Top 5 Fave Books of 2018
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2018 was another year of fantastic reads for me.
Each January I try to do a roundup of my top five favourite books of the past year. It’s not only a great way for me to share some of my favourite reads with you lovely readers, but it means I get to take a look back at the past year and reminisce a little bit.
Every year’s reading pile brings with it five star reads, but it also brings one and two star reads. 2018 was a mixture of both, however I do think I read more five star novels this year than previous years. I haven’t decided if that means more enjoyable books are being released, or if I’ve just honed in on my book-choosing and only pick up books that really really look good to me. I don’t know, but whatever the reason, it was very hard to just pick five this year.
My top five fave books
Scythe by Neal Shusterman ISBN: 9781442472426
Goodreads
I loved this book. A lot. Few books I’ve read these days have really got me thinking, and 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.
The Last Magician by Lisa Maxwell ISBN: 1534405313
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.
The Anger of Angels by Sherryl Jordan ISBN: 9781760650605
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.
City of Ghosts by Victoria Schwab ISBN: 1407192760
Goodreads
Despite the fact that this book is aimed at a younger generation, it didn't make it any less enjoyable for me. I really enjoyed Cassidy as a character and her best friend Jacob was awesome. I loved the Edinburgh setting, and all the street names and buildings I was familiar with, having spent a little time there a few years back. The fact that Cassidy is such a Harry Potter fan was such an added bonus, and it was so much fun reading the references scattered throughout the story.
An Absolutely Remarkable Thing by Hank Green ISBN: 9781473224193
Goodreads
Where do I even begin?!
I have no idea what I was expecting from this book. The sole reason I requested it from the lovely people over at Hachette NZ was literally because I saw it was John Green‘s brother, and I know I know that’s a terrible reason to want a read a book, but can you blame me?! I was just hoping that great writing and fun stories run in the family, and to both my credit and theirs, I was not wrong.
Highly recommended
Of course it wouldn’t be a proper Anjali post if I didn’t break the rules a little. Here are some more of my favourite books which would have been on the list if I had extended it from top five.
- Ready Player One, by Ernest Cline
- Simon vs the Homo Sapiens Agenda, by Becky Albertalli
- To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before, by Jenny Han
- Daughter of the Siren Queen, by Tricia Levenseller
- Grace and Fury, by Tracy Banghart
- Muse of Nightmares, by Laini Taylor
What were your fave books of 2018?
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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