As we step into a New Year, it's the perfect time to look back at the best books (IMO) I read last year. For those looking for their next read, here are Book Hookup's Top 10 recommendations from 2023.
The following list in not in order by most to least favorite. They are actually in reverse order of when I read them.
1. Fantasy: Pariah’s Lament by Richie Billing
A fresh coming-of-age fantasy drama rife with fast-paced battles, kings, kingdoms, and medieval-style politics. A new favorite author.
Pariah's Lament review on TikTok
2. Fantasy: Dream Walker Chronicles (Books 1-3) by Christopher Patterson
The epic nature of this story’s setting, characters, and plot were both engaging and enthralling. I didn’t want it to end.
3. YA Action/Adventure: There’s No Basketball on Mars by Craig Leener
The protagonist, Lawrence Tuckerman, is a high-functioning autistic teen and the story is told from his POV. The author does a great job of bringing the reader into his head to understand his actions and motivations in this YA action-adventure as he creates a neurodivergent protagonist in Lawrence who is loveable, sensitive, quirky, and a math genius with a dream of manning Earth’s first mission to Mars one day.
No Basketball on Mars review on TikTok
4. Christian Coming of Age: Nellie’s Gold by Danie Marie
An inspirational coming-of-age story that follows tomboy Nellie Ward from childhood to adulthood as the youngest child of four. The captivating storytelling, gives the reader a fly-on-the-wall experience back to the late 1940s, into the 1950s, in historic Folsom, California, where red-haired, freckle-faced Nellie Ward loves to read books while sitting in her favorite tree. But home life for this Ward family is not picture perfect. Nellie shares a room with her three older brothers, with only a linen curtain hanging between them for privacy. Her Papa is an abusive drunk and her mother is a Christian woman who prays for them all while making home life the best she can.
5. Christian Historical Romance: An Unlikely Belle by Danie Marie
Well-written characters that are likable but flawed combined with family secrets on the Stirlingshire Estate. Maddy (the protagonist) isn’t ashamed of her humble standing, or her work in the stables with her brother Nate, but her life changes when Elizabeth Stirlingshire, daughter to the Viscount, accepts Maddy as her best friend. Maddy is invited to participate in social events above her standing. Dressed in Elizabeth’s clothing, Maddy fits right in, and soon her dance card is filled with young men who have no idea of who she really is.
6. Montpelier Tomorrow by Marylee MacDonald: Women’s Literary Fiction
An emotionally charged, heart-wrenching story that grabs you like a riptide and drags you along through the everyday life of Colleen Gallagher, a mom in her mid-50s who was widowed in her 20s as she was expecting her third child. As the story opens, she is working toward retirement. But life takes a turn when she visits her adult daughter, Sandy when her second baby is due. That’s when Colleen learns that her son-in-law, Tony, has been diagnosed with ALS. None of them understands the impact of what this will mean to their future, but it doesn’t take long for the fatal disease to start to steal Tony’s abilities to function. It’s a reminder that a mother’s love can fix everything. I loved MacDonald’s writing style and I recommend this book to people who enjoy Women's Literary Fiction that touches the heart, those who have been affected by ALS, and caregivers currently caring for someone suffering from a devastating disease.
7. Futuristic Fantasy: Neglected Merge Trilogy by Eve Koguce
These books can be read as stand-alone stories, but knowing the backstory adds depth to this suspenseful fantasy series filled with plenty of drama. Koguce weaves all the plot threads and relationships to a satisfying conclusion. I enjoy her writing style, her world-building, and the personalities of the Winged Ones as they learn to interact with the Wingless and vice versa.
Where David Threw Stones review on TikTok
8. Historical Paranormal WWII Fiction: Where David Threw Stones: A Haunting WW2 Tale of Courage, Love, and Redemption by Elyse Hoffman
I have read several from this author and haven’t read a bad one yet. Where David Threw Stones is one of those treasured reads I plan to read again. The plot takes place 30 years after WW II and is a blend of historical fiction infused with mystery and suspense merged with fantasy to create a captivating WWII story of the cursed German town of Brennenbach.
9. Emperor by John Fullerton: Action/Adventure Political Mystery
Reads like today’s news behind the news. This thriller takes the reader behind the political curtains in Beijing and Washington, DC, and delves into the world of international espionage and intrigue as events build toward WWIII. The narrative is so authentic and well-researched it reads like a prophetic foretelling of events before they unfold on the world stage. This spy thriller stays with you even after you finish the book. I didn’t see the end coming. Loved it.
10. Castle Brave by Hawkings Austin: Military Fantasy
Includes well-known fantasy races like elves and dragons and offers new races like the Vanir, Numen, Aesir, and Jotuns. The plot is rich with magic and futuristic tech. Told from a first-person point of view, but not with a single narrator. The reader gets to hear from each member of the squad. Each chapter delivers the story from a single perspective. It feels like a first-person shooter game that lets you get into the heads of the team members, know and understand their tech, weapons, background, what they are up against, and how they feel about it. This first-hand information draws the reader in. Provides an understanding of what motivates them. Know their strengths and weaknesses. It builds an emotional connection and makes you care.