Happy New Year! Is one of your resolutions to get back into reading? Or maybe you are just looking for a good book to read? Well, you are in luck because I have 11 books that will help you achieve your goal.
Fantasy
The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan
The Lightning Thief started my love of reading. This is the first book in the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series, if you have not read this series then I highly recommend it. It is a great introduction to fantasy because it is easy to read but still has complex themes. The book follows Percy, who discovers his entire life is a lie because he is not just human but the son of a Greek god. A TV show adaption of this is coming out in 2024 so this would be the perfect time to start the series to get ahead!
Legendborn by Tracy Deon
Legendborn was one of my favourite books of 2022. It follows Bree Matthews who is still reeling from the death of her mother. Eventually, she discovers that maybe her mom’s death was not an accident. She becomes involved in a secret society related to Arthur and the round table to discover the truth.
An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir
Sabaa Tahir is my favourite author of all time. All of her books are gut-wrenching so if you read this prepare to cry. An Ember in the Ashes is a South Asian ancient Roman-inspired fantasy where Laia, who is a scholar, wants to fight for the rebellion and Elias, a soldier who may be destined for the throne but wants to escape his life. When they meet, they discover they may not be so different. The characters in this series are so complex and you will love them with all your heart.
A Kinder Poison by Natalie Mae
In Orkena, everyone has a power of their own. However, Zahru is only a whisperer who can talk to animals. This is seen as a lowly gift so she may never get the chance to travel the world as her mother did. One day she gets the opportunity to visit the palace and takes it. However, she becomes involved in a feud between the princes and gets mistaken as a human sacrifice.
Mystery/Thriller
A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson
This is a great book to read if you are looking to get into mystery books. Pippa Fitz-Amobi decides to do her senior research project on the murder of Andie Bell, her hometown’s golden girl. Everyone believes that her boyfriend, Sal Singh did it, except Pippa. Though there is someone who doesn’t want her to dig up the past, so she needs to solve the case quickly before she is stopped.
Ace of Spades by Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé
If you are looking for something darker, then Ace of Spades is what you want to read. This is a psychological thriller often compared to Get Out that will keep you on your toes. It follows Chiamaka and Devon who are the only two black students at a prestigious boarding school. Ace, an anonymous person starts to wreak havoc on both of them, exposing their secrets. It is up to them to discover who it is before their lives are destroyed.
Truly Devious by Maureen Johnson
This is another great starter mystery novel. Truly Devious takes place at a prestigious boarding school called Ellingham Academy. Only the best of the best gets to attend, which includes Stevie Bell. Everyone has a talent at the school and Stevie’s is detective work. She is determined to solve one of the most complicated mysteries of all time. Who is Truly Devious? When the school opened nearly 100 years ago, the founder’s wife and daughter were kidnapped with only a riddle in their place signed by Truly Devious. No one ever discovered who did it and the bodies were never found.
In my dreams, I hold a Knife by Ashley Winstead
If you love Gossip Girl, then you need to read this book! Ten years ago, there was the East House Seven. Everyone wanted to be them until one of them was murdered by another member. Now at the reunion, more secrets are revealed. Not everything is as it seemed and maybe the person who everyone thought it was didn’t kill them.
Contemporary/Romance
Excuse me while I ugly Cry by Joya Goffney
This was one of the best YA romances I read last year. Quinn loves to write lists in her journal. Everything from her favourite songs, to boys she wants to kiss. One day Derek, a pain in her side, loses her journal. Someone steals it and starts to blackmail her to do all of the tasks that she has been avoiding or they are going to release her deepest secrets.
Charming as a Verb by Ben Phillipe
Halti has always been charming. Everyone loves him except Corrine, his intense neighbour and classmate. One day she blackmails him to make her more likable and sociable. When they start to get closer, it seems like sparks are starting to fly.
Dial A for Aunties by Jesse Q Sutanto
This is such a fun read. When Meddelin Chan accidentally kills her date, it is up to her meddling aunties and mom to help her cover it up. On every page, something even more ridiculous happens but you can’t help loving this dysfunctional family.
Hopefully, this list leaves you with one book you want to read this year! Reading can be fun and exciting once you find the book for you!