It’s wonderful to highlight our favourite new releases each year – but there are amazing older books out there too! Why not spotlight them as well?
(Not that any of the ones I’ve picked this year are very old…)
Thus: the very best books I read this year (not counting rereads!) that were published pre-2024!
Genres: Adult, Fantasy, Contemporary or Urban Fantasy, Queer Protagonists
Representation: Black sapphic MC, F/F or F/NB
Published on: 5th September 2023
Goodreads
Cassiel has given up the family tradition of demon hunting, leaving behind her sacred angelic duty and fated sword. What she can’t leave behind are the scars. To cope, she spends her days immersed in work, pouring all her attention into New Haven Books, her small bookstore and anchor in the new world she’s carved for herself.
But the past hasn’t let go of Cassiel yet. When a succubus named Avitue arrives to claim her angel-touched soul, Cassiel’s old hunter instincts flare, forcing her to choose between old knowledge and her truth. What should be a fatal seduction becomes a bargain neither woman expects. As they grow closer, Avitue is surprised to find her own pain reflected in Cassiel, a nephilim deemed fallen by her own family’s standards.
By choosing trust, they reveal the lies that bind them. Falling for each other begins a path towards healing. But exorcising the effects of trauma is harder than naming it, and to explore the unfettered possibility Avitue represents, Cassiel must find a way to reclaim and redefine her angelic heritage.
Everything about this book screams that it’s not for me – it’s written in first-person present-tense, it’s borderline Paranormal Romance, and the worldbuilding plays with Christian concepts of angels and Hell without leaving room for other mythologies.
AND IT’S FREAKING AMAZING. Deeply escapist, thoughtful, with simple but very cool worldbuilding (the angel lore is *chef’s kiss*!) and characters I rooted SO HARD for! It’s very much a story about recovering from trauma – specifically religious fundamentalist kind of trauma – and claiming your sexuality, your body, your physicality, and I thought both aspects were done beautifully. Plus, one of the most unique takes on a happy ending that I’ve ever seen before!
Genres: Adult, Fantasy, Secondary World Fantasy, Queer Protagonists
Representation: Sapphic MC
Published on: 2nd July 2024
Goodreads
The Witch’s Heart meets The Priory of the Orange Tree in this debut novel about a woman who can bring people back from the dead, and the princess — and only heir to the throne — that she must protect, no matter the cost.
The first time Hellevir visited Death, she was ten years old…
Since she was a little girl, Hellevir has been able to raise the dead. Every creature can be saved for a price, a price demanded by the shrouded figure who rules the afterlife, who takes a little more from Hellevir with each soul she resurrects.
Such a gift can rarely remain a secret. When Princess Sullivain, sole heir to the kingdom’s throne, is assassinated, the Queen summons Hellevir to demand she bring her granddaughter back to life. But once is not enough; the killers might strike again. The Princess’ death would cause a civil war, so the Queen commands that Hellevir remain by her side.
But Sullivain is no easy woman to be bound to, even as Hellevir begins to fall in love with her. With the threat of war looming, Hellevir must trade more and more of herself to keep the princess alive.
But Death will always take what he is owed.
The impression I still have of Gilded Crown, all these months later, is delicate elegance; it’s a book that makes me think of gilt filigree, or graceful porcelain, or blown glass. Gordon’s prose is a wet fingertip on crystal, spun silk, and what looks at first like a relatively simple story (and world) gradually reveals impressive, intricate depth. The cover that went out on the final version of the book makes it look like Gilded Crown is some kind of Romantasy: it absolutely is not. It’s magical-, religious-, and political-intrigue galore, and the idiotic mis-marketing is hiding it from many of the readers who’d adore it. Give this one a chance: you will NOT be disappointed!
Genres: Adult, Fantasy, Secondary World Fantasy, Queer Protagonists
Representation: Desi cast, F/F
Published on: 29th September 2023
Goodreads
Myung and Laleh are keepers of the whale of babel. They roam within its cosmic chambers, speak folktales of themselves, and pray to an enigmatic figure they know only as 'Great Wisa'. To Laleh, this is everything. For Myung, it is not enough.
