Best Books of 2024…and the Worst

best books of 2024 book covers

In 2024, I read a total of 85 books and while many of those were hits, there were also a few misses. So, I thought it could be interesting to look back on the year and put together a rapid-fire list of my favourite and least favourite books for each month of the year.

I say favourite and least favourite instead of best and worst because in many cases, my least favourite book wasn’t bad, it just wasn’t as good as the other books I read that month. “But doesn’t the title—” Yes, I know. I beg your forgiveness for the most minor event of clickbait you’ll probably endure this entire day.

(idea credit to @heaths.bookclub on Instagram)

January

Favourite

just last night mhairi mcfarlane cover

Rating: 4.75 ★

Genre: Contemporary Romance

A brilliant portrayal of how people can hide behind the “nice guy” persona and ultimately cause more harm than people who are overtly hostile. Full of drama, betrayal, grief, love and the complexities of friendship.

Least Favourite

before the coffee gets cold by toshikazu kawaguchi book cover

Rating: 3.0 ★

Genre: Fantasy, Magical Realism

With fantasy and coffee in a glorious combo, I was so excited about this but unfortunately, it fell flat. I was honestly just bored.

February

Favourite

rootbound by tarah dewitt cover

Rating: 4.5 ★

Genre: Contemporary Romance

The chemistry between these characters was scrumptious. Tarah DeWitt just gets it.

 

Honourable mention: Bride by Ali Hazelwood

Least Favourite

the exception to the rule by christina lauren

Rating: 3.0 ★

Genre: Contemporary Romance

I was in the mood for mindless fluff and that’s exactly what I got. 

March

Favourite

the narrow road between desires by patrick rothfuss cover

Rating: 4.75 ★

Genre: Fantasy Novella

This is so beautifully written. It’s probably not for everyone but I love how Patrick Rothfuss weaves his messages about life into his stories.

 

Honourable mentions:

Butcher & Blackbird by Brynne Weaver

The Co-op by Tarah DeWitt

Least Favourite

keeper of enchanted rooms

Rating: 2.0 ★

Genre: Historical Fiction, Magic, Mystery, Romance

The premise of this book had so much potential but it’s a no for me. I should’ve DNFd this.

April

Favourite

ninth house by leigh bardugo book cover

Rating: 5 ★

Genre: Urban Fantasy, Mystery, Horror

Obsessed, I tell you. Fucking obsessed.

Least Favourite

heir of uncertain magic by charlie n. holmberg cover

Rating: 2.0 ★

Genre: Historical Fiction, Magic, Mystery, Romance

I can’t believe I didn’t learn my lesson with Keeper of Enchanted Rooms. Again, I should’ve DNFd this.

May

Favourite

funny story by emily henry

Rating: 4.75★

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Emily Henry cannot be stopped. What a joy to read her books.

Honourable mention: Savor It by Tarah DeWitt

Least Favourite

this savage song

Rating: 3.75 ★

Genre: YA Fantasy, Dystopian, Paranormal, Urban Fantasy

Absolutely loved the writing and the story was very interesting but it was just a bit too YA for me to get fully into it. I’m clearly not the target audience for this, but otherwise, it was great.

June

Favourite

funny story by emily henry

Rating: 5 ★

Genre: Urban Fantasy, Mystery, Horror

Bury me with this book. I beg you.

Honourable mentions:

One For My Enemy by Olivie Blake

Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo

Least Favourite

the awakening zodiac academy cover

Rating: 3.0 ★

Genre: Fantasy Romance, Paranormal

I wasn’t convinced to jump onto the Zodiac Academy train by this first book but I may give the series another shot in future.

July

Favourite

shantaram book cover

Rating: 5 ★

Genre: Historical Fiction, Travel, Adventure

Spectacular. Some of the quotes from this book will stick with me forever.

Honourable mentions:

Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir

Next to You by Hannah Bonam-Young

Least Favourite

the veiled kingdom by holly renee cover

Rating: 3.0 ★

Genre: Fantasy Romance, Romantasy

Fun but a bit meh.

August

Favourite

alone with you in the ether book cover

Rating: 5 ★

Genre: Contemporary Romance, Literary Fiction

One of the most beautiful things I’ve ever read. Truly a standout.

Least Favourite

under your spell by laura wood cover

Rating: 3.0 ★

Genre: Contemporary Romance

A therapy ad disguised as a book.

September

Favourite

good omens

Rating: 4.75 ★

Genre: Fantasy, Comedy

What a laugh. This genuinely had me cackling out loud.

Least Favourite

the wolf king by lauren palphreyman book cover

Rating: 3.5 ★

Genre: Romantasy, Paranormal

There were aspects of this that I really enjoyed but as a whole, I didn’t love it.

October

Favourite

good omens

Rating: 4.25 ★

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Not in the same league as Emily Henry, in my opinion, but still great fun.

Least Favourite

the wolf king

Rating: 3.5 ★

Genre: Science Fiction, Romance, Time Travel

Adored the concept but was a bit disappointed with the delivery.

November

Favourite

royal assasin robin hobb cover

Rating: 4.5 ★

Genre: Epic Fantasy

The masses love Robin Hobb for a very good reason.

 

Honourable mentions:

The Ex Vows by Jessica Joyce

Anathema by Keri Lake

Least Favourite

cruel winter with you ali hazelwood cover

Rating: 3 ★

Genre: Romance, Novella, Christmas

I think this is a “it’s not you, it’s me” kind of moment. I just struggle with Christmas as a brand.

December

Favourite

royal assasin robin hobb cover

Rating: 4.5 ★

Genre: High Fantasy, Mystery, Science Fiction

One of those books that immediately reminds you why you love fantasy as a whole genre.

Least Favourite

cruel winter with you ali hazelwood cover

Rating: 3.5 ★

Genre: Science Fiction, Fantasy, Dystopian,

The narrator of the audiobook saying “Darrow” in that whiny, pompous voice honestly haunts my dreams.

Have you read any of the books? What are your thoughts on them? Let me know in the comments below 🙂