Here it is – the top 10 books for the year! It was incredibly hard to narrow down some of these books and figure out the order. While I had a huge number of DNFs this year, there were some knockouts in terms of books, and across all genres. I’ve been branching out from mostly thrillers and lighter horror and I’m loving every minute of it. I feel like the thriller and suspense genres are becoming so repetitive lately that it’s been nice having a breather from it.
I do want to do dedicated posts to some of the series that I devoured this year that are part of the new genres I’ve tried. So fingers crossed I can do that sooner rather than later.
Top Books for 2023 – Part Two: Books 1 – 10
1. A SOUL TO KEEP – Opal Reyne
This book, and the other four books in the series, are taking the top spot for the year. This is what started my descent into the monster romance genre, and dark romance in general, which then led to other authors and series I love. I initially started reading it because the mild horror elements. Duskwalkers – basically death in a physical form, demons, and magic. Sign me up! The romance was something that came along with it and I enjoyed it all.
The author somehow made these Duskwalkers as human as possible. They experience emotions like their bride counterparts, they learn, and the lore behind them is fascinating and completely unique. Each Duskwalker across the series, five so far and it is said that there will be another four books, is so different from the next. Their appearance, their emotions, even their orb colors. I could go on and on about the characters and books, but I think you need to just experience the series. My favorite Duskwalker is still Orpheus from book one.
I HIGHLY recommend reading this series in order. Characters pop up throughout the series and it makes more sense when reading them from start to finish. Now begins the long wait for book six and I’m trying to be patient about it.
2. PROMISES & POMEGRANATES – Sav R. Miller
This is another one where the first book is representing the series. PROMISES & POMEGRANATES is book in then Monsters & Muses series. Instead of being dark retellings or reimaginings of fairy tales, these are all about Gods and Goddesses in Greek Mythology (and the story of Helen of Troy). Book one is about Hades and Persephone. I really like the mythology behind these two and I was curious to see how Miller would bring these to life and into the present day.
One of my favorite tropes within the dark romance genre – mafia/gangsters/organized crime. All of the books are intertwined. You don’t necessarily HAVE to read them in order, but I’m glad I did, because characters from previous books pop up throughout the series. It’s good to have that background knowledge and you can eliminate the possibilities of spoilers.
Once again, a series that is very dark and won’t be for everyone. I feel that dark romance is similar to extreme horror in the fact that there are practically all the trigger warnings involved. Especially when it comes to the books with organized crime. Murder, blood, gore, and then the spicy and explicit parts have their own list of trigger warnings to go along with them. This series won’t be for everyone, but if you’re a fan of the genre, then you need it on your TBR.
3. THE SHARDS – Bret Easton Ellis
Talk about a killer start to my 2023 reading! Considering there has been a THIRTEEN YEAR gap from Bret Easton Ellis’ last book to this one, I was extremely excited to see this arrive on my doorstep. THE SHARDS is something special. Something that will linger in your mind for awhile after turning that last page – I know I find myself thinking about the ending and different parts of the book often. That alone made it deserving of 5 stars. If you’re already a fan of this author then I think you’re going to absolutely love this book, but if you haven’t liked much of his other work, then I can confidently say that this won’t be the one for you.
THE SHARDS is something unique in that the author has firmly placed himself within the book. It’s equal parts autobiographical and fiction, but there’s only one person that truly knows where that line between fact and fiction blurs. Not only is this book dark overall, it will not be for all readers. It has to do with serial killers, some brutal imagery, and this book is hyper sexual. Lots of graphic scenes throughout the book, something frequent readers of Ellis will be prepared for, so this will not be for the faint of heart.
This book was originally released in parts as a podcast and I’m incredibly curious as to how it compares to the original episodes. What changed from the then to now? I know that audiobooks can always set a completely different tone than a physical book/ebook can create, so was having Ellis telling this story creating a different atmosphere? Was there commentary as he went? I have lots of questions and definitely want to try and find the original podcast episodes! If the synopsis and everything I’ve said still piques your interest, then I’d say give this a try, just be cautioned because it’s very much on the dark and twisted side!
4. NESTLINGS – Nat Cassidy
Not only is this an incredible horror read, but I’m also a huge fan of seeing the Jewish representation, especially in modern horror.
I’m normally not a big fan of books being compared to massively popular books, mostly because it sets a high bar, but the comparisons to Ira Levin’s Rosemary’s Baby are warranted and accurate. Oh, and those Salem’s Lot vibes are definitely there.
If something seems too good to be true, then it usually is, right? Ana and Reid are new parents who have hit the apartment lottery. The fancy, historical, and beautiful old Deptford building has an opening and is something they can afford. Maybe things are looking up, and maybe Reid is more than willing to rationalize all the eerie things happening around them.
This is creepy, foreboding, gives you a sense of unease from start to finish, and I couldn’t put it down. I needed this, and the more classic 80s/90’s horror vibes were perfection. The characters come to life, and the author sets the scene and atmosphere so vividly that it feels like you’re there with them. I loved Mary, I loved this, and I can’t wait to see what comes next!
5. THE THIRTEENTH KOYOTE – Kristopher Triana
Ever since picking up Devil’s Call years ago, I’ve loved the combination of horror and westerns. A combo I didn’t think I’d enjoy if I’m being honest! With a cover like this, how could I not pick it up??