When Myung flees the whale, she stumbles into a new universe where shapeshifting islands and ancient maps hold sway. There, she sets off on an adventure that is both tragic and transformative, for her and Laleh. For at the heart of her quest lies a mystery that has confounded scholars for centuries: the truth about the mad sisters of Esi.
Fables, dreams and myths come together in this masterful work of fantasy by acclaimed author Tashan Mehta, sweeping across three landscapes, and featuring a museum of collective memory and a festival of madness. At its core, it asks: In the devastating chaos of this world, where all is in flux and the truth ever-changing, what will you choose to hold on to?
I challenge anyone – ANYONE – to describe Mad Sisters of Esi in a way that does it justice! This is genuinely unlike anything else I have ever read, the kind of book that comes so far out of left field – wielding such incredible, out-there imagination – that the only rational conclusion is that Tashan Mehta exists on a whole ‘nother level from the rest of us! Sisterhood, a universe-whale, magical museums, an island where everyone goes ‘mad’ every hundred years – I can tell you about the things that are in it, but I have no idea how to convey the vivid richness of it, the originality, the borderline-experimentalism!
You just. YOU JUST HAVE TO READ IT!
(It’s actually getting a US edition next year, so you will have ABSOLUTELY NO EXCUSE, if you live in the USA, not to read it!)
Genres: Adult, Queer Protagonists, Sci Fi
Representation: QBIPOC MCs
Published on: 14th April 2022
Goodreads
In The Memory Librarian: And Other Stories of Dirty Computer, singer-songwriter, actor, fashion icon, activist, and worldwide superstar Janelle Monáe brings to the written page the Afrofuturistic world of one of her critically acclaimed albums, exploring how different threads of liberation—queerness, race, gender plurality, and love—become tangled with future possibilities of memory and time in such a totalitarian landscape…and what the costs might be when trying to unravel and weave them into freedoms.
Whoever controls our memories controls the future.
Janelle Monáe and an incredible array of talented collaborating creators have written a collection of tales comprising the bold vision and powerful themes that have made Monáe such a compelling and celebrated storyteller. Dirty Computer introduced a world in which thoughts—as a means of self-conception—could be controlled or erased by a select few. And whether human, A.I., or other, your life and sentience was dictated by those who’d convinced themselves they had the right to decide your fate.
That was until Jane 57821 decided to remember and break free.
Expanding from that mythos, these stories fully explore what it’s like to live in such a totalitarian existence…and what it takes to get out of it. Building off the traditions of speculative writers such as Octavia Butler, Ted Chiang, Becky Chambers, and Nnedi Okorafor—and filled with the artistic genius and powerful themes that have made Monáe a worldwide icon in the first place—The Memory Librarian serves readers tales grounded in the human trials of identity expression, technology, and love, but also reaching through to the worlds of memory and time within, and the stakes and power that exists there.
Everyone who told me how amazing this collection was undersold it. I realise I’m probably the last person on the planet to read it, so you don’t need me to tell you, but seriously – WOW. Wrenching, beautiful, terrifying, hopeful – every story felt so ALIVE, and the last one made me break down in happy-sobs. A very unique world, powerful and immersive storytelling, and wonderfully vivid characters! I’m crossing my fingers we get more set in this verse eventually.
Genres: Adult, Fantasy, Speculative Fiction
Representation: Minor nonbinary characters
Published on: 20th July 2021
Goodreads
From one of the most imaginative writers of her generation comes an extraordinary vision of the future…
Ven was once a holy man, a keeper of ancient archives. It was his duty to interpret archaic texts, sorting useful knowledge from the heretical ideas of the Burning Age—a time of excess and climate disaster. For in Ven's world, such material must be closely guarded so that the ills that led to that cataclysmic era can never be repeated.
But when the revolutionary Brotherhood approaches Ven, pressuring him to translate stolen writings that threaten everything he once held dear, his life will be turned upside down. Torn between friendship and faith, Ven must decide how far he's willing to go to save this new world—and how much he is willing to lose.
