Top 100 Favourite Books of the Decade
Last updated on 17 October 2023
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Everyone has their favourite books of the year, right? Right. But what about of the decade?
We’re approaching the end of another decade, and whether you’re excited for 2020 or you’d rather hold onto 2019 a little longer, a new decade is beginning whether we like it or not. It wasn’t really until the past few weeks that I really realised that it was the end of an entire decade. I knew it, of course I did, but I didn’t really know it. I hadn’t taken the time to think about it quite yet.
But here we are! I’ve been doing a little reminiscing of the past 10 years, mainly in the book department. I managed to download all the stats of my reading habits from when I started using Goodreads in 2012 and have had a great time going through them all and remembering all the books that I discovered for the first time or re-read because I loved them so much.
I’m going to be posting an overview (in infographic form!) of my decade in books in the New Year, but I thought it would be fun to take a look at my top 100 favourite books from the past decade, in the hopes that you, too, find something fun to read.
While I didn’t start using Goodreads until about 2012, there are books in this list that I read in 2010 and 2011 also. These are sorted into year release (to the best of my ability), and are not necessarily the year in which I read them. They’re also a mixture of 4 and 5 star ratings, and not every featured book comes with a This Splendid Shambles reviews; some are from Blogger’s Bookshelf, some from Goodreads.
My top 100 favourite books of the decade
2010
- Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare
- The Passage by Justin Cronin
Dash & Lily's Book of Dares Published by Knopf Books for Young Readers Pages: 766
Goodreads
The story follows, in alternating chapters, Lily and Dash as they leave the notebook in places around New York City, giving each other dares and clues to find the next little aspect in the game. Along the way, they are dealing with their own personal journeys, and often including these in writing within the pages of the red notebook. While they haven’t met, and only communicate in written word, they both have a sense of connection with the other. When they spoiler finally meet, they have to learn how to talk to each other and actually be present, rather than continue to be those strangers connected by only words.
- Will Grayson, Will Grayson by John Green and David Levithan
- Matched by Ally Condie
2011
- Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs
- The Name of the Star by Maureen Johnson
- A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness
Ready Player One by Ernest Cline Published by Broadway Books
Goodreads
Ready Player One was so crazy good. I don’t think I had remembered from the reviews I’d read previously that it was so geeky. Halliday loved the 80s, so all the clues, pop culture references and little quips and nods towards things of a time gone by were geek central, and so wonderful. From Star Wars to Back to the Future, Pacman to Kurt Vonnegut, Douglas Adams to Monty Python, there’s a little of everything 80s in this book, which, of course, made it that more entertaining to read.
- Variant by Robison Wells
- Divergent by Veronica Roth
- Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi
- Attachments by Rainbow Rowell
- Rivers of London by Ben Aaronovitch
- Delirium by Lauren Oliver
Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor Published by Hodder & Stoughton
Pages: 418
Goodreads
With twists and turns, fallen angels, incredibly kind chimaera – or demons – beads that grant wishes, a hilarious best friend, and untold stories from the past, this was a great read, with page turning events and interesting – and some of the time disturbing – characters.
Laini Taylor has a great writing style, I found, and has the right balance of description, dialogue and background story, something which often annoys me in other books. I really enjoyed the spin she’s put on the sort of classic demon=bad, angel=good idea, and, perhaps it’s because Karou is the main character, but it was written in a way that I found myself liking the demon in the story a lot more than the angel. And let’s face it, that doesn’t happen often, does it?
2012
The Fault in Our Stars by John Green Published by Penguin Books
Pages: 318
Goodreads
With laugh out loud moments, *gasp* moments, ‘I need tissues now’ moments, and great chemistry between the characters, this is an amazing story of friendship, love, and life’s everyday battles, as well as extremely heart-wrenching cancer battles. It’s a story that has the best lines in it, and it is written beautifully. Green has done an incredible job with this book, and I highly recommend it.
