2024 was an incredible year for readers, with so many standout releases across genres that my TBR pile has grown to truly absurd proportions. From captivating romances and atmospheric thrillers to richly imagined fantasy worlds, 2024 delivered an abundance of exceptional stories. But, as always, some got more attention than others. Rightly or wrongly, Bookstagram always has its favourites, and as usual I took it upon myself to read the biggest Bookstagram books of 2024 so that I might judge them and their worthiness.
Along the way I found plenty of new favourites, along with a few surprises, and a couple of duds. While not every hyped title has lived up to expectations, there’s been no shortage of compelling narratives, unforgettable characters, and moments that made me want to hug the book after finishing it.
If you spent the year lurking on Bookstagram and wondering which of the book obsessions was actually worth buying, I hope you find some inspiration here!
A Fate Inked in Blood by Danielle L. Jensen
My Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5)
Danielle L. Jensen enchants with A Fate Inked in Blood, a tale woven with mythology and magic. The epic narrative and well-crafted characters immerse you in a world where destinies are intertwined with the gods. This book is a masterclass in fantasy storytelling, and was another firm favourite of mine from 2024. I fully expect the sequel to also dominate in 2025!
Quicksilver by Neal Stephenson
My Rating: ★★☆☆☆ (2/5)
Quicksilver, the first volume in Neal Stephenson’s Baroque Cycle, promised an epic blend of historical fiction, science, philosophy, and spice but ultimately left me disappointed. While the novel showcases Stephenson’s signature depth and meticulous attention to historical detail, the narrative is dense, and meanders all over the place, leaving it feeling very bogged down. This was definitely one where the Bookstagram hype didn’t do the book justice. I went into it expecting greatness and was bitterly disappointed. It’s not a bad book. It’s just not a great book, and I was really expecting to be. The intricate world-building and intellectual tangents, though impressive, for me came at the expense of pacing and I just kept losing interest.
You may well love this, I’m not saying don’t give it a ago. The world is interesting, and I liked the characters, but the novel’s ambitious scope and sprawling narrative are definitely a marmite element; you’re either going to love it or hate it. Personally I found most of it tedious and overly indulgent.
The Women by Kristin Hannah
My Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5)
Kristin Hannah delivers a powerful narrative in The Women, which explores the untold stories of women during the Vietnam War. Rich in historical detail and emotional depth, this book is a testament to the strength and resilience of women. A truly inspiring read that resonates with the struggles and triumphs of its characters.
Bride by Ali Hazelwood
My Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
In Bride, Ali Hazelwood takes us into a world where vampires and werewolves broker peace through marriage. This novel mixes paranormal romance with political intrigue in a way that’s both refreshing and thrilling. While the romance sizzles, it’s the heroine’s journey toward self-discovery that truly captivates.
I thoroughly enjoyed The Love Hypothesis and was really excited to see the author’s take on a vampire/werewolf romance. It didn’t quite live up to the hype for me. A solid read but nothing outstanding, which was a bit of a disappointment.
The Warm Hands of Ghosts by Katherine Arden
My Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
Katherine Arden blends historical richness with fantasy in The Warm Hands of Ghosts. Set against the backdrop of World War I, this novel offers a haunting exploration of loss and the search for truth. The atmospheric setting and lyrical prose make it a mesmerising read, although it is a little hard going at times.
Listen For the Lie by Amy Tintera
My Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3/5)
Amy Tintera’s Listen For the Lie offers a gripping mystery with a twisty plot. While the premise is intriguing, the execution lacks the depth I hoped for, making the resolution feel somewhat rushed. However, if you’re not prone to over thinking like I am it’s a decent read for fans of thrillers with a psychological edge.
The Familiar by Leigh Bardugo
My Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5)
This was one of my favourite reads of 2024. Leigh Bardugo’s The Familiar sets a new standard for historical fantasy. Set in the Spanish Golden Age, this novel is rich with magical realism and captivating drama. The lush narrative and complex character dynamics are utterly transportive.
