The BEST Books of 2023 | 10 Phenomenal Reads!

[@sokiepokiee]

I love hearing everyone’s favorites of the year ❤

[@ToriMorrow]

Same, it’s such a fun time! 🥰

[@margarethaines9310]

Best Top Ten Video of 2023!! Love your analyses and enthusiasm. A good number of your top books are on my shelves and I have renewed motivation to grab them and get reading!

[@ToriMorrow]

Thank you so much!! I hope they turn out to be great reads for you too 🥰

[@kristen7623]

Agreed!

[@SydBookWorrom]

Oh my god I’m so excited I found you, I think we have very similar tastes and I’m taking NOTES✍🏼👀

[@KSoGoode]

Tori Tori Tori.... You got me wanting to change my TBR.... bravo sis!!! I like the way you explain these books. Almost all of these have been added. Really cant wait for your 2024 videos and thangs! I'm most excited for Tyranny of Faith and the whole trilogy. Im not gonna read it til February thou. That and Empire of the Damned are my focus in Feb. And i have got to get into Red Rising. I'm all here for dark and depressing. And I LOVE your braids!!

[@marvin5624]

totally subscribing after watching this! your enthusiasm and warmth exudes through the screen! can’t wait to watch more of your videos!

[@ToriMorrow]

Welcome to the channel! 🥰❤️

[@julieanderson2428]

Love your descriptions!!!

[@ToriMorrow]

Thank you!

[@caleighspiers8333]

We have the exact same taste in books and 8/10 of these are on my 2024 tbr!!

[@evam6961]

Thank you for sharing your top 10 of the year

[@ToriMorrow]

Thank you for watching! ❤️

[@Bittenbyaradioactivebook]

I already apologize for the wall of text that is to follow. I'm so happy to have found your channel just 2 or 3 days ago. I was actually reading a fantasy blog of a friend of mine and she mentioned These Burning Stars as one of her top books. She also mentioned that she heard about the book on your channel. And after seeing your Top 10 now, I'm super-excited to see your reading journey in 2024 and hopefully many years to come. Tyranny of Faith is my personal favorite book of 2023. It build so much on the already excellent foundation from The Justice of Kings. And it's so well done to tell the story through the eyes of Helena, who is shaping up to become one of my favorite characters of all-time. Jumping back 2 years, The Helm of Midnight was my favorite read of 2021. As you already said, the structure is so unique and I loved the other two timelines, especially the main character of the second timeline. I'm really interested what you think of book 2. I've read it this year and really enjoyed it, but it wasn't as perfect for me personally compared to Helm of Midnight. Jumping back another 2 years, The Ruin of Kings was my favorite book of 2019. This has to be one of the most intelligent fantasy series of all-time. I can't imagine how much intricate planning went into the series. And it just starts there. I'm currently reading The House of Always, book 4 and it is just unbelieveable how much this series still grows in complexity with every volume. And of course in 2018, The Wall of Storms by Ken Liu was in my Top 3 reads. Unfortunately I read Grace of Kings and Wall of Storms close after their publication, but didn't follow through when Veiled Throne was released. The good thing is that I can now re-read the first two books and finish of the series. I was a bit skeptical about the Red Rising series and just dipped my toe into Red Rising 2 years ago and liked the experience, but wasn't mind-blown. But as so many people told me how much the series grows, I'm also reading Golden Son at the moment, so I have a little catching up to do until I get to Lightbringer. And to make a long post even longer, I'll just leave some of my favorite reads of 2023 here for you as well. Will of the Many by James Islington was such a hyped book this year and normally I don't click with those, but I really enjoyed my experience with it. I was also super impressed with Dark Water Daughter by HM Long. A great atmospheric read with 2 great protagonists and really interesting world-building. Next to the third Richard Swan book, the second volume is one of my most anticipated books of 2024 now. I also read The Heroes by Joe Abercrombie this year and really loved it. Still need to catch up with the remaining books in the First Law world. I also read another 2 great second books in series with The Shadow Throne in Django Wexler's Shadow Campaign series and The King's Blood in Daniel Abraham's Dagger & Coin series. Hope you have a great reading year in 2024 and look forward to your videos. :)

[@amandaskelton2132]

I love listening to you talk about the books you love! You’ve definitely convinced me that I need to read the Dandelion Dynasty and also The Wayward Pines that is one I’ve been interested in forever but just haven’t gotten to it yet.

[@gracevaughn8132]

Your recommendations are so appreciated! I’ve picked up and have been reading almost all of these top 10 and have opened my reading options to this genre! Thank you!