I know the 500 page count can be daunting to some, but when I tell you it needed every page, I’m not exaggerating. Epic comes to mind, and you’d think with the cast of characters and all the action things might feel bogged down, but everything and everyone had their purpose, and I loved every minute of it. Every time I pick up another extreme horror novel I always wonder why I don’t read them more than thrillers and suspense novels – with the number I’ve gotten from Chandra that will certainly change in 2024.
This is extreme horror,and if you’ve read anything by Kristopher Triana ,hen you know what to expect. If you haven’t, well, if you’re at all squeamish or not a fan of gore, then you might want to reconsider this one. I now must go and find the rest in this Splatter Western series because if this book is any indication of how the rest are, I need them ASAP.
6. MAEVE FLY – C.J. Leedes
This is one of those little horror novels that pack a punch and make you question yourself after realizing you loved it. MAEVE FLY is an incredible debut novel from C.J. Leede and while I want to go into all the details, I’m worried I’ll spoil something. Maeve Fly is quite the fun headspace to occupy. By day, she’s everyone’s favorite Ice Queen from a very popular Disney film at the amusement park, by night? She’s always observing and judging those around her on the Sunset Strip.
Her grandmother is old Hollywood royalty and she realized immediately that they were more alike than they led on, and so a strong bond grew between them. Her best friend, Kate, plays her sister character at the same park and they are inseparable. Things are changing though – with her grandmother sick and Kate getting more opportunities in her acting career – Maeve has the crushing realization that she will be alone in the next couple years. Cue Gideon. Kate’s hockey player brother, moves to town. He awakens the wolf she knew she had to keep quiet inside herself and she really lets go.
The synopsis isn’t kidding when it says there is inspiration from American Psycho (a personal favorite) – those parts of the book were perfect. I think Patrick Bateman could take a few notes from Maeve. Those last 50 pages were one hell of a bloody and graphic ride and I loved every word of it. Gideon was her perfect match and that ending! I read this book in a day and couldn’t put it down once I started. Now, the wait begins for Leede’s next release!
7. STRANGE SALLY DIAMOND – Liz Nugent
This was a wild ride, and I loved every page.
A dark and gripping story awaits you, and I have yet to be disappointed by Liz Nugent’s books. She knows how to tell a compelling story and how to create some memorable and twisted characters. I highly recommend picking this book up and seeing for yourself. Be warned, there are some very dark topics in the book, but I just couldn’t put it down.
8. THE DROWNING WOMAN – Robyn Harding
When I go to start a book by Robyn Harding, I know that I need to clear out a good chunk of my schedule, because once I start, I won’t want to stop. THE DROWNING WOMAN was no different, and I’m always in awe of Harding’s ability to weave these twisty little tales for us. I’ve loved all of her books since picking up THE PARTY (way back when I started my little Bookstagram account), and I try to not go into each book with such high expectations, but it’s so hard!
In this new tale, we meet Lee and Hazel. Two very different women whose lives become intertwined after a chance encounter. Lee is now homeless after fleeing from her troubles – she is living in her car and had parked for the night in a park near the beach. When she wakes up she hears a woman yelling from the water and she jumps in to save her. Hazel is the wife of an incredibly powerful and wealthy criminal defense lawyer. They have a unique arrangement within their marriage that has created a miserable existence for Hazel and she wants out. Lee and Hazel have agreed to help each other start new lives for themselves and escape whatever they’re running from, but of course, things end up a little more complicated than we would have originally believed.
I don’t want to risk spoiling any of the surprises, but if you’re looking for a good domestic thriller, then this is the book for you! Once things really got going I couldn’t stop reading. I thought I had it figured out but I was very wrong, multiple times. I really liked going between Lee and Hazel’s POVs throughout the book in different parts. I’m kind of glad that it didn’t alternate every chapter like some books do. This helped things really build up and they switched perspectives at the perfect moments.
Bottom line – anything by Robyn Harding is going to be a solid suspense book and a thrilling ride. She is an auto-buy author and I don’t see that ever changing. I highly recommend this book if you want a good thriller without any gore or blood, then this will be just what you’re looking for.
9. SCHRADER’S CHORD – Scott Leeds
I do love a good haunted object story. If you love horror and rock, then you need to give this a read. Imagine playing some old records, and you suddenly open the gates to the land of the dead. As if that isn’t scary enough, the gatekeeper is equally terrifying and gives some of the major horror icons a run for their money.
This was so unique and had such a fluid and quick pace to it. It truly played like a movie in my mind, and I couldn’t get enough. Opening the gates means you’ll be seeing the dead when others can’t, and you’re doomed to suffer a truly gruesome death. Plenty of gore and scares to go around, and I’m so impressed with this unique debut!
10. SEPTEMBER HOUSE – Carissa Orlando
Ahh haunted houses, my favorite because there are SO MANY possibilities. Now, if my house was completely normal for 11 months out of the year, I think I’d be in the same boat as Margaret. I’m not going to be scared away so easily – have you seen all my books?
In all seriousness, though, bleeding walls and scary stuff in September wouldn’t be so welcoming. It would explain the killer deal, though, on the house. There are so many twists and turns throughout the book and a lot that I was not expecting. Which I love in my horror. You’ll find some gore in this story, but nothing too much to handle (at least for this extreme horror fan).
Jessicamap Reviews 