The Best Books of 2024 That I Read This Year

In Memoriam by Alice Winn

In 1914, Henry Gaunt secretly loves his best friend, Sidney Ellwood, unaware that the feelings are mutual. Pressured by family, Gaunt enlists in the army, and Ellwood soon follows.

Amid the horrors of trench warfare, they find fleeting solace in each other, even as death surrounds them.

My Rating: ★★★★★

Wow. I’m not usually one for historical fiction, but this was incredible. A raw, real story of love, loss and the horrors of war and its aftermath.

This was so incredibly written and I can see this being made into a movie in the future. I’ll be first in line at the cinema if it does. Very easily one of the best books of 2024.

Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros

Everyone expected Violet Sorrengail to die during her first year at Basgiath War College—Violet included. Now the real training begins, and Violet’s already wondering how she’ll get through. It’s not just that it’s grueling and maliciously brutal, or even that it’s designed to stretch the riders’ capacity for pain beyond endurance. It’s the new vice commandant, who’s made it his personal mission to teach Violet exactly how powerless she is–unless she betrays the man she loves.

Because Violet knows the real secret hidden for centuries at Basgiath War College—and nothing, not even dragon fire, may be enough to save them in the end.

My rating: ★★★★★

I can’t get enough of this series. This is only the second book with more still to be published, but I wish I could stay in this fantasy universe for a lot longer than the 600 pages the book provides. So good!!!!!

One of the best books of 2024 that I read, and I know the next instalment will probably be one of the best books of 2025.

The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller

Achilles, the golden hero of Greek legend, and Patroclus, an exiled prince, form an unbreakable bond that defies divine wrath. Trained in war and medicine by the centaur Chiron, their love deepens amidst the call to arms when Helen of Sparta is abducted. As Achilles pursues glory in the Trojan War, Patroclus, torn by devotion and fear, stands by him. Together, they face the harsh trials of fate, which will demand the ultimate sacrifice and test the limits of their love and loyalty.

My Rating: ★★★★★

I had this book on my shelf for around two years. I’ve heard all of the rave reviews, heard everyone claim this as a modern-day classic, but still couldn’t bring myself to read it. After reading Circe by the same author and low-key hating it, I couldn’t face another of Madeline Miller’s books on Greek Mythology. But boy am I glad that I finally picked this up. A beautiful and tragic love story, I couldn’t put this down. I may have also shed a tear or two (which if you know me, you’ll know is very unlike me).

Things We Hide From the Light by Lucy Score

Nash Morgan, the once charming and confident police chief, is battling panic attacks and nightmares after a near-fatal shooting. Determined to hide his struggles, he doesn’t expect his new neighbour, Lina, to see through his facade. Despite her aversion to physical contact, their undeniable connection draws them together, offering Nash solace and Lina a reason to take a risk. But Lina’s harbouring secrets that could shatter their fragile bond if uncovered, leaving them both to question if love is worth the gamble.

My Rating: ★★★★★

This is book number two in the Knockemout series and I was hoping for it to be almost as good as the first in the series (Things We Never Got Over) because I didn’t think there would be any chance that it could be better. But oh I was wrong. Nash and Lina’s love story was somehow even better than Knox and Naomi’s and again, I couldn’t put this chunky (600-page) book down, finishing in just a few days. I’m obsessed with series.

Things We Left Behind by Lucy Score

Lucian Rollins, a ruthless tycoon driven by vengeance, and Sloane Walton, a fiery small-town librarian seeking justice, are united by a dark secret and divided by mutual distrust. Their heated bickering takes an unexpected turn into an intense one-night stand, sparking a passion neither can ignore. However, as Sloane dreams of starting a family and Lucian resists the idea of commitment, their fiery enemies-to-lovers dynamic faces an unyielding standstill.

My Rating: ★★★★★

After racing through book two of the series, I had to get my hands on the third and final instalment to find out how the series would end. After reading the first two books, it was obvious that Lucian and Sloane’s story was going to be the most intense and I think Lucy Score definitely kept the best until last. I’m gutted that this series has come to an end and I’m silently hoping that Lucy Score writes a spin-off or retracts her choice to finish at the third book. We can live in hope. One of the best books of 2024 and series.

