It’s finally time to share my favorite reads of 2018! I’m linking up with That Artsy Reader Girl, even though I’m a day early. 2018 was a fantastic year for reading speculative fiction, and as usual it was hard to narrow down my list. So I didn’t! I’m sharing ALL the books I read that knocked my socks off, books I highly recommend, and I’m including links to my reviews in case you missed them.
I’m starting with my TOP TEN FAVORITES (in no particular order), and after that I’ll list the other books I loved this year.
Top Ten Books of 2018
It’s no surprise that many of my favorite authors made the top ten, including R.S. Belcher (for the win, with TWO BOOKS on this list!), Robert Jackson Bennett, Holly Black, V.E. Schwab, M.R. Carey, Nicholas Eames and Grady Hendrix. And welcome new authors! I was thrilled to give debut authors K.D. Edwards and Chandler Klang Smith 5 star ratings! Here’s a short breakdown of why I loved these so much:
We Sold Our Souls by Grady Hendrix. This might be my VERY FAVORITE BOOK of 2018, if I had to pick. It simply blew me away with its grittiness and heart and emotion. My nitty-gritty: Grady Hendrix’s latest hums with frenetic energy, a dark and dangerous, pulse-pounding love letter to the power of music. Read my review.
Vengeful by V.E. Schwab. Schwab’s follow-up to Vicious was a delight! I was relieved at how much I loved it, because Vicious holds a very special place in my book-loving heart. My nitty-gritty: A satisfyingly complex, multifaceted tale of revenge, Vengeful is a worthy sequel and is a 2018 book you cannot miss. Read my review.
Bloody Rose by Nicholas Eames. Another fantastic sequel, Nicholas Eames has proven his success with Kings of the Wyld wasn’t just a fluke. This guy has writing chops and imagination to spare! My nitty-gritty: Full of humor, emotion and plenty of thrilling fight scenes, Bloody Rose is a worthy sequel that you don’t want to miss. Read my review.
Foundryside by Robert Jackson Bennett. I’m so happy to have a new RJB series to love! This first installment did not disappoint, and I fell hard for his characters and his unique world. My nitty-gritty: A unique and action-packed start to a new series full of fascinating magic, complex characters, and even some unexpected humor. Read my review.
The Last Sun by K.D. Edwards. I was blown away by how much I loved this book! Edwards may be new on the scene, but he sure knows how to make an entrance! My nitty-gritty: Bursting with complex magic, populated with fascinating and lovable characters, and written in sparkling prose, The Last Sun can’t possibly be a debut. And yet. Read my review.
The Night Dahlia by R.S. Belcher. Well, what can I say? By now you all know what a big R.S. Belcher fan I am! Belcher has several series going at once, so it doesn’t surprise me that two books from two of those series made my Top Ten this year. Here’s what I had to say about this one: Violent, action-packed and filled with cool world-building details, this is an amped up, supernatural Pulp Fiction on steroids! Read my review.
King of the Road by R.S. Belcher. And here is the other one! I just recently reviewed this, and if you live in the U.S. or Canada, you can also enter to win a cool prize pack, the giveaway is still on! My nitty-gritty: A complex and unputdownable story filled with fascinating elements and well drawn characters makes this another must read from R.S. Belcher. Read my review.
The Cruel Prince by Holly Black. This was actually one of my first posted reviews of 2018, and I still remember how much I loved it! I’m currently reading the sequel, The Wicked King, and coincidentally, it will be my first review of 2019:-) My nitty-gritty: A dangerous and thrilling tale that grips the reader from the first page and never lets up. Read my review.
The Sky is Yours by Chandler Klang Smith. Seriously, this is the most underrated book on my list. I’m sad that more people haven’t read it, and I’m also sad that a lot of readers didn’t love it as much as I did! Yes, it’s very strange. But the writing is glorious, and I cannot wait to see what she writes next. My nitty-gritty: A big, bold, and chaotic futuristic story where the absurd is commonplace, dragons patrol the skies, and everyone has a chance at redemption. Read my review.