Funny Story by Emily Henry
My Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
Emily Henry’s Funny Story is a delightful blend of humour and heartache. This contemporary romance offers a fresh take on love and friendship, with characters that are both relatable and endearing. A charming read that’s both light-hearted and deeply moving.
Butcher and Blackbird by Brynne Weaver
My Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5)
Brynne Weaver’s Butcher and Blackbird is an intense thriller that intricately weaves romance with suspense. The novel’s dark themes and the complex relationship between two psychopathic lovers offer a gripping and unconventional love story. Its bold narrative and thrilling pace make it impossible to put down.
The Poppy War by R.F. Kuang
My Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5)
R.F. Kuang’s The Poppy War is a brilliant military fantasy that combines historical elements with a gritty, dark narrative. The journey of Rin, from an orphan to a powerful shaman warrior, is compelling and richly detailed, offering a stark examination of war and power. This book is a masterful blend of epic storytelling and profound themes.
The Atlas Six by Olivie Blake
My Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
The Atlas Six by Olivie Blake is a captivating dark fantasy that delves into the lives of six magicians competing for a place in a secretive society. The novel’s lush prose and complex character dynamics are mesmerising, making it a standout in the fantasy genre. While the pace is slow at times, the intricate plot and intellectual depth are thoroughly rewarding.
House of Flame and Shadow by Sarah J. Maas
My Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
Sarah J. Maas continues to enchant readers with her signature blend of romance and fantasy in this third instalment of the Crescent City series. House of Flame and Shadow plunges us back into a world of daunting challenges and dark powers. Despite a few pacing issues, the imaginative storytelling and complex characters make this a compelling read.
A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas
My Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5)
And a second entry from Sarah J. Maas for this year, this time the author elevates her storytelling in A Court of Mist and Fury, blending romance with high fantasy in a way that is both enthralling and deeply emotional. The development of Feyre’s character and the exploration of new, vivid settings in the Fae realms are executed with precision and heart.
This sequel not only meets but exceeds the expectations set by its predecessor, making it a must-read for fans of the genre. ACOTAR was one of the biggest Bookstagram crazes of 2023, but 2024 saw it firmly usurped by the sequel which is generally considered to be spicier and has (IMO at least) a better fleshed out and fully rounded plot.
Lost and Lassoed by Lyla Sage
My Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
It’s not often a purely romance novel goes big on Bookstagram, so when it does I pay attention. The flurry of interest around this one and the fact it’s a cowboy romance that came along right as I was getting into my cowboy romance era (largely because the MC in Bane is obsessed with them and I figured I should actually know what they’re about!), made me snap this one up. It was well worth the read, as was the rest of the series!
Hexed by Emily McIntire
My Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5)
Hexed by Emily McIntire reimagines The Little Mermaid with a dark, modern twist, blending mafia romance with a tale of forbidden love and power. Vanessa, inspired by Ursula, is a commanding, sharp-witted heroine whose resilience and allure captivate, while Enzo, influenced by Prince Eric, adds depth with his balance of vulnerability and ruthlessness. Their chemistry ignites against a backdrop of betrayal and high stakes, where loyalty and trust are tested at every turn. With clever nods to its fairytale inspiration and themes of redemption and identity, Hexed delivers a gritty, emotionally charged romance that will keep readers hooked.
This is the sixth book in the Never After series, but they all act as standalone novels so you don’t have to have read the previous books to get stuck in! This was my first read from this series, and I’d ordered the rest before I’d even finished it!
Wrapping Up 2024’s Biggest Bookstagram Books
2024 brought a mix of stellar reads and overhyped disappointments, proving once again that Bookstagram has its hits and misses. With so many varied stories, there was plenty to love—and plenty to debate. Whether you were drawn to epic romantasies, chilling thrillers, or heartfelt dramas, the year had something for everyone. Yes, there were a couple of duds, but overall the hyped books were worth it.
