The best books of 2023

This list is part of the best books of 2023.

We've asked 1,627 authors and super readers for their 3 favorite reads of the year.

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My favorite read in 2023…

Book cover of Legends & Lattes

Kendall Grey Why did I love this book?

This book was one of the sweetest, most adorable, most wholesome books I've ever read. I loved it.

It is all about escaping one's past, building a new future, being kind, the value of friendship, and of course, love. It was a very easy read, and by the end, I just felt good. It gave me that warm, happy feeling one only gets from a steaming, rich beverage on a cold day. It reminds me of cozy blankets, fall leaves, and good times with friends.

The best part was the love story. It was so pure and simple. Just perfect. I highly recommend this book to anyone who's searching for warmth in a cold world.

By Travis Baldree,

Why should I read it?

16 authors picked Legends & Lattes as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

High fantasy, low stakes - with a double-shot of coffee.

After decades of adventuring, Viv the orc barbarian is finally hanging up her sword for good. Now she sets her sights on a new dream - for she plans to open the first coffee shop in the city of Thune. Even though no one there knows what coffee actually is.

If Viv wants to put the past behind her, she can't go it alone. And help might arrive from unexpected quarters. Yet old rivals and new stand in the way of success. And Thune's shady underbelly could make it all…


My 2nd favorite read in 2023…

Book cover of Ink Blood Sister Scribe

Kendall Grey Why did I love this book?

This book is enthralling. The characters are well drawn with deep secrets, strong motivations, and believable conflicts. The plot twists and turns, keeping the reader deeply invested in the high-stakes story from start to finish.

What I liked most about this book was how the author introduced multiple characters who initially seemed to have little to do with each other and then slowly wove their various story threads together into a spectacular pattern of perfection by the end.

The narrator for this book totally rocked too. She did awesome accents. Regardless of whether the character was named in dialogue tags, I could always tell which person was speaking based on their accent, tone, or inflection. A great listen!

By Emma Törzs,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Ink Blood Sister Scribe as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Not all books should be opened.

In this thrilling fantasy debut, meet the family tasked with guarding a trove of magical but deadly books, and the shadowy organisation that will do anything to get them back.

* The instant Sunday Times bestseller *
* Good Morning America's June book club pick *

'A bold, new novel from an extraordinary new voice.' Marlon James
'Simply a delight from start to finish.' New York Times
'A spectacularly spellbinding debut ... sumptuously bleeds magic from every page.' The Fantasy Hive
'A magnificent debut.' The Bookseller
'A fantastic magical adventure, not to be missed.'…


My 3rd favorite read in 2023…

Book cover of The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches

Kendall Grey Why did I love this book?

I loved this sweet story about a witch without a home or family who finds a home and family.

Mika was a likable, capable protagonist surrounded by a supporting cast of loveable misfits. The children she cared for were adorable and funny, especially the surly Terracotta. Ken, Ian, Lucie, and Jamie finish out the "family" and provide exactly the support Mika and the girls need.

Though there was romance in the book, it didn't overshadow the story, which I appreciated. The "found family" trope was executed masterfully, and I loved how everything tied together in the end.

By Sangu Mandanna,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

'ONE OF MY COZIEST READS OF THE YEAR' EMILY HENRY

She found magic in the most unlikely of places.

Mika Moon follows three rules: hide your magic, keep your head down, and stay away from other witches. Mika is good at being alone, and she doesn't mind it . . . mostly.

But when an unexpected invitation arrives to teach three young witches at the mysterious Nowhere House, Mika jumps at the chance for a different life. As she comes to care for its quirky inhabitants - and Jamie, the handsome but prickly librarian - finally belonging somewhere feels like…


Plus, check out my book…

Runed

By Kendall Grey,

Book cover of Runed

What is my book about?

For fans of Christopher Moore: In this witty mythic retelling, trickster Loki rises from a thousand years’ sleep—as a woman!

With the help of a strange pet, can she find the magical runes needed to reclaim her godly immortality?