WORST BOOKS OF THE YEAR ❌ Let's Discuss 📕 2024 Reading Recap

[@rosannebowman2592]

I am an author, and I do read my reviews, even the bad ones.. I do have thick skin, so it really depends on the author, whether that's a good idea or not. What I look for are patterns. Obviously, some books don't work for some readers, but if I notice lots of readers saying the pacing didn't work or some element was confusing, that's helpful to me as an author. I do really enjoy your reviews because they come across as very balanced and fair. And you're never mean spirited about the books you don't like.

[@ReturnToSenderz]

I see your point. I think it might be a good idea for a lot authors to have somebody else read the reviews and summarize the most common pros and cons that come up (I think I would have a hard time keeping enough emotional distance myself), but the reactions of regular readers could give great insight into how effective your writing and marketing are.

[@debbiegreen6706]

I’ve picked up books because of a bad review, what one person doesn’t like, another absolutely loves.

[@Lyssa.8824]

If something is bad from a craft perspective, it's objectively bad. Hot take: critical thinking and logical thinking abilities have gone over a cliff in the last 30 years. 😊

[@veronicarodriguez1697]

Right, context is important along with reasoning skills which most people don’t employ or apparently don’t have. Giving a review and reasoning why a book didn’t work for you (a bad review) shouldn’t be a debate and should be used as a tool along with good reviews to see where you can improve or progress. Now being obviously mean spirited and hateful for the sack of it is another thing.

[@tripp24642]

I appreciate the way you talk about books that you didn’t like. You still give some information on what the book is about, what you didn’t like, and who it might work for. I actually picked up fourth wing after hearing your review and I enjoyed it but I also had realistic expectations instead of just hearing everyone who loved the book talking about how amazing it was.

[@Homanmuffin]

Adjusted expectations is what I usually hope to garner from negative reviews. I almost never remove a book entirely from my TBR because of what I've heard in a review, unless it's from a creator that I almost ALWAYS am on the same page with, and their reaction is particularly strong. Reading is so so subjective, but negative critique is important and has a place alongside glowing reviews. We don't want the bookish space to be full of yes-men.

[@charlswoff]

I completely agree. She is so respectful with her dislike that it still comes across as a recommendation. What doesn't work for some works perfectly for others! Realistic expectations are far more important than knowing the tropes etc

[@TriforceLiz]

I just...I just want us to expect more out of the fiction books we read. I'm getting tired of how many books I have to DNF.

[@Alewo2735]

Reviews are NOT for authors! And fear of providing critical or negative reviews is a slippery slope to censorship. Art will always be subjective and taking offense to criticism of art is ridiculous. And what about objectively bad art? Harmful art? Not everything has merit and just "doesn't work for you." Being hesitant to call it out and speak frankly just adds to the issue. Most of the books you talked about, I completely agree are just a taste or preference thing. And maybe you've gotten really good at just avoiding problematic books all together, but they are definitely out there and I, personally, appreciate when reviewers talk about them honestly.

[@kimberlylopez3230]

To be honest I have to thank you for your review of Forth Wing 😅 back when it first came out I wasn’t sure if it was good or not and I really didn’t have the money to spend on a new book so when I watch your spoiler review I realized it was not for me. And I was proven correct when recently my niece bought it from a used bookstore and I read the first chapter and was like nope, not for me 😂

[@LePinkCanary]

Agreed, that's how I knew I could pass on Fourth Wing despite really wanting to hop on that train.

[@antivancrowe6886]

On the topic of worst books, I think it’s so important to not only post “positive content” as I feel like it’s important to know exactly why someone felt like a book was bad: it’s giving toxic positivity for people only wanting to hear good things about books. Like it’s not bad to be critical of works or even to have preferences? Any way I love both the best and worst books of whatever year.

[@joya841]

Thanks for discussing this. When the Moon Hatched sounds like my cup of tea! 😊 But I love your honest review about it.

[@heyimsasa]

when i write, i have a specific audience in mind who i'm writing for and i put my whole self into it. as a reader/reviewer, i watch rant reviews and worst lists so that i know what to avoid but, like you said, i might find a goldmine. one person's trash is another's treasure. plus, if something is problematic, i would want to know so that i don't subject myself to triggers i wouldn't have otherwise known.

[@giuliakenway6500]

There's a way of reviewing a book you didn't like that's respectful and another that's just unnecessarily mean. I love the way you're always presenting the books that weren't for you, I honestly think it's the best way to do it!

