Top Ten Tuesday: Best of 2018

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme created by the Broke and Bookish and hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl where we get a new topic for a top 10 list.

2018 was not a good reading year for me. I read a total of 11 books. Not great, but numbers don’t matter when it comes to reading. While I only read a small number of books they were all enjoyable. I did a lot of re-reading this year, but these 5 books were the standouts of the year.

1. The Language of Thorns by Leigh Bardugo: I started the year with this book and it was brilliant. The tales are imaginative and sinister with plenty of twists and turns that will catch you off guard. The issues explored in these tales can also be related to contemporary society and the illustrations accompanying the tales further enhance the reading experience. 

2. Obsidio by Amie Kaufman & Jay Kristoff: The most exhilarating conclusion to what has been an incredible series. The stakes were higher than ever and through it, we explored the destructive yet hopeful nature of humanity. Our characters are pushed to their very limits, but to see them rise above all the obstacles they faced was inspiring.

3. To Kill a Kingdom by Alexandra Christo: This book is brutal and twisted and everything I love in fantasy. Our characters are morally ambiguous, sassy, and highly entertaining. To Kill a Kingdom is unapologetically dark and the mythology of the sirens was brilliantly woven into the tale.

4. Brooklynaire by Sarina Bowen: I didn’t read many contemporary books this year, and most of the ones I did read were re-reads. However, I was lucky enough to receive an ARC for Brooklynaire and it was a perfect book for those lazy Sundays. More than that, Becca and Nate finally got their happy ending and it was a joy to follow the development of their relationship.

5. Norse Mythology by Neil Gaiman: My final read of 2018 and it was brilliant. Neil Gaiman provides a fresh take on the Norse Mythology, but still retains that timeless quality that highlights the way these tales have stood the test of time. 

What was your favourite book in 2018?
What are some of your reading goals for 2019?

35 thoughts on “Top Ten Tuesday: Best of 2018”

  3. I’m sorry you’ve had a mediocre reading year, but I’m glad you had some good books in there. I have my fingers crossed that 2019 will have more amazing books for you! I really enjoyed To Kill a Kingdom. I’m looking forward to more from Alexandra Christo! Happy New Year, Lois!

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    1. I think I’ve reached that point where I’ve just accepted that I’ll read when I can and want to, even if it is only a small number in the end. I have found that I’ve got a renewed energy for reading at the moment though, so I’m happy about that. Alexandra Christo definitely left her mark with To Kill a Kingdom!!

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  6. I’m so sorry your reading year wasn’t too good, but you read some great books and that’s all hat matters. Quality over quantity. 🙂 To Kill a Kingdom is also one of my favourite readings of 2018. I loved this twisted and dark retelling of The Little Mermaid.

    Happy New Year!
    Tânia @MyLovelySecret

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    1. Quality over quantity for sure!! I’ve come to embrace the fact that while I may not read as much at least I still enjoy the books I do read. To Kill a Kingdom is the definition of a wicked tale and I can’t wait to read her future books. Happy New Year. 😀

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    1. To Kill a Kingdom is a wicked tale in every possible way and the mythology of the Siren’s is so intricately woven into the story. I hope you enjoy the book when you get to it. 😀

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  10. I haven’t read the Illuminae books, but I do plan on reading Kristoff and Kaufman’s next collaboration, Aurora Rising. I also haven’t picked up The Language of Thorns yet, but another one of Bardugo’s books, Ruin and Rising, was one of my favorite reads of 2018. Although I typically enjoy Bradugo’s books, she’s never been one of my favorite authors. Ruin and Rising finally showed me why everyone else adores her so much. Now, I’m more pumped than ever for King of Scars!

    Eleanor | On the Other Side of Reality

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    1. I completely forgot about their next collaboration. I think Kaufman and Kristoff make a great team and I can’t wait to read their next book. I’ve yet to read the Ruin and Rising book, but Bardugo is one of my top authors so I can’t wait for King of Scars.

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    1. Quality over quantity is my policy when it comes to reading this year. As long as I enjoy the books it doesn’t matter how much I read. I’d highly recommend Norse Mythology though.

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    1. I’m told the audiobooks for the Illuminae Files are out of this world. I’m so tempted to give them a listen because it sounds like an epic experience. Prepare yourself for the emotional rollercoaster that is Obsidio. It will crush you in the best ways possible.

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