- Carnival of Souls by Melissa Marr
- Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas
Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo Published by Indigo
Pages: 308
Goodreads
There wasn’t much I didn’t like about this book. The world that Bardugo has created is insane, a word which here means freaken awesome. I love the idea of the Shadow Fold and the dangers that lurk within, I love the idea of the Grisha, with their powers and their magical elements, I love map at the front of the book. Yes, dear friends, it has a map. 10 points to Gryffindor Bardugo! Everything from the names of the cities and towns to the little worldly elements, was amazing and I definitely got sucked in.
- Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell
- Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Saenz
2013
- Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell
- The 5th Wave by Rick Yancey
- The Bone Season by Samantha Shannon
Vicious by V.E. Schwab, Victoria Schwab Pages: 368
Goodreads
Schwab does this fantastic job of making neither of them really the ‘good guy’. Even though the majority of the time the story is from Victor’s perspective, and you’re routing for him, the things he does are terrible, and you have to disagree with a lot of his tactics and reasons for doing things. Schwab writes it really well, this sort of tension between using their powers for good, or what they think is the good, and using them for destructive endeavours.
2014
To All the Boys I've Loved Before by Jenny Han Pages: 355
Goodreads
Lara Jean's love life goes from imaginary to out of control in this heartfelt novel from Jenny Han. What if all the crushes you ever had found out how you felt about them...all at once? Lara Jean Song keeps her love letters in a hatbox her mother gave her. They aren't love letters that anyone else wrote for her; these are ones she's written. One for every boy she's ever loved--five in all. When she writes, she pours out her heart and soul and says all the things she would never say in real life, because her letters are for her eyes only. Until the day her secret letters are mailed, and suddenly, Lara Jean's love life goes from imaginary to out of control.
- The Queen of the Tearling by Erika Johansen
- Dorothy Must Die by Danielle Paige
- Sidekick by Auralee Wallace
- A Thousand Pieces of You by Claudia Gray
- The Young Elites by Marie Lu
- Fire & Flood by Victoria Scott
2015
Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo Published by Henry Holt and Company
Pages: 465
Goodreads
This has got to be one of my favourite books of the year. I had read Bardugo’s Grisha Series before and absolutely loved it, so I’m well annoyed that it took me so long to pick up Six of Crows. There was nothing about this story I didn’t love.
The characters were a dream. Kaz isn’t quite your typical leader – he’s got an attitude, he can be a bit of a you-know-what at times, and he isn’t in great physical shape. But he is a strong leader with a sharp mind and excellent ideas. The others in the group all have their backstories, their quirks and their strong personalities.
- A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas
- Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli
- Nimona by Noelle Stevenson
- An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir
A Darker Shade of Magic by V.E. Schwab Published by Tor Books
Pages: 398
Goodreads
I could not stop thinking about this book. When I wasn’t reading it, I wanted to be. And when I finished, I just wanted more. I would have given it more stars if my system allowed it.
I had been meaning to read this for a while, but when I saw it was available at the library, I knew it was time. As soon as I finished this one, I ordered the second and read that too. There was just nothing about this story that I didn’t like.
- All the Bright Places by Jennifer Niven
- Carry On by Rainbow Rowell
- The Darkest Part of the Forest by Holly Black
- The Rest of Us Just Live Here by Patrick Ness
- Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard
2016
Scythe by Neal Shusterman Pages: 435
Goodreads
Few books I’ve read these days have really got me thinking, but Scythe really did. There were so many hints and nods to things in real life throughout the book, and of course, the whole concept of ‘conquering’ death that made me stop and think multiple times throughout the story. I really also enjoy Shusterman’s storytelling, and the characters he creates. Really looking forward to picking up Thunderhead. Would definitely recommend.
Read the rest of the discussion with Erin on Blogger's Bookshelf here.
- A Shadow Bright and Burning by Jessica Cluess
- Holding Up the Universe by Jennifer Niven
- This Savage Song by Victoria Schwab
Stalking Jack the Ripper by Kerri Maniscalco Published by Jimmy Patterson
Pages: 327
Goodreads
Seventeen-year-old Audrey Rose Wadsworth was born a lord's daughter, with a life of wealth and privilege stretched out before her. But between the social teas and silk dress fittings, she leads a forbidden secret life.
