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Favourite Books From Over the Years
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items A list of all my favourite books from the years that they were released. These aren't necessarily the best books out there; they're just ones that have all been 4 or 5-star books for me. You can find more book reviews on my blog, This Splendid Shambles. I've also limited this list to just those books released since 2015. Coz otherwise we'd be here forever.
Sections
10
Favourite Books from 2025
Favourite Books from 2024
Favourite Books from 2023
Favourite Books from 2021
Favourite Books from 2020
Favourite Books from 2019
Favourite Books from 2025
It was a good year for books! Some of my favourite book releases from 2025, in a mix of genres.
I absolutely loved A Forbidden Alchemy by Stacey McEwan. I first discovered McEwan on Instagram, and followed along to watch her brilliant book-related Reels and content, and then read her debut book, Ledge, and then continued the series, too. I thor...
You can read a full review here: thissplendidshambles.com/a-forbidden-alchemy-stacey-mcewan
You can read a full review here: thissplendidshambles.com/a-forbidden-alchemy-stacey-mcewan
A Forbidden Alchemy by Stacey McEwan
It was a story of twists and turns, and I was both on the edge of my seat for the whole time but also slightly bamboozled with what was happening and also in a state of shock and ‘what just happened’ in some parts. But in the best sort of way.
You can check out my full review here: https://thissplendidshambles.com/alchemy-of-secrets-by-stephanie-garber/
You can check out my full review here: https://thissplendidshambles.com/alchemy-of-secrets-by-stephanie-garber/
Alchemy of Secrets by Stephanie Garber
Accomplice to the Villain by Hannah Nicole Maherer is the third book in the Assistant to the Villain series, and it continues the story of Evie and her job with the Villain.
Aside from the wonderful characters (many of which definitely grow in this book) and the almost ridiculous storylines going on, the banter and the sheer hilarity of these books are definitely a drawcard for me.
You can check out my full review of this book on my blog: thissplendidshambles.com/book-review-accomplice-to-the-villain
Aside from the wonderful characters (many of which definitely grow in this book) and the almost ridiculous storylines going on, the banter and the sheer hilarity of these books are definitely a drawcard for me.
You can check out my full review of this book on my blog: thissplendidshambles.com/book-review-accomplice-to-the-villain
Accomplice to the Villain by Hannah Nicole Mahrer
As someone who isn’t a huge non-fiction reader, or who sometimes starts non-fiction and then never actually finishes it…I was a little surprised at how much I enjoyed listening to this one. Perhaps it was my vested interest in my very small encounter...
Check out my full book review here: thissplendidshambles.com/everything-is-tuberculous-by-john-green
Check out my full book review here: thissplendidshambles.com/everything-is-tuberculous-by-john-green
Everything Is Tuberculosis: The History and Persistence of Our Deadliest ...
Okay, so Silver Elite by Dani Francis was one of the books on Bookstagram and Booktok in 2025, and while I like to keep track of what the bookish people are chatting about online, I try not to get sucked into the hype of books.
Sometimes the hyped books I find have been over hyped, or they just haven’t been the write vibe for me. But I 5-starred this book. And if my 5-stars is your 1-star, then that’s totally fine. But man, I ate this book up.
It was probably more a VIBES book for me - I thourughly enjoyed reading it.
And you can read more about my thoughts on my blog: thissplendidshambles.com/book-review-silver-elite-by-dani-francis
Sometimes the hyped books I find have been over hyped, or they just haven’t been the write vibe for me. But I 5-starred this book. And if my 5-stars is your 1-star, then that’s totally fine. But man, I ate this book up.
It was probably more a VIBES book for me - I thourughly enjoyed reading it.
And you can read more about my thoughts on my blog: thissplendidshambles.com/book-review-silver-elite-by-dani-francis
Silver Elite (Silver Elite #1) by Dani Francis
After seeing this book and author on Instagram a few times, I was definitely intrigued by the story and really wanted to pick it up. There began to be a bit of a hype around it here in NZ in the bookish community, so I had high hopes for The Shadow W...