Someone Like Me by M.R. Carey. It wouldn’t be a complete reading year without an M.R. Carey book, and luckily we got a good one in 2018. What I love about Carey’s books is that he never repeats himself. Each book is so different from his other books, that cracking open a new book of his is like going on an adventure where you have no idea what’s in store for you! My nitty-gritty: M.R. Carey once again proves how consistent a writer he is with his latest, a suspenseful, mind-bending novel full of realistically nuanced characters. Read my review.
The Rest of the Best:
Trail of Lightning by Rebecca Roanhorse. This is without a doubt one of the best debuts I read this year. Roanhorse has a bright future ahead of her! My nitty-gritty: Full of delectable characters and unique world-building based on Native American culture and mythology, this is an exciting debut you absolutely must read. Read my review.
Mecha Samurai Empire by Peter Tieryas. This book was such a pleasant surprise! It was so different from other science fiction books I’ve read, and I can’t wait for the next book:-) My nitty-gritty: High stakes action, awesome world-building and a fast-paced plot set this alternate history SF tale apart from the pack. Read my review.
An Easy Death by Charlaine Harris. Urban fantasy fans rejoice! This book was so much fun, and unexpected in a good way. It’s definitely my favorite Harris book to date, and I’m looking forward to continuing this series. My nitty-gritty: A lovable heroine who can shoot like nobody’s business, a harsh, post-apocalyptic world, and plenty of action make this an excellent start to a new urban fantasy series. Read my review.
Outpost by W. Michael Gear. It’s hard to believe that the first two books in Gear’s new series came out in the same year, and that I managed to read both of them! Outpost gets the edge over Abandoned, but they are both worth reading. My nitty-gritty: A thrilling space adventure with danger around every corner—both alien and human. Outpost is a must read for all science fiction fans. Read my review.
Spellslinger by Sebastien de Castell. The first book in Castell’s wonderful Spellslinger series was so much fun! I have yet to read the other books in the series, much to my chagrin, but I do hope to catch up in 2019. My nitty-gritty: Loaded with top notch world-building, characterizations and perfect pacing, Spellslinger is a must read for fantasy fans of all ages. Read my review.
Phoenix Unbound by Grace Draven. Draven has been writing for some time now, but I only just heard about her this year. And I’m so glad I did! This beginning to a new series has me excited to check out her backlist. My nitty-gritty: Romantic and thrilling, Phoenix Unbound is a fantastic start to a new series. Read my review.
The Oracle Year by Charles Soule. Soule writes primarily comics, and this is his first foray into fiction. And wow does he deliver! I loved this thought-provoking SF tale. My nitty-gritty: A fast-paced thriller with a sci-fi sensibility, this debut is not to be missed! Read my review.
The Hunger by Alma Katsu. I’ve been a fan of this author since her first book, and she’s only getting better with time. The Hunger was eerie and terrifying, full of atmosphere and wonderful writing. My nitty-gritty: Dark, complex and terrifying, The Hunger fuses historical events with a creeping, supernatural horror, making this a standout book of 2018. Read my review.
Looking Glass by Andrew Mayne. Mayne’s exciting The Naturalist series is not my usual go-to genre, and yet every time I read one of these books, I’m hooked! My nitty-gritty: Another winning story from Andrew Mayne, with non-stop thrills, fascinating details about scientific and forensic investigation, and a smart main character who can solve just about any puzzle. Read my review.
The Silent Companions by Laura Purcell. This book!! It surprised me so much. It’s also one of those stories that changes directions part way through and completely derails your expectations. So good! My nitty-gritty: An eerie and atmospheric Gothic ghost story with layers upon layers of secrets, gorgeously written. Read my review.
Cry Your Way Home by Damien Angelica Walters. This is the only short story collection on my list, and it was a good one! I read this back in January, and I’m glad I remembered it, because it deserves to be on this list. My nitty-gritty: Another fantastic collection from Damien Angelica Walters, with a wide range of stories that explore the themes of fear and grief. Read my review.
