1. John Dies at the End – Jason Pargin (Series)

CW: Graphic Violence, Substance Abuse, Child Abuse, Suicide

I read through three books of this series this year. It’s hilarious and terrifying and extremely insightful social commentary all at the same time.

I do not have reviews written or filmed for the first two books, because I read both of them before I began doing my #InTheBooks Reading Recap series. However, both the third book What The Hell Did I Just Read and the fourth installment If This Book Exists, You’re in the Wrong Universe have been covered.

3. The Fox Wife – Yangsze Choo

CW: Child Loss, Threat of SA

My first experience with this author. I’ve already got another of her books on my TBR pile because I was so enraptured with this one. It’s a hefty one, but I devoured it in two days and still wanted more.

Published This Year!

4. The Eyes are the Best Part – Monika Kim

CW: Racism, Graphic Violence, Threat of SA

I found it astounding that this was a debut novel. It has not been this easy to root for a killer since Dexter got his start. I’ll be eagerly awaiting any future releases from this author.

Published This Year!

5. Boneshaker – Cherie Priest (Series)

CW: Zombie Violence, Domestic Abuse

When I read the synopsis on this book, my immediate thought was “this is so over the top. I have to have it.” My first instinct proved correct. It was an incredible adventure and I was fascinated by the characters. I’ve got the second book of the series on my list now.

6. Dune – Frank Herbert (Series)

CW: Eugenics, Classism, Systemic Oppression

A true classic. I re-read the first book after the movie came out to see how well I had remembered all the details. The last time I had read it prior to this year was about two decades ago. At the time, I was much closer in age to Paul. Back then, I didn’t understand why other characters would think of him as immature. Now I get it and understand why that would cause fear.

I finished it before I began my reading recap series, so I don’t have a write-up for this one. Then again, a book this well-renowned and widely loved shouldn’t need a recommendation from me to earn a place on your TBR list if you haven’t read through it already.

7. The Art of Power – Thich Nhat Hanh

CW: References to War Crimes (notably SA & Torture)

I recommend absolutely everything from this author. He was truly a great mind, and his words are always both soothing and inspiring in frightening times.

8. How to be Eaten – Maria Adelmann

CW: Domestic Violence, Substance Abuse, Addictive Behavior, Self Harm, Human Taxidermy, Graphic Violence, Victim Blaming, Threat of SA, Grooming, Gaslighting

Dark retellings are always fun for me, and this title masterfully packed several of them into a single book. While this is far from a normal support group, the women in it are deeply relatable. In spite of the fantastical nature of the causes, their traumas and responses feel intimately familiar too.

9. Alice – Christina Henry (Series)

CW: Graphic Violence, SA, Human Trafficking

I grew up as a huge fan of Alice in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass. I’ve also always loved dark retellings. This series really hit the spot. I read both the first and second book this year, and the final installment is sitting in my TBR pile now. While this is a deeply twisted version, the spirit of the original is always peeking through in the details.

10. The Lost Apothecary – Sarah Penner

CW: Domestic Violence, Unwanted Pregnancy, Infidelity, References to Child Abuse & Child SA

If you need a title that’s going to fan the flames of your feminine rage in the most soothing manner, this is the one. It contains two beautifully interwoven tales of three women who find their freedom by any means necessary. It examines the far-too-familiar inclination to hide elements of ourselves to become more palatable, and leaves the reader demanding answers for why.