If you’re curious I did a similar wrap up of the biggest Bookstagram books of 2023 last year, dig in below…
The Biggest Bookstagram Books of 2023
Last year was the year I (finally) got around to getting a website built and setting myself up with profiles on Bookstagram and BookTok. And while I was very hit and miss with posting on the latter, I got very enthusiastic about Bookstagram and caught up in the hype surrounding the biggest Bookstagram books of 2023. The vibrant community of book lovers on Instagram was buzzing with discussions, reviews, and recommendations throughout the year, and while I didn’t quite perfect the art of posting consistently myself, I thoroughly enjoyed making so many great new book friends and seeing what they were reading.
And then, of course, bowing to the inevitable peer pressure and buying them myself! From thrilling mysteries to awe-inspiring fantasy, the books that got the most hype on Bookstagram throughout the year (deserved or not!) offered something for every type of reader.
Here’s a retrospective look at the titles that not only dominated our bookshelves but also our conversations in the world of Bookstagram in 2023, and how I rated each.
A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas
My Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
While by no means a new craze on Bookstagram in 2023, Sarah J. Maas’s A Court of Thorns and Roses continued to be a firm favourite. If you’ve (somehow!) not encountered this book yet, this is a fantasy novel that transports readers into a world where faeries and magical lands exist. The story follows Feyre, a young huntress, who finds herself taken to a faerie realm as retribution for a life she took. This land, filled with ancient curses and lethal politics, transforms her initial hatred for her captor into a complex mix of passion and loyalty. Richly woven with elements of folklore and romance, it’s packed with imaginative world-building and develops strong, multifaceted characters. I did enjoy this one a lot, but not enough to give it five stars; for me the plot was a little thin at times, relying on the wow factor of the world and the spicy romance to carry it. I’m not complaining about either, but having read the Throne of Glass series first, I didn’t quite feel ACOTAR met that standard in terms of plot.
The Flatshare by Beth O’Leary
My Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
Beth O’Leary’s The Flatshare is a charming and witty romance novel that follows the unique story of Tiffy and Leon. Sharing an apartment and a bed, but never at the same time due to opposite work schedules, they start communicating through notes. This unconventional arrangement leads them on a journey of self-discovery and emotional growth, as their lives intertwine in unexpected ways. The novel offers a heartwarming narrative and engaging characters, exploring themes of love, friendship, and the importance of communication in the most unlikely circumstances. This was a pure feel-good read. A page-turner that required zero effort and was simultaneously relaxing and charming.
Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros
My Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5)
Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros is a standout novel in the romantasy genre, creating a buzz on Bookstagram for its captivating blend of fantasy and romance. Set in a world of dragon riders, the story follows Violet Sorrengail, a student at Basgiath War College, who aspires to become a dragon rider. The book delves into the challenges and intricacies of Violet’s journey, set against the backdrop of a richly built fantasy world. Yarros’s novel was one of the biggest Bookstagram books last year, and continues to be this year, thanks to its detailed world-building, strong character development, and the enthralling plot that keeps readers engaged from start to finish. A heavy dose of spice in several scenes are also largely responsible for its runaway popularity. That said, this book doesn’t rely on the spicy scenes to carry it; there actually aren’t that many, and the rest of the book is sublime. This one was 100% worthy of the hype. It may not be everyone’s cup of tea (it’s certainly not one to read if you’re a hardcore high fantasy fan and don’t like hints of the modern world in your novel!), but I LOVED it!
Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros
My Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
The sequel to Fourth Wing, Iron Flame continues the saga of Violet Sorrengail, a student at Basgiath War College aspiring to become a skilled dragon rider. Despite physical challenges and the ordeals of the war college, Violet’s determination and intellect make her a formidable protagonist. The plot evolves as Violet navigates her training, relationships, and the unveiling of concealed truths, building towards revelations that could alter the destiny of Basgiath War College and its inhabitants. The book received widespread acclaim, selling over half a million copies on its release day, and was ranked #1 national fiction bestseller by Publishers Weekly in November 2023. I did really enjoy this book, but I will admit, it was a little disappointing as it didn’t quite reach the same dizzying heights as Fourth Wing. I felt the plot wasn’t quite as well developed in this book, however, I do think that was largely because we’ve not got to the payoff for a lot of it yet. Hopefully the third book in the trilogy will make up for it!
