--- {"type":"list","title":"Best Books I Read in 2023 (So Far...)","listId":93879,"canonicalUrl":"https://listium.com/@capturedinwords/93879/best-books-i-read-in-2023-so-far","visibleItemTotal":14,"creator":{"id":"capturedinwords","name":"Jay Kennedy","url":"https://listium.com/@capturedinwords"},"stats":{"views":553,"likes":0,"followers":0},"category":"books & literature","publishedAt":"2023-11-09T04:50:50.451Z","updatedAt":"2023-12-13T04:48:08.546Z","fields":[{"id":0,"name":"Item","type":"PrimaryText"},{"id":9,"name":"Cover","type":"Image"},{"id":1,"name":"Author","type":"Text","format":"short"},{"id":2,"name":"Genre","type":"Selection","multi":true},{"id":6,"name":"Goodreads","type":"URL"},{"id":7,"name":"Goodreads Rating","type":"Text","format":"short"},{"id":3,"name":"Remarks","type":"Text","format":"long"},{"id":4,"name":"Jay's Thoughts","type":"Text","format":"long"},{"id":5,"name":"Video","type":"Text"},{"id":8,"name":"Shop Here","type":"URL"}]} --- # Best Books I Read in 2023 (So Far...) By [Jay Kennedy (@capturedinwords)](https://listium.com/@capturedinwords) 553 views · 0 likes · 0 followers Published 9 November 2023 · Updated 13 December 2023 Category: books & literature In today's list, I want to talk about my favorite books that I've read in 2023 so far. There's still a little bit of time left in the year, and I have some books lined up that I'm predicting will be really good – I'm hoping so, anyway. This year has been my busiest ever, so while it wasn't the best year for the quantity of books read, the quality was top-notch. I'm excited to recommend these reads to you. I won't be ranking them; instead, I'm listing them in the order I read them, starting from the beginning of the year. ## Items ### 1. [Tress of the Emerald Sea](https://listium.com/@capturedinwords/93879/best-books-i-read-in-2023-so-far/0/tress-of-the-emerald-sea) Item ID: `0` - Cover: ![Cover](https://img.listium.com/images/width=800,height=800,fit=scale-down,format=webp/l/o1lk8yqpfebezbzcn2ah.jpg) - Author: Brandon Sanderson - Genre: Fantasy, Adventure - Goodreads: [https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/60531406](https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/60531406) - Goodreads Rating: 4.48 - Remarks: Fun Cosmere book, not for everyone, reminiscent of The Princess Bride. - Jay's Thoughts: I really loved this book; it's one of the most fun Cosmere books Sanderson has written. The humor might not land with everyone, but it’s a wholesome, mysterious seafaring adventure that I adored. - Video: ```json { "start_time_mins": "2", "start_time_secs": "47", "stop_time_mins": "3", "stop_time_secs": "10", "video_location": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4s0INNG0T50" } ``` - Shop Here: [https://www.amazon.com/Tress-Emerald-Sea-Cosmere-Projects-ebook/dp/B0BPNB19CL](https://www.amazon.com/Tress-Emerald-Sea-Cosmere-Projects-ebook/dp/B0BPNB19CL?tag=listium03-20) ### 2. [Piranesi](https://listium.com/@capturedinwords/93879/best-books-i-read-in-2023-so-far/1/piranesi) Item ID: `1` - Cover: ![Cover](https://img.listium.com/images/width=800,height=800,fit=scale-down,format=webp/l/f5ssfu09yh0kcrkjphi9.jpg) - Author: Susanna Clark - Genre: Fantasy, Mystery - Goodