Hey, everyone! I didn't post my favorite books of 2018 yet and I think it's time that I did so. If you are interested in checking out any of my other 2018 lists, here is a list of them:
Genre: YA Sci-fi
The Last Star (4.5 stars) is the final book in The 5th Wave trilogy and I loved it. It was a fantastic conclusion. Check out my review here.
44.
Genre: Romance
Love Story (4.5 stars) That's right, I'm putting a Christian fiction novel on this list. Who am I? I don't know but I really was a sucker for this.
43.
Genre: True Crime
I'll Be Gone in the Dark: One Woman's Obsessive Search for the Golden State Killer (4.5 stars) is a fantastic true crime novel that chronicles McNamara searching for the Golden State Killer. It was captivating and the audio was a great listen, but I must admit I probably missed a lot of information.
42.
Genre: Satire
God Bless You, Mr. Rosewater (4.5 stars) This book is a wild ride of jokes, crass satirical viewpoints, and all things Vonnegut. Not my favorite of his works, but I loved it.
41.
Genre: Romance
A Devil in Scotland (4.5 stars) This bad boy (some pun intended) was the best historical romance I read in 2018. Definitely one that I highly recommend! Check out my review here!
40.
Genre: Satire
White Teeth (4.5 stars) This is probably one of the most absurd novels I've ever read and I loved the experience, especially since I looked at academically.
39.
Genre: YA Contemporary
I Have Lost My Way (4.5 stars) reminded me of why I loved Gayle Forman's books in high school. Check out my review here.
38.
Genre: MG Horror
Coraline (4.5 stars) is a creepy and fun ride. It is a wonderful time that is narrated beautifully by Neil Gaiman.
37.
Genre: Contemporary
An American Marriage (4.5 stars) completely sweeps the reader (or listener) into a whirlwind ride of emotions that shows the culture of the deep South, its racism, and a marriage.
36.
Genre: Horror
The Cabin at the End of the World (4.5 stars) is an intense and dramatic horror novel. It kept me on the edge of my seat and was one of the most heart-pounding reads of 2018 for me.
35.
Genre: Fantasy
The Night Circus (4.75 stars) I originally gave this a 3-star rating, so my tastes have drastically changed. It's beautifully written and the atmosphere is breathtaking and bold. Check out my review here.
34.
Genre: Self-Help
Girl, Wash Your Face: Stop Believing the Lies About Who You Are So You Can Become Who You Are Meant to Be (5 stars) I really enjoyed the audio for this novel, but I am not sure if I would still rate it 5-stars.
33.
Genre: Thriller
Pieces of Her (5 stars) is a thriller that follows a daughter who witnesses her mother kill a murderer and embarks on a journey to uncover how her mother has gotten there while being on the run.
32.
Genre: Theology / Religion
The Case for Jesus: The Biblical and Historical Evidence for Christ (5 stars) marks two different arguments for Christ through the Biblical context and the historical context. It felt like a history class and I loved it.
31.
Genre: Thriller
The Good Daughter (5 stars) This was a wild ride! It's dark, gritty, and horrifying. This book proved to me that Karin Slaughter is my favorite thriller author.
30.
Genre: YA Horror
The Dark Descent of Elizabeth Frankenstein (5 stars) Everything that felt lackluster in Frankenstein was fixed in this novel for me. I can't recommend this one enough!
29.
Genre: Sci-fi
Oryx and Crake (5 stars) is a wild and brilliant look into what our society would be like if it was all about creating things that should not be created. It's an interesting look at the end of the world and it has some fantastic character development (and twists!).
28.
Genre: Memoir
The Sun Does Shine: How I Found Life and Freedom on Death Row (5 stars) will break your heart and restore your hope in humanity while also simultaneously making you hate how our American society works.
27.
Genre: YA Contemporary
Long Way Down (5 stars) is one of the quickest reads on this list and will hit your gut where it needs to be hit in regards to how you view the cycle of gang violence and its cycle of retribution.
26.
25.
Genre: Historical Fiction
Rust & Stardust (5 stars) is a historical fiction novel about a young girl who was kidnapped by a predator in the late '40s. Her story inspired Lolita and ends in tragedy. This book was beautiful. Check out my review here.
24.
Genre: Suspense
Big Little Lies (5 stars) Kindergarten moms who do horrible things and are involved in a murder have never been as interesting as they were in this fantastic novel.
23.
Genre: Thriller
The Last Time I Lied (5 stars) is hands down one of the most gripping thrillers I read in 2018 and I couldn't put it down. It also has one of the best endings that I've come across in a thriller because I was not expecting the twists of all twists to hit me upside my head. Check out my review here.
22.
Genre: YA Historical Fiction
Between Shades of Gray (5 stars) This book still holds up seven years later and needs to be read by everyone. Check out my updated review here.
21.
Genre: YA Contemporary
The Hate U Give (5 stars) deserves all the praise and accolades it has received. This novel is real and raw. The characters are alive and the story hits all the places where America needs to be hit.
20.
Genre: YA Fantasty
The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe (5 stars) reminds me of childhood happiness, sacrifice, and how Christ will always choose us even when we are the worst (like Edmund- because let's be real we are all Edmund).
19.
Genre: Manga
Death Note Volume 1: Boredom (5 stars) is one of the best manga ever written. Check out my review here.
18.
Genre: YA Contemporary
All the Rage (5 stars) tackles sexual assault and how not dealing with it leads to more sexual assault. This book made me feel all the rage (and hurt) and I am happy that it does.
17.
Genre: YA Horror
The Diviners (5 stars) checks all of my boxes: 1920s, supernatural powers, the impending apocalypse, a mystery, horror, and a cast of characters that has me hooked and rooting for them.
16.
Genre: Horror
It (5 stars) I originally gave this novel 2 stars and read it when it I was twelve, my tastes as a reader have clearly changed. This novel is intense and it will make you uncomfortable.
15.
Genre: Memoir
Anne Frank Remembered (5 stars) tore my heart apart and made me weep for those who suffered in Europe during WWII. Miep Gies reminds us that even in a world of cruelty there is still good within people. Check out my review here.
14.
Genre: Fantasy / Historical Fiction
The Mermaid (5 stars) was one of the best fantasy / historical fiction novels that I read in 2018. This book made my heart hurt and I loved it. Check out my review here.
13.
Genre: Suspense / Contemporary
The Lovely Bones (5 stars) is one of the hardest reads I've read because I was not expecting this book to destroy my soul.
12.
Genre: YA Historical Fiction
Salt to the Sea (5 stars) is one of the best narrated books that I've listened to and it made my heart hurt, which is to be expected. This is my favorite Ruta Sepetys novel. It's fantastic.
11.
Genre: YA/NA Fantasy
Tess of the Road (5 stars) is one of the more mature YA novels I came across in 2018 and I'd even say that it would've been well-suited as an adult novel. This fantasy novel hit hard in topics that YA doesn't usually address and I loved that. Check out my review here.
10.
Genre: YA Fantasy
Reign the Earth (5 stars) packs a punch. It is a desert fantasy story that follows an abusive marriage to a man who wants to destroy magic people and the woman he marries has magic in her veins. Check out my review here.
9.
Genre: Fantasy
Child of the Prophecy (5 stars) was a fantastic wrap-up to my favorite trilogy. Wow. Did it hit home and following an anti-hero wa
8.
Genre: Thriller/Horror
Pretty Girls (5 stars) is one of those shocking and horrifying novels that has stuck with me. I think about it a lot and every time I do, I feel anger in my gut at the injustices that continue to happen to women and children for the sake of a man's pleasure.
7.
Genre: Thriller/Horror
You (5 stars) is one of those disgusting novels that makes you sick but you can't stop looking away. It's brilliant. Absolutely brilliant.
6.
Genre: Horror / Sci-Fi
The Long Walk (5 stars) makes my feet hurt. I'm serious when I read this book my legs and feet ached while reading that how real and tortuously harrowing and real King made this story.
5.
Genre: Horror
The Shining (5 stars) is another favorite and another King novel on this list. Honestly, seeing so many of works shouldn't be surprising at this point. This one is creepy and chilling. If you like haunted and demon stories, then this one is for you. Also Danny is the best character in this book and I think one of my all-time favorite King characters.
4.
Genre: Christian Living (Women's)
Uninvited: Living Loved When You Feel Less Than, Left Out, and Lonely (5 stars) sucker punched me in my soul. If you struggle with rejection and often are too hard on yourself then this book is for you. It's life-changing. Mainly I loved this book because it made me look at topics I'd rather ignore.
3.
Genre: Horror/ Thriller
Gerarld's Game (5 stars) was a surprising favorite for me and the minute I picked it up, I knew this novel would change a part of my soul and it did. It's dark, disgusting, and shockingly real. People like Jessie's dad exist and those stories stick with you forever.
2.
Genre: Fantasy
Son of the Shadows (5 stars) is my favorite book of the year outside of the Bible and WOW I can't believe it took me as long as I did to continue the Sevenwaters series. These books are amazing. 2018 was the year of reading pregnant heroines in fantasy and it's a trope I love. I just adore this book. What a queen. She rescued her man with a baby on her back.
1.
The Bible- This was my first-time reading it all the way through and it was definitely a wild ride. My favorite book is Isaiah.
I know it's almost halfway through 2019, but these books are awesome and there is never a time not to recommend some awesome and noteworthy books. I hope you added some of these to your TBR. See any of your favorites? If you did let me know down below in the comments!
Books That Weren't For Me, But You May Love (2018 Reads)
Books That I Liked in 2018
Audiobooks I Read in 2018
Books That I Want to Read in 2019
2018 Disappointing Books
I was trying to think of a way to form this post and I think it would be easier to just list it from top-rated all the way down to my absolute favorite of 2018. You can scroll down all the way to the bottom for the best of the best! I will also be throwing in my rereads because my ratings changed for most of them and it's a beautiful thing to see reading tastes change.
45. Genre: YA Sci-fi
The Last Star (4.5 stars) is the final book in The 5th Wave trilogy and I loved it. It was a fantastic conclusion. Check out my review here.
44.
Genre: Romance
Love Story (4.5 stars) That's right, I'm putting a Christian fiction novel on this list. Who am I? I don't know but I really was a sucker for this.
43.
Genre: True Crime
I'll Be Gone in the Dark: One Woman's Obsessive Search for the Golden State Killer (4.5 stars) is a fantastic true crime novel that chronicles McNamara searching for the Golden State Killer. It was captivating and the audio was a great listen, but I must admit I probably missed a lot of information.
42.
Genre: Satire
God Bless You, Mr. Rosewater (4.5 stars) This book is a wild ride of jokes, crass satirical viewpoints, and all things Vonnegut. Not my favorite of his works, but I loved it.
41.
Genre: Romance
A Devil in Scotland (4.5 stars) This bad boy (some pun intended) was the best historical romance I read in 2018. Definitely one that I highly recommend! Check out my review here!
40.
Genre: Satire
White Teeth (4.5 stars) This is probably one of the most absurd novels I've ever read and I loved the experience, especially since I looked at academically.
39.
Genre: YA Contemporary
I Have Lost My Way (4.5 stars) reminded me of why I loved Gayle Forman's books in high school. Check out my review here.
38.
Genre: MG Horror
Coraline (4.5 stars) is a creepy and fun ride. It is a wonderful time that is narrated beautifully by Neil Gaiman.
37.
Genre: Contemporary
An American Marriage (4.5 stars) completely sweeps the reader (or listener) into a whirlwind ride of emotions that shows the culture of the deep South, its racism, and a marriage.
36.
Genre: Horror
The Cabin at the End of the World (4.5 stars) is an intense and dramatic horror novel. It kept me on the edge of my seat and was one of the most heart-pounding reads of 2018 for me.
35.
Genre: Fantasy
The Night Circus (4.75 stars) I originally gave this a 3-star rating, so my tastes have drastically changed. It's beautifully written and the atmosphere is breathtaking and bold. Check out my review here.
34.