Notes from the Burning Age is the remarkable new novel from the award-winning Claire North that puts dystopian fiction in a whole new light.
A post-apocalyptic world working hard to be an environmentally-concious utopia, where belief in the elemental beings who ended the previous age (the one the reader’s living in!) is waning, allowing the spread of a too-familiar brand of fascism. This would be a very different book without the voice of our main character; the tone is almost medative at times, showing us a way of thinking and being that’s probably pretty alien to most readers (it was to me!) It’s exquisitely beautiful and compulsively compelling: I was glued to the pages, my heart in my throat as the tension climbed higher and higher. Yet another book I’m kicking myself for not reading sooner!
Genres: Fantasy, MG
Published on: 1st September 2022
Goodreads
In a world where anyone can cast a life-destroying curse, only one person has the power to unravel them.
Kellen does not fully understand his unique gift, but helps those who are cursed, like his friend Nettle who was trapped in the body of a bird for years. She is now Kellen's constant companion and his closest ally.
But the Unraveller carries a curse himself and, unless he and Nettle can remove it, Kellen is a danger to everything – and everyone – around him . . .
If you’re familiar with Hardinge, you won’t be surprised by her presence here; if you DON’T know her books, then you have much delightful discovery ahead of you! Unraveller is possibly my new favourite of hers; gently but mercilessly incisive; shining starlight on difficult, messy aspects of human nature; a story that breaks your heart and puts it back together again. Like all the best children’s writers, Hardinge never talks down to her readers, with the result that this is a deep, rich book for any grown-up, too. I’ll never get over how wildly wonderful her imagination is! Unraveller knocked my socks off, knit me new ones, and the new ones turned out to be seagull wings and flew me away.
Genres: Adult, Fantasy, High Fantasy
Representation: Major brown character
Published on: 15th July 2023
Goodreads
It's a long way from the northern mountains back to the summer lands—and all the challenges Aras left behind are waiting. Worse, no matter how Aras handles those problems, the summer king's judgment of his actions is certain to be harsh.
Released from every vow he ever swore to Aras, Ryo could remain among his own people. But he can't abandon Aras to confront his king alone—especially as the struggle they endured in the land of the shades still haunts them both.
But, as they journey south, Ryo realizes that Aras may be losing control of his sorcery. Even if Ryo can persuade the summer king to judge Aras kindly, that may only be the beginning of the challenges they face. If Aras' strength of will fails, even Ugaro stubbornness may not be enough to prevent disaster…
Tasmakat is the finale of the first/main (first-main?) arc of Neumeier’s Tuyo series – which, for the record, started off brilliant and seems to get better with every book! It’s difficult to discuss it without spoilers for the earlier books, but this completely blew me away, while a) showing us TWO whole new realms of this setting to fall in love with (and I absolutely fell in love with them) and b) continuing to elevate the friendship of these two men, Aras and Ryo, in a way we so rarely get to see in fiction. And you can bet I’ll be sticking around for anything else Neumeier writes in this world!
Genres: Adult, Fantasy, Historical Fantasy, Queer Protagonists
Representation: M/M, secondary bi/pansexual trans character, secondary sapphic character, F/F
Published on: 2nd October 2021
Goodreads
'Your ridiculous Art. It’s as twisty as you are, and that’s saying something.'
It’s twenty years into the reign of Queen Victoria. The Agency for the Benefit of Registered Artisans has been established to help and protect magic-users and regulate their Artworks. The use of illicit Art is heavily punished.
The coldly self-possessed Kit Whitely is an Artisan whose specialty is opening doors and locks. That makes him very popular with a certain type of criminal, so he’s hiding out in a remote Somerset village hoping for uninteresting times. He’s starting to feel safe for the first time in his life.
Cheerful bounty hunter Alexander Locke has other ideas. He’s obliviously barging into Kit's peaceful new life to arrest him for the use of illicit Art and drag him back to London. But he's a man of divided loyalties and so he's also intending to use Kit for illicit purposes of his own.