The Housemaid by Freida McFadden
My Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
The Housemaid by Freida McFadden is a gripping psychological thriller that delves into the life of a live-in maid working for the affluent and mysterious Winchester family. The story masterfully unravels the dark and complex layers of each character, keeping readers deeply invested and on edge. As the narrative progresses, it becomes clear that the maid’s role in the household is more intricate and perilous than it first appears, leading to shocking revelations and twists that challenge perceptions of truth and deception. The novel has been highly praised for its suspenseful plot and richly developed characters, and while I did enjoy the characters a great deal, I was found the plot (or at least, one major point in it) very predictable, which prevented this from being a five star from me.
Before I Let You Go by Kennedy Ryan
My Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5)
Kennedy Ryan’s Before I Let You Go explores the emotional complexities of Yasmen and Josiah’s relationship, torn by past traumas and struggles. The novel dives deep into themes of love, loss, and the intricacies of co-parenting. Set against the backdrop of shared business responsibilities, the story depicts their journey of rediscovery and the resilience of love. As they navigate through their revived feelings and past wounds, the book highlights the challenges and potential of second-chance romances, making it a poignant and heartfelt read. There was a lot about this novel I found both highly relatable and extremely unique. This combination creates a truly wonderful read.
The Deal by Elle Kennedy
My Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5)
In The Deal by Elle Kennedy, the author puts a fresh spin on the classic romance trope. The story revolves around Hannah Wells and Garrett Graham, who form an unlikely alliance: she helps him improve his grades, and he helps her attract the attention of another man. However, this business-like arrangement soon blossoms into an intense and passionate romance. I thoroughly enjoyed the witty dialogue, engaging plot, and charismatic characters The Deal has to offer, and can well see why it’s been a favourite among readers. The story seamlessly blends humour, heart, and the development of a genuine connection between the protagonists. This novel has now become part of my escalating fixation with hockey romances, something I never thought I’d enjoy but have become low key obsessed with since reading Hunting Eden. (FYI while Hunting Eden and the other books by VH Nicolson didn’t make this list on account of not going viral on Bookstagram yet, they are thoroughly worth the read!)
Reminders of Him by Colleen Hoover
My Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3/5)
In Reminders of Him, Colleen Hoover tells the heartrending story of Kenna Rowan, who returns to her hometown seeking redemption and a reunion with her daughter after serving time in prison. The novel is an emotional exploration of second chances, as Kenna struggles against a community unwilling to forgive her past. Hoover’s writing poignantly captures the pain of separation and the power of hope, making it a deeply moving narrative. The book offers some emotional depth and Hoover’s certainly showcasing her ability to create relatable, multifaceted characters in this one, although I found the plot to be a bit forced, which was a shame.
While we’re on the subject of Colleen Hoover, honourable mention that needs to be given to It Ends With Us and It Starts With Us. I’ve not listed them separately as I think the real hype surrounding this duology was pretty much done by the time I stumbled on them. The former was my first encounter with the author, and I loved it. The latter was my second, and I really didn’t like it much. Reminders of Him found a middle ground between the two (for me at least), but still didn’t quite manage a four star rating. All that being said, while CoHo may be hit and miss for me she still made it to my list of best romance authors, and is definitely worth checking out. I’ve found her books are marmite – some love them, some hate them. and some hate the ones I love and vice versa!