Genre: Self-Help
Girl, Wash Your Face: Stop Believing the Lies About Who You Are So You Can Become Who You Are Meant to Be (5 stars) I really enjoyed the audio for this novel, but I am not sure if I would still rate it 5-stars.
33.
Genre: Thriller
Pieces of Her (5 stars) is a thriller that follows a daughter who witnesses her mother kill a murderer and embarks on a journey to uncover how her mother has gotten there while being on the run.
32.
Genre: Theology / Religion
The Case for Jesus: The Biblical and Historical Evidence for Christ (5 stars) marks two different arguments for Christ through the Biblical context and the historical context. It felt like a history class and I loved it.
31.
Genre: Thriller
The Good Daughter (5 stars) This was a wild ride! It's dark, gritty, and horrifying. This book proved to me that Karin Slaughter is my favorite thriller author.
30.
Genre: YA Horror
The Dark Descent of Elizabeth Frankenstein (5 stars) Everything that felt lackluster in Frankenstein was fixed in this novel for me. I can't recommend this one enough!
29.
Genre: Sci-fi
Oryx and Crake (5 stars) is a wild and brilliant look into what our society would be like if it was all about creating things that should not be created. It's an interesting look at the end of the world and it has some fantastic character development (and twists!).
28.
Genre: Memoir
The Sun Does Shine: How I Found Life and Freedom on Death Row (5 stars) will break your heart and restore your hope in humanity while also simultaneously making you hate how our American society works.
27.
Genre: YA Contemporary
Long Way Down (5 stars) is one of the quickest reads on this list and will hit your gut where it needs to be hit in regards to how you view the cycle of gang violence and its cycle of retribution.
26.
Genre: Christian Living
The Pursuit of Holiness (5 stars) My heart was convicted by the choices I made and how I was pursuing my own decisions instead of the holiness that God offers. It drastically changed me.25.
Genre: Historical Fiction
Rust & Stardust (5 stars) is a historical fiction novel about a young girl who was kidnapped by a predator in the late '40s. Her story inspired Lolita and ends in tragedy. This book was beautiful. Check out my review here.
24.
Genre: Suspense
Big Little Lies (5 stars) Kindergarten moms who do horrible things and are involved in a murder have never been as interesting as they were in this fantastic novel.
23.
Genre: Thriller
The Last Time I Lied (5 stars) is hands down one of the most gripping thrillers I read in 2018 and I couldn't put it down. It also has one of the best endings that I've come across in a thriller because I was not expecting the twists of all twists to hit me upside my head. Check out my review here.
22.
Genre: YA Historical Fiction
Between Shades of Gray (5 stars) This book still holds up seven years later and needs to be read by everyone. Check out my updated review here.
21.
Genre: YA Contemporary
The Hate U Give (5 stars) deserves all the praise and accolades it has received. This novel is real and raw. The characters are alive and the story hits all the places where America needs to be hit.
20.
Genre: YA Fantasty
The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe (5 stars) reminds me of childhood happiness, sacrifice, and how Christ will always choose us even when we are the worst (like Edmund- because let's be real we are all Edmund).
19.
Genre: Manga
Death Note Volume 1: Boredom (5 stars) is one of the best manga ever written. Check out my review here.
18.
Genre: YA Contemporary
All the Rage (5 stars) tackles sexual assault and how not dealing with it leads to more sexual assault. This book made me feel all the rage (and hurt) and I am happy that it does.
17.
Genre: YA Horror
The Diviners (5 stars) checks all of my boxes: 1920s, supernatural powers, the impending apocalypse, a mystery, horror, and a cast of characters that has me hooked and rooting for them.
16.
Genre: Horror
It (5 stars) I originally gave this novel 2 stars and read it when it I was twelve, my tastes as a reader have clearly changed. This novel is intense and it will make you uncomfortable.
15.
Genre: Memoir
Anne Frank Remembered (5 stars) tore my heart apart and made me weep for those who suffered in Europe during WWII. Miep Gies reminds us that even in a world of cruelty there is still good within people. Check out my review here.
14.
