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The best books of 2023

This list is part of the best books of 2023.

We've asked 1,624 authors and super readers for their 3 favorite reads of the year.

Shepherd is reader supported. When you buy books, we may earn an affiliate commission.

My favorite read in 2023…

Book cover of Homeland

J.V. Hilliard Why did I love this book?

Homeland features one of my favorite characters of all time — Drizzt DuOrden. So, obviously, Homeland was going to appear on this list. R.A. Salvatore certainly knows how to construct a character and spin a narrative that will have the reader hooked from start to finish.

If you’re a fan of dark fantasy, I definitely recommend this book.

By R. A. Salvatore,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked Homeland as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Strange and exotic Menzoberranzan is the vast city of the Drow. This is a world of dark elves, where families battle families and fantastic monsters rise up from the lightless depths. From the author of the "Icewind Dale Trilogy".


My 2nd favorite read in 2023…

Book cover of A Reader's Guide to R.A. Salvatore's The Legend of Drizzt

J.V. Hilliard Why did I love this book?

This is a great read for those die-hard dark fantasy fans. If you finish Salvatore's book series and find yourself needing more of the world, you need to pick up this reader's guide. A

As a fan of the series, it’s hard not to want to peek behind the curtain of the world of Salvatore. Readers gain insights on each character, their past and origin stories, as well as a look into the eyes of the villains. No one is spared here, in a good way.

The book is not a story as much as it is a tour into the mind of my favorite author, R.A. Salvatore, offering a point of view you cannot find in the novels. Why did the main characters do what they did? Why not? It really is a unique way to learn more about the 40+ book series.

My 3rd favorite read in 2023…

Book cover of Xima

J.V. Hilliard Why did I love this book?

I discovered Xima by Rich Blecher after running into the author at a convention.

The mix of genres held my attention and was a delight to see. There’s something for most people—fantasy, dystopia, sci-fi, escapism, etc. Check Xima out if you’re interested in any of them, and you won’t be disappointed.

By Rich Blecher,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Xima as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Unaware that he is in the pivot in a battle of good and evil on two planets hurtling towards destruction, Zack Bates wants only a normal life with Katia, but General Tonya Skyler traveled across the galaxy for a warrior powerful enough to free Xima from swarms of predatory humans. She trains Zack into a savior with the strength to cleanse this tortured land, while also plucking Earth from certain destruction by roiling civil wars. Torn between his true love for Katia and his new-found love for the General, Zach must save two worlds from disaster, while rescuing his heart’s…


Plus, check out my book…

The Last Keeper

By J.V. Hilliard,

Book cover of The Last Keeper

What is my book about?

Blind at birth, Daemus Alaric is blessed with the gift of prophetic Sight. Now, as a Keeper of the Forbidden, he must use his powers of the Sight to foil the plans of a fallen Keeper, Graytorris the Mad. 
An elven Princess with a horrifying secret.

Princess Addilyn Elspeth travels from Eldwal, the magically hidden home of the Vermilion elves, to begin her life as a diplomat in the human capital of Castleshire. During her journey, she stumbles upon a mystical creature foretelling ill tidings.

Daemus’ recurring nightmare vision threatens to catapult him into a terrifying struggle that will leave the fate of the Keepers—and the realm—hanging in the balance. Daemus and Princess Addilyn must set out to face the menace that threatens their very existence.