I wanted to share with you all the books I rated 5 stars in 2022! I did make a video over on my BookTube channel where I go into a lot more detail about these books and what I enjoyed about them.
For some reason, I missed a couple of books off when filming the video, so for referece, I also rated the following books 5 stars too!
Bloom by Kevin Panetta
This is a beautifully written LGBTQIA+ romance graphic novel. The story was heartwarming and entertaining, and the illustration style was stunning. I felt really connected to the characters, and the story was unique and entertaining, as well as heartwarming. I'm not usually a huge fan of romances but this one was adorable, and I would definately recommend it!
The Girl From The Sea by Molly Knox Ostertag
This is one of my favourite graphic novels of all time. I don't actually own a physical copy of this one yet, but it is at the top of my wishlist. This is another LGBTQIA+ romance graphic novel, and it was so unique. The main character Morgan is saved from downing by a mysterious girl called Keltie, and when the two fall in love, all their secrets come to the surface.
I really want to reread this one when I eventually pick up a physical copy.
Okay, the following books were all covered in the video, so I won't go into too much detail here.
Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor
This one was the first 5 Star read of 2022, and it's one that has stuck with me ever since I read it back in February. I still need to read the rest of the books in this trilogy.
Fierce Fairytales by Nikita Gill
I read almost all of Nikita Gill's books in 2022, and there are two books on this list. Nikita Gill immediately became my favourite poet, and I can't wait to read the rest of her books.
This collection is full of fairytale retellings, and I would highly recommend it. The Peter Pan one destroyed me. I will never be the same again.
Beasts of Prey by Ayana Gray
I read Beasts of Prey in the summer, just before I went to YALC and met Ayana Gray at her signing (she was so lovely!)
This is hands-down one of the most atmospheric stories I have ever read, and I am really excited to read book two. The fact that this is a debut novel still blows my mind.
Scythe by Neal Shusterman
I have been meaning to pick this series up for YEARS, and I finally read book one last summer, again in preparation for YALC (check my BookTube video for a quick storytime about meeting Neal Shusterman)
I wasn't sure what to expect going into this one because it's not the sort of story I would usually read, but I was really impressed by the story and the characters. I can really see why this one is so popular.
The Girl and the Goddess by Nikita Gill
Again, Nikita Gill is a genius. This book is so unique, and so beautifully crafted. I cried so much while reading this book. I can't recommend this book enough.
This book also inspired me to write novels-in-verse, so I have a lot to thank Nikita Gill for. She also gave me some of the best writing advice I've ever received when I met her at YALC. She was amazing!
Namesake by Adrienne Young
It shouldn't come as a surprise that there had to be at least one book by my favourite author on this list. Namesake is the sequel to Fable, and I'm still not over it. I can't wait to read Saint and return to this world.
Spells For Forgetting by Adrienne Young
This is Adrienne Young's adult debut, and is a witchy murder mystery. This book changed the way I look at writing entirely. I learned so much about the craft of writing through reading this book. I have a full review on Spells For Forgetting which you can read here.
The Sad Ghost Club 2 by Lize Meddings
This is the second book in the series, and the sequel to one of my favourite graphic novels. I actually think I might have enjoyed book two more than book one!
XOXO by Axie Oh
This is hands-down one my favourite romance novel I have ever read. It was adorable, and I really enjoyed it. It's a K-Pop romance, but it also talks about family, relationships, following your dreams, and self-acceptance. It's such a sweet and enjoyable YA romance.
The Ballad of Never After by Stephanie Garber
This was the last 5 Star read of 2022 for me, and I don't even know where to begin. The first book in this series got me out of a reading slump in 2021, and I read book two in only a couple of days. I spent all my free time devouring this book, and it was amazing. You can actually see my reaction to the end of this book on my TikTok (I'm crying, obviously) - I can't wait for book three to be released later this year!
What were the best books you read in 2022? Let me know in the comments!