As 2024 draws to a close, let’s reflect on my reading journey this year. Intending to read 100 books, I managed to complete 56. Of these, 31 were new reads, and the rest were comforting re-reads that carried me through quieter moments or reading slumps. While I didn’t quite hit my target, I firmly believe that the stories I encountered, from thrilling fantasies to introspective romances, made it a year to remember.
According to Goodreads here are some insights into my reading habits this year:
- Pages read: 18 073
- Average Book Length: 334 pages
- Average Rating: 4.1 stars
Highest Rated Book on Goodreads
4.73 average
Most Shelved Book by people on Goodreads (4,656,343 shelves)
Percy Jackson, a troubled schoolboy, discovers he is a demigod and the son of Poseidon after an attempted monster attack. Sent to Camp Half-Blood, he embarks on a quest with friends to prevent a war among the gods. The narrative combines humor and adventure, captivating both young and older readers.
My reading leaned heavily into fantasy, romance, and mystery thrillers, with most of my books consumed via eBooks and audiobooks. While I always strive to read outside of my preferred genre, I found myself gravitating back to familiar genres and authors.
Highlights and Favorites
While I didn’t have a single standout favorite, a few series and books captured my imagination:
The Solo Leveling Novels by Chugong
The series was a thrilling journey of action and world-building, and Jinwoo’s progress was a delight to follow. I found myself revisiting this series multiple times during the year, unable to get enough of its captivating universe.
Embark on an epic journey of growth and accountability with Solo Leveling Volume 1! This captivating fantasy novel seamlessly weaves action and motivation into a thrilling narrative. Dive in and discover a world where discipline leads to greatness!
In Solo Leveling Volume 2, Sung Jin-Woo’s journey to become a stronger hunter intensifies. The expansion of worldbuilding provides deeper insight into the universe, while unexpected plot twists and character evolution add layers of intrigue. The exploration of guild dynamics adds complexity to the story, making it a riveting and thrilling continuation of the series.
In Volume 3 of Solo Leveling, Jinwoo Sung achieves S-rank status, unlocking a new world of challenges. The story delves into his relentless pursuit of power, raising questions about his morality. This volume widens its scope to explore the larger world of hunters and Guilds, adding geopolitical intrigue and compelling action. Overall, it offers a riveting blend of character development, societal commentary, and intense action.
The Empyrean Series by Rebecca Yarros
I picked up Fourth Wing was a serendipitous decision that turned into a delightful surprise. The gripping story led me to read its sequel, and I eagerly anticipate the third installment coming in January 2025.
Shogun by James Clavell
The longest book I read this year, Shogun was an epic tale of historical intrigue and culture. It was a commitment, but one that I enjoyed quite thoroughly.
This novel isn’t just a piece of historical fiction, it’s an epic journey into the heart of 17th-century Japan through the eyes of an English navigator. We experience cultural clashes, political intrigue, and personal transformation in a way that’s both educational and profoundly entertaining. Clavell’s storytelling not only captivates but educates, making “Shogun” a must-read for anyone fascinated by the power of history and the human spirit.
Hailey Turner’s 2024 Releases
Both Secondhand Skin and The Queen’s Starfire Throne stood out as solid reads, showcasing Turner’s versatility in storytelling.
In The Queen’s Starfire Throne, Hailey Turner masterfully concludes her saga with a blend of political intrigue, passionate romance, and pulse-pounding action. Despite a slower pace, the narrative keeps you on the edge of your seat, introducing new characters and escalating tension. A fitting end to a captivating series!
Secondhand Skin is an exciting and satisfying addition to the Soulbound Universe, packed with magic, danger, and heart. Whether you’re drawn in by Wade’s journey, the romantic tension with Riordan, or the rich, magical world-building, this standalone novel is sure to keep you hooked from start to finish.
The Necromancer’s War by Sheena Jolie
This was another series I highly rated for its unique take on magic and character development.