Against her stern father's wishes and society's expectations, Audrey often slips away to her uncle's laboratory to study the gruesome practice of forensic medicine. When her work on a string of savagely killed corpses drags Audrey into the investigation of a serial murderer, her search for answers brings her close to her own sheltered world.
- Heartless by Marissa Meyer
- The Problem with Forever by Jennifer L. Armentrout
- Three Dark Crowns by Kendare Blake
- The Shadow Queen by C.J. Redwine
Rebel of the Sands by Alwyn Hamilton Published by Viking
Pages: 316
Goodreads
This was a very col book. It was a little Western feeling, a little Aladdin feeling, and there was just a lot of sand. Like, a lot. There is no way that I would want to live in such a place, but I loved the setting and the supernatural sort of feel to the world. There are Djinnis and beasts and people with special powers and it’s all very captivating and exciting. Along side the done-before desert setting, though, are trains and guns, and it’s this collection of things that makes Rebel of the Sands quite unique (or at least, I haven’t read anything similar).
2017
The Last Magician by Lisa Maxwell Published by Simon Pulse
Pages: 528
Goodreads
Stop the Magician. Steal the book. Save the future.
I’m sorry, but when that’s the leading line on the back cover, then you know you’re in for one heck of a ride. The Last Magician is one of those stories where all aspects of the novel are wonderfully crafted. Often you’ll get a book that you really enjoyed, but the setting was lacking, or the characters were just average. Not this book, my friends. Not.This.Book.
- Daughter of the Pirate King by Tricia Levenseller
- Love Her Wild by Atticus Poetry
- The Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue by Mackenzi Lee
- Caraval by Stephanie Garber
- The Last Namsara by Kristen Ciccarelli
- They Both Die at the End by Adam Silvera
- One of Us Is Lying by Karen M. McManus
- The Glass Spare by Lauren DeStefano
- Turtles All the Way Down by John Green
Strange the Dreamer by Laini Taylor Published by Hodder & Stoughton
Pages: 544
Goodreads
Oh my goodness. What aren’t my thoughts? I love every sentence of this book. From the very beginning I was hooked. Lazlo’s character is me but times 100. Lost in a world of books and make believe, buried in a library most people don’t even visit, he is inquisitive, he is curious, and yet he is fiercely passionate about what he loves.
“The Great Library was no mere place to keep books. It was a walled city for poets and astronomers and every shade of thinker in between.”
If I got to visit that library, you’d never see me again. There were times in this book when I was also positive Laini Taylor did a study on me and added parts of who I am into Lazlo’s character. Especially when it comes to books.
- Flame in the Mist by Renae Ahdieh
- The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas
- Hunting Prince Dracula by Kerri Maniscalco
- Frostblood by Elly Blake
2018
- Heartstopper: Volume One by Alice Oseman
- Girl, Wash Your Face by Rachel Hollis
- What If It’s Us by Becky Albertalli
Truly Devious by Maureen Johnson Published by Katherine Tegen Books
Pages: 420
Goodreads
There was nothing about this book that I didn’t enjoy. The whole concept of a school in the mountains for kids who have great talents and passions (everything from writing to film making to science to sport) was brilliant, and the characters that filled the school were just as interesting. Stevie’s house mates – Ellie, David, Nate, Janelle and Hayes – were all very unique in personality and their talents, and the side characters who didn’t share a house with them definitely added to the exciting flavour of the school.
- City of Ghosts by Victoria Schwab
- Grace and Fury by Tracy Banghart
- The Cruel Prince by Holly Black
An Absolutely Remarkable Thing by Hank Green Published by Hachette
Pages: 343
Goodreads
Normally alien invasions and sci-fi genres don’t draw me in, but there was something about An Absolutely Remarkable Thing that was, shockingly enough, absolutely remarkable (and I’m 100% no one has made that joke before, she says sarcastically). I’ve mentioned before that occasionally if a writer is average, or I really don’t want to read about the greenness of the trees yet again, then my eyes will flit over the key words and form an educated guess that the writer intends for me to see that trees are, indeed, green. It was not the case with this book. I wanted to read every single word, and would gladly read them all over again.