[@shellykeyes8389]

Wow, what a great list! I’m knee deep in the Red Rising series, so excited to hear that Light Bringer is so good. Also, The Grace of Kings is even better??? For sure adding to my TBR!

[@RheaHighland]

Loved pines trilogy. Trying Priory of the orange tree again because of your enthusiasm

[@ToriMorrow]

Priory is so incredible! I hope you get on with it better the next time 🙏🏽

[@Jodi9810]

I just found - and subscribed to - your channel with this video today. I love how you talk about these books and I've added some new books to my TBR that I'm excited to check out. Loving the warm, homey scene as well! Looking forward to following you in 2024. 😊

[@ToriMorrow]

Thanks so much, Jodi! Welcome to the channel and happy new year! 🥰

[@lennyscastilloart8162]

Loving and adding so many of your recs to my tbr 💛 Thank you so much for sharing

[@cmeeki4]

I love you book recs, and I’m going to read These Burning Stars.

[@ToriMorrow]

Thank you! I hope you love these burning stars, it’s so good 😩

[@nkcish]

Thank you for introducing me to These Burning Stars! I only read a few fantasy books every year because I find most are all action and world-building without enough substance, but not this one! What a great debut.

[@ChrissyWinters]

I am excited to read The Tyranny of Faith now! Thanks for the video!

[@jules.mp3]

I NEED to read Wayward Pines!! You convinced me to move it to the top of my TBR. I can't wait!

[@AnniesBookNook]

Totally agree about These Burning Stars, it was SO good and such a surprise!! I can't wait for book 2

[@sonoftherighthand]

The Grace of Kings has been sitting in the middle-top of my TBR for a while now but has somehow never quite made it all the way up. Your excitement is contagious, though. Might have to bump it up higher.

[@bettymakesclub8011]

I’m so happy to have found you 😭 I’ve been looking for more booktubers that read sci if fantasy and everything on your list I want to read! I’m currently reading the priory of the orange tree and it’s amazing

[@iLiviesimone]

YAY- easily one of my favorite videos of the year, I just love your top 10's!!! Happy new year 💜

[@ToriMorrow]

Thanks so much, Olivia!! Happy new year to you too 🥰❤️

[@vitoriar8753]

5:09 aaaah this sounds so good!!! this is the first video i watch from you and i feel like i stumbled into gold lol this recommendation is exactly what i'm looking for and i probably wouldn't have heard of it if it weren't for you and this video!! thank you sm

[@Celticknit1]

What wonderful reads! I normally read mysteries and historicals but definitely have added more to my library/bookstore lists because of this video! Happy New Year!

[@AbbySalter]

Wall of Storms is absolutely phenomenal! I hope you love it when you get to the rest of the series

[@carlinsinger3293]

Loved this! Can’t wait to add to my TBR.

[@AvidMari23]

I guess I will be reading Grace of Kings next. 😂. I have been dying to start it and this was just the push I needed. ❤

[@ToriMorrow]

I can’t recommend it enough! Really hope you love it ❤️

[@PumpkinMozie]

Between how cute she looks here, how excellent the background ambiance is, and all the great book recs…this video is flawless 💕

[@ToriMorrow]

That’s so sweet, thank you! ❤️

[@dgs788]

Your home is beautiful. I enjoyed hearing your top 10 so much!

[@ToriMorrow]

Thank you so much 🥹❤️

[@jjoyeve]

yes! empire of the wolf is shocking me with how good it is. cannot WAIT for book 3. guess I gotta put grace of kings on my list 👀

[@alexandriabrown9079]

Welp, I’m adding all of these to my Goodreads list

[@ToriMorrow]

Love that for you! 😄

[@magicjudy]

Thanks so much for the great selects. I’ve picked up a few that I am sure I’ll love :)

[@andrewf7732]

I started The Dandelion Dynasty around this time last year and couldn’t agree with you more. I would put all four books in my top 5 of 2023. Truly phenomenal and masterful and is my favorite series of all time. Very happy to hear your thoughts and look forward to what you think about the rest of the books. The Wall of Storms is insane.

[@bradleypeterson2322]

The Empire of the Wolf and the Red Rising series are both on my TBR for next year! This video made me excited to pick them up - and Helm of Midnight sounds amazing too. I can feel your enthusiasm through the screen, and it makes me excited for what's to come in the new year. Awesome list! :)

[@ToriMorrow]

They’re both excellent series! Really hope you love them. And I can’t recommend Helm of Midnight enough!

