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2026 Reads that Stuck with Me
17
items As in years past, I'm trying to read at least 100 books in 2026. These books are the best ones that I read of those 100+ books across multiple genres.
Sections
6
Fiction (General)
History and Other Non-Fiction
Horror
Romance
Science Fiction
Young Adult
Fiction (General)
Books that don't fall into the Science Fiction, Romance or non-fiction categories
This book has gotten some divided opinions but I really enjoyed it (and binge-read it over the course of a day). It follows Natalie, a social media influencer who lives the life of a Trad Wife and seemingly has a perfect life. However, one day she wakes up in the 1800s and she tries to unravel what transpired.
Yesteryear - Caro Claire Burke
Set in Korea in the late 18th century, this story follows Hyeon, the illegitimate daughter of a high-ranking official. At a time when there are few opportunities for women, she works as a nurse but becomes embroiled in the false accusation of her tea...
I really enjoyed this book a lot.
I really enjoyed this book a lot.
The Red Palace - June Hur
I love Egyptian history and this was a no-brainer to pick up for me. It follows the story of Cleopatra--the last queen of Egypt. It does take some creative liberties, but mostly follows her life with historical accuracy. It's well written and worth a...
Cleopatra - Saara El-Arifi
History and Other Non-Fiction
Books about history and other non-fiction topics.
I picked up this book which I was looking for more primary sources for my grad final project, and it was one of my favorite books I read in my research. This book examines the Spanish Flu with a lens on its impact in England and the United States. Ar...
Pandemic 1918: Eyewitness Accounts from the Greatest Medical Holocaust in Modern History - Catharine Arnold
This was probably my favorite book I read when researching the Spanish Flu for my grad project. It IS an older book but it has a fantastic narrative. One of the things I enjoyed was how well-researched it was and how Crosby dove into smaller aspects ...
America's Forgotten Pandemic: The Influenza of 1918 - Alfred W. Crosby
This is a well-researched and written book about the Spanish Flu. This book is organized to examine perspectives of the pandemic through multiple lens--from doctors and nurses, to children and those on the front-line.
American Pandemic: The Lost Worlds of the 1918 Influenza Epidemic - Nancy L. Bristow
This was a pretty good book about cryptids. It gets brownie points for looking into the history of some of my favorites like Mothman, the Jersey Devil, and Loch Ness Monster. I know a lot about cryptids and there was quite a bit about different crypt...
Monsters: Myths, Legends, and Real Encounters - Richard Estep
Horror
Books about spooky things, unsettling people, and things that unsettle you.
After hearing a horror booktuber rave about this book, I decided to give it a shot. It proved to be an excellent horror read and one that went in a direction I really didn't expect. It's a must-read for horror fans who want things to be a bit off the...
When the Wolf Comes Home - Nat Cassidy
This is the second book I've read by Baker and probably my favorite. I heard a lot of hype about this novel from horror readers and I can safely say I agree. It has an original plot that weaves in unexpected ways, is honest but not completely depress...
It follows the story of Cora, a 24-year old woman whose sister is killed in front of her in the early part of the pandemic. Afterwards, she gets a job as a cleaner for murder scenes and begins to have supernatural experiences.
It follows the story of Cora, a 24-year old woman whose sister is killed in front of her in the early part of the pandemic. Afterwards, she gets a job as a cleaner for murder scenes and begins to have supernatural experiences.
Bat Eater and Other Names for Cora Zeng - Kylie Lee Baker
Rachel Harrison has a bit of a following in the horror book circles, and after finding out this one had time travel, I knew I had to give it a go. It's a great read and I flew through it.
It follows Willa, who is reeling from a break-up. She's going to a friend's wedding where he (Ravi) will be at but its okay! Her friends will be there too. Only everyone gets killed that night and she wakes up the morning of that same day completely ...
It follows Willa, who is reeling from a break-up. She's going to a friend's wedding where he (Ravi) will be at but its okay! Her friends will be there too. Only everyone gets killed that night and she wakes up the morning of that same day completely ...