Sheena Jolie‘s The Necromancer’s War carries you on a captivating journey of non-stop action, palpable emotions, and profound character growth. A compelling addition to The Beacon Hill Sorcerer series, despite a title that hints at a grander war. A definite must-read for fans of MM romance, magic, paranormal, and urban fantasy.
Surprises and Disappointments
One of the biggest surprises of the year was Fourth Wing. I didn’t expect to enjoy it as much, but its engaging plot and strong characters kept me hooked.
On the flip side, Sarah J. Maas’s A Court of Thorns and Roses fell short of my expectations. Its promising start gave way to a slow pace and a lack of originality, leading me to abandon it halfway through. Similarly, I’m currently struggling to finish The Inheritance Games by Jennifer Lynn Barnes, which hasn’t fully drawn me in.
The opening chapter of A Court of Thorns and Roses promised a rich, atmospheric tale of magic and romance. But as the pages turned, the spark fizzled. Slow pacing, a lack of originality, and weak chemistry between the leads left me disenchanted.
The Year’s Reading Trends
Certain patterns emerged this year in my reading choices as usual I tend to read multiple works by the same authors: I read all eight books in Chugong’s Solo Leveling series, two books by Rebecca Yarros and Hailey Turner, and explored Sheena Jolie’s work as well.
As for the Books to Screen adaptations, a lot of the books I read this year are slated for TV adaptations rather than movies. I’m still curious and excited about stories crossing into new mediums.
From the explosive opening to the haunting unraveling of a decade-old mystery, Persuader takes Jack Reacher to darker, grittier depths than ever before. With a narrative that toggles between present-day vengeance and past regrets, Lee Child masterfully amps up the tension, leaving you questioning every twist. What happened ten years ago that still haunts Reacher? And how far will he go to set things right? Dive into the action-packed thriller that challenges Reacher’s moral code like never before.
Exploring the intricate universe of The Three-Body Problem by Liu Cixin. While its fusion of science fiction and philosophy sparks curiosity, the dense scientific exposition may challenge readers.
Donald L. Miller‘s Masters of the Air delivers a gripping narrative of the American bomber crews in World War II. Through firsthand accounts and meticulous research, Miller paints a vivid picture of the harrowing experiences, technological innovations, and moral complexities of aerial warfare. This impressive work is great reading for anyone interested in the human side of war.
The Never Game by Jeffery Deaver intricately weaves a thrilling narrative with a Lara Croft-like protagonist, short-paced chapters, and seamless connections between small cases and larger conspiracies. Shaw’s past and the novel’s thought-provoking hypotheses elevate it to a must-read mystery thriller.
Carl Mørck’s reassignment to the dingy basement office of Department Q feels more like a punishment than a promotion. But as he delves into a five-year-old cold case, Carl’s dark humor, guilt-ridden resilience, and his unlikely partnership with Assad transform this slow-burning mystery into a gripping, atmospheric ride.
Only Unity Will Spare Us concludes The Magi Accounts series with a heartwarming and thrilling finale. Set against a backdrop of escalating tensions between humans and non-humans, it highlights Mads and Cosmo’s enduring love amidst chaos. The emotional depth and character development deliver a satisfying farewell to cherished characters, making it a rewarding read.
Blood Omen is a captivating addition to The Beacon Hill Sorcerer series, introducing us to the dynamic Celyn and the intriguing vampire Remi. This short story is packed with action, romance, and unexpected twists, serving as a delightful appetizer before The Necromancer’s War. Fans of the series will appreciate the depth and excitement this novella brings.
Though my book count has steadily decreased over the past few years (146 books in 2020 to 56 this year), my love for stories remains as vibrant as ever. Each book, whether a beloved re-read or a brand-new discovery, added color and depth to my year.
Here’s to another year of turning pages and losing myself in worlds unknown. What did your year in books look like?
Looking Ahead
For 2025, I’m setting a more modest reading goal of 60 books, focusing on quality over quantity. With upcoming releases like Onyx Storm the next installment of The Empyrean series, and a new Hunger Games prequel, Sunrise on the Reaping my excitement for the new year’s reading journey is already growing.
Worn Out Spines 