[@JustMeToday2]

I think worst or least favorite books are important. People can skip watching and I definitely think reviews are for readers, not authors. I do, however, prefer reviews that explain why it wasn't good rather than just say "I hated it" 😊 Sometimes what someone dislikes, I might actually enjoy and vice versa! So thanks for making the video! I appreciate it.

[@ThePrincess0fChaos]

Oh, those last two books cracked me up 😂😂😂 rants are awfully fun to listen to 😅 ❤

[@debbiegreen6706]

Books are just so subjective, I like it when reviewers take me through what they didn’t like so I can assess whether it would work for me. It also helps that we get to know the reviewer and how our taste compares; I usually know if someone I trust loves something, there’s a pretty good chance I will too.

[@Pondemonium89]

I remember all the rant videos I watched of FW (inckuding yours, how I found you ❤) convincing me that despite how bad the book is, there's elements I love 😂 (Also her head tingling had a reason which is like... rebecca if i catch you 😂) Worst books videos are the best cus theyre so funny 😂😂

[@Ka16Ky28]

I liked the Kimberly Lemming book. I read it a while ago, and it was fun. I was very busy when I picked it up, and it provided a nice mental break. I feel like the author promised nothing more than a fun silly time and she delivered. So I'm not mad about the lack of deeper themes. I do understand why it would be disappointing to others, though. For me, it worked. Thanks for the video!

[@julatsa]

I appreciate reviews that break down what they didn't like and such. Rather than the random 1 stars that just have "I hate it" as their review. I'm firmly of the belief that not everything is for me but that doesn't make it bad if I don't like it. I will look for positives to go with negatives in any kind of review. For exampleI tried to read The Final Strife and I had to DNF. It was written really well and I could see what the author wanted to do, but I detested the main character for her drug use and couldn't move past it. This is due to personal circumstances and my interest in such characters is in negative numbers. So I just DNF'd and didn't do any kind of review (due to not finishing), because its not the fault of the book or the author that I felt that way.

[@jackiesliterarycorner]

Mike from Mike's Book Reviews does books that disappoint rather than calling them the worst books.

[@racheldavis122]

Completely opposite experience with Guns of the Dawn. I absolutely loved it! Loved the themes, the ups and downs, the characters. (I didn’t think Emily was dumb at all) So I’m glad you prefaced this with saying people should still pick up a book even if you don’t like it! When it was described to me, I was told ‘Jane Austen at war.’ And I loved that idea. Worked for me!

[@LibraryFairy762]

How to Become the Dark Lord and Die Trying was a BIG DNF for me. Really early on in the book there's a scene where the MC sees another character getting ready to SA them, and then there's a footnote saying "by the way, this world doesn't have sexism or homophobia or anything" and the hypocrisy of writing one of the biggest trope stereotypes in fantasy violence against women, immediately followed by "but it's not a sexist version of Violence Against Women, I promise!!" made me so upset I just couldn't keep going.

[@LibraryFairy762]

clarification: no actual SA happens on page in the book, the MC resets the timeline before that happens, it's just clear that if she wasn't able to reset the timeline in that moment that it would happen.

[@Ektambo]

The way you described having to look at those stupid footnotes I’m 🤣🤣🤣

[@nitzeart]

What? I had no idea there was this criticism of making "worst of" lists going around 😂 Just because it might hurt an author's feelings?? That sounds like such an online complaint and borderline censorship. Criticism is a crucial part of art, including writing and literature. Artists and writers HAVE to develop a thick skin and understand when to take or not criticism, when is it useful and when isn't. Of course, I don't think is wise for authors to actively be looking at negative reviews of their work (if they really want to know, they can let someone else do it for them and summarize it or something but that's what critiquing partners and editors are for.) But there's a reason being a critic is a legit job 😂

[@NonAnonD]

people are ridiculous

[@nitzeart]

@NonAnonD I usually hate when people are like "ugh, that's such a chronically online thing" unless it's self-deprecating or ironic, but this time it was warrated 😂😂

[@tammaraliberty]

I dont watch worst book videos very often. I watch yours because on general you are pretty balanced and you still try to say who the book may appeal too.

[@stanloona000]

"and also I like the dragons" scrapping the bottom of the barrel lol

[@Malgraw]

I'm always for people doing negative reviews bc sometimes one person's trash is another person's treasure. I started reading the Broken Empire trilogy by Mark Lawrence because of negative reviews for it. What people hated were things I was looking for and in the end it turned out to be my favorite book series of all time as of today. Grimdark in general is something I go to the negative reviews first, as well as romance ironically enough. In the case of romance, it helps me weed out the insta loves and find the slowest of slowburns 😂

[@athertonca]

The only book I recognized was How to Sell a Haunted House, which I gave two stars, so I didn’t like it. But I did like The Southern Book Club’s Guide to Slaying Vampires and Horrorstör. I have Witchcraft for Wayward Girls on my 2025 TBR. For me, when Hendrix hits, he hits. I feel the same about Paul Tremblay. Of course, all of this is just my opinion.