I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou

Maya Angelou’s debut memoir, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, is a beloved modern classic that chronicles her journey through pain and resilience. Sent to live with their grandmother in a small Southern town, young Maya and her brother Bailey face the sting of abandonment and racial prejudice. Later, back with her mother, Maya endures a traumatic assault that changes her forever. Through self-discovery, the kindness of others, and a deep love for literature, Maya learns to overcome her struggles, embrace her strength, and find freedom in her own identity.

My rating: ★★★★★

This had always been on my list of books to read, and I’m very glad I finally got around to reading it. What I didn’t realise, is that it’s the first of seven books that Maya Angelou has written about her life, so only six more to go! A harrowing telling of Maya Angelou’s early years but a must-read.

Magnolia Parks: The Long Way Home by Jessa Hastings

It’s been nearly a year since everything happened between Magnolia Parks and BJ Ballentine on the steps of the Mandarin Oriental, and since then it seems like everything has changed. Magnolia has a life in New York now and BJ appears to have finally let go and moved on. But when they both wind up back in London and are thrust together once again, they find themselves asking their age-old How many loves do you actually get in a lifetime, and, most important—are they each other’s?

My rating: ★★★★★

You probably know by now how obsessed I am with this series. And as I read further into the series, the more obsessed I become. I had started to favour Daisy Haites’ story above Magnolia’s in book two, but now I’m back to being a fan of Magnolia and BJ again. You were able to see a softer, more vulnerable side of Magnolia in The Long Way Home and there were so many times I had to put my head in the book out of frustration at these two characters doing everything they can to push the other away, when it’s so clear they belong together. The most frustratingly incredible series that you need to read!

Magnolia Parks: Into the Dark by Jessa Hastings

In the fifth book of the Magnolia Parks Universe series, Magnolia and BJ grapple with heartbreak while preparing for the “wedding of the century.” As family tensions rise and ghosts from their past resurface, they must confront their insecurities and question whether their fated love is truly enough. Can they rebuild trust and move forward together, or will their relationship unravel under the weight of their shared history?

My rating: ★★★★★

Five stars. The perfect ending to the perfect series. I’m so gutted this is over, but so happy I picked it up last year. I will say however, there do seem to be a few unanswered questions, so thought there might be another book but it doesn’t appear to be. But there was definitely something brewing with Christian, Jo and Julian… but that storyline seemed to fizzle out. There has to be a TV series made about this show which will hopefully fill the Gossip Girl hole in my life. Another contender for the top of my best books of 2024 and series lists.

To All the Boys I Loved Before by Jenny Han

What if all the crushes you ever had found out how you felt about them… all at once? Sixteen-year-old Lara Jean Song keeps her love letters in a hatbox her mother gave her. They aren’t love letters that anyone else wrote for her; these are ones she’s written. One for every boy she’s ever loved—five in all. When she writes, she pours out her heart and soul and says all the things she would never say in real life, because her letters are for her eyes only. Until the day her secret letters are mailed, and suddenly, Lara Jean’s love life goes from imaginary to out of control.

My rating: ★★★★★

This was a little guilty pleasure read for me. I’ve seen the movie already so knew how the book would play out, but wanted to read it all the same. It doesn’t stray from the movie at all, and if you want a light-hearted, cute rom-com that’s going to make you smile while reading it, then this book is for you.

Never Lie by Freida McFadden

Newlyweds Tricia and Ethan are trapped in a remote manor during a violent winter storm while searching for their dream home. The house once belonged to Dr. Adrienne Hale, a psychiatrist who vanished mysteriously four years ago. To pass the time, Tricia discovers a hidden room filled with audio recordings of Dr. Hale’s patient sessions. As she listens, Tricia uncovers chilling revelations about the events that led to Dr. Hale’s disappearance, plunging her into a mystery far darker than she could have imagined.

My rating: ★★★★★

I would read anything by Freida McFadden at this rate and have made my way through a few of her books already. I’ll be writing a blog post featuring them all soon since I have another in my Kindle library waiting to be read.

This was one of my favourites by Freida McFadden – full of her signature twists and turns that you feel stupid not noticing. So good! One of the best books of 2024 in the thrillers category.