Winterglass by Benjanun Sriduangkaew. I believe this is the only novella on my list, and I also read this back in January, but the writing was so beautiful, and the story so magical, that I can hardly wait to read something else from this author. My nitty-gritty: Exquisite writing and magical worldbuilding made this a reading experience I won’t soon forget. Read my review.
I really liked The Hunger too. Even tho it’s pretty much everything i don’t usually like. Historical, based on true story… but still, it was really well done.
Night Dahlia sounds cool! Need to check that one out.
Funnily enough, The Sky Is Yours was my first DNF of the year 😀
The Hunger is very well done. She’s such a good writer, and did you know her next book is going to be based around the Titanic? Sounds really good:-)
I see our shared affinity for W. Michael Gear and Grace Draven on your list. I also enjoyed An Easy Death and even though it did not make my Keepers list, I will be looking for the next book in the series. I always enjoy reading your reviews Tammy! Happy New Year!
Riley Moreland recently posted…Keepers 2018
Thanks Riley! I appreciate the kind words:-) Happy New Year, and here’s to a bunch more great books in 2019:-)
Winterglass made my favorites of the year list. That’s the only one from yours I’ve read yet, though there are so many more I’d like to read, especially those by Robert Jackson Bennet and R.S. Belcher. I still need to read Kings of the Wyld before I get to Bloody Rose. Happy New Year, Tammy! I look forward to all the books and reviews 2019 brings.
todd recently posted…My Favorite Books and Films from 2018
Happy New Year, Todd! I really appreciate your support, and hopefully 2019 will bring lots more good books:-)
Not at all surprised to see Vengeful on your list. 😉 And yay for Trail of Lightning! I’m really glad that particular book exists. I’d love to see more Indigenous American fantasies in the future.
Both of those books will be on my list of favorite 2018 reads too, btw. That post should be out sometime in mid-January, in case my final read of the year shakes things up at the last second!
Sara Letourneau recently posted…My Favorite Fiction Reads of Fall 2018
Looking forward to your list, Sara:-)
I haven’t had a moment to review my reads yet but We Sold Our Souls will most definitely be up at the top!
Oh cool! I’ve seen it on several top ten lists, but I wish more people would read it:-)
One of the books I recently read was Alma Katsu’s The Hunger and I chose mostly on the strength of your review: even though I knew it would not be an easy read, I was fascinated by the concept – and the fact that it was based on true event. Well, this book even went further beyond my expectations, so… thank you! 🙂
Maddalena@spaceandsorcery recently posted…TV Review: THE EXPANSE, Season 3 (spoiler free)
Oh good, I’m glad you enjoyed it! Not always easy to read, but I love the way she does “creeping horror.” She’s such an atmospheric writer:-)
Glad you enjoyed so many books this year! I keep forgetting I have The Cruel Prince in my TBR pile too. Need to get to that one soon!
The Cruel Prince is a lot of fun, and you can binge the first two, since book two comes out next week.
So many good books on here that are still in my TBR pile! Mecha Samurai Empire, Phoenix Unbound, The Last Sun, Kings of the Wyld….I absolutely LOVED Trail of Lightning, that was my personal top book of the year.
Caitlin G. recently posted…December 2018 Wrap Up
I’m so excited to read the next book in Roanhorse’s series!
Blood Rose and Silent Companions are two I really want to read, though I’m a little scared to read Silent Companions.
Oh it’s pretty scary, and even some graphic violence at the end, which I wasn’t expecting. Just in case you’re not into that:-)
That’s okay. It won’t bother me too much but thanks for the warning.
I’ve read none of these, naturally LOL But I do vaguely remember seeing your review for Cry Your Way Home, and I think Winterglass too!
DJ (@MyLifeMyBooksMyEscape) recently posted…Author Interivew: Jon Ray
Well, if you’re ever looking for something to read, any of these will do the trick:-)
I see so many I want to try, Tammy. What great lists. I loved Foundryside and Bloody Rose is waiting on my Kindle. I was reading Silent Companions and absolutely loving it when I had to put it aside to read a book for a deadline, and I really need to get back to it. Happy New Year!