Genre: Fantasy / Historical Fiction
The Mermaid (5 stars) was one of the best fantasy / historical fiction novels that I read in 2018. This book made my heart hurt and I loved it. Check out my review here.
13.
Genre: Suspense / Contemporary
The Lovely Bones (5 stars) is one of the hardest reads I've read because I was not expecting this book to destroy my soul.
12.
Genre: YA Historical Fiction
Salt to the Sea (5 stars) is one of the best narrated books that I've listened to and it made my heart hurt, which is to be expected. This is my favorite Ruta Sepetys novel. It's fantastic.
11.
Genre: YA/NA Fantasy
Tess of the Road (5 stars) is one of the more mature YA novels I came across in 2018 and I'd even say that it would've been well-suited as an adult novel. This fantasy novel hit hard in topics that YA doesn't usually address and I loved that. Check out my review here.
10.
Genre: YA Fantasy
Reign the Earth (5 stars) packs a punch. It is a desert fantasy story that follows an abusive marriage to a man who wants to destroy magic people and the woman he marries has magic in her veins. Check out my review here.
9.
Genre: Fantasy
Child of the Prophecy (5 stars) was a fantastic wrap-up to my favorite trilogy. Wow. Did it hit home and following an anti-hero wa
8.
Genre: Thriller/Horror
Pretty Girls (5 stars) is one of those shocking and horrifying novels that has stuck with me. I think about it a lot and every time I do, I feel anger in my gut at the injustices that continue to happen to women and children for the sake of a man's pleasure.
7.
Genre: Thriller/Horror
You (5 stars) is one of those disgusting novels that makes you sick but you can't stop looking away. It's brilliant. Absolutely brilliant.
6.
Genre: Horror / Sci-Fi
The Long Walk (5 stars) makes my feet hurt. I'm serious when I read this book my legs and feet ached while reading that how real and tortuously harrowing and real King made this story.
5.
Genre: Horror
The Shining (5 stars) is another favorite and another King novel on this list. Honestly, seeing so many of works shouldn't be surprising at this point. This one is creepy and chilling. If you like haunted and demon stories, then this one is for you. Also Danny is the best character in this book and I think one of my all-time favorite King characters.
4.
Genre: Christian Living (Women's)
Uninvited: Living Loved When You Feel Less Than, Left Out, and Lonely (5 stars) sucker punched me in my soul. If you struggle with rejection and often are too hard on yourself then this book is for you. It's life-changing. Mainly I loved this book because it made me look at topics I'd rather ignore.
3.
Genre: Horror/ Thriller
Gerarld's Game (5 stars) was a surprising favorite for me and the minute I picked it up, I knew this novel would change a part of my soul and it did. It's dark, disgusting, and shockingly real. People like Jessie's dad exist and those stories stick with you forever.
2.
Genre: Fantasy
Son of the Shadows (5 stars) is my favorite book of the year outside of the Bible and WOW I can't believe it took me as long as I did to continue the Sevenwaters series. These books are amazing. 2018 was the year of reading pregnant heroines in fantasy and it's a trope I love. I just adore this book. What a queen. She rescued her man with a baby on her back.
1.
MY ABSOLUTE FAVORITE NOVEL THAT I READ FOR THE FIRST TIME
I know it's almost halfway through 2019, but these books are awesome and there is never a time not to recommend some awesome and noteworthy books. I hope you added some of these to your TBR. See any of your favorites? If you did let me know down below in the comments!
The Dark Descent of Elizabeth Frankenstein sounds so good. I can't believe I let it pass me by. Son of the Shadows is one of my favorite Juliet Marillier novel. So glad you enjoyed it as well.
ReplyDeleteSalt to the Sea I bought a few months back so i'm glad to hear you loved it bc it motivates me even more to start reading it!! I read Reign to the Earth but sadly it wasn’t my cup of tea. Great list!!
ReplyDeleteGreat list! You had a really good reading year. I love The Night Circus, You, and The Hate U Give as well. I still want to read Between Shades of Gray.
ReplyDeleteI really want to read The Mermaid! I just finish The Girl in Red, and it was AMAZING.
ReplyDeleteLindsi @ Do You Dog-ear?