Review, Restock & Reflect: Part 1
A look back at 2024 in books and TV
This is a warning: I might actually send two posts this week.
Why? Well, I have a list of books that I read this year and a list of books that I’m keen to read next year. Seems silly to put all my eggs in one basket, don’t you think?
So in this Part 1, I will share my favourite fantasy (and non-fantasy) reads of the year, plus the TV and films that I watched and loved, in a summary of reflection.
If you’d rather watch than read, I posted a video version with my favourite reads on TikTok.
Favourite Fantasy Reads of 2024:
Fury of the Gods by John Gwynne - vikings, dead gods and their half human children, this was such a fantastic series and the last instalment did not disappoint (well, it did slightly, because it had to end and I just didn’t want it to!) - the audiobooks were fantastic too.
Sorcery and Small Magics by Maiga Doocy - light academia with two of my favourite characters of the year, nicely illustrating why low stakes aren’t bad stakes.
Definitely a firm favourite – I loved it so much I bought the audiobook to listen again and purchased it for one of my besties for Christmas.
Lord of the Empty Isles by Jules Arbeaux - this book hooked me with the promise of space pirates, but it’s much, much more than that. An exploration of grief, friendship and fraternal bonds, I loved it. It had a really unique and interesting magic system, spacecraft and unforgettable characters. The audiobook is excellent.
Fathomfolk by Eliza Chan - with a very loose connection to the Little Mermaid, this secondary world fantasy explores racial tensions between humans and merfolk from the point of view of three strong minded women at different times in their lives. Book 2 Tideborn by Chan comes out on 25th March 2025.
Voyage of the Damned by Frances White - when magical heirs go on a ceremonial cruise, what could go wrong? One by one, the dead bodies start turning up and we follow Dee, a hot-mess MC without powers, trying and failing to fit in, as he tries to work out who the killer is and stay alive! It’s such a fantastic high-concept novel that will keep you guessing until the very end!
Fate of the Sun King by Nisha J Tuli - book 3 of the 4 part series, this one continues the fiery relationship between Lor and Nadir, but expands the world. This is a very readable, spicy romantasy series that has kept me hooked all year! Part 4 Tale of the Heart Queen is out now.
The Company of the Wolf by David Wragg - I was astonished to discover that this was one of least shelved books on my Goodreads challenge this year and frankly – it must be because no one has read my review! I think David Wragg is a fantastic writer and I absolutely loved reading this ARC - so much so that I bought a hard copy and the audiobook to listen to before book 3 comes out. Another firm favourite for me!
Long Live Evil by Sarah Rees Brennan - this YA/New Adult portal fantasy was utterly brilliant, deceptively clever and also another high concept novel that hooked me right in! Rae is terminally sick in a hospital bed but is magically given a chance to save herself by entering the macabre world of her favourite fantasy book series - as the villain! I did this as a tandem read with audiobook and it was wonderfully narrated. Once again, exceptional characters that leave me chomping at the bit for the sequel.
The Hiding by Alethea Lyon - I really enjoyed this debut, particularly as it’s set in an alternate York. It’s perfect for fans of spooky, horror, dripping with detail – and features one of the best found families I’ve read this year (tied with Lord of the Empty Isles for diverse teams). I’ve started reading Reawakening, which is the 1.5 sequel, in preparation for the sequel The Somnia, which comes out on 8th March 2025.
The Crimson Moth (aka Heartless Hunter in the US) by Kristen Ciccarelli - this was recommended to me by an author friend and it became my quickest read of the year! A retelling of the Scarlet Pimpernel, after a fashion, set in a pseudo Victorian world where witches use blood magic. It’s a classic enemies to lovers YA romantasy (low spice) with a witch and witch hunter battling wits. Very readable and wonderfully narrated audiobook. Book 2, The Rebel Witch comes out on 27th February 2025.
Non-Fantasy Fave Reads:
I had to include the two non-fantasy books I read this year, because they were so good. I know we need to read widely, so I promise I will try to read more non-fantasy in 2025.
The Lonely Hearts Quiz League by Lauren Farnsworth - if you love early Lisa Jewell novels, where the relationship drama between the characters drives the plot - this is the book for you! Five lonely characters form a pub quiz team and try to win the quiz championship. The quiz scenes zing off the page and these characters are hugely relatable. I loved it!
The Clique by Rhiannon Barnsley - I don’t read a lot of thrillers, but I knew this one would keep me hooked. Set in London with a young hardworking lawyer who is invited to join an elite set of successful women in London, except it’s a one in - one out basis and there’s a suspicious death that makes her think not all is as wonderful as it seems. Again, another very readable, hooky novel. I listened to the audiobook and it kept me guessing until the end. Very exciting!
Favourite TV Shows:
Some of the shows that I have enjoyed this year, complete with [SPOILER WARNINGS].
Shogun - this TV series was phenomenal. Top tier casting and acting, but the story is what will grip you. It deserved all those awards. If you haven’t yet watched this, you simply must! I took no notes, because this is perfect TV.
Arcane League of Legends Seasons 1 & 2 - I catch sight of the trailer for season 2 and consulted with my writer friends – whereby they sang it’s praises. I thoroughly enjoyed season 1 and looked forward to season 2. I enjoyed that two although, I have notes. I kind of wish it hadn’t ended but also feel that it might have worn thin, had it continued. The animation is top notch, with excellent voice casting. The characters will have you more tied up in knots than Game of Thrones. Speaking of which…
House of the Dragon - the eagerly anticipated season 2 of HotD kept me captivated and introduced some interesting new characters. I think the series is creating some interesting drama, which more tete a tete moments than battle scenes and I do indeed like that. [SPOILER WARNING] My only note is that they should have finished on a battle scene.
Rings of Power Season 2 - overall I enjoyed a lot about this. But I do have notes. Some storylines definitely held my interest more than others, some left me unsatisfied, but overall - I enjoyed the dynamics between the elves and the dwarves, Numenor’s demise and [SPOILER WARNING] Sauron’s gaslighting of Celebrimbor was genius and gruesome. I think we could have done without Gandalf’s origin story and frankly I feel Isildur would have better taste in women, but there we are.
I will be back later in the week - 2025 to be exact, with my most anticipated reads for the New Year in Part 2 of Review, Restock & Reflect.