Kiss Slay Replay - Rachel Harrison
Romance
Books with love stories as the focus.
This is the best romance book I've read in a while. It follows Collin, who is returning to her hometown in Wyoming after years away making a career in New York to help her family fend off a realtor who wants their property. Collin is no ordinary pers...
I'm picky with romance novels--and this one ticks the box for a slow burn, deep story that puts romance as a side plot instead of the main plot and a cast of interesting characters---some living and some dead.
I'm picky with romance novels--and this one ticks the box for a slow burn, deep story that puts romance as a side plot instead of the main plot and a cast of interesting characters---some living and some dead.
Soul Searching - Lyla Sage
1
This had been on my TBR shelf for a while and I was glad I finally gave it a read. I don't read a lot of romantasy so some of the plot points may be overdone but I found them enjoyable.
This follows the story of Bianca, who is married off to the crown prince of another kingdom. Following an assassination attempt, he is transformed into a horse and the two must try and get rid of the curse and find out whose targeting them.
This follows the story of Bianca, who is married off to the crown prince of another kingdom. Following an assassination attempt, he is transformed into a horse and the two must try and get rid of the curse and find out whose targeting them.
Behooved - M. Stevenson
Science Fiction
Books I loved reading this year that are full of dungeons, aliens, outerspace and other sci-fi elements.
I picked this one up on a whim after hearing rave reviews about it. Boy did it live up to the hype! It's easily one of the best books I've read this year and one of the most refreshing books (as well as the whole series) I've read in a while.
This series follows Carl and his ex-girlfriend's cat Donut, as Earth is taken by aliens and they compete to survive and possibly reclaim earth.
This series follows Carl and his ex-girlfriend's cat Donut, as Earth is taken by aliens and they compete to survive and possibly reclaim earth.
Dungeon Crawler Carl (Dungeon Crawler Carl Series #1) - Matt Dinniman
Picking up right where the first book left off, this is a very strong sequel and both as good and at times better than the first book.
The sequel continues the story of Carl and Donut as they make their way through the dungeon.
The sequel continues the story of Carl and Donut as they make their way through the dungeon.
Carl's Doomsday Scenario (Dungeon Crawler Carl #2) - Matt Dinniman
Young Adult
Books targeted to a young adult audience.
Young adult romance is not always my favorite genre but every now and then I come across one that I really enjoy--such as Dungeons and Drama by Kristy Boyce that I read last year. I loved it enough to finish it in a day.
This book is actually the first in the series and I throughly enjoyed it. Boyce is a great writer who makes fun characters, and places them in geeky and unique situations.
This book is actually the first in the series and I throughly enjoyed it. Boyce is a great writer who makes fun characters, and places them in geeky and unique situations.
Dungeons and Drama - Kristy Boyce
I've heard a lot of really good things about Ella Enchanted and finally gave it a read after finding it on Kindle Unlimited. I'm kicking myself for not reading it sooner. Ella is a fantastic main character and it was hard to put down (I read it in a ...
I won't spoil anything but it tells the story of Ella, who is “cursed” to be obedient. Anytime someone tells her she has to do it, her curse forces her to follow it.
I won't spoil anything but it tells the story of Ella, who is “cursed” to be obedient. Anytime someone tells her she has to do it, her curse forces her to follow it.
Ella Enchanted - Gail Carson Levine
Kristy Boyce strikes again with the third installment in her Dungeons and Dragons themed young adult series. This book follows Hazel, a senior and lead of her school's color guard. Her former best friend Max has returned after being away for years an...
I enjoyed this book, needless to say, and cannot wait for more books in this series. That's saying something as someone who doesn't always like young adult novels!
I enjoyed this book, needless to say, and cannot wait for more books in this series. That's saying something as someone who doesn't always like young adult novels!
Rolls and Rivalry - Kristy Boyce