[@YaFeya13]

Not early! Right on time ❤️

[@ToriMorrow]

Your timing is perfect! ❤️

[@fcsolis]

Yah. The Grace of Kings. Reading it was an experience like no other. I think I'll like The Priory of the Orange Tree and The Ruin of Kings. This is the first time I watched you on KZbin. The show was great. Thank you.

[@Beril_.]

This was a great video! I have most of the books you mentioned so I’m excited. Happy new year ✨

[@moustik31]

The Priory gets some love, yay!

[@danafrancis3658]

Wayward Pines trilogy is great. So glad you loved it, recommended it!

[@xxLeMoNiCeExx17]

Wow just discovered you and you and I have very similar tastes!!

[@ToriMorrow]

Welcome to the channel! ❤️

[@MM-introvert]

Every one of your top 10 that I have not read is going into my 2024 TBR!

[@ToriMorrow]

I’m excited for you to read them! I hope you like them 🥰

[@mbranche4234]

I just picked up. These Burning Stars from my library today. So excited to dig in and read/continue reading all of your 2023 favorites. Oh, did I see a cat tail citing 🐈! Introduction???

[@ToriMorrow]

These burning stars is amazing! 🙌🏽 I hope you love it too. And yes, that’s Cooper! She likes to make an appearance every now and then lol 😄

[@mbranche4234]

I am half way thru These Burning Stars... Six is a bad mutha.. shut your mouth! Esek and Chono... I see a standoff coming! Such a wonderful suggestion to read. Thank you!!🎉

[@ToriMorrow]

@@mbranche4234 lol!! I’m so happy you’re enjoying it so far. The cast of characters is epic!

[@maggythestray6869]

Ordered Ruin of Kings because of you :)

[@ToriMorrow]

I hope you love it! 🙏🏽

[@littlefaithbigblessings]

I also read Priory of the Orange Tree and The Adventures of Almina Al Sarafi. I think you’ll also like A Day of Fallen Night, prequel to Priory.

[@littlefaithbigblessings]

Also, you have added a few series to my 2024 TBR. I’m definitely in my fantasy/sci-fi bag right now, and I’m going into 2024 even deeper. Love watching your videos.

[@richsonia1991]

You should check out the show Wayward Pines. It’s a great tv series.

[@ToriMorrow]

I watched a couple eps of the first season after I finished the books and was enjoying it so far! I’ll defintely be watching the rest this year!

[@Kristenisfullybookd]

Ruin of kings is just such a hidden gem, it's crazy to me that more people don't love it, even though I understand why

[@MissMacopa]

Hi! Collab! Stay well and God Bless You. 🥰😇

[@teishabee1993]

I love the pines trilogy. I read it a couple years back.

[@ToriMorrow]

It’s so good! I wish I could experience it again for the first time 🥲

[@mariareadsssf]

So happy when other readers discover "The Dandelion Dynasty" in its glory! Here is my top 10 of 2023: 🥇"Speaking Bones" - Ken Liu 🥈"Blood Over Bright Haven" - M. L. Wang 🥉"The Adventures of Amina al-Sirafi" - Shannon Chakraborty "The Book That Wouldn't Burn" - Mark Lawrence "Spinning Silver" - Naomi Novik "Perdido Street Station" - China Mieville "Bloodchild and Other Stories" - Octavia E. Butler "Lone Women" - Victor LaValle "Talonsister" - Jen Williams "Godkiller" - Hannah Kaner

[@ToriMorrow]

Your top 10 is 🔥!! A few of these are still on my tbr, and you have me excited to read them

[@caitlinl2750]

I’ve read all but how high we go in the dark!

[@ToriMorrow]

That’s incredible! 😮 And I highly recommend checking out how high we go!

[@ScrambleCaste]

I couldn't get into red rising because the gimmick of the color classism system felt silly to me. Is it worth pushing through?

[@ToriMorrow]

Yes! Red rising is the weakest of the series imo, and book 2 really opens up the world! If you’re still not enjoying it by the end of Golden Son, though, it might not be for you 😞

[@ScrambleCaste]

@@ToriMorrow alright I'll give it another shot. Thanks!!

