Hello everyone,
It is time to look back at the most excellent and truly outstanding books I read in 2019. This has been a year where I have read more genres than ever, and discovered so many interesting voices which a may not have tried out previously.
In total I read 59, but they included a reread of Harry Potter which I am deciding not to include. So without further ado, here are my top 10 of 2019, in no particular order…
The Girl In The Tower by Katherine Arden
I loved the Winternight Trilogy so much that I had to include one of them in my top 10. The second book was my favourite of the series, brilliant throughout and no shortage of action. The plot moved forward dramatically, and I was totally gripped by it.
Once Upon A River by Diane Setterfield
If you love literature and the art of storytelling, then this is a standout example. The level of detail, the themes explored, characters with interesting backstories and sub-plots, all make it a memorable read.
The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas
This was a profound and supremely powerful work of fiction that left a lasting impact on me as a reader. It takes on an important issue with eloquence, a compelling plot, and brilliant characters. I would now recommend it to anybody, and wish I had read it sooner.
The Muse by Jessie Burton
A novel of remarkable complexity and acute symbolism, The Muse consumed me with its profoundly intelligent narrative, dual timelines, and an intricately woven plot. Compelling and complex, I loved it.
The Evidence Against You by Gillian McAllister
This is an excellent, profoundly written thriller. The pace may be relatively slow, but it is rich with suspense and intrigue. It has a relatively simple concept, but the writing made it so effective.
The Seven Deaths Of Evelyn Hardcastle by Stuart Turton
I have never read another book quite like this one. From the sheer uniqueness of the concept to the near faultless execution of an exceptionally complex, labyrinthine plot, this was a truly extraordinary book. As far as standalone novels are concerned, I have not read many better!
The Passengers by John Marrs
This is a must-read for all thriller fans. It is a pulsating ride that hardly relents right up until the end. You cannot fail to be gripped by this due to the fast pace and the innovative concepts.
Changeling by Matt Wesolowski
This was an absolutely superb read that combines excellent and unique storytelling with powerful themes and a continuous sense of atmosphere. The originality of the format was a highlight, as was the strength of the writing. But the twist at the end was the icing on the cake!
The Ten Thousand Doors of January by Alix E. Harrow
This is a hugely imaginative, majestically written work of fiction that left me thoroughly captivated. It is one of those books that reminded me why I love reading, with an original and fascinating concept, and a riveting plot that gradually gathers pace.
The Song Of Achilles by Madeline Miller
This was a brilliantly written book, and a splendid portrayal of the much hinted at romance between Achilles and Patroclus during the Trojan War. I loved almost everything about it and was totally immersed, with the writing just getting better and better as the story went on.
Let’s Chat
And there we have it! What were your best reads of 2019? Have you enjoyed the books I’ve chosen? Let me know in the comments!
Stephen Reads Books 