Caraval by Stephanie Garber

Scarlett Dragna’s dreams of experiencing Caraval, the legendary immersive performance, seem lost when her cruel father arranges her marriage. But when an unexpected invitation arrives, Scarlett is swept away by her sister, Tella, and a mysterious sailor to attend the magical event. Upon arrival, Tella is kidnapped, becoming the centerpiece of this season’s game. As Scarlett navigates the enchanting and deceptive world of Caraval, she must uncover its secrets, face heartbreak, and race against time to rescue Tella before the five-night event ends—or risk losing her sister forever.

My rating: ★★★★★

This is a book I’ve had on my ‘to read’ list for a very long time after seeing it on BookTube. I was never a fantasy reader until around six months ago. But since reading Fourth Wing, I’ve been converted. I really enjoyed this and the escapism it creates. This is the first book in the series, so I’m excited to read more.

The Deal by Elle Kennedy

Hannah Wells, burdened by insecurities about sex and seduction, agrees to tutor the cocky hockey team captain, Garrett Graham, in exchange for a fake date to attract her crush. However, when their pretend relationship leads to genuine passion, Garrett must persuade Hannah that he is the one she truly desires.

My rating: ★★★★★

I read my first hockey romance back in March this year after seeing Icebreaker by Hannah Grace all over TikTok. I didn’t have high hopes for The Deal as it seemed like it was going to be exactly the same. However, I was very surprised at the chemistry between the two main characters and how well the story was written. I loved it. I’m eyeing up the rest of the series if it appears on the Kindle Deals page. One of the best books of 2024 for romance!

Just for the Summer by Abby Jimenez

Justin has a curse, and thanks to a Reddit thread, it’s now all over the internet. Every woman he dates goes on to find their soul mate the second they break up. When a woman slides into his DMs with the same problem, they come up with a plan: They’ll date each other and break up. Their curses will cancel each other’s out, and they’ll both go on to find the love of their lives. It’s a bonkers idea… and it just might work.

My rating: ★★★★★

I’d seen Abby Jimenez’s books a lot across BookTube and BookTok and finally got around to reading this one as my last summer read. I loved the dialogue between Justin and Emma. It was natural, sarcastic and had me chuckling to myself. Mostly, it felt real. I can’t wait to read more of Abby Jimenez’s work and already have a few waiting on my shelf. One of the best books of 2024 from a new author on my radar.

Small Worlds by Caleb Azumah Nelson

In Small Worlds, Stephen finds solace in dance, whether worshipping at Church, jamming with friends, or spinning records at home. As his father speaks of shame and sacrifice, Stephen grapples with his identity and the loss of freedom. Spanning three summers between London and Ghana, the novel explores the spaces we create for love, joy, and self-discovery amidst life’s challenges.

My Rating: ★★★★★

I will read absolutely anything Caleb Azumah Nelson writes. This is only his second book, but it’s as good if not better than Open Water. He has such a poetic way of writing that evokes every emotion you can think of. Heartbreaking yet funny, but also deeply moving and intense. An incredibly story about immigration, loss, hopelessness and faith. One of the best books of 2024 in the literary fiction category.

Good Material by Dolly Alderton

In Dolly Alderton’s novel, Andy, a 35-year-old comedian, is reeling from a breakup while struggling with his career and friendships. Living in his friends’ spare room, he reflects on his failed relationship and starts to understand his ex’s perspective.

Warm, funny, and relatable, the novel explores love, friendship, and the challenges of growing up.

My Rating: ★★★★★

I spent six days at a digital detox, yoga and meditation retreat in Cambodia this September. The digital detox part meant no phone, no laptop, no TV and worst of all, no Kindle. But thankfully, they had an extensive library that I could peruse during the downtime. I’ve read Dolly Alderton’s other novels and didn’t love them. However, this was five out of five, and I couldn’t put it down.

A break-up told from the guy’s perspective, and made me laugh out loud so many times. I can see this being made into a TV series soon. One of the best books of 2024 for comedy!

The Five People You Meet in Heaven by Mitch Albom

From the author of Tuesdays with Morrie, this novel follows Eddie, an 83-year-old war veteran who feels his life has been uninspired. After dying while saving a girl at an amusement park, he learns that heaven is a place of understanding, guided by five people who reveal the meaning of his life and answer the question, “Why was I here?”

My Rating: ★★★★★

The third book I read during the yoga retreat, and one more tied to the spirituality theme of the six days. I loved the five stories in this book and the hidden messages in each. It really teaches you how you can impact other people’s lives without even knowing and how to make the most of life and those that are on it with you.