And here we are at the end of a decade. It’s time for a stroll down library aisles and haphazard stacks, a thumb through bookmarked pages and publication dates, all in search of the best novels.
I’m a little disappointed by how many great books I can’t discuss here. But the point of this is to list my favorite books that were released this decade (“this decade” being January 1st 2010 to December 31st 2019). And because I don’t want to follow my own rules, I have a couple of slight cheat answers.
A few stats before I begin. Within the mentioned dates I read approximately 400 books and listened to 53 audiobooks. Those numbers do not include any rereads. How many of those stories came out in the last decade? No clue. I’d say the definite majority came out in the 2000s.
There are a lot of books I like that fit the decade perimeters, but either I don’t remember enough to confidently include them or in comparison to the ones here, they’re not that great.
Also, a bunch of famous YA books are not listed. While I was the correct age for them, I either didn’t read it, didn’t finish it or loathe it. (See post on worst books of the decade.)
Also also, I’ve only recently delved into the adult genre so don’t expect reams of literary fiction.
Need I say this is not a comprehensive list? Obviously there are millions of books I didn’t read. This is only my opinion concerning the minute amount of books published this decade that I think deserve recognition. And I’m not saying all these books are the pinnacle of literature, just my favorites.
In no particular order, let’s get to it!
Erak’s Ransom by John Flanagan (2010)
First entry and I’m already fudging dates. This was published 2007 in Australia but 2010 in the US.
The Ranger’s Apprentice series is one of the best series of my childhood. It captures camaraderie, personal growth, adventure, and courageous acts all set in a memorable world without the aid of magic. This one is probably my favorite in the series.
Riyria Revelations series by Michael J. Sullivan (2010-12)
Ooo, more date fudging. The author originally self-published these six books prior to 2010 but then the publisher bound them into three books and republished them.
Classic fantasy at its finest. I’ll admit, I was not impressed by the first book. It info-dumped a bit too much, not a lot happened and most of characters were so-so. Then I read the next one and I was sold. The third one is currently the last book I rated five stars.
One of my favorite elements in these books are the plot twists. It’s not often when I know a twist is coming and care enough to be surprised by whatever the reveal is. These books not only have twists, but twists I failed to predict and loved when they happened. I like it when my suspicious nature is thwarted.
Also, Royce and Hadrian have a great friendship and I’m so glad I can continue to experience that friendship in the prequel series Riyria Chronicles.
Trelian trilogy by Michelle Knudsen (2009-16)
I was not expecting middle grade books to make this list. But not only is this one of the best middle grade trilogies I’ve read, it’s one of the best trilogies I’ve read. It has good character growth, storyline and setting. I’ll definitely have to reread it at some point.
Clariel by Garth Nix (2014)
Nix is one of my favorite authors. I gave Clariel 5 stars when it came out; I don’t know if I’d stand by that rating now, but Nix has to be on a list like this. I think this is the best book of his to come out in the last decade.
The Lunar Chronicles series by Marissa Meyer (2012-15)
I have such fond memories of this series. I read it via audiobook and there were times when I’d sit still, delighting in the unfolding story.
It’s fairytale retellings with good characters, nonstop adventures and enough drama to keep me anxious for the finale. They’re just plain fun.
One possible downside: it has a fluffy and convenient ending so if you like death and sadness, read something else.
Allies and Assassins duology by Justin Somper (2013-15)
I will forever be salty that the much-needed third book didn’t get published (he was only contracted for two). They’re medieval-esque stories full of mysteries, battles and politics that don’t need magic to be amazing. Where’s that third book, Somper? Where is it?!
Red Rising trilogy by Pierce Brown (2014-16)
The strange thing about this trilogy-turned-series is that I don’t know if I like it more for the story and characters or the shock value. The story is a complicated epic and I’m always surprised (not necessarily thrilled) by the choices he makes. I do enjoy some of the characters but so often they die or make bad choices and then die. It’s come to the point where I try not to give my affections to any of his characters because they’ll probably get skewered. He’s a talented writer and keeps me coming back for more punishing storylines full of bomb dropping and cliffhanging.
