Bunny's Top Books for 2023
2023 is coming to a close, and I wanted to end it on a high note. I've read many books, joined multiple book tours, and discovered many new authors. It's been a great year! Despite some of the negativity, I've enjoyed most of it, and, unfortunately, overloaded myself a few times. LOL! I'm not hitting my Goodreads goal this year, but we'll see what the new year holds. Hopefully lots of fun books, and more new discoveries!
Now! I'm going to share with you some of my top favorites of this year. You're going to see a couple of authors on here twice. Yes, twice! Why? Because they've written some seriously good books! Also, those books may or may not be part of an ongoing series. LOL!
Before we get into the list...these are not in any particular order!!! So, don't get mad at me (authors who are featured. LOL). Seriously! I love you all. LOL!
#1 Curse of the Fallen
H.C. Newell's Fallen Light series was a series I discovered this year through Escapist Book Tours. OMG! This book (and series) is ridiculously good! Looking for a page-turner that will keep you coming back for more? Then grab this book. Side note, if you haven't grabbed a copy yet, this book (book 1) is still available for $0.99!! It's a steal! Though I will warn you of this...book one's ending? It's going to have you raging. Good news for you? Books two and three are readily available! LOL!
Wondering if books 2 and 3 make my list of faves? You bet!
#2 The Forbidden Realms
Nerana's story continues in H.C. Newell's second book in the series, The Forbidden Realms. Book two picks up where book one left off and keeps you page-turning to find out what Nerana is going to be up against as she finds herself deep in the wastelands.
Newell paints such vivid pictures in this book that you can almost picture yourself there with the characters alongside them. Nerana must fight for every inch of ground she claims with her feet, and try to stay ahead of those who hunt her. This addition to the series is riveting. Make sure you clear your schedule, grab snacks, and hide from your responsibilities and family to get through this book. LOL!
#3 Shadows of Nyn'Dira
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#6 Starlight Jewel
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Shadows of Nyn'Dira is the "fourth" book in the series and H.C. Newell's latest release in the series. This cover is honestly my favorite out of the entire series. I mean, look at it! It's gorgeous! Newell's epic storytelling and world-building continue in this book and it is phenomenal. The world-building is absolutely captivating and the author introduces some new characters that are truly going to engage you even more.
Want to check out the series for yourself? Click on the link and get started!
#4 Sea of Souls
Sea of Souls is another gem that I discovered through Escapist Book Tours. Author N.C. Scrimgeour promises readers selkies, drama, danger, open ocean, and secrets, and boy does this author deliver! As a reader, I was swept away. The author beautifully mixes together Scottish folklore with dark fantasy and a touch of magic. Don't go into this book expecting magic everywhere because you'll be disappointed, so make a note of that. Understand? LOL
This author writes an engaging story that will keep you gripped as the main character navigates what she must do. But does she seek the truth? Or honor the promise that she made to her brother? Minor spoiler alert...prepare to have your mind...BLOWN!
Love a good fantasy novel? Love pirates, high seas, and mythical creatures? Grab this book!
Available now on Amazon!
#5 Gothic
Let's shift gears here for a minute and move to horror. If you know me, you know I loooooooooooovvvee horror. LOL! The gorier, creepier, the more twisted the better. If it has elements of the supernatural consider me sold and your new best friend. LOL!
Gothic is Philip Fracassi's contribution to the horror community and OMG! This book is stupid good! Gothic was the first book that I have read by Fracassi and I couldn't put it down. I wasn't even halfway through the book before I was like "okay, what else has he written because I want it all!" LOL!
Love a book about cursed items? Twisted elements that keep you coming back for more? Then Gothic is going to be the book for you!
Gothic is available now on Amazon!
E.L. Lyons has created a true gem with their book, Starlight Jewel. If the cover doesn't pique your interest I encourage you to read the blurb for this book - assassins, half-human hybrids, a brewing war, secrets, and a slow-burn romance. This book is chef's kiss. Gripping, tantalizing, and a real page-turner.
You'll meet Axly, a hybrid assassin with one goal in mind - do whatever it takes to protect her human half-brother. She has escaped her old way of life, but if returning to it means her brother is safe it's what she'll do.
This is the first book that I have read by E.L. Lyons and let me tell you...I DE-VOURED this book. When it was done? I was literally begging the author for more. Yes, this book is going to be part of a series. Rejoice people! There will be more to come! When? Uh...yeah, I don't know, but hopefully next year! We'll just have to wait and see because creativity takes time and I'm willing to wait.
