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 Dungeon Crawler Carl

Travis I. Sivart Why did I love this book?

The world ends to become a reality show for aliens and some guy named Carl gets stuck in the middle of it all with boxer shorts, pink crocs, and his ex’s cat, Princess Donut. What’s not to love? I laughed through half of it (unusual for me), and waited on the edge of my seat for the rest of it.

For me…well, there’s a cat. I do love cats. And she’s sassy, salty, and snobbish. Carl is clueless, clumsy, and cantankerous. It’s a beautiful combination. Jeff does an incredible job of becoming each character, yet keeping every single one unique. As an audiobook narrator, I appreciate the emotion and texture in each and every voice.

Also, as a LitRPG, Matt did a great job with environment, tension, suspense, and fun NPCs (aka secondary and tertiary characters). The writing is witty and engaging, and he has a beautiful way of letting you know exactly how his characters are feeling without ever telling you how they’re feeling! This was just a fun roller coaster that made me want to visit the theme park again and again!

By Matt Dinniman,

Why should I read it?

9 authors picked Dungeon Crawler Carl as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

The apocalypse will be televised!

A man. His ex-girlfriend's cat. A sadistic game show unlike anything in the universe: a dungeon crawl where survival depends on killing your prey in the most entertaining way possible.

In a flash, every human-erected construction on Earth—from Buckingham Palace to the tiniest of sheds—collapses in a heap, sinking into the ground.

The buildings and all the people inside have all been atomized and transformed into the dungeon: an 18-level labyrinth filled with traps, monsters, and loot. A dungeon so enormous, it circles the entire globe.

Only a few dare venture inside. But once you're…


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My 2nd favorite read in 2023

Book cover of Winslow Hoffner's Incredible Encounters

Travis I. Sivart Why did I love this book?

Michael, the author and narrator, has created a fun and interesting world with memorable characters.

His in-depth research shows through with actual cryptids that I'd never heard of, and tying them into a created world of intrigue and amusing personalities. His character voices and accents are very individualistic and well performed, keeping me looking forward to pressing play ASAP.

I've read everything this young author has written, met him at conventions, and encourage others to do the same. This guy is as charismatic as his books, and I look forward to his next book!

By Michael Thompson,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Winslow Hoffner's Incredible Encounters as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

For most, Bayfield is a quaint, unassuming harbor town. For some, the decades-old headlines alleging unexplainable sightings of strange creatures in the water tell a different story. For a select few, the truth behind these legends, speculations, and folklore is more than a mere mystery: There’s magic in the bay. And for local fisherman Mr. Winslow Hoffner, it’s all just a matter of finding yourself in the wrong place at the right time...


My 3rd favorite read in 2023

Book cover of Storm Front

Travis I. Sivart Why did I love this book?

Ok, so I cheated. This is an entire series of books, because I read book 4 through 11 in the past 12 months.

The truth is that I’ve listened to seven of these books in the past year, because they relax me. And, because Jim Butcher (author) and James Marsters (narrator, it’s Spike from Buffy the Vampire Slayer) have become comfort food for my troubled soul when I’m having a rough time. Jim writes a good book, but I suspect that the character of Harry Dresden makes it easy.

I love gritty noir, but I also love gritty magic. And then there are mythical creatures in the real world, yes, please! These books mix all that, give it a good shake, and then slop it onto my plate. Then, for wonderful gravy topping…there’s James narrating. Let’s face it…he’s the voice of Dresden.

By Jim Butcher,

Why should I read it?

26 authors picked Storm Front as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

In the first novel in the #1 New York Times bestselling Dresden Files series, Harry Dresden’s investigation of a grisly double murder pulls him into the darkest depths of magical Chicago…

As a professional wizard, Harry Dresden knows firsthand that the “everyday” world is actually full of strange and magical things—and most of them don’t play well with humans. And those that do enjoy playing with humans far too much. He also knows he’s the best at what he does. Technically, he’s the only at what he does. But even though Harry is the only game in town, business—to put…


Don‘t forget about my book 😀

Beliefs & Black Magics

By Travis I. Sivart,

Book cover of Beliefs & Black Magics

What is my book about?

This mystical world of Aetheria is on the brink of destruction at the hands of a powerful necromancer. Esperanza, a young woman at odds with her faith, has joined forces with Torrents and The Kid, two mysterious companions, to hunt down the wielder of black magics and her undead horde. Navigating ancient, arcane ruins and searching for allies, they must find a way to defeat the overpowering evil before it consumes the world.

Experience their thrilling journey of self-discovery and their fight for a new future in this unforgettable story of hope and courage. If you love non-stop action and reading about characters with real depth, then you won't want to miss this book!

Book cover of Dungeon Crawler Carl
Book cover of Winslow Hoffner's Incredible Encounters
Book cover of Storm Front

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