How much trouble could one pissant little thief give him, really?
An enjoyable alt-history m/m fantasy fiction romance.
T/W: References to past abuse.
WHERE DID WENDY PALMER COME FROM AND WHY DID NONE OF YOU TELL ME SHE EXISTED??? I haven’t gotten through all her backlist yet, but GODS DAMN. Illicit Art sounded like it wouldn’t be for me at all, but I was MAGNETISED to the pages, to this wonderfully twisty story about a wonderfully twisty man with wonderfully twisty magic! Palmer’s prose is brilliantly addictive, and I am heart-eyes for her take on magic in this setting – the way it’s explored and stretched and experimented with in this story–! *swoons* Illicit Art swings from hilarious to action-y to heartbreaking and back again, with lots of food for thought and amazing escapes in-between what becomes something of a quest for vengeance. MAGNIFIQUE!
Genres: Adult, Fantasy, High Fantasy
Representation: Bi/pan PoV character, minor M/M
Published on: 8th November 2022
Goodreads
Magic, mystery, and revolution collide in this fantasy epic where an unlikely team of mages, scribes, and archivists must band together to unearth a conspiracy that might topple their empire.
"What makes this book special, even by Erin’s lofty goalposts, is the world she weaves around the characters. Detailed and mysterious, a place to explore and relish. Empire of Exiles is highly recommended!” – R.A. Salvatore, author or “The Legend of Drizzt” and the DemonWars novels
“The beginning of a truly epic tale. Deft worldbuilding and wonderful verbal fencing that is a delight to read. In these pages, you are in the hands of a master.” - Ed Greenwood, creator of the Forgotten Realms and internationally bestselling author
Twenty-seven years ago, a Duke with a grudge led a ruthless coup against the empire of Semilla, killing thousands. He failed. The Duke was executed, a terrifyingly powerful sorcerer was imprisoned, and an unwilling princess disappeared.
The empire moved on.
Now, when Quill, an apprentice scribe, arrives in the capital city, he believes he's on a simple errand for another pompous noble: fetch ancient artifacts from the magical Imperial Archives. He's always found his apprenticeship to a lawman to be dull work. But these aren't just any artifacts — these are the instruments of revolution, the banners under which the Duke lead his coup.
Just as the artifacts are unearthed, the city is shaken by a brutal murder that seems to have been caused by a weapon not seen since the days of rebellion. With Quill being the main witness to the murder, and no one in power believing his story, he must join the Archivists — a young mage, a seasoned archivist, and a disillusioned detective — to solve the truth of the attack. And what they uncover will be the key to saving the empire – or destroying it again.
“Empire of Exiles has it all: characters I love, intertwined compelling mysteries in the past and present, plot twists that keep coming, and a unique and fascinating world and magic system!" – Melissa Caruso, author of The Obsidian Tower
“Beautifully wrought and equally ensnaring, this book lived up to and then surpassed all my expectations.” – Cat Rambo, author of You Sexy Thing
I did actually read this the year it was released (2022) but I didn’t enjoy it at the time for some reason??? Well, PAST!SIA WAS WRONG, Empire of Exiles is exceedingly excellent – one might even say extravagantly excellent! – with truly delicious, detailed worldbuilding, a murder-mystery I ended up caring about Very Much (and I never care about murder mysteries!) and multiple levels of intrigue! Most of the cast work in what’s effectively a museum for the treasures of MULTIPLE species, the magic system is inspired by clinical anxiety, and several people who are supposed to be dead are almost certainly not. I got to read the sequel this year (EVEN BETTER) and I am pining for book three! Pining, I tell you!!! I have no idea how this one is flying so far under the radar.
(Also yes, I guess technically this was a reread, but the first time around didn’t count, damn it! I was clearly not in my right mind at the time!)
Genres: Adult, Fantasy, Historical Fantasy, Secondary World Fantasy, Queer Protagonists
Representation: M/M, minor M/F/M polyamory
Goodreads
Award-winning author Carole Cummings really brings it with her newest gay romantic fantasy. Wartime, magic, and dragons!
