Author Mountain biker Gardener Cat lover Fantasy enthusiast
The best books of 2023

This list is part of the best books of 2023.

We've asked 1,686 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 Red Rising

Liam Lombard Why did I love this book?

This book was a fast and furious ride.

It started with an intriguing plot and then didn’t let me go as I was forced to flip pages until the book was done. The heart-pounding, thrilling pace, coupled with Darrow’s cunning, left me wanting nothing more than the next book. 

The world was a brilliant mix of relatable trials but with a plausible futuristic setting. The clever tech made me want to fly alongside Darrow and I was surprised at how seamlessly I fell in love with the world. Throughout, I felt each of Darrow’s triumphs and I felt my heart stop with each of the twists and turns the book presented.  

By Pierce Brown,

Why should I read it?

17 authors picked Red Rising as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER NAMED ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR BY ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY, BUZZFEED, GOODREADS AND SHELF AWARENESS

Pierce Brown's heart-pounding debut is the first book in a spectacular series that combines the drama of Game of Thrones with the epic scope of Star Wars.

**********

'Pierce Brown's empire-crushing debut is a sprawling vision . . . Ender, Katniss, and now Darrow' - Scott Sigler, New York Times bestselling author of Pandemic

'[A] top-notch debut novel . . . Red Rising ascends above a crowded dystopian field' - USA Today

**********

Darrow is a Helldiver. A pioneer…


My 2nd favorite read in 2023…

Book cover of Tress of the Emerald Sea

Liam Lombard Why did I love this book?

I loved the storytelling of this book so much. The quiet backwater girl thinking she is nothing special, changing into the best version of herself in a plausible and wonderful way was incredible.

The novel fits beautifully into the Cosmere but is an incredible standalone if you know nothing of it. I loved each character and the trials each person had to face. The foreshadowing and picturesque world was nothing short of a masterpiece.

This is probably one of my favorite books of all time. I love the subplot of a pirate on an unknown world doing pirate things but with a twist. And as always, Sanderson has the most epic of surprises waiting for you. 

My 3rd favorite read in 2023…

Book cover of Dragonflight

Liam Lombard Why did I love this book?

Dragonflight was a novel that I was hesitant to read at first, and I was shocked when I was drawn right in. I have no idea how I felt for the characters and shared their desires so quickly. One minute, I was trying to remember which character was which, and the next, I had fallen in love with them.

I was not expecting this book to be so enjoyable. The tale that is woven creates a beautiful story and has all of my favorite elements: Dragons, mindreading, time travel, a clever enemy, and strong characters. 

By Anne McCaffrey,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

Volume I of The Dragonriders of Pern®, the groundbreaking series by master storyteller Anne McCaffrey

On a beautiful world called Pern, an ancient way of life is about to come under attack from a myth that is all too real. Lessa is an outcast survivor—her parents murdered, her birthright stolen—a strong young woman who has never stopped dreaming of revenge. But when an ancient threat to Pern reemerges, Lessa will rise—upon the back of a great dragon with whom she shares a telepathic bond more intimate than any human connection. Together, dragon and rider will fly . . . and…


Plus, check out my book…

The Calling

By Liam Lombard,

Book cover of The Calling

What is my book about?

The Calling is an exciting epic fantasy that follows two contrasting characters as they fight for control of their lives. The world is dying and each must face difficult tasks in order to survive. Inexorably, the two are drawn towards one another as an intervening hand manipulates fate. 

Jormander survives as he wields a powerful but taxing magic. Although he is proficient, he must learn more from the only one who will teach him: a devious vampire lord. 

Dromdil survives with the help of his community, a quiet race of magic-immune creatures called Dralings. That is, until he is forced away, deeper into the world of Farom where a mysterious wizard will stop at nothing to capture him. 

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