This book is absolutely worth checking out and easily earns its place in my list of top faves.
Grab a copy on Amazon!
#7 Heros of the Empire: The Cavalier
Heroes of the Empire: The Cavalier is the first book in author Israh Azizi's new series, and this book is jaw-droppingly good. I discovered this book through a tour with R&R Book Tours where I was able to read and review this book. If you want, you can find my review and read it for yourself on my blog.
Author Azizi creates a truly fantastic epic fantasy world where the world is crumbling as war rampages across the landscape. It's wildly good.
You're going to meet an array of characters, but the story will primarily focus on two - Velamir and Natassa. Both characters are on opposite ends of the spectrum but they work together to bring an engaging story to life that will keep you coming back for more. The downside? The cliffhanger ending! Granted, I read this book earlier this year, so I've been sitting on pins and needles for book two.
Good news though! Book two was published last month!!! I just learned this so onto my wishlist book two goes! Hopefully, I'll be able to grab it for my birthday!
Readers who enjoy a page-turning epic fantasy novel should absolutely grab this book!
Grab a copy today on Amazon!
#8 The Return of the Knights
Another gem that was discovered through Escapist Book Tours, The Return of the Knights by Gregory Kontaxis is another epic fantasy readers dream come true. This book gives you fantastic world-building along with a TON of drama that will keep you glued to the pages.
The book starts off in one direction before quickly shifting to war (yes, another one) marching across the land. A usurper is on the march to claim a crown that is not his to have. He's destroying everything in his path. No one and nothing is safe. Either you are with him and you live (if you survive the fights) or you're against him and you will die.
This book is "Game of Thrones meets Greek mythology." When they say this they are not lying. Prepare for jaw-dropping moments, and a strong desire to isolate yourself from the world until you have reached the final page of this book. Yes, it is that good. While I wait, patiently impatient, I will be taking the time to reread this book so that when book two comes...I'm primed and ready to devour. LOL!
You're getting a lot with this book - drama, secrets, war, magic, chaos, and...yes, a cliffhanger. But it's worth it!! So...grab a copy!!
Available on Amazon
#9 Golden
Golden by Shannon Mayer is the start of a new series that takes The Little Mermaid throws it in a shaker and throws in Loki and gives it a good shake. Because that's how we like our books...shaken...not stirred. LOL! This book is a fantastic start to the series and had me screaming for more. Which is why book 2 comes screaming into the next slot on the list!
#10 Glitter
If you thought that being turned into a golden retriever was bad, wait until you dive into book 2! Things are getting even more chaotic! Cin, the main character, has a ton of shit on her plate and it's epic. Everyone, and I mean practically EVERYONE is out to get her. Why? Well, I can't tell you that! That'd be like opening up a dam of information because once we get going...we ain't stopping! LOL! Just know, this book gives you tons to enjoy while giving you some of the old Viking gods. Brace yourself for utter chaos and tons of shenanigans that author Shannon Mayer is absolutely notorious for when it comes to her books.
Grab yours today on Amazon!
#11 A Breaking of Realms
Breaking of Realms is the first book in the Realm Breaker series and this book is an epic fantasy novel that readers are not going to want to miss out on. Do you love dragons? Grab this book. Do you love a good fantasy novel? Grab this book! Do you love chonky books? Grab. This. Book! Okay, grab book two as well, because the author has written something truly fantastic with this series. Don't worry book three is scheduled to drop late next year. Cue excited screaming because you know I'm doing it. LOL!
This book has dragons, elves, war, drama, chaos and so much more. You're getting fantastic characters, amazing world-building, and fantastical dragons and other creatures. This book is ridiculously good and one that is highly recommended by this reader.
Author Jasmine Young has really hit her stride with this series (you'll see once you start reading) and truly shines combining dragons with Vikings, and an epic world that is truly breathtaking.
Books 1 & 2 are currently available on Amazon
#12 When Monsters Lie
Clocking in on the list is Debbie Cassidy's When Monsters Lie. OMG! This book took me by surprise and kept me coming back for more!! FYI, book four JUST released! So don't hesitate to dive into this series!
When Monsters Lie is a mix of post-apocalypse meets paranormal and with fantastic results. Monsters roam the world now, and nothing is the same. Humans are scraping by simply trying to survive. Death is an ever-present threat. But there's hope. The celestials. They promise a brighter future and appear...at times, to offer some semblance of hope. But to also collect "chosen" humans to come back with them to their citadel...on Earth.