I hope you can get back to The Silent Companions. Wow that ending though!!
I read The Last Sun largely because of your review, and I’m so glad I did since it was amazing! I’m looking forward to trying Foundryside and The Cruel Prince, and maybe I should try We Sold Our Souls since I like grittiness and heart and emotion! Glad you found so many amazing books 🙂
Aww that makes me feel good, and I’m glad it worked out:-) Yeah, I recommend We Sold Our Souls, although it’s very dark at times.
My to-read list just grew, haha! Thank you so much for sharing!
Hey, happy to help;-)
Great list! I’m actually typing up my Best Of post right now and I know The Cruel Prince will be on my list. I don’t think they’ll make the top 10 but I really loved Foundryside and Vengeance as well.
Happy New Year!
Suzanne @ The Bookish Libra recently posted…Backlist Briefs: Reviews for MUSE OF NIGHTMARES & VENGEANCE
I’m looking forward to your list!
I see some great books here and I’m glad I’ll bee reading the MR Carey book soon. I still need to get to a few of these but I’ll just add that I’m not shocked to n see some make this list. And hey, I won’t even mention the one. I’m glad so many people have enjoyed it though. It’s one of my favorite things about reading. Different opinions
After today, may we never speak of “the book” again, lol. Hey, her next book is about the Titanic! I’m sure you’re going to want to check it out, right??;-)
V.E.Schwab has a short story before Vicious called Warm Up which is the start.
Peter Tieryas (AKA Peter Tieryas Liu) has a book before Mecha Samurai Empire (United States of Japan 2) called United States of Japan.
I’ve read Warm up, but I need to read United States of Japan one of these days.
Wow I can’t believe I’ve read all your top ten! I usually miss a couple 🙂 I’ve also read most of your Rest of the Best except the very last two on the list!
I’m not surprised! We have very similar tastes, and if I could read faster, I’d probably have read more on your list as well:-)
I really want to pick up Spellslinger at some point soon. I was at a used book store the other weekend and saw someone pick it up just as I noticed it. Missed out 🙁
Oh bummer:-( I hope you get lucky next time:-)
We Sold Our Souls, Foundryside, and The Cruel Prince were all favorites of mine as well. Most of the rest of are on my tbr!
And I have so many on my TBR that I couldn’t get to…
About half of these are on my read soon list. What a great bunch of books and authors. I can’t wait to see what you share this year. Have a happy New Year!
Laura Thomas recently posted…First Review for 2019 ~ The Sorrows
There are just so many good books coming out, it’s sad I won’t be able to read ALL of them, lol.
You have some great books on your list. The cruel Prince is still one I want to read as I have heard great things. Oh an easy death is one high on my TBR.
I hope you get a chance to read An Easy Death, it’s so much fun, and I loved the main character:-)
I’m very much looking forward to The Cruel Prince- I think I’m really gonna like it, from all I’ve heard. Trail of Lightning is high on my list of books to try in 2019 as well.
Greg recently posted…Best Books of 2018
I hope you enjoy The Cruel Prince, it’s very twisty and you never know who to trust:-)
I’m loving all these lists. I’ve read four of your top ten and need to read some of those others – particularly Schwab jumps out at me. And I’ve read six off your other list – the one that really jumps out to me is Phoenix Unbound.
Hope 2019 is just as good for your books and Happy New Year to you.
Lynn 😀
I think it’s going to be a fantastic year! I have to be optimistic in January, right? 😉
I’ve only read one by Grady Hendrix, but I really liked it, so I need to try another one of his. I need to give Schwab’s books another try, I couldn’t get into The Near Witch, so haven’t tried any others. You can check out my top books of 2018 HERE.
I really enjoyed Trail of Lightning, and I have a copy of The Silent Companions that I can’t wait to read. Also need to get my hands on We Sold our Souls, I have heard nothing but great things. Great list, Tammy!
Kaleena @ Reader Voracious Blog recently posted…My Favorite 2018 Reads