✅ Badass women
✅ Tournaments
✅ Sign me the flip up.
Things I loved about this book: Medieval-esque setting. It’s very A Knight’s Tale coded and I love that. Female blacksmith, obvs. Magic (and forbidden at that) Secrets!
Check out the full review here on This Splendid Shambles.
✅ Badass women
✅ Tournaments
✅ Sign me the flip up.
Things I loved about this book: Medieval-esque setting. It’s very A Knight’s Tale coded and I love that. Female blacksmith, obvs. Magic (and forbidden at that) Secrets!
Check out the full review here on This Splendid Shambles.
The Shadow Weaver (The Broken Sword #1) by Ivy Cliffwater
I’ve said it before, and I’ll probably say it until the end of time, but I love VE Schwab’s stories. Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil is another fantastic read.
If you loved The Invisible life of Addie LaRue or you’ve enjoyed Schwab’s other stories, then Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil will be right up your alley.
You can read more about the book and my thoughts on the blog.
If you loved The Invisible life of Addie LaRue or you’ve enjoyed Schwab’s other stories, then Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil will be right up your alley.
You can read more about the book and my thoughts on the blog.
Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil by V. E. Schwab
I spilt a whole bottle of water on this book. Oops! But damp pages aside, I really enjoyed it.
If you’re looking to dip your toes into romantasy, then this might be a good one to start with. There’s enough world-building and plot that sits alongside the romance side of things. So it’s a good balance.
You can check out my full book review on This Splendid Shambles.
If you’re looking to dip your toes into romantasy, then this might be a good one to start with. There’s enough world-building and plot that sits alongside the romance side of things. So it’s a good balance.
You can check out my full book review on This Splendid Shambles.
Metal Slinger (Fire and Metal #1) by Rachel Schneider
I was a little apprehensive going into this book because it had been so hyped on Instagram and BookTok. But I have to say … I thoroughly enjoyed Shield of Sparrows.
Was it like a lot of other books? Yeah, sure. Did I eat it up anyway? Yeah. Absolutely.
If you like romantasy, monsters, magic and myths, arranged marriages, enemies to lovers vibes, good world building (and a map!), slow burn and tension … this is the one for you!
Was it like a lot of other books? Yeah, sure. Did I eat it up anyway? Yeah. Absolutely.
If you like romantasy, monsters, magic and myths, arranged marriages, enemies to lovers vibes, good world building (and a map!), slow burn and tension … this is the one for you!
Shield of Sparrows by Devney Perry
"They told her to go to Hell. She went, but on her own terms."
This was such a wild book! Lily dies and ends up in the Afterlife but it's really not what she thought it would be like.
If you like fantasy, romantasy, twists on concepts you're possibly familiar with, quirky characters, and magic … give this one a go.
This was such a wild book! Lily dies and ends up in the Afterlife but it's really not what she thought it would be like.
If you like fantasy, romantasy, twists on concepts you're possibly familiar with, quirky characters, and magic … give this one a go.
For Whom the Belle Tolls by Jaysea Lynn
Favourite Books from 2024
Some of my favourite book releases from 2024, in a mix of genres.
Apprentice to the Villain by Hannah Nicole Maehrer continues the story of Evie Sage, who is living her best life as The Villain’s assistant.
I am loving this series by Maehrer! The characters are brilliant, and I think they really make it.
I am loving this series by Maehrer! The characters are brilliant, and I think they really make it.
Apprentice to the Villain (Assistant and the Villain #2) by Hannah Nicole Maehrer
Formerly known as La Vie de Guinevere (2024).
I love a retelling of a legend, myth, or tale. If done well. And boy have I read some poor retellings in my day. The other thing I love is the story of King Arthur, Camelot, the Knights of the Round Table … I love it.
There have been some interesting retellings of the King Arthur and Queen Guinevere story over the many years it has existed, and yet The Once and Future Queen felt fresh, it felt new, it was well thought out and beautifully woven together, and I foun...
Check out my full review on This Splendid Shambles.
