Yearly Wrap Up for 2024

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What better way to start the year?

What better way to start the year than by talking about the books I loved from last year? Here are some of my stats from Storygraph and Goodreads.


These are my 5-star reads (including re-reads) and a few backlist reads. They aren't in any particular order.

5-Star Reads

 Eragon by Christopher Paolini 
Fantasy, Young Adult, Published on June 1, 2002, Re-read
I will always love Paolini's work. I have a few friends re-reading the series with me so we can approach Murtagh with fresh eyes. One boy, one dragon, a world of adventure.

 Icarus by K. Ancrum
Young Adult, Contemporary Romance, LGBT, Published on March 24, 2024
This scratched an itch for me at the exact right time. Icarus was raised to be an art thief, but he wants out. Then he meets Helios, the son of the man he's been stealing from. Helios is trapped in his father's house after making decisions his dad didn’t like. They spark a friendship and plan to escape their hated lives.

Kaiju No. 8, Vol. 1 by Naoya Matsumoto
Manga, Fantasy, Published on December 4, 2020
I loved that our main character is an older man that was already failed at his dream but now he's trying again!

 The Troop by Nick Cutter
Horror, Thriller, Science Fiction Published on February 25, 2014 

This is one of the most disgusting and interesting horror books I've read in a while. It's not for the faint of heart, but I recommend it if you want to feel nauseous.

 To Sleep in a Sea of Stars by Christopher Paolini
Science Fiction, Fantasy, Published on September 15, 2020
Kira gets infected with an alien organism and has to learn how to wield it like a weapon while running from the space government.

 Children of the Whales, Vol. 1 by Abi Umeda
Manga, Fantasy, Published on December 16, 2013
This is a fascinating post-apocalyptic world where everyone lives on a vessel called the Mud Whale that travels on a sea of sand. Our main character is an archivist determined to discover the origins of their traditions. He also gets to join scouting parties where they find a young woman who knows nothing of their customs.

 Bride by Ali Hazelwood
Paranormal Romance, Published on February 6, 2024
A Vampyre marries an Alpha Werewolf to bring peace to their people. Surprisingly entertaining. I enjoyed every bit of it!

 Under the Whispering Door by T.J. Klune
Fantasy, Fiction, LGBT, Romance, Published on September 21, 2021
After death, you may pass through a tea shop where Charon makes you the perfect cup of tea, reminding you of childhood. This cozy story follows Wallace, who regrets his unremarkable life and tries to help others cross. Topics of death, dying, tea, love, and what a life well lived is await you in this book.

 Love's in Sight! Vol. 1 by Uoyama
Manga, Romance, Slice of Life, Published on January 23, 2019
Morio is a tough guy known as the Black Panther who has won over a hundred fights. That is until, he falls head over heels for Yukiko, a blind girl. What's it like to be blind in a world where most people can see? Morio starts to see the world in a new way as they get to know each other. So cute!

 Raiders of the Lost Heart by Jo Segura
Romance, Contemporary, Published on December 5, 2023
Imagine Indiana Jones as a woman who has to work beside her very hot rival to achieve her dreams. I loved the plot and the romance.

 Legendborn by Tracy Deonn
Fantasy, Young Adult, published on September 15, 2020
There’s a good reason everyone loves this book. It’s the legend of King Arthur meets urban fantasy. The magic system is complex and interesting while the school setting goes with how they come to power. Try it if it seems interesting to you.

 Buther and Blackbird by Brynne Weaver
Horror, Thriller, Romance, Published on August 15, 2023
Two serial killers form a friendship and play a yearly game: who can kill the target first? Gross, funny, and surprisingly sweet.

 The Dead Romantics by Ashley Poston
Romance, Contemporary, Paranormal, Published on June 28, 2022
Florence is a romance ghostwriter who doesn't believe in love. Her editor keeps reminding her that the deadline is approaching quickly, but she gets called home to bury her beloved father. She returns to the family's funeral home to find her editor standing in the parlor but, no one else can see him. He's a ghost and neither of them knows why he's there. Death and romance, what could be better?

 Toilet-bound Hanako-kun Vol. 1 by AidaIro
Manga, Fantasy, Horror, Romance, Supernatural, Published on May 22, 2015
A high school girl helps a ghost solve supernatural mysteries. Their connection through spirit magic forms a cute and funny relationship. Not very scary, but highly enjoyable.

 Even the Darkest Stars and All the Wandering Light by Heather Fawcett
Fantasy, Young Adult, Romance, Published on September 5, 2017 and December 4, 2018 
I loved this world of explorers, magic, empires, ghosts, and avalanches. It reminded me of early Antarctic expeditions. An interesting duology I plan to revisit.

Backlist Reads

Books that weren’t 5-star reads but stuck with me nonetheless.

 Fractal Noise by Christopher Paolini
Science Fiction, Space, Published on May 16, 2023
I think about this book often. The commentary on life philosophies fascinated me. If we get to go out into space like this, I hope that people going on surface missions are tested to see if they are in the right frame of mind and work well in teams. 

 Well Met by Jen DeLuca
Romance, Contemporary, Published on September 3, 2019
This four-book series follows people falling in love at Renaissance fairs. As a fan of fairs myself, I found the atmosphere spot-on. Cozy and delightful.

 A Touch of Darkness by Scarlett St Clair
I re-read the entire Persephone and Hades series to prepare for the latest release in March 2024. I love this author’s style and can’t wait for her 2025 books.


 Project 333 by Courtney Carver
Nonfiction, Fashion, Published on March 3, 2020
My only nonfiction book on this list! This minimalist approach to wardrobes (33 items rotated every 3 months) changed how I see my clothes. Though I made my own rules, I’ve stuck with it for almost a year and love it.

 The Eyes and the Impssible by Dave Eggers
Middle Grade, Fiction, Fantasy, Animals, Published on May 9, 2023
This is my only middle-grade book on this list! I've read Dave Eggers before and was fascinated that he decided to start writing children's books. This is about a dog who reports everything he sees to the park elders, three bison. This book in particular is good for both kids and adults. 




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