Favorite Reads of 2024
Hello again, friend!
This past year, I finally read some popular books that had long been recommended to me. I also discovered some surprising jewels in the huge world of indie publishing. As for nonfiction… don’t ask, because it’s the category I’ve read the least in. But, be that as it may, I do have some highlights from this past year. Here are some of my absolute favorite reads of 2024:
“The Lord of the Rings” by J. R. R. Tolkien
Genre: Fantasy
In one word: Masterful
My thoughts: Let us begin with the king of high fantasy himself. I now understand why Tolkien is considered a literary genius.
This story has it all: impeccable world-building, incredible character development, great descriptions, high stakes, heart-wrenching moments, some hilarious lines, and an incredible ending that had me almost crying.
It’s common to hear about Tolkien when taking writing lessons, and now I get it. I was left mind-blown at this man’s creative genius. And yes, I read the appendices. Did most of it go over my head? Yes. Did I still read them like an avid fan? Yes.
My favorite volume was “The Return of the King” since, by then, I had a decent grip on the geography, characters, conflicts, etc. It was an incredibly satisfying conclusion, and I can’t believe I waited so long to read it. It wasn’t a light and easy read, but I will forever recommend it.
“The False Prince” by Jennifer A. Nielsen
Genre: Middle Grade, Fantasy, Adventure
In one word: Surprising
My thoughts: I’d had this book recommended a few times through the writing community I’m a part of. All I can say is that it did not disappoint. I was fascinated by the way Nielsen kept so many small details hidden in plain sight throughout the story.
It was so fun to read a story in which we, as readers, are within the POV character’s head, and yet we don’t know everything going on. The way Nielsen pulled off those plot twists instantly made this one of my favorite books of 2024. I can’t wait to read the rest of the series!
“The Lunar Chronicles” by Marissa Meyer
Genre: YA, Sci-Fi, Fantasy
In one word: Addicting
My thoughts: Once more, we come to a very popular series. I’d never seen the appeal in this series until I read a query letter for the first book, Cinder. I read the first book and enjoyed it but did not continue the series until a few months later. When I picked up Scarlet, I was hooked.
I’ve always loved fairy tale retellings. Add in the futuristic, sci-fi vibes, and I’m sold. Somehow Meyer manages to pull off all those characters and their individual stories while tying all the loose ends in Winter with a satisfying conclusion. As a bonus, Stars Above gave me that last little bit of closure I wished for.
Kai and Cinder remained my favorite characters, but they were all so lovable that it’s hard to pick just two.
“Heartsong” by Deborah Grace White
Genre: YA, Fantasy, Mild Romance
In one word: Creative
My thoughts: This series had one of the most creative magic systems I’ve read. It took place in the same universe as another of White’s series, The Singer Tales. The Heartsong series added an extra sparkle to the world-building and elevated the plot.
It was enjoyable to have a lot of context for the world and magic but still be surprised by the extra elements and little details White added. The characters were fun, and the plot was gripping.
“Friday’s Child” by Georgette Heyer
Genre: Regency, Romance, Comedy
In one word: Hilarious
My thoughts: Austen may be considered the queen of Regency, but Heyer will always battle for that place, in my opinion. Friday’s Child was absolute comedic gold. One can’t help but root for the characters throughout.
The side characters, as per usual with Heyer, only made the story better and more engaging. I loved the character arcs for both the MMC and MC in this story and thoroughly enjoyed the conclusion.
This was my second time reading this book, and I enjoyed it even more than the first. If you want a fun Regency read, Friday’s Child is the book for you.
“The Happy Intercessor” by Beni Johnson
Genre: Nonfiction, Prayer, Intercession, Devotional Life
In one word: Invaluable
My thoughts: Yes, I do read nonfiction! This book is such a valuable tool for learning about prayer, intercession, and praying from a place of relationship with the Father.
As someone who grew up bored with prayer, this book gave me a new perspective and a fresh love for it. To think we have access to God’s heart in such a way! I definitely recommend this book to anyone wanting to learn to intercede, anyone who wants to understand what prayer is, and anyone wanting a deeper relationship with God.
If you want to gain momentum in your prayer life, this is the book for you.
And that’s a wrap for some of my favorite reads of 2024! I read many other books, but these were the most memorable and outstanding for me. I hope you found a new read as you scanned through this post.
Until next time,
Anna
Anna Raquel Lont
Hello! I'm Anna, an avid consumer of books and tea and a passionate lover of Jesus. I'm passionate about words and storytelling. I love teaching and I enjoy embroidery and baking.