I love a retelling of a legend, myth, or tale. If done well. And boy have I read some poor retellings in my day. The other thing I love is the story of King Arthur, Camelot, the Knights of the Round Table … I love it.
There have been some interesting retellings of the King Arthur and Queen Guinevere story over the many years it has existed, and yet The Once and Future Queen felt fresh, it felt new, it was well thought out and beautifully woven together, and I foun...
Check out my full review on This Splendid Shambles.
The Once and Future Queen by Paula Lafferty
While this was a mixed read for me (and you can read my review here to find out why), I did overall really enjoy this one and gave it 4 stars.
Magic, dragons, the need for a glossary … brilliant!
Magic, dragons, the need for a glossary … brilliant!
When the Moon Hatched (The Moonfall Series #1) by Sarah A. Parker
This was a riot of a book. A vampire hires a professional organiser to help him sort out his house before he has a visit from his mother. And it's just a combo of funny moments, book clubs in the villiage, a murderer on the loose, and a growing roman...
Fangs for Nothing by Steffanie Holmes
Favourite Books from 2023
Some of my favourite book releases from 2023, in a mix of genres.
I had such a great time reading this book! It was a brilliantly sunshine-and-grumpy trope, and Evie is so sunshine it’s hilarious. If you’re after a lighthearted, funny, super sweet, sunshine-grumpy trope fantasy story with some deeper themes and mes...
Assistant to the Villain (Assistant and the Villain #1) by Hannah Nicole Maehrer
Fourth Wing has been hyped. Like, so much so that I was really really worried I wasn’t going to like. Sometimes the masses love a book so much that it gets overhyped and you’re really let down by the story when you finally get around to reading it. T...
Fourth Wing (Fourth Wing #1) by Rebecca Yarros
I was slow on the uptake of this series, but once I started reading Powerless by Lauren Roberts, I was hooked. I read all four books (there are three in the series and then a 1.5 book, too) one after the other, pretty much, and that is unheard of for...
While there are people who love this series and some who don't, I really really enjoyed it. This book has a little of everything: fantasy, powers, beautiful friendships, slow-burn banter, swoon-worthy characters, humour and heartbreak. And if you’re ...
While there are people who love this series and some who don't, I really really enjoyed it. This book has a little of everything: fantasy, powers, beautiful friendships, slow-burn banter, swoon-worthy characters, humour and heartbreak. And if you’re ...
Powerless (Powerless #1) by Lauren Roberts
One of my favourite series of all time is the Shades of Magic series by VE Schwab. This book is sort of in that series, in that it's a new series that takes places after Shades of Magic triology, but has new characters. It does overlap a lot though, ...
But if you HAVE read the Shades of Magic series, then this is definitely a goer!
But if you HAVE read the Shades of Magic series, then this is definitely a goer!
The Fragile Threads of Power
by V.E. Schwab
I really enjoyed The Bodyguard by Katherine Center! I said in my original review that the plot, while a little crazy, is one that I can see being a Hallmark movie. And now it's becoming a movie. Called it or what!
I haven’t read anything by Katherine Center before, but if The Bodyguard is anything to go on, then I’m keen to try some of her other books too. If you like romance without too much spice, fun characters, a few classic tropes like fake-dating, then p...
I haven’t read anything by Katherine Center before, but if The Bodyguard is anything to go on, then I’m keen to try some of her other books too. If you like romance without too much spice, fun characters, a few classic tropes like fake-dating, then p...
The Bodyguard by Katherine Center
Favourite Books from 2021
Some of my favourite book releases from 2021, in a mix of genres.
Lore Olympus was originaly a web comic on Webtoon but in 2021 they started publishing it in paparback, and that's when I really picked it up. This is a graphic novel, based on the Greek myth of Hades and Persephone and it's fantastic! I love this ser...
Lore Olympus: Volume One by Rachel Smythe
I didn’t know what I was getting into with The Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels. It’s honestly one of the most fun books I’ve read in a long time. When you have Victorian pirates who fly houses like they’re broomsticks or magic carpets, weapons an...
Check out my full review on This Splendid Shambles.
Check out my full review on This Splendid Shambles.
The Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels (Dangerous Damsels #1) by India Holton
While All Of Us Villains isn’t labelled as a dystopian book, it definitely felt like I was being thrown violently back into the late 2000s, early 2010s. It was like I was in my teens again, reading The Hunger Games and Divergent. In the best way.
This is a fast-paced book, which is very character-driven. The magick system is intense but so well thought out, and then games themselves were incredibly creative in the history and the way certain elements came together. Also, the mystery around wh...
You can learn more about the book and check out my full review on This Splendid Shambles.
This is a fast-paced book, which is very character-driven. The magick system is intense but so well thought out, and then games themselves were incredibly creative in the history and the way certain elements came together. Also, the mystery around wh...
You can learn more about the book and check out my full review on This Splendid Shambles.
All of Us Villains by Amanda Foody and Christine Lynn Herman
Much like the wonders of Caraval, Once Upon a Broken Heart was a magical ride. Somehow Stepanie Garber takes fantasy to a new place; it’s not high fantasy, it doesn’t often involve blood, guts, or heavy romance. It’s a delicate fantasy, with quirky f...
One of my favourite things about Stephanie Garber books is the creative ways she uses conventions that we all know – magic, dragons, fairytale elements, Fates, lore – and somehow turns them into something fresh and new. The plot of Once Upon a Broken...
Check out the rest of my book review here.
One of my favourite things about Stephanie Garber books is the creative ways she uses conventions that we all know – magic, dragons, fairytale elements, Fates, lore – and somehow turns them into something fresh and new. The plot of Once Upon a Broken...
Check out the rest of my book review here.
Once Upon a Broken Heart (Once Upon a Broken Heart Series #1) by Stephanie Garber
I didn’t know what to expect from Ledge and I’m going to be honest with you and say I read this book because of Instagram.
Butthe concept sounded really cool, and definitely something that was unique to me. And I ended up really enjoying it!
If you're into fantasy books, a bit of romance in there, it's a unique setting and a fast-paced read.
Butthe concept sounded really cool, and definitely something that was unique to me. And I ended up really enjoying it!
If you're into fantasy books, a bit of romance in there, it's a unique setting and a fast-paced read.
Ledge (The Glacian Trilogy #1) by Stacey McEwan
Favourite Books from 2020
Some of my favourite book releases from 2020, in a mix of genres.
I absolutely loved this book. It’s not something that I would usually go for but I had heard so many excellent things about it that I had to read it. I’m so glad I did.
If you’re looking for a light-hearted (but with a few moments of hard-hitting emotions), romance book with a twist, get your hands on The Flatshare. You won’t regret it.
You may have seen the TV show, too, which I actually think they did a great job with.
If you’re looking for a light-hearted (but with a few moments of hard-hitting emotions), romance book with a twist, get your hands on The Flatshare. You won’t regret it.
You may have seen the TV show, too, which I actually think they did a great job with.
The Flatshare by Beth O'Leary
The Inheritance Games was brilliant. I loved every second of this young adult mystery novel. I hadn’t read anything by Jennifer Lynn Barnes before, but I’m so glad I picked up this book. The second in the series, The Hawthorne Legacy, was also out at...
There are many books in this series now, and I enjoyed all of them!
There are many books in this series now, and I enjoyed all of them!
The Inheritance Games (Inheritance Games Series #1) by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue is a masterpiece. I expected nothing less from VE Schwab. A Darker Shade of Magic is one of my favourite books. I was hesitant at first, I must admit, to read Addie. The tense is third-person present tense, something...
And it was one of my favourites of 2020.
And it was one of my favourites of 2020.
The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by VE Schwab
Favourite Books from 2019
Some of my favourite book releases from 2019, in a mix of genres.
This is a graphic novel and I love it so much I re-read it every single year in October.
Pumpkinheads by Rainbow Rowell and Faith Erin Hicks is the story of the last day of a pumpkin patch shift. Seasonal friends Deja and Josiah have mixed emotions. This is the last time the two of them will be working at the patch; it’s their senior yea...