Old Forge is known for its dragons— savage little things, more singe than snarl—and Milo Priddy is known for his way with them. But as rumblings of conflict appear on the horizon, the dragons start to disappear. As dragonkin, Milo knows what he must do. But it is an uneasy choice, one he dares not reveal even to his lover, Ellis.
As the leader of neighbouring Wellech, Ellis has his own hard choices. His skills are crucial to a secure homeland. And, more and more, the life he and Milo once hoped to share is under threat—not only from outside but within.For their own people are sowing mistrust of the magic users, seeding the betrayal of not only the dragons, but their kin.
What if the UK was three separate islands and Welsh was the dominant culture? And dragons existed??? That’s kind of the premise of Sonata Form, except the worldbuilding is much richer and more intricate than that. There’s a budding World War only barely in the background, serving all kinds of political and magical intrigue; the romance is deep and heart-felt, though I wouldn’t call it anything like Romantasy; the dragons are extremely plot-relevant and also utterly amazing (I love them so much!) This is an utter gem, a book that never talks down to its readers (just don’t be intimidated by all the Welsh words!) but snatches your heart right out of your chest while you’re not paying attention. Unexpected in almost every way – the best way!
My (woefully inadequate) review!
What were your favourite backlist reads this year?
I liked but didn’t love The Gilded Crown – I think the comparison to The Priory of the Orange Tree just set impossible expectations and, really, that was as much mis-marketing as the romantasy cover. You’re not quite the last person to read The Memory Librarian (it’s still sitting on my shelf), but nice to hear a glowing review to keep it at the forefront of the TBR.
I think my favorite backlist read of the year would have been either King’s Dragon by Kate Elliott or Her Majesty’s Royal Coven by Juno Dawson. Empire of Silence by Christopher Ruocchio was an uneven read that got really good by the end, but I’ll wait for a second book to pass judgment.
See, for me Priory was a letdown (I know, I know, blasphemy!) But I completely agree, the Priory comp was ridiculous. Who is in charge of these marketing decisions and why are they so bad at it???
I love the Crown of Stars series! So dense, though, I have to be in the right headspace or they make me sleepy. Empire of Silence…I really liked AND disliked, you know? I’m not sure I want to push on to book 2. But then I’ve heard such great things…
I’m super intrigued (from your glowing reviews) by The Fall That Saved Us, Mad Sisters of Esi, Empire of Exiles, and Sonata Form, and I’m just about to read some Rachel Neumeier in the new year (starting with The Floating Islands).
I read so, so many incredible backlist reads, great year, but to narrow it down to some of the greatest:
* To Shape a Dragon’s Breath by Moniquill Blackgoose
* Dungeon Crawler Carl (series) by Matt Dinniman
* The Fifth Season by N.K. Jemisin
* Darknesses by Lachelle Seville
* The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill
* The Twice-Drowned Saint by C.S.E. Cooney
* The Books of Earthsea by Ursula K. Le Guin
I mean, obviously I STRONGLY recommend all of them XD The Floating Islands is one of my favourites from Neumeier! Just don’t do what I did and not-realise there’s an equally fabulous sequel!
I’ve read and loved most of those! But I haven’t even tried Dungeon Crawler Carl – do you think I have any chance of enjoying it?
Dungeon Crawler Carl is hilarious, yes I think you would enjoy. Donut the cat is too fantastic not to. If it’s an option for you I HIGHLY recommend the audiobook version. The narrator is a wildly talented voice actor and makes the experience go from awesome to outlandishly incredible, truly. They are unfortunately Audible exclusives but worth it.
I will keep an eye out for MAD SISTERS OF ESI! Apparently I already added it to my TBR in March lol. I’ve never read anything by Claire North but NOTES FROM THE BURNING AGE sounds like the one I should try… I also already have that on my TBR… maybe I should take the hint and pick them up sooner than later :P
Mad Sisters and Burning Age both left me SPEECHLESS, completely unable to review them (do you ever get that?) so I would love to know what you think! I clearly have to check out more of Claire North’s stuff now, myself.