[@WhyNot-WhyNott]

❤❤❤❤

[@ToriMorrow]

❤️🥰🥰

[@thepussycat66]

Great video! The Grace of Kings definitely deserves the top stop. It's phenomenal. 😊

[@ElleBeatrice]

Omg I watched and loved the Wayward Pines tv series but had no idea it was based on a book. I have to read it now 🤎

[@ToriMorrow]

The books are so good! I hope you like them. And I need to finally watch the show! 🥰🤎

[@atomicx9158]

Some great recommendations though number #1 is a No for me. I really, really didn't like this book and the writing style that you liked, I hated. In fact, I found the book to be not well written at all. I had to abandon it. I first tried reading it in book form and didn't like it. I decided to give it another go as an audio during a long road trip because so many people love this book. I had to turn it off. It was painful and the writing was even worse read aloud. Some other great picks though. Light Bringer would've been my number #1.

[@cryingaboutbooks]

🫶🏼🫶🏼🫶🏼

[@ToriMorrow]

🥰🫶🏼

[@haley5803]

🥳

[@ToriMorrow]

🥳❤️

[@chloesa4487]

I'm more sci-fi than fantasy but I always add more fantasy books into my TBR because of you LOL. Thank you for your 2023 Tori, I'm excited for 2024! Have a happy new year!

[@ToriMorrow]

I love that! 😄 This was a big fantasy year for me, but I can’t wait to get back into more sci-fi in ‘24. Happy new year to you too, and thanks for being here! 🥰

[@amoura9586]

Ive been looking forward to this video from you all month!!!! Fantastic top 10! Wishing you an amazing 2024 reading year!

[@ToriMorrow]

I’m so glad you finally got to watch it! And I’m also wishing you an amazing reading year in ‘24! 🥰

[@tysbookcorner]

Great list Tori! I really need to read The Priory of the Orange Tree. It’s just been sitting on my shelf looking at me and I’m just looking at it 😂 It just intimidates me so much!

[@RachaelsLibrary]

My friend also recommended that book. I'm not a fantasy reader but I think I should try.

[@MIZZ.BLKNRD]

Thank you for this video❤. I ended up reading How High We Go In The Dark and The Adventures of Amina Al-Sirafi. I didn’t end up caring too much for HHWGITD, it was just too depressing for me. But TAOAS was excellent and is one of my favorite books of 2024 so far.

[@marinwolff7031]

Thanks for the video . . .except that now my TBR is that much longer now. Lol. Happy New Year! 😊

[@karenehlers2534]

“The Adventures of Amina Al-Sirafi” was in my top 10 as well. And the audiobook was incredible. And book 2 comes out in 2024!

[@ToriMorrow]

Glad to see Amina is one of your faves this year too! I’ve heard good things about the audiobook, and I may check it out in the year 🥰

[@AmrutaRanade]

LOVE your excitement for your favorites ❤

[@davidbrautigam7431]

Hey Tori, I would like to send you a free signed copy of my book "Revenge is a Must." What would be the best way to do that?? Thank you for your time!

[@angelaholmes8888]

Here's my best books Spare by prince harry Delilah green doesn't care Reminders of him by colleen hoover The mind series by s.t abby The woman in me by britney spears memoir Any man by amber tamblyn Tell me everything by minka Kelly memoir The fiancee farce by Alexandra belfour What my bones know by Stephenie foo memoir Blood sugar by sacha Rothschild Someday maybe

[@kalibutler9185]

That drink was holding on for its life 😂

[@ToriMorrow]

Lol it really was! I was editing the video thinking how did I not spill that?? 🤣

[@darkspel]

My new favorite booktuber ❤

[@poetspicecolorwrite]

Interesting choices. I’ve added some to my list of reads.

[@ToriMorrow]

I hope you enjoy whatever you pick up! :D

[@DutchGreyBeard]

Thank you so much for this Top 10. Jenn Lyons is now on my TBR also. You are so enthusiastic, it is catching.

[@Ki55yface]

This was such a good video. Definitely added some to my list!

[@ToriMorrow]

Thank you! I hope you love whatever you pick up 🥰

[@CraftingVicky]

New subscriber. Just added the series Pines to my TBR you convinced me :) and burning stars. I think I'm in my sci-fi year! I haven't read sci-fi for a long time and now have 2 read so far.... glad for new recommendations. My 1st book was the "How high we go in the dark" I just ADORED that book. Loved the fact that they had a thread together.

[@YoPaulie21]

Loved hearing your top 10. Glad that Pines got in there! A little surprised Lightbringer didn't make #1, but now Grace of Kings moved to the top of my TBR. Thank you so much for all your videos, you've inspired me to read more and I've discovered so many great books thanks to your recs. All the best for 2024!

[@ThatsSoPoe]

So many epic stories! Glad you had so many really fantastic reads this year, especially for the books that start you off on new series that you can look forward to!

