade of Magic, Schwab expanded Lila’s character in a realistic way and developed Holland’s character into a much more complex addition. I also really enjoyed the introduction of Alucard, although I did find the relationship between Kel and Rhy a little forced at times. 4/5
  2. This Savage Song, V.E. Schwab (reread). Still love this, my review from last year still stands. A great take on dystopias and what makes a monster – would highly recommend if you’re looking for a fresh YA dystopia. 5/5
  3. A Conjuring of Light, V.E. Schwab. Schwab stepped things up a gear for the conclusion to her amazing trilogy, and did not disappoint. I enjoyed this much more than A Gathering of Shadows – it’s packed with action, magic, and peril, and the character relationships take on a new dimension with the new threats introduced. 5/5
  4. The Invisible Library, Genevieve Cogman. This was a strange one for me. While the steampunk influence was very clear, I struggled to visualise the characters, and the action was a bit bizarre, if intentionally so. I did finish it, but sadly this one just wasn’t for me. 1/5
  5. Our Dark Duet, V.E. Schwab (reread). The sequel to This Savage Song continues in the same vein and Schwab shows her strengths, being unafraid to take risks with her characters and really dig into the emotions of the reader. I may have shed a tear or two! 5/5
  6. A Torch Against the Night, Sabaa Tahir. After thoroughly enjoying A Torch Against The Night, I was excited for the sequel, but unfortunately I was left with mixed feelings. Helene Aquilla was the standout for me in this book, with her conflicted emotions and ruthless attitude making her a joy to follow. I like that Tahir is a bit brutal with her story and characters, so I will pick up the third instalment. 3/5
  7. Tower of Dawn, Sarah J Maas (reread). Loved this as much as when I read it last year, still one of my all time favourites for demonstrating incredible character development and relationship building. 5/5
  8. A Court of Wings and Ruin, Sarah J Maas (reread). I actually enjoyed the reread of this slightly more than previously – not sure if I just took my time a bit more or if I was in a more generous frame of mind when I read it. This gets an extra half point from last year. 4/5
  9. A Court of Mist and Fury, Sarah J Maas (reread). While A Court of Wings and Ruin may have earned itself a better standing, A Court of Mist and Fury still remains a firm 5/5, with Maas again demonstrating her best skills when it comes to writing character relationships. 5/5
  10. And I Darken, Kiersten White. An interesting historically inspired fiction set in 15th Century Romania, White takes the tale of Vlad the Impaler and shakes it up, changing the gender to Lada and delving into the rich history. A little slow, but showing promise, I will get round to picking up the sequels! 3/5
  11. The Ninth Rain, Jen Williams (reread). Always love Jen Williams, and I enjoyed my reread as thoroughly as the first time round! 5/5
  12. The Bitter Twins, Jen Williams. This was my most anticipated sequel for 2018, and it did not disappoint. Williams deepens her plot expertly, adding layers of weird magic, creatures and history that promise to deliver some punches in her conclusion. 5/5
  13. The Shadow of What was Lost, James Islington. This was a bit of a funny one. I can recall really enjoying reading it, and despite it’s high fantasy style it remains pretty digestible, however I struggle to recall the details of the book. I think a reread would help reinforce my rating, but otherwise I did enjoy it, as it had some nice original touches. 3/5
  14. Broken Sky, L.A. Weatherly (reread). As 2017, still a cracking series filled with action and drama, sprinkled with romance. 5/5
  15. Darkness Follows, L.A. Weatherly (reread) As 2017, still a cracking series filled with action and drama, sprinkled with romance. 5/5
  16. Black Moon, L.A. Weatherly (reread) As 2017, still a cracking series filled with action and drama, sprinkled with romance. 5/5
  17. A Shiver of Snow and Sky, Lisa Lueddecke. This was a disappointing read for my 2018. It’s small and self contained in terms of the plot, which is no bad thing, but the pace felt slow and lacked any real kind of danger or climax. It seemed to mosey along and then finish – a shame, as I liked the setting. 2/5
  18. Strange the Dreamer, Laini Taylor. After reading her A Daughter of Smoke and Bone series last year with mixed feelings, this new venture of Taylor’s sounded more promising. The blend of sci fi into this series helps set it apart from her previous work, and I think enhances it to a new level. Loved the relationship that she builds between Lazlo and Sarai, and the cast of the siblings is well rounded and not overplayed. 4/5
  19. An Echo of Things to Come, James Islington. Same thing as with The Shadow of What Was Lost, I read it and remember liking it, but struggle over the details. 3/5
  20. Uprooted, Naomi Novik (reread). One of my all time favourite books, Novik delivers an absolutely fantastic piece of fantasy with Uprooted. Taking elements from traditional Eastern European folklore and fairytales, she crafts a masterpiece of storytelling. From the refreshingly original take on good vs evil, to the beautiful prose, I can read this book again and again without getting tired. 5/5
  21. Nevernight, Jay Kristoff (reread). A repeat from 2017, this dark and violent assassin adventure still delighted me with the reread. I love his unusual writing style, and the pure sass of Mister Kindly. 5/5
  22. The Bear and The Nightingale, Katherine Arden. A Russian fairytale with a twist, Arden brings some fun ideas to the table, but the book feels a little flat in places. I like the King of Winter, and I will pick up the sequel as I’m keen to see the character get some more development and action. 3/5
  23. Mort, Terry Pratchett (reread). My most beloved Pratchett novel! Mort is my favourite of his books and I will continue to love it with every read. 5/5
  24. Lord and Ladies, Terry Pratchett (reread). This shakespearian twist is as hilarious as ever. Doesn’t quite hit the levels of love I have for Mort though. 4/5.
