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 The Madman's Daughter

Reji Ex Why did I love this book?

I really enjoyed the plot twists in this book. They were completely unexpected.

This book has everything to keep and hold my interest! There’s mystery, science, romance, and secrets. I personally enjoyed finding out who the monster truly is. Let me tell you, you will never, in a million years, guess that!

It left me wanting to read more, and luckily for me, The Madman’s Daughter is only the beginning of the trilogy. 

By Megan Shepherd,

Why should I read it?

3 authors picked The Madman's Daughter 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?

For fans of Libba Bray, this first book in a gothic suspense trilogy is inspired by H. G. Wells's The Island of Dr. Moreau and has been hailed by New York Times bestseller Carrie Ryan as having "beautiful writing, breakneck pacing, a pulse-pounding mystery, and an irresistible romance."

Following accusations that her scientist father gruesomely experimented on animals, sixteen-year-old Juliet watched as her family and her genteel life in London crumbled around her—and only recently has she managed to piece her world back together. But when Juliet learns her father is still alive and working on a remote tropical island,…


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My 2nd favorite read in 2023

Book cover of The Lightning Thief

Reji Ex Why did I love this book?

Okay, yes, I’ll admit. As a grown adult, I reread the Percy Jackson series. I’d like to say it was because of the tv show but the truth is I just thoroughly enjoy the blast from my past.

Percy is an enjoyable little troublemaker. This book is a comfort read for me and I often find myself re-reading it.

By Rick Riordan,

Why should I read it?

19 authors picked The Lightning Thief as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 8, 9, 10, and 11.

What is this book about?

The Lightning Thief: the First book in Rick Riordan's Percy Jackson series.

The first bestselling book in Rick Riordan's phenomenally successful Percy Jackson series.

Look, I didn't want to be a half-blood. I never asked to be the son of a Greek God. I was just a normal kid, going to school, playing basketball, skateboarding. The usual. Until I accidentally vaporized my maths teacher. That's when things started really going wrong. Now I spend my time fighting with swords, battling monsters with my friends, and generally trying to stay alive.

This is the one where Zeus, God of the Sky,…


My 3rd favorite read in 2023

Book cover of Touch

Reji Ex Why did I love this book?

This book is the first book of the Fae Senses series. I really enjoyed that the main female character was a certified badass.

It talks about abuse and trauma but the main theme of the book is victim empowerment. The author wrote about her own trauma in this book, so it does get heavy, but the phrase “I am no victim” is said by the main character. I got the sense that trauma doesn’t define you. This is a message that I personally write about, and I often enjoy reading about victims who overcome and even better themselves. 

By K. Marie Smith,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

My name is Zera Grey, and I am a former slave who freed herself from the Trades by signing my life to the Black Shadows Guild. It wasn't an easy life but it was way better than captivity and abuse, especially when you consider who my Master was...All that was left was to pay off my dues. Then I could run off to somewhere new and be free from everything. My life would be wholly mine and comfortable. After four years of living with the Black Shadows, learning to fight and use Magic, I'd been requested for a job that'd…


Don‘t forget about my book 😀

The Broken Kingdom of Orion

By Reji Ex, Sage Santiago (editor),

Book cover of The Broken Kingdom of Orion

What is my book about?

My book is a sci-fi fantasy about a young woman who grew up in Area 51. She’s the only one of the aliens that doesn’t know what planet she’s from.

One day, shortly after her 21st birthday, the notorious space pirate, Captain Aries, shows up, claiming to be her father. He tells her about their planet, Orion, which has since been nebulized by none other than her mother, an evil queen trying to take over the galaxy. Together, Elenora, Aries, and their friends overcome their personal traumas, discover secrets, and save the galaxy.

Book cover of The Madman's Daughter
Book cover of The Lightning Thief
Book cover of Touch

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