My Top Reads of 2024

I’d planned a longer post this month, but the brain has not been brain-ing very much. So instead, I’ve listed my favorite books that I read over the past year. I’d also love to hear about your favorite 2024 read.

Before the Devil Knows You’re Here by Autumn Krause

This spooky read twists both folktale influence and light horror elements to create a hopeful story. I loved how the author wove in her Christian beliefs and Biblical themes into a general fiction story. (YA fantasy)

(Some readers may want to be aware of infrequent mild language and some gory/intense scenes.)

The Boy Who Didn’t Exist by Mariposa Aristeo

This short read (available for free Mariposa Aristeo’s website) is so unique and different. I mean, when did you last see a Christian steampunk? She captured those inner feelings of invisibility and also provided good abuse survivor rep. (Christian YA fantasy)

The Conductors by Nicole Glover

I loved her refreshingly no-nonsense main couple and the way the author blended magic and murder mystery. Points for also being remarkably clean! (Adult historical fantasy)

(Some readers may want to be aware of two LGBTQIA+ side characters.)

The Foxhole Victory Tour by Amy Lynn Green

This was one of my first 2024 reads and remained a favorite. I loved the fantastic stakes and sympathetic characters that made it hard to root for just one winner. I also loved the plus-size heroine. (Christian adult historical)

If I Were You by Lynn Austin

This book should be like a four-hour long movie like the 80s Anne of Green Gables. This Christian story feels authentic, rather than preachy. I loved how the author gave each character their biases and flaws, but rather than beat us with the message, she let us grow along with them. (Christian adult historical)

Ignite by Kara Swanson

This one is my top Christian read this year. I felt so seen when I read this book. The author represented the mental effects of abuse through a beautiful, fantastical story. I’ve never read another story with a setting like this one, and I can’t wait for the second book. (Christian YA fantasy)

Six of Crows and Crooked Kingdom by Leigh Bardugo

These two are my top general fiction reads this year. I finally understand why people recommended it for years. This book is a masterclass in just about everything, but especially the characters. I never turned a page and thought, “ugh, this character again.” I wish I could back and read it for the first time again. (YA fantasy)

Note: This book deals with various mature/potentially triggering topics including trauma, PTSD, ableism, and abuse, including sexual abuse.

(Some readers may also want to be aware of some strong language, some gory/intense violence, and three LGBTQIA+ characters.)

Thieves’ Gambit by Kayvion Lewis

This perfectly scratched my heist novel itch, and besides that, it raises interesting questions about trust. It avoids the cliché theme of “well you should trust people more.” Instead, it questions what happens when you do that and the person you trust fails you. Fantastic suspense. (YA thriller)

(Some readers may want to be aware of mild language and three LGBTQIA+ side characters.)

Wolf by Wolf and Blood for Blood by Ryan Graudin

She races a motorbike so she can kill Hitler. With a concept like that, I couldn’t not try it. This novel as well as its sequel both tell a compelling story with a unique alternate history timeline. The author brought out each characters’ motivation so well and kept me hooked until the last page. That ending, though. (YA historical fantasy)

(Some readers may want to be aware of mild language.)

What was your favorite book you read this year? Let me know in the comments below!