Pumpkinheads by Rainbow Rowell and Faith Erin Hicks is the story of the last day of a pumpkin patch shift. Seasonal friends Deja and Josiah have mixed emotions. This is the last time the two of them will be working at the patch; it’s their senior yea...
Pumpkinheads by Rainbow Rowell & Faith Erin Hicks
Four Dead Queens had everything a good Young Adult Fantasy book should have: action, mystery, interesting and well-rounded characters (my English teacher would be so proud of me for using the term ‘well rounded’), a beautiful and intricate world which had been thoug...
I really enjoyed this book by Astrid Scholte, and considering it’s her debut novel, that’s incredible. I can’t wait to read whatever else she may have in the pipeline.
I really enjoyed this book by Astrid Scholte, and considering it’s her debut novel, that’s incredible. I can’t wait to read whatever else she may have in the pipeline.
Four Dead Queens by Astrid Scholte
If you haven't read the Shadow and Bone series by Bardugo, then it'll be hard to follow along in the duology. But I loved this book, too!
You can see more of my thoughts and bit more information on this book on my blog.
You can see more of my thoughts and bit more information on this book on my blog.
King of Scars (King of Scars Duology #1) by Leigh Bardugo
It’s hard to encapsulate all that is The Priory of the Orange Tree in one review, but you see my attempt on This Splendid Shambles.
What I will say is that I loved this book. If you're one for high fantasy, lots of world building, DRAGONS, and complex characters, definitly give this one a go!
What I will say is that I loved this book. If you're one for high fantasy, lots of world building, DRAGONS, and complex characters, definitly give this one a go!
The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon
Favourite Books from 2018
Some of my favourite book releases from 2018, in a mix of genres.
There was nothing about this book that I didn’t enjoy. The whole concept of a school in the mountains for kids who have great talents and passions (everything from writing to film making to science to sport) was brilliant, and the characters that fil...
Highly recommend this book to anyone who likes a bit of mystery, or private schools, or good storylines, or interesting characters, or … just pick up this book.
Check out my full review on This Splendid Shambles.
Highly recommend this book to anyone who likes a bit of mystery, or private schools, or good storylines, or interesting characters, or … just pick up this book.
Check out my full review on This Splendid Shambles.
Truly Devious (Truly Devious Series #1) by Maureen Johnson
What If It’s Us by Becky Albertalli and Adam Silvera is about Arthur and Ben, and their meet-cute and their summer.
This book was so adorable! What If It’s Us was a fun wee romance, and if you enjoy authors like Rainbow Rowell, John Green, and of course the two authors this book is by, then you should pick it up.
Check out my full review on This Splendid Shambles.
This book was so adorable! What If It’s Us was a fun wee romance, and if you enjoy authors like Rainbow Rowell, John Green, and of course the two authors this book is by, then you should pick it up.
Check out my full review on This Splendid Shambles.
What If It's Us by Becky Albertalli & Adam Silvera
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I was hooked in from the very first chapter (have you read it?! That first chapter, amiright?!), and if I hadn’t had ‘important’ adult things to do like … work, then I would have finished this in just a few reading sit...
You can check out my blog, This Splendid Shambles, to learn more about the book and see my full thoughts, but I really enjoyed this enemies-to-lovers fantasy and am looking forward to reading the rest of the series when I can get my hands on it.
You can check out my blog, This Splendid Shambles, to learn more about the book and see my full thoughts, but I really enjoyed this enemies-to-lovers fantasy and am looking forward to reading the rest of the series when I can get my hands on it.
The Bridge Kingdom (The Bridge Kingdom Series #1) by Danielle L. Jensen
Favourite Books from 2017
Some of my favourite book releases from 2017, in a mix of genres.
The final book in the Shades of Magic series by VE Schwab … this is a wonderful conclusion to the series (although, years later she'd add to it with the Threads of Power series). If you love fantasy, alternative Londons, magic … definitely recommend ...
A Conjuring of Light by VE Schwab,
I love every sentence of this book. From the very beginning, I was hooked on Strange the Dreamer. Lazlo’s character is me but times 100. Lost in a world of books and make-believe, buried in a library most people don’t even visit, he is inquisitive, h...