Everything goes to pot all across the world when a certain shake-up takes place. Cue utter chaos and me glued to this book like it's going to breathe life into me. LOL! Author Cassidy doesn't just give you the characters, a few close calls, and call it a story. No! She gives you full-blown glimpses of the horrific creatures that roam Earth. It's crazy good but prepare for some serious twists that will have your jaw on the floor and raging for books two, three, and four.
Check out the series now on Amazon
#13 Oracle's Vision
Here to clock in next is Alan Bayles's Oracle's Vision. This book is a tsunami of drama that will keep you page-turning to the end. The ending isn't as chilling as book one, but you'll be eagerly anticipating what comes next.
Oracle's Vision is author Bayles's latest addition to his sci-fi series Mirror Wars. Imagine that your reflection was watching you. Plotting against you. Now, imagine that there is an AI intent on conquering the world as you know it and making you their unwilling slave. Sound like a good read? Then this is the book for you! This author explores the theory of the multiverse and doppelgangers. Two worlds under threat, and an all-knowing/seeing being who is looking to help tip the balance in favor of humanity.
Oracle's Vision packs a punch and certain scenes will absolutely have your jaw on the floor and one in particular will bring tears to your eyes. This author is one you don't want to miss when it comes to epic sci-fi novels.
This book is not available yet, but it is up for pre-order now on Amazon
#14 The Cat Lady Special
This book's cover may not look like something that will make you stop in your tracks, but the storyline is one that will grab you. Author D.C. Gomez really brings her A-game with this book. It starts out a little dark and may raise some concerns for some readers, but I promise you...it gets better.
The main character, Angela, is "down on her luck" the world is not on her side right now, but then things take a turn. Her original plans are derailed and she's shown that she still has a purpose on this Earth.
Prepare for drama, humor (tons of humor), and for this book to put the peddle to the metal and keep you entertained.
This book is just the first in a series, and I know that I'm eager for to find out what happens next with Angela and her crew. This book is one of those surprise treats that comes out of nowhere and keeps you coming back for more.
Grab a copy today on Amazon!
#15 Plague Unleashed
Yes, another D.C. Gomez book. But trust me, this book deserves its place. Why? Because it's hilarious! Yes, it's book two in a series, but it can be read as a standalone! I promise. I've read book 1, but it's been a good while, so when I dove into book two, it took a minute before I remembered everything. LOL!
The gang is back! Isis, Bart, Bob, and my favorite, Constantine (the talking cat) are back and ready to rumble! LOL! Okay, maybe not so ready to rumble, because when zombies start popping up... it's chaos. LOL!
Zombies, disgruntled ex-employees, magic, chaos, and absolute hilarity ensue in this book. The hilarity is center stage with this book as Isis must deal with a running spirit, zombies, another Horseman, and...her dating life...or lack thereof.
Look, this book and series is absolutely hilarious. Death's Interns are going to have one hell of a time in this book, and you're going to be cracking up the entire way through. This book is an absolute must-read and one of my favorites for 2023.
Check it out on Amazon
#16 Bridge to Magic
The Bridge to Magic is Alex Thornbury's debut novel and it is fantastic. A coming of age novel packed with suspense, horror, thrills, and magic.
Man has gotten rid of magic. But then why is there destruction marching on a relentless path to wipe out everything before it? People seek a place of escape, but with the Blight before them and a tattered bridge behind them...what choices do they have? Stay? Or attempt the bridge and cross to the other side...to the unknown...
This book is a fascinating story that will keep you page-turning to find out what happens next. Book two is recently available so once you devour book one, you can easily move forward to book two and find out what happens next.
This is yet another book that I couldn't get enough and was fortunate to discover via R&R Book Tours, where I read and reviewed this book this year. It's definitely an engaging character with an interesting character who is just trying to survive, but holds a secret deep inside herself.
Grab a copy today on Amazon!
Well! That wraps things up for me! 2023 has been an epic year packed with tons of great books and I'm already gearing up for 2024! Hopefully, I'll use some sense and allow myself some time to read more books and create a fun schedule, but we'll have to wait and see what shakes out. LOL!
Thank you for checking out my list, and supporting my blog. I hope that you drop in in the New Year and continue to help support my blog. I never thought I'd stick with it this long, but...here we are. LOL!
So, thank you for all of your support and for visiting! Hope you and yours have a safe and Happy New Year! See you in 2024!!
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