Icebreaker by Hannah Grace
My Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5)
Icebreaker by Hannah Grace is a novel that skillfully combines the competitive worlds of figure skating and hockey. Yes, it’s another hockey romance. I really wasn’t kidding when I said I’d become fixated last year. This one tells the story of Anastasia, a figure skater who receives a scholarship to a university with a prestigious skating team, and Nate Hawkins, the hockey team captain. Their initial animosity turns into an unexpected romance. The book has a genuinely engaging narrative, and a compelling dynamic between the protagonists. The depiction of the passionate world of winter sports is actually enthralling in a way I find a little bizarre. I don’t even like sports, but for some reason I can’t get enough of this kind of romance! It offers a heartwarming and delightful read that captures the essence of rivalry turning into love.
Things We Never Got Over by Lucy Score
My Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5)
This one broke me a bit. Lucy Score’s Things We Never Got Over presents a captivating narrative of Naomi, who comes to her estranged twin’s aid only to find herself in a predicament involving a niece she never knew, and a life turned upside down. The book artfully blends humour, romance, and a hint of suspense, as Naomi navigates this new chapter of her life. The main character in this one is so engaging I was gutted when I got to the end. The dialogue is witty and often unexpected, while an evolving romance forms the heart of the plot, making it perfect for readers who enjoy contemporary romance with depth and humour.
The Pumpkin Spice Cafe by Laurie Gilmore
My Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5)
Okay, I’ll admit I bought this one purely due to the title and my obsessed with the autumnal pumpkin aesthetic. BUT I’m glad I did. The Pumpkin Spice Cafe by Laurie Gilmore is a charming small-town romance, a Sunday Times bestseller that perfectly captures the essence of autumn. Jeanie, inheriting her aunt’s beloved cafe in Dream Harbor, leaves her unfulfilling desk job for a new start. She meets Logan, a grumpy local farmer who initially resists her cheerful presence. The novel explores their evolving relationship, featuring the popular ‘grumpy x sunshine’ trope. This cosy and romantic story, ideal for fans of Gilmore Girls, promises a heartwarming journey through challenges, changes, and the power of optimism in a close-knit community. I’ve read this one twice, on account of accidentally buying the special edition hardback when it came out, and I have to say it grew on me with the second reading!
Yellowface by R. F. Kuang
My Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
Not one I’d usually pick up, I couldn’t resist the assurances from so many that it was worth the read and, being as it is about writing and publishing, I decided to give it a go. Yellowface by R. F. Kuang is a novel that satirises racial diversity in the publishing industry and explores themes related to social media, particularly Twitter. The story follows June Hayward, an unsuccessful young author who, after the death of her former classmate Athena Liu, a Chinese-American author and industry darling, decides to edit and publish Athena’s manuscript as her own work under an Asian-sounding name. This act sparks controversy and accusations of cultural appropriation and plagiarism on social media. The novel is Kuang’s first venture into literary fiction and has been noted for its critique of the publishing industry and exploration of complex themes related to race and authenticity. Overall I found it to be thought-provoking and enjoyable to read, though perhaps not quite worthy of the incredibly high praise I’ve seen it receive. I suspect the reason I feel that way about it, however, it that the subject made me deeply, deeply uncomfortable. The thought of stealing another writer’s book is awful to begin with, but add in the racial undertones and it’s just unpleasant to read on one level. Fortunately, it’s very well written and the subject is worthy of discussion.
Weyward by Emilia Hart
My Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5)
Weyward by Emilia Hart is an enchanting debut novel that skillfully intertwines the lives of three women across different centuries, all linked to the mystical Weyward cottage. The narrative spans from the 17th century witch trials to the turbulence of World War II, and finally to the present day, as each woman contends with societal expectations, personal challenges, and the cottage’s enigmatic legacy. Hart’s novel is lauded for its rich historical detail, compelling character development, and the seamless weaving of these distinct timelines into a single, captivating story. The hype is entirely deserved on this one, I thoroughly enjoyed it. Fourth Wing and Weyward were, for me at least, the biggest Bookstagram books in 2023. This novel is a beautiful tribute to female resilience and the enduring power of family and history.