  25. Small Gods, Terry Pratchett (reread). When a god becomes a tortoise with only one true believer left, what kinds of adventures would you expect? Om the tortoise is sassy and fantastic – Pratchett holds up the mirror to religion with his usual razor sharp wit. 5/5
  26. The Copper Promise, Jen Williams (reread). Loved these as much as my first read. Williams writes action unlike any other fantasy author. 5/5
  27. The Iron Ghost, Jen Williams (reread). Loved these as much as my first read. Williams writes action unlike any other fantasy author. 5/5
  28. The Silver Tide, Jen Williams (reread). Loved these as much as my first read. Williams writes action unlike any other fantasy author. 5/5
  29. Pyramids, Terry Pratchett (reread). Another classic, I can’t fault Pratchett in his writing. 4/5.
  30. Sourcery, Terry Pratchett (reread). The Unseen University novels hold a soft spot in my heart, and Sourcery is one of his better forays into the university. 4/5
  31. The Last Continent, Terry Pratchett (reread). Rincewind gets stuck in Discworld Australia. I appreciated the parallels drawn, but Rincewind can be a struggle for me at times. 3/5
  32. The Wrath and The Dawn, Renee Ahdieh (reread). I actually found the reread of this one a bit more enjoyable than my initial read in 2017. It’s a nice reselling of Arabian Nights with enough originality to make it it’s own. 3.5/5
  33. Steelheart, Brandon Sanderson. Sanderson has been one of my favourite authors since his Mistborn trilogy, and his foray into the science fiction genre proves he isn’t just a great fantasy writer; he’s a great writer, full stop. The protagonist David is written with incredible realism, and the concept of the anti hero Epics is refreshing in a superhero saturated media culture. 4/5
  34. The Rose and The Dagger, Renee Ahdieh. Sequel to The Wrath and The Dawn, Ahdieh brings a few new plot points to the table, and I enjoyed the mage characters. Still a bit sappy and sweet at times but overall enjoyable. 3/5
  35. Skinful of Shadows, Francis Hardinge. This book was not what I expected at all on picking it up. Civil War era England meets a gothic Victorian approach to ghosts and ghost stories, focused around a teenage heroine capable of hosting ghosts in her own body and soul. Very original story, some great twists and I loved Hardinge’s fairytale like writing. 4/5
  36. Godsgrave, Jay Kristoff. My other most anticipated sequel of 2018, I held off reading until the paperback came out so I realise I’m a little late with this one. Following the events of Nevernight Mia plumbs the depths of violence and humanity in new ways this time, learning more about Darkin, herself and her relationships along the way. Gloriously violent, Kristoff takes a no holds barred approach to his writing and storytelling which gives it a fantastically gripping appeal. 5/5
  37. Cuckoo Song, Francis Hardinge. Another fantastic read from Hardinge, this time playing on the idea of the changeling child and the alternate fairy world hiding just out of sight. Really fascinating look at how humans treat each other, and the changeling herself was a really interesting character, grappling with her hunger and her morality. 4/5
  38. Six of Crows, Leigh Bardugo (reread). It was a pleasure as always to revisit Ketterdam and Kaz’s band of misfits criminals in their Oceans’s 11 style epic heist. I particularly love the Nina/Matthias relationship. 5/5
  39. Shadow and Bone, Leigh Bardugo (reread). Again Bardugo delivers a great read and I always enjoy the Grisha novels. 4/5
  40. Spinning Silver, Naomi Novik. Considering my love for Uprooted, Spinning Silver was one of my most anticipated reads. Novik builds a slower paced tale but in return we get a much richer world, and spend more time with a surprisingly varied host of characters. I especially loved honest Wanda’s story and of course, Novik delivers her usual Eastern European/Russian influenced fairy tale style again.