[@MichelleKellyReads]

I just finished Witchcraft for Wayward Girls and i thought it was amazing! How to Sell a Haunted House was...okay

[@crowletters]

I love ‘worst of’ lists. It makes me watch new booktube channels every January. Also When the Moon Hatched was my worst book of 2024. An insult to the entire fantasy genre and I feel for every tree that died in the printing of such feral, stinking turd.

[@CoraBarker-i1b]

Reviews are not for authors, I don't want to waste money in a book that just plan out SUCKS. That is 20+ dollars down the drain and people not liking your work is part of the trade. Dont be a writer if you can't handle : The Crazies or People who just don't like your book. Thats like complaining about being a doctor and you finding it mean when custmers questions you about the pills your are prescribing them....

[@bridgetwagnon3757]

I loved How to become the Dark Lord and Die Trying. I found all the ridiculousness to be sarcasm or a little parody of other fantasy books. I also don’t like smut in my fantasy books so this seemed more like comedy to me than smutty. 😂

[@Mad.E]

I've commented similar things before but I so so appreciate "worst books" lists like this, because I'm a very slow reader with a very long to-read list! Reading dozens of books a year isn't an option for me, so rather than waste my time on books I'm less likely to enjoy I'd rarher spend it on potential gems That's literally the main reason why I even watch _any_ booktube videos Notably though, the "worst books" videos I've watched have all made it very clear that they're only stating their subjective opinion and have been pretty respectful about it And I wouldn't want to watch anything less

[@littleducky6773]

Hey Elliot, I wonder if you have ever read or lisened to the book series 'The Demons Apprentice" by Ben S. Reeder. It's gotta be my favourite series i've read in the contemporary fantasy genre. I've read so many good books thanks to your reviews and sugestions that I thought I'd like to give a sugestion of a good series back. Thanks for all the great content I hope you keep it up in this year 😊

[@h48300]

Honestly sometimes really bad reviews encourage me to read the book more than great reviews.

[@karengardner4534]

Thanks for taking time to tell us about the books you didn’t enjoy and why. It really does help me make decisions on what I’m going to read, or not read. Although I don’t always agree with your dislikes, I respect that you explain why and it helps me make more informed decisions!! ❤

[@tinagarcia3571]

Grady Hendrix is the only kind of horror books I can read.

[@ct2136]

I love your reviews because they're very fair and broad. Strangely a lot of books you like I wind up disliking, but your range is so wide I always find a ton of books I love. But I think everyone has heard of Sanderson now 😅 Wonderful stuff.

[@shayb8129]

I like when people review books that weren’t for them. Occasionally I’ve heard of books I liked in this way, because I know what I like as a reader. Also it saves time on some truly awful books and it’s always nice to have someone dislike a book I disliked (especially when I hear so many people hyping it)

[@jessicah4631]

It's nice to hear I'm not the only one who didn't enjoy fourth wing. And from everything I've heard of when the moon hatched I don't think that book would be for me either so I am not going to even bother trying to pick that one up. Honestly I love fantasy with a romance subplot but from all the romantasy books I've tried 99% of them I can't stand, especially if they're adult. They're too tropy, very surface level, and lust driven, imo of course. I usually end up hating the FMC. It makes me question if the authors even enjoy what they're putting out. I hope they do, but it makes a person wonder.

[@tylerd.9457]

There have definitely been TBR bumps from certain booktubers based on their spoiler free reviews. That’s about as much stock as I give other people’s reviews. Ultimately it’s just gotta resonate with you. A “great” book for some may not interest others. Oh Worldhoppers idea! Panel discussion on your highest profile/highest rated Goodreads that was personally 1-star/DNF. 😆 Mine is The Grace of Kings as a DNF at 53% complete.

[@TheLiteraryLifeofBeans]

I agree that reviews aren't for authors and that talking about why you didn't like a book is totally valid! I don't love when people label a book they didn't like as "the worst"

[@slysloth96]

I have How To Become A Dark Lord and Die Trying on my shelves and now I'm so scared 🤣🤣 I guess I'll have to read it soon to see for myself!

