The best books are the ones that stick with you long after the last page has been turned. As the year comes to a close, I want to look back and celebrate the books that made my bookshelf richer and my heart fuller. Whether it was a jaw-dropping thriller, an inspiring memoir, or a fantasy world I wanted to live in, each of these stories left a mark on my year. All of these got 4.5/5 or 5/5 star reviews from me! So grab a cup of tea and a cozy blanket, and let’s dive into my favorite reads of 2024—the ones I can’t stop recommending!
Quicksilver: I simultaneously couldn't put it down and also didn't want it to end! This was on par with Fourth Wing and the A Court of Thorns and Roses series.
Plot Synopsis: In Quicksilver, Saeris Fane, a desert thief with secret powers, accidentally opens a gateway to a frozen realm. Bound to the brooding warrior Kingfisher, she’s drawn into a centuries-old conflict that forces her to confront magic, danger, and Death itself.
Fourth Wing: I just reread this one in preparation for book 3 and I fell in love with the story and characters all over again.
Plot Synopsis: In this fantasy, Violet Sorrengail is thrown into the perilous world of dragon riders, where she must outsmart ruthless rivals, bond with a dragon, and uncover deadly secrets to survive. At Basgiath War College, there’s only two paths: graduate or die.
A Study in Drowning by Ava Reid: This is an absolutely delicious fantasy/ dark academia novel with a little bit of mystery. The writing style is superb here, Reid transports you right into her world!
Plot Synopsis: In Ava Reid’s A Study in Drowning, Effy Sayre takes on the task of restoring a famed author’s crumbling estate, only to uncover dark secrets that blur the line between myth and reality.
A Court of Mist and Fury: Rhysand's POV : This is my first time ever recommending fan fiction! If you read the ACOTAR series and are dying for the next book to come out, you need to read this one. It is a retelling of book 2 of the series but from Rhysand's point of view. It is extremely well written! (a quick note: it is illegal to sell fanfiction but you can download it for free to your kindle off of An Archive of Our Own)
Plot Synopsis: For months after the horrors of Under the Mountain, Rhysand upheld his bargain with Feyre, watching from the shadows as she withered under Tamlin’s control until the moment came to call her to the Night Court. Rhysand must put aside his feelings for Feyre as he tries to save her both from the High Lord of the Spring Court, and from herself.
A Fate Inked in Blood by Danielle L Jensen: If you love fantasy but think they all sort of start to feel like the same story over and over, you'll like this one.
Plot Synopsis: Set in a Norse-inspired fantasy world, A Fate Inked in Blood follows Freya, a shield maiden with divine powers, as she’s bound by a ruthless jarl to unite a fractured kingdom.
The Mysterious Case of the Alperton Angels by Janice Hallett: Janice Hallett is my go-to for mystery novels. Her writing style is completely unlike any other author I have read before. She uses a mixed-media format that sucks you right into the story!
Plot Synopsis: In this fast-paced, twist-filled thriller, The Alperton Angels follows true crime author Amanda Bailey as she reopens a decades-old case involving a cult and a missing baby. Teaming up with her rival, Oliver Menzies, Amanda unravels shocking secrets that make the case much darker—and more dangerous—than they ever imagined.
Funny Story by Emily Henry: If you love rom coms, you probably already know about Emily Henry, but if you don't, allow me to introduce you! Funny Story is the perfect combination of funny, binge-able, serious, and meaningful. Striking the balance between lighthearted fun and deep life lessons is probably the trickiest aspect of romcoms and she does it flawlessly.
Plot Synopsis: In Funny Story, Daphne is rebuilding her life after her fiancé leaves her for his best friend, Petra. Stranded in a small town, she becomes unlikely roommates with Petra’s ex, Miles, and together they navigate the messiness of new beginnings, unexpected friendships, and the possibility of a love that neither of them saw coming
The Dead Romantics by Ashley Poston: This is probably in my top two favorite romcoms of all time (tied with Funny Story)! It has a hint of paranormal in it, but is more romance than magical realism. Her writing is absolutely exquisite and it handles death in a very touching way.
Plot Synopsis: In Ashley Poston’s adult debut, ghostwriter Florence Day has lost her belief in love—a problem when she writes romance for a living. Returning to her Southern hometown to bury her father, she’s confronted by bittersweet memories, unexpected love, and a very handsome ghost with unfinished business.
What was your favorite book of 2024?! Let me know in the comments!
xoxo,
Melissa
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