[@Codyline]

Hehe wait 'till you see the rest of A Chorus of Dragons. 😁

[@ToriMorrow]

I can’t wait! 😩

[@RachaelsLibrary]

I found this channel by accident. I love how you describe each book and I also love your voice. You just convinced me to read fantasy this year.

[@kimg4073]

Great picks!

[@ToriMorrow]

Thank you!

[@mariodominguez3366]

Nice

[@ToriMorrow]

Thank you!

[@bookswithb2684]

I can’t wait to read Amina! The Grace of Kings has been on my radar for so long. You just totally bumped it up on my tbr. Loved hearing you talk about your favorite books!!

[@seanmbranch]

Just finished "These Burning Stars". Holy cow....so so so so so so good. I can't wait for book 2. The characters in the book are INCREDIBLE. Esek is a JUGGERNAUT of a villain. MUST READ! I will be able to tell my grandkids i read the book when they are watching the movies on their brain implants.

[@TheBookishMom]

I am not tired at all of you talking about Wayward Pines, it keeps reminding me that I want to read it! Amina is one of my absolute favorite books of the year as well! As a mom, I agree with everything you said there!

[@NakiasHideaway]

I love how excited you get about your favorite books of the year, Tori! 🙆🏾‍♀️ I just read Pines and I'll say that it may be on one of my end of the year lists as well. 👀 😁 Happy reading in 2024, Tori! 📚🥂

[@JulieTheReader]

Great list! This inspired me to put a hold on These Burning Stars. Rereading and then finishing the Dandelion Dynasty is my top 2024 goal. Loved The Grace of Kings. Loved the Wall of Storms even more, but I just haven’t gotten around to the last two books yet. Getting into Richard Swann is up there too.

[@AiressReadsToo]

Wow! I was so upset when Fox cancelled the Wayward Pines tv show. I didn’t even know it was a book series. I must go read it. I loved the show.

[@LaughingStockfarm1]

We have such similar tastes, and I love that you’re into the more mature works, rather than the YA & new adult stuff that so many women seem to be drawn to. Every single one of the books here was on my TBR, unless I’ve already read them (Priory & Amina). Do you ever read indie published works?

[@louisity]

I feel your joy talking about these books. I can't wait to share my great reads of 2023 in my channel. 😄

[@Harley24986]

You've added so many books to my 2024 TBR! I love the way you speak about your book experiences. I wonder if you've heard of Song of Silver, Flame Like Night? It's my favorite book so far into '24 and can't wait to read it's sequel. Thanks again for all the amazing recommendations!

[@sailorthesis]

Omg the only book on your list I read was the adventures of amina al-sarafi 😅 you made me sooooo excited to check out all the other books. You have great taste, subscribed immediately! lol Excited to follow your recs in the new year!

[@LiteratureScienceAlliance]

So excited to see more of your rook and rose, chorus of dragon and dandelion dynasty journeys!!

[@cynthia7972]

Love this video! I’m looking forward to reading all of your picks!

[@sunglasses2130]

I’m so happy to find your channel!!! I feel like I’ve been searching for a booktuber with similar tastes to mine for a while, and you are exactly what I was looking for!!

[@classicsed]

I'm so happy you loved Priory! I read it when it first came out and loved it for how immersive the world was and for Samantha Shannon's writing, which I find really appealing. I still need to read book four in her Bone Season series!

[@vipervixx]

The way you talk about books is just incredible! I have half of these on my tbr, but now I want to read all of them at once 😭 I think I'll start with The Helm of Midnight tho because I've been meaning to read that for quite some time. Hope 2024 brings even better reading experiences for you! ❤️

[@glendaw5221]

Omigosh. I am not a fantasy reader but you almost had me at Blake Crouch. How High is on my TBR. I tend to prefer sci-fi over fantasy. (I don’t like learning about new worlds where they have different currency, different names for things!). Your enthusiasm is so contagious. I hope you have an equally great reading year in 2024.

[@sorenkrane]

I read Justice of Kings this year because of your list last year. Thank you, it's one of my top reads! Now you've got me looking at 'grace of kings '

[@sherrylldominique4990]

You have a new subscriber. I love you explain books so eloquently

[@colorfulkara14]

well, you've convinced me! adding The Grace of Kings to my cart as we speak 😆Can't wait to see what books you read in 2024!

[@suzannemoore404]

These are such good books and really interesting! Thank-you for your videos this past year. Wishing you an incredible 2024❤

[@shareeshreads]

I’m reading The Grace of Kings now because of you. Your book refs are top tier!