[@AuthorJgDow]

Try Cracking Ibiza...may like it, bit of light fun anyway! 🙂

[@nitzeart]

A great example of why "worst of" books is not a bad thing: Warm Hands of Ghosts. It's on this list, but I've seen in 2 other booktubers "best of the year" lists. So... 😂😂 (I haven't read it yet, but I'm expecting to agree with the best of lists, not this one, because my tastes align better with the other booktubers in this type of books.)

[@ShakiLis29]

I started reading One Day In December and I DNF it! I agreed with you with this book. I couldn't handle it and I think is too long for this silly romance story lol .... I haven't read Fourth Wing but I am curious if I'm going to like it or not . 😐

[@Lilhyna]

I love these types of videos.. it’s super interesting to see what people didn’t like about a certain book. That’s their opinion. But if they are doing it as rage bait or just to destroy the author then I don’t like it. I just find it incredibly intriguing for what makes someone not like something, and the reasoning they give.

[@tea1722]

How to become Dark Lord or die trying is something that I read and found okay-ish. Than I saw recommendation of it, on bluesky that went: “ Read this if you are a fan of protagonists like in Locked Tomb by Tamsyn Miur and Sholomance by Naomi Novik” and that was probably the worst thing that could have happened to my memory of that book. Those two authors are some of my absolute favorites as far as unique and compelling use of character voice is concerned, and when I read the above recommendation, it hit me that, yeah Wexler sure was trying to do something similar, but oh boy was it nowhere near on similar level.

[@CatRissaWearsSpectacles]

7:01 I want to talk about Final Fantasy X all the time too.

[@Jacksonfordauthor]

Damn you went IN!

[@makedam9263]

I loved this video. Usually I hate videos bashing books but you always do it in such a funny yet respectful way.

[@japanimationman4442]

People should keep in mind "there is no such thing as bad publicity." No, the saying is not 100% true. But saying you hate something will at least let somebody know that the thing actually exists. And the more people know it exists, the more people might actually check it out, even if only to see how bad it really is.

[@lindakirste4540]

I just think it needs to be said well. I work in a bookstore and we have an online rating plattform so that customers can see what their favorite booksellers like to read. We are allowed to rate books negatively but have to say way. If the book is offensive in any way, list they ways in which it is, if it didnt work for your personal preference, try to describe why. No need to be rude or hurtful but also absolutely no need to not talk about those negative experiences as well.

[@authorhalierivers]

An “Education in Malice” was one of my biggest let downs last year. I have a strong feeling this was fully on pressure from the publisher. We’ve seen what she can do with her debut (which arguably had a lot more time to be finished) and I was so sad EiM was just a shallow “love” story with no greater theme. As an author I love “worst of” as much as I like “best of”. I believe most booktubers/book reviewers put a lot of critical thought and constructive feedback into “worst of” vids. In the end…writing is entertainment. If you didn’t entertain there is always room to grow. I don’t seek out my own reviews out of respect for readers though.

[@Jessica-us3gh]

Honestly, the more negative reviews I hear the more I want to read a book. I just have to know what was so terrible and I'd say 75% of the time I end up really enjoying the book. On the other hand, a lot of highly praised popular books aren't my cup of tea lol.

[@agohl85]

I get both perspectives and I don't think anyone should be "hateful" in critiquing a work as there is just no need to be hateful with anything and are plenty of ways to critique a work with respect. However, as an editor I think that critiquing is a valuable part of an author's growth between works, particularly when there are serious editing, massive plot holes that never get resolved, or actual issues with the quality of writing. I do think that authors should take those critiques into account for future works because I've seen authors spit works out that showed no growth whatsoever who could have definitely used some critiquing along the way.

[@bellalunasoapery]

Loved When The Moon Hatched. World was great and loved Raeve and getting to know the different pieces of her. Some of the other characters weren’t as well thought out but we will see how the world and story progresses:)

[@kellynantonacci7885]

All these people saying they hate “book bashing” but I know there are things there are that y’all do like to bash. So, just realize you’re no better than anyone else. I know that’s a HUGE ask, but try. lol. Of course books can be trash, just like anything else. Oi vey.

[@ScientistsReadingWorld]

For me, the topic is simple: You can say you didn't like something or something you consider worst for you, and it is always based on your opinion. But I think you should be polite and not just bash for fun, but I tend to find that seeing negative reviews and/or worst lists with valid arguments makes me decide if a certain book would be for me. Nowadays, publishing is so pushy with hundreds of new releases. As someone who reads a lot of genres, it is impossible to read all, which helps to cut some.