The Unfortunate Side Effects of Heartbreak and Magic by Breanne Randall
My Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
Despite its rather long winded nature, The Unfortunate Side Effects of Heartbreak and Magic is as wholesome and heartwarming a magical novel as the title suggests. This has been much touted on both Bookstagram and Booktok as being a cross between Practical Magic and Gilmore Girls and, I have to admit, I went into it with a healthy dose of scepticism over whether it would actually live up to this claim. Happily, it did! The story revolves around Sadie Revelare, who believes in the curse that accompanies her magic – four heartbreaks. As her life starts unravelling with her grandmother’s cancer diagnosis and the return of her first heartbreak, Jake McNealy, Sadie confronts buried family secrets and the impending death of her grandmother. The novel explores themes of love, loss, and the difficult choices between magic and love, all set in a charming and witchy narrative that’s quite difficult to fault. I won’t say it’s a flawless book, but it’s certainly very well written and enjoyable to read.
Spare by Prince Harry
My Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
Speaking of uncomfortably racist undertones, Spare is a deeply personal and revealing memoir by Prince Harry, offering an intimate look into his life. From his childhood experiences to the tragic loss of his mother, Princess Diana, and his journey in the British Army, the book provides candid insights into the life of a modern royal. It also delves into his relationship with Meghan Markle and the challenges they faced together. This memoir stands out for its honesty and the unique perspective it offers on the British Royal Family, making it a compelling read for those interested in contemporary royal affairs and personal stories of resilience and finding one’s path. It’s not going to be for everyone, this book. If you’re not a fan of the royals, or you’re sceptical about how much we can believe about Mexit and everything that’s been said and done by Prince Harry and Megan since, don’t bother. It will just make you angry. BUT, if like me you’re a fan of the Prince, and intrigued by the royals in general, it’s a great (if at times slightly cringe-worthy) read.
Black Cake by Charmaine Wilkerson
My Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
In Black Cake by Charmaine Wilkerson, readers are presented with a gripping family saga that begins with the death of Eleanor Bennett. The legacy she leaves behind, including a mysterious voice recording and a family recipe for black cake, becomes the key to unravelling hidden truths and deeply buried family secrets. The novel weaves an intricate narrative that spans generations and geographies, exploring themes of identity, heritage, and the complex bonds of family. Wilkerson’s storytelling offers depth and emotional resonance. I did enjoy the way this one masterfully ties together the past and present to reveal surprising connections and revelations.
So, Were The Biggest Bookstagram Books Of The Year Worth The Hype?
These titles not only defined the literary trends of 2023 but also showcased the diverse interests of the Bookstagram community. I was very pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed reading all of these books. While they didn’t all merit five stars from me, many of them did, and the rest (with the exception of Reminders of Him) were all solid four star reads. Given how easily the hype surrounding books on Bookstagram can run away from the actual merits of the book, this is quite exceptional.
Y’all had great taste this year.
I will not say that every book that’s massively hyped on the ‘gram is worth it. For one thing, there were plenty of others that went viral last year which I didn’t like the sound of and didn’t bother getting. But, that’s largely down to personal preference and taste. I mostly read romance novels, with occasional forays into Romantasies. I appreciated the push from these viral recommendations to step outside of my comfort genres and read a bit more widely than I usually do. Biographies aren’t something I usually pick up at all, and yet Spare was a genuine treat. I had always also thought that hockey romances were something to avoid, being as I am entirely unathletic and in no way a fan of hockey or your typical ‘jock’. And yet, they’ve rapidly become my favourite guilty pleasure.
So, were the biggest Bookstagram books of 2023 worth the hype? For the most part, yes, absolutely!
As we step into 2024, I’m very excited to see what new recommendations and wonderful reads the year brings. And, I promise, I will try to be more consistent in my own posting! If you’re not already, head over to Instagram (or TikTok or Facebook if you prefer), and give me a follow.