Strange the Dreamer (Strange the Dreamer Series #1) by Laini Taylor
Caraval is full of everything I love about the circus – the magic, the glamour, the secrets and mysteries, the master mind, and the creativity. And minus the clowns. Phew. The concept is just fantastic, and I can only imagine something like this in r...
You can read my full review here on my blog: thissplendidshambles.com/book-review-caraval-by-stephanie-garber
You can read my full review here on my blog: thissplendidshambles.com/book-review-caraval-by-stephanie-garber
Caraval (Caraval Series #1) by Stephanie Garber
The Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue, by Mackenzi Lee, is the story of Monty, Percy and Felicity. They are headed off around Europe for what we might call their big O.E. (overseas experience), or their gap year, and while it seems like a jolly id...
I really loved this book, and I recommended picking it up if you’re into your YA novels (period, or otherwise). I've read this multple times now.
I really loved this book, and I recommended picking it up if you’re into your YA novels (period, or otherwise). I've read this multple times now.
The Gentleman's Guide to Vice and Virtue (Montague Siblings Series #1) by Mackenzi Lee
Stop the Magician. Steal the book. Save the future.
I’m sorry, but when that’s the leading line on the back cover, then you know you’re in for one heck of a ride. The Last Magician is one of those stories where all aspects of the novel are wonderfully crafted. Often you’ll get a book that you really e...Not.This.Book.
It was an epic adventure through time, magic, heists and 1902 goodness. Definitely recommend.
I’m sorry, but when that’s the leading line on the back cover, then you know you’re in for one heck of a ride. The Last Magician is one of those stories where all aspects of the novel are wonderfully crafted. Often you’ll get a book that you really e...Not.This.Book.
It was an epic adventure through time, magic, heists and 1902 goodness. Definitely recommend.
The Last Magician (Last Magician Series #1) by Lisa Maxwell
Favourite Books from 2016
Some of my favourite book releases from 2016, in a mix of genres.
The second in the Shades of Magic series by VE Schwab continues the brilliant story she began in A Darker Shade of Magic. I so enjoy this fantasy series by Schwab, and have read it multiple times.
A Gathering of Shadows by VE Schwab
Favourite Books from 2015
Some of my favourite book releases from 2015, in a mix of genres.
One of my favourite series! I love the world that Schwab has created in this series, and you really are launched straight into it in this, the first book in the Shades of Magic series.
A Darker Shade of Magic by VE Schwab
Nimona by N.D. Stevenson is one of the best graphic novels I’ve ever read. It tells the story of Nimona, a shapeshifting whiz who just wants to be Lord Blackheart’s sidekick and help him do evil things.
Even if you’re not into graphic novels (as I said, I’ve only read a handful so am not really a connoisseur of the genre), Nimona is an adorable read with beautiful images that will definitely have you craving more.
Even if you’re not into graphic novels (as I said, I’ve only read a handful so am not really a connoisseur of the genre), Nimona is an adorable read with beautiful images that will definitely have you craving more.
Nimona by ND Stevenson
It's been a long time since this book came out in 2015 but it's still one of my favourite duologies.
If you’ve read Bardugo’s Grisha series then you really must pick up Six of Crows. It's full of spectacular characters, and they do a heist and if that's not enough of a draw card I don't know what is.
If you haven’t read the Grisha series, there are a couple of things mentioned in SOC that might be spoilers for the Grisha trilogy, however, if you’re not phased about it then it doesn’t matter if you haven’t read the trilogy yet.
If you’ve read Bardugo’s Grisha series then you really must pick up Six of Crows. It's full of spectacular characters, and they do a heist and if that's not enough of a draw card I don't know what is.
If you haven’t read the Grisha series, there are a couple of things mentioned in SOC that might be spoilers for the Grisha trilogy, however, if you’re not phased about it then it doesn’t matter if you haven’t read the trilogy yet.
Six of Crows (Six of Crows Series #1) by Leigh Bardugo