[@CL-jw4ei]

I honestly don’t think both oppose each other, you could bash something for fun while also giving valid arguments. Those are personally my favourite type of rant reviews

[@ScientistsReadingWorld]

@CL-jw4ei but honestly most bashing are just done for the sake of it and the question here was should you talk about worst books due to all the reasons. What I believe is that if done in a respectful way it can lead to more positive outcomes

[@CL-jw4ei]

@@ScientistsReadingWorld I guess I see it as a matter of taste, I would hate if book reviewers stopped doing angry rant reviews because I just find them very entertaining 😄 for me it’s implicit that a review is a subjective opinion and I can still always go and read the book myself, the ranting is just a hyperbolic way for some reviewers to express their opinion. I can see why some find the bashing distasteful though and in that case it’s maybe best to just avoid those videos/channels

[@ScientistsReadingWorld]

@@CL-jw4ei True if you don't like it just find another one. Relating to authors it just don't see them at all if you can't handle it

[@victoriamasters]

I love your view on how the goal is for books to be found by the readers they will truly resonate with. I fully agree. I personally don’t make a “worst of” list but that’s because I dnf SO much that the worst of the books I actually finish ends up being more like “this was meh” lol 😂 I do that because I think I view my reading journey as a mission to find my favorites so I’m not willing to sit on a book I’m not vibing with haha

[@katec3091]

If you finished That Time I Got Drunk and Saved a Demon, you have a higher tolerance than I do. I just could not stand that writing style, especially in a fantasy world.

[@AwkwardBookworm]

I have not read a single one of these 🥳

[@EdieCournoyer]

Not everybody wins a fucking ribbon. We are ALLOWED to have our own opinions and share them. People really need to get over this bullshit of ‘let’s not say anything bad about anything EVERRRRRR😫.” Share those opinions!!! Sharing a negative opinion is not “being mean” 🙄

[@ArbiterLibera]

In regards to authors paying attention to what their readers are saying so they can improve. I've found a lot of people tend to fall into this trap where they equate their preferences with quality. A book, just like any other medium, won't magically become better if it now appeals to you more because author saw aspect X was more popular than aspect Y.

[@Jesse.Walkinshaw]

I completely agree with your take. As a writer. myself and someone who loves to read, I also think that theres a way to review any medium of art or creation in a respectful way. A I think that as writers like you said know their work wont be for everyone and I think thats something readers sometimes forget. I know I do, and then I write my review and I proof it and will sometimes change it keeping that in mind. As well I think reviewing is great as we all find people who have similar reading tastes to us and their take may be valuable to us. SO, again I think theres a way to review anything in a respectful way.

[@taylorbaysinger]

What you were looking for or expecting in An Education in Malice, I found in A Study in Drowning by Ava Reid. I thought it was an excellent exploration of the psychological and social consequences of a mentor/teacher taking advantage of a student, and of men taking advantage of women in general, and it linked really beautifully with the fantasy and folklore themes of the book. Highly recommend it!

[@aedrianys]

Omg at what minute does the actual video start?

[@beyondtheradio]

As an upcoming author, I'm low key scared I will be on a list like this. :(

[@resoketswem.manenzhe157]

Emily from Guns of the Dawn was so stupid.

[@veronicarodriguez1697]

Negative reviews should be taken with a grain of salt. Unless someone can articulate main points why a piece was bad, it’s still ultimately subjective even with those points because your view may not be the same when reading the material. The only thing I personally can find that isn’t subjective would be grammatical errors in terms of giving a bad review. Everything else is taste.

[@atomknight8361]

I'm a big fan of the channel, but you are such a fence sitter when it comes to these negative videos. You are allowed to say you didn't like something, we won't come for your head lol

[@sakii_here]

Fence sitter 😂. I also feel she has a tendency of overexplaining herself. And setting up the discussion frame in soooo much detail. Sometimes I'm in awe honestly :))). But I think people that are in the online line of work have a tendency to add disclaimers a lot....

[@kellynantonacci7885]

It’s because people care more about their feefees than just being honest. I don’t vote. I hate politics… but it’s annoying to see almost every book reviewer be; A female Bi/pan/whatever Left wing Died hair Too much make makeup And too sensitive. I am a tomboy that grew up on Star Trek and Alien with my father. Yeah, I still want to be swept off my feel by a Shadow Daddy, but **** stop being so sensitive!!!

[@bobkeane7966]

To many trolls for honest critiques.

[@OnMeds1]

Why have a 25 minute video about shity books. Waste of your time and ours lol