The best books of 2023

This list is part of the best books of 2023.

Join 1,707 readers and share your 3 favorite reads of the year.

My favorite read in 2023

Book cover of Whalesong

Laurie Bell Why did I love this book?

The writing, the vibe, the tone, and the voice in this story are all exquisite. I just didn’t want to put this book down. I wanted to savor every line.

I loved the young character, Aberdeen, and the way she saw and experienced her world, even after her world takes a leap—or timeshift, if you will—into the realm of science fiction. And I particularly loved that Aberdeen discovered and understood more about herself by meeting a girl who she wished she could be like—brave, adventurous, and clever, only to discover she already was.

There is beauty in the way the fantastical elements are layered between detailed drops of Tasmanian history and the majesty of nature, in particular, that of the whales. I tell everyone about this book. I savored every almost lyrical sentence. It’s a treat for your brain as well as your heart.

By Kate Gordon,

Why should I read it?

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


When you buy books, we may earn a commission that helps keep our lights on (or join the rebellion as a member).

My 2nd favorite read in 2023

Book cover of Echo of the Evercry

Laurie Bell Why did I love this book?

I loved every gripping minute of this action-filled female-focused science fiction fantasy story. I was blown away by the unique worldbuilding of the militaristic knights versus dark magic tale.

The story focuses on Larissa’s training to become a knight and her battle not to be drawn in and corrupted by the very magic she must fight. I loved the juxtaposition of destiny versus desire.

This story kept me thinking long after I finished reading. Is destiny a choice or a drive? Do our choices create our destiny or does destiny drive our choices… is it really a choice we are making of our own free will, or are we making it because destiny is forcing us in that direction? Ooooo delicious.

There are so many betrayals and monster battles in this tale. It’s everything I enjoy, and I couldn’t put the book down. It’s an epic story that is very grounded in the day-to-day dramas and fears of its characters. A joy to read.

By E J Dawson,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

The cost of magic has never been clearer.


Larissa's inability to kill is a disgrace to her absent mother, Sword Matriarch of the Fair Lady's order, a sisterhood whose purpose is to hunt down sorcerers corrupted by the Evercry and slay them. But Larissa hides an even more sinful secret: she is drawn toward magic, and it grows stronger in her every day.


Larissa keeps a stranglehold on her gift until the day of her graduation test, when her misuse of magic leads her to failure. Prepared to be cast out of the sisterhood, she is instead brought into the…


My 3rd favorite read in 2023

Book cover of Bloodmarked

Laurie Bell Why did I love this book?

This is book two of this series and I loved it every bit as much as the author’s debut.

Who doesn’t love an Arthurian story of power, love, magic, and female empowerment? This is a high-stakes fantasy that draws you quickly into Bree’s story of destiny and magic. I had to force myself to read this book slowly so I could wallow in the beautiful writing on every page.

Arthurian history, Black American history, generational trauma, and maternal natural magic are deftly woven into the plot without bogging the story down or bloating descriptions. The fast-paced plot and action sequences keep the story flowing well. You get to the end wanting so much more. And the fight sequences are fabulous.

Who doesn’t love a good magical sword fight or two involving aether-created monsters, sorcerers weaving spells like blades, fiery love-fueled anger, spirit possession, and magical armor? I immediately wanted to read it again upon finishing.

By Tracy Deonn,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Bloodmarked as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 14, 15, 16, and 17.

What is this book about?

SPLINTERED BLOODLINES. UNBREAKABLE BARGAINS. A LEGACY OF BETRAYAL.

The powerful sequel to the instant New York Times bestselling and award-winning Legendborn that's taking TikTok by storm. Perfect for fans of Cassandra Clare, Leigh Bardugo, Sarah J. Maas and Cinderella is Dead!

The shadows have risen, and the line is law.

All Bree wanted was to uncover the truth behind her mother's death. So she infiltrated the Legendborn Order, a secret society descended from King Arthur's knights - only to discover her own ancestral power. Now, Bree has become someone new:

A Medium. A Bloodcrafter. A Scion.

But the ancient war…


Don‘t forget about my book 😀

White Fire

By Laurie Bell,

Book cover of White Fire

What is my book about?

Toni Delle is a newly hired space agent who is determined to prove herself. Instead, she proves she trusts far too easily, foolishly falls in love with her target, and is betrayed. It nearly results in her death.

Two years later, she is just as determined to prove herself, but she is no longer so quick to trust – at all. Overworked and underpaid, she should refuse her new mission but is offered good money and a break after. She just didn’t expect the man who betrayed her to get involved. Forced to work together, their search for missing supplies turns into a hunt for an assassin. And if they don’t stop him in time, the whole galaxy will be thrown into war.

Book cover of Whalesong
Book cover of Echo of the Evercry
Book cover of Bloodmarked

Share your top 3 reads of 2024!

And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.

1,350

readers submitted
so far, will you?