Senlin Ascends by Josiah Bancroft (2013)
I can’t say if this is a one-hit-wonder (I haven’t read the next books) but this one is a wonder. It’s about a man who loses his wife on their honeymoon to this exotic tower, and his journey to get her back. One of the reasons this book stands out is because its protagonist has no heroic qualities at first glance. He’s a rule-following teacher who gets easily flattened by a foreign culture and has to scrape himself out of the pits to claw his way toward finding his wife. He’s not strong or imposing but he’s determined and I love his journey so far.
The Last Hours by Minette Walters (2017)
This book really surprised me. It takes place during the first outbreak of the Black Death in England and follows the citizens of this small walled town. I’m sure people would say it’s boring, and slow and nothing happens. I can see why. I disagree. I loved seeing how the lady of the town pulled everyone together and maintained a relatively happy community in such a horrible time.
There’s also Thaddeus, one of the best men in my recent reading. He’s got a “pull your own weight or stay behind” attitude toward the end of the book and I applaud him for it.
I’m definitely reading the second/final book next year.
Nottingham by Nathan Makaryk (2019)
It's hard to replace the classic legend of Robin Hood with something better but this book did just that.
I wrote a whole review you can read right here.
Honorable Mentions
Leviathan trilogy by Scott Westerfeld (2009-11)
Half the reason I remember these books is due to Alan Cumming’s fantastic audiobook narration. The story is good too though. It’s WWI seen through a steampunk lens where the Allies use weird organic/animal-infused technology and the Central Powers go full-on mechanical. It’s YA and does take a love story angle but it brings in historical figures and trots the globe all while creating crazy adventures and untangling the characters from danger.
After Rome by Morgan Llywelyn (2013)
I’ve already said I’d reread this book at some point and after realizing it can go on this list, I fully intend to. It’s similar to The Last Hours in that it has a slower pace and little action but again, it worked for me.
Icefall by Matthew J. Kirby (2011)
This deserves a medal for being one of the only, if not the only, YA book that is Viking-ish, has no magic, takes place in one spot, and is a standalone. I can’t point to many more specifics for why I like this story as it’s been a few years since I read it. But I look back on it fondly and that’s enough for me.
Me Before You by Jojo Moyes (2012)
I hesitate to put this one on here. I like it as best as you can like a book that ends in SPOILERS. It has its sweet moments and I completely felt the struggles of the protagonist. But there’s that ending and I just don’t particularly like contemporaries as much as fantasy and historical fiction. And yet I’m including it.
The Winner’s trilogy by Marie Rutkoski (2014-16)
It’s not that I love these books but they’re one of the few YA fantasy trilogies/series I remember without a sneer. It’s good for what it is but some choices in the last book tarnish it.
Bring Up the Bodies by Hilary Mantel (2012)
I have a semi-review for this here. The main reason I’ve included it is because it (and Wolf Hall) deepened my love for Tudor England and did it through the eyes of a Machiavellian politician. Aside from loving the Tudor time, this is not my normal choice of book, but you can bet your bacon I’m extremely excited to read the last of Cromwell’s story.
Romeo and What’s Her Name by Shani Petroff (2017)
This is hands down the best YA contemporary book I’ve read. Alright, it doesn’t have a lot of competition but it embraces the cheesy story and I was immensely entertained by it.
The 7 1/2 Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle by Stuart Turton (2018)
Murder mystery + Groundhog day = the best premise ever. I’m not sure I was given enough information to solve the murder and the reveal of the perpetrator left me nonplussed rather then amazed. However, I love the unique idea and the setting.
Shoutout to:
Ascendance trilogy by Jennifer A. Neilson
Lumatere Chronicles by Melina Marchetta
The Mark of Athena and The House of Hades by Rick Riordan
…It’s not that I didn’t enjoy you, it’s just that I like the other ones more.
What are your favorite books of the decade?
And in case you missed it: the link to my worst books of the decade.