Lynnie's Favorite Books of 2018

I read fewer books in 2018 and I'm blaming it on grad school. However, I still managed to read 45 books (and the year's not over yet), and only three of those 45 were rated less than three stars on Goodreads- pretty impressive if I do say so myself. Two of those books were unfinished but you can't win the reading lottery all the time.  I gave five stars to four books, but one was a textbook for school (seriously, it was fascinating!) and one was my re-read of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by JK Rowling, which I won't include on this list as it's been a favorite for many years.  

Listed below are my favorite books of the year in no particular order (for full reviews, click on the book titles which will take you to the blog post for the book).  If you need something to read in 2018, I recommend any of them. 

Favorite Books for Grownups:

Stiletto by Daniel O'Malley
(The Checquy Files #2)

Full disclosure, I read this during the final week of 2017, but that was too late to include it on last year's list so I'm including it now.  The first book in The Checquy Files, The Rook was on both Amy's and my list of favorites in 2017 and the sequel did not disappoint! Creative, exciting, and full of non-stop action I can't recommend this series enough. (And bonus, I believe they are turning it into a tv series so read it before they do!)




Dark Matter by Blake Crouch

A fascinating sci-fi adventure that had me on the edge of my seat and stayed in my thoughts long after I finished reading. Because it's so well-paced there are no dull moments in the book and it reads quickly because it's hard to put it down.  The characters are interesting, even when you hate them, and the ending is messy and a little mind-boggling but also entirely appropriate and satisfying.  


Before We Were Yours by Lisa Wingate

Also on Amy's favorite's list this year, I listened to the audiobook of this novel and it was gripping.  The narration was spot on and the story itself had me riveted from beginning to end. The book was often difficult to listen to and managed to be both terrifying and full of hope. Like most of my favorite books it gave me a lot to think about after I finished it.  




The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid

Getting to know Evelyn Hugo and everyone in her life was an unexpected pleasure that really transported me and captured my attention while reading it.  I loved everything about this novel- the characters, plot, setting... Evelyn's story was a joy.



Favorite Books for Young Adults


The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas

THUG was on Amy's favorites list from 2017 but I was a little late to the bandwagon; I wish I'd read it sooner.  This timely novel is an emotional roller coaster and the vulnerability and bravery of the characters moved me beyond words.  Read this. Get your kids to read it and the adults you know as well.  It's an important story and Thomas tells it with compassion.  



Muse of Nightmares by Laini Taylor
(Strange the Dreamer #2)

I am an unabashed Laini Taylor fan.  I love the worlds she creates and shares with us.  The first book in this series, Strange the Dreamer, was on both of our favorites lists last year and this year we share our love of Muse of Nightmares.  Reading Taylor's books is like reading through a dream and hoping you don't wake up. I can't wait to see what she creates next!



Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi

Adeyemi's debut novel had me from the beginning.  This book has creativity, characters to love (and hate!), and a fascinating mythology that both kept me informed and wanting to know more at the same times.  In my original review I mentioned that the world building reminds me of a Laini Taylor novel because of it's rich detail and the excellent pacing. I can't wait to see what comes next in this story.  




Honorable Mentions

Sourdough by Robin Sloan- I love Sloan's writing; his writing has just the touch of magic and whimsy that brings a smile to my face while I read.  This book amused me to no end. 

Still Me by JoJo Moyes- If, like me, you were disappointed by After You, Still Me reunites us with the Louisa Clark we fell in love with in Me Before You.  I had my doubts, but I'm so glad Moyes decided to write this book; I loved every minute of it. 

Obsidio by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff- This is really a recommendation of the entire Illuminae Files series.  An engaging and interesting series throughout, but Obsidio really wrapped it up well in a style that kept me engaged.  


In case you're curious and looking for more reading ideas, here's a link to my favorites lists from 2015, 2016, and 2017. Also don't forget to check out Amy's Favorite Books of 2018 too.