- Everless by Sara Holland
- Dry by Neal Shusterman and Jarrod Shusterman
- Reign of the Fallen by Sarah Glenn Marsh
- Impostors by Scott Westerfeld
The Anger of Angels by Sherryl Jordan Published by Walker Books
Pages: 336
Goodreads
Never have I read a book set in the Renaissance era (that I can think of), let alone Renaissance Italy, so that in itself was a real treat. But the story and the characters in The Anger of Angels were so brilliant I think it has become one of my favourite reads of the year.
Giovanna is strong willed, able to think sharply on her feet, not afraid to do the right thing, and fiercely loyal to her father. Raffaele is this sweet young man who is humble, and knows his mind, and is somehow captivating. I haven’t read anything else by Jordan, but if her all characters are like the ones in The Anger of Angels then I really must remedy that.
2019
- Rules For Vanishing by Kate Alice Marshall
- Wayward Son by Rainbow Rowell
Four Dead Queens by Astrid Scholte Published by Allen & Unwin
Pages: 432
Goodreads
Four Dead Queens had everything a good Young Adult Fantasy book should have: action, mystery, interesting and well rounded characters (my English teacher would be so proud of me for using the term ‘well rounded’), a beautiful and intricate world which had been thought out on so many levels, and even that little bit of romance to keep the feels alive and well.
- Spin the Dawn by Elizabeth Lim
- Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston
- Romanov by Nadine Brandes
Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo Published by Flatiron Books
Pages: 458
Goodreads
Alex is thrown into a world of dark, black magic, dangerous on all fronts. She can see ghosts (called Grays), but she’s the only one who can. There’s a murder and a mystery. There’s a Gray who has his own agenda and needs Alex’s help. Darlington goes missing. There’s drugs, there’s blood, there’s hauntings, there’s horrific actions done by terrifying people, there’s super big cauldron which heal you. There’s a lot going on. None of it is nice, and yet…
Yet it was a fantastic book. The story is told from Alex’s perspective, predominately, with a little bit of Darlington thrown in, and it moves between Alex’s first days at Lethe when she’s learning the ropes and getting settled in (as much as one can settle in in the heart of Yale’s secret societies), and the present day where she’s trying to solve a murder, work with the policeman who knows about Lethe is meant to help them out, find out where Darlington’s gone, and step cautiously around the Gray on a mission. Alex herself is a bit of a mystery, her own past a wild series of events. Darlington was a favourite of mine, and I wish he didn’t disappear so we could read more about him.
- The Eyes of Tamburah by Maria V. Snyder
- Ghosts of the Shadow Market by Cassandra Clare
- Stepsister by Jennifer Donnelly
Pumpkinheads by Rainbow Rowell, Faith Erin Hicks Published by Macmillan Children's Books
Pages: 224
Goodreads
The story line is so adorable, and I loved following Deja and Josiah around the park, joining them as they bought toffee apples, rode in tractors, rocked those denim overalls, and avoided working the entire evening. Both characters are excellent, but especially Deja who is this YOLO curvy queen who has dated half the park but values her friendship with Josiah over it all. She’s sassy, and energetic and unexpected and I loved everything about her.
- King of Scars by Leigh Bardugo
- On the Come Up by Angie Thomas
- Serpent & Dove by Shelby Mahurin
- The Binding by Bridget Collins
- The Toll by Neal Shuterman
- Queen of Nothing by Holly Black
What were your favourite books of the decade?!
Anjali Kay
Anjali Kay is an Aotearoa New Zealand-based blogger and book lover sharing travel inspiration, bookish posts, the occasional creative project, and a lot of practical blogging tips here at This Splendid Shambles. Based in Auckland, she's been writing book reviews and travel posts, sharing creative projects and blogging tips since she started her first blog in 2009. When she's not working on her own blog, Anjali also offers blog coaching and support for bloggers who want real guidance from someone who's actually done the work, and is a few chapters ahead of them.
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