  41. Crooked Kingdom, Leigh Bardugo (reread). Same as Six of Crows, Crooked Kingdom delivers a great twisty story of criminals and high society. Inej’s role and her character development in this alongside Kaz definitely was one of the highlights for me. 5/5
  42. Siege and Storm, Leigh Bardugo (reread). Again Bardugo delivers a great read and I always enjoy the Grisha novels. 4/5
  43. Ruin and Rising, Leigh Bardugo (reread). Again Bardugo delivers a great read and I always enjoy the Grisha novels. 4/5
  44. A Darker Shade of Magic, V.E. Schwab (reread). With three Londons and doors between worlds, plus a unique young blood magician and a daring thief
  45. The Toymakers, Robert Dinsdale. This novel really blurs the line between fantasy and historical fiction. The magic of the Emporium permeates every page and infuses the whole story with a sense of whimsical charm and childhood wonder. Even when reality bites and the magic starts to fade, Dinsdale doesn’t let the side down and delivers a wonderful ending. Definitely one to revisit on a cold winter night when cozied up inside. 5/5
  46. Kingdom of Ash, Sarah J Maas. The highly anticipated conclusion to the long running Throne of Glass series had very high standards to live up to. On the whole, I think Maas did a very good job given the pressures she faced, both from her fans and in her personal life. The highlight of this novel was definitely the fight at Anielle; Aelin’s power in this scence sent shivers down my spine. Everything was tied up well, with even a few surprises towards the end (the Thirteen!). I think this is one I need to revisit and reread at a slower pace, but despite it’s flaws, I’ve loved this series and I’m sad to see it end. 3.5/5
  47. Scythe, Neal Shusterman. I had this one on my radar for while and was really undecided about it. I like a good YA dystopia but they are becoming a little overdone, a bit full of tropes and cliches. My partner bought this for me after seeing me pick it up and put it down in the shop about three times, and never one to turn down a free book I started reading – and was surprised beyond my imagining! Shusterman is a true craftsman of writing and this hardly reads like a YA novel. Covering incredibly deep issues such as morality, euthanasia, philosophy, the right to life and what makes a human life, the story of Citra and Rowan is rich, almost flawlessly executed for its genre and weaves a dark vision of a future that is a dystopia for all the wrong reasons. 5/5
  48. Red Sister, Mark Lawrence. This one was a bit of a gamble for me. I read Mark Lawrence’s previous work Prince of Thorns and did not like it one bit (in contrast to my partner, who loved it), and I was a bit unsure of his writing style overall. I was hoping he could show me something different and surprise me with Red Sister; and he certainly delivered. The strong female cast, bloody violence and unique magic user system all drew me in. That, and the main character being a twelve year old girl in a very gruesome adult fantasy seemed a tall order to achieve, but Lawrence did an excellent job. The world building is also fascinating, using a bit of science fiction with some classic fantasy to bring it to life. 5/5
  49. Thunderhead, Neal Shusterman. After loving Scythe I could hardly keep myself from rushing out to get Thunderhead. Without giving away any spoilers, Shusterman weaves a deeper darker tale, adding more threads to the story and the character development of our newly ordained Scythe. Continuing to grapple with huge themes, I am highly anticipating the third installment and will be picking up more of his work! 5/5
  50. Ghosts of Karnak, George Mann. A filler read of a book I grabbed off the shelf. It had a few fun points but on the whole it wasn’t for me. I enjoyed the 30’s noir setting through. 2/5
  51. All The Light We Cannot See, Anthony Doerr. Browsing GoodReads for 20tyh century historic fiction I was constantly recommended this one. I managed to find a rather tatty copy secondhand and immediately got started. This novel is a beautiful story, highly contained in terms of the breadth of the story but heartbreaking and detailed nonetheless. Following the story of a blind French girl and a conscripted German orphan it is an unusual take on WW2 fiction but one that is haunting in its telling. Would make an excellent BBC drama! 4/5
  52. Two Brothers, Ben Elton (reread). Continuing with my historic fiction vibe, Two Brothers is one of my all time favourites and covers one of my interests which is modern German history. A great piece of insight into early 20th century Berlin and one which doesn’t shy away from the horrors of the Hitler era. 4/5
  53. Smiler’s Fair, Rebecca Levene. I was attracted by the premise of a Howl’s Moving Castle style world where building and palaces shift around to avoid the enemies hiding in the shadowy earth. This multi stranded fantasy was a fresh take on a lot of fantasy tropes, with characters including a teenage male gay prostitute, a runaway empress, a sadist and serial killer, a god reborn in the body of a goatherd boy, and a drunken warrior struggling to come to terms with the loss of his people. The cast is frequently referenced as being very racially diverse, which gets it another point in my book. The sequel is already sitting my shelf! 4/5
  54. To Kill A Mockingbird, Harper Lee. My only classic read of this year, and one I was surprised by. Thoroughly enjoyed this timeless read on race and the importance of acceptance and helping others. 5/5
  55. The Tattooist of Auschwitz, Heather Morris. After seeing this read blowing up on social media, and knowing my love for history, I got a hold of this new read for the end of the year. Sadly, it is a bit simplistic and I don’t feel it conveyed the horrors of th situation well enough for me to truly feel the story in the way I would have liked. I think this is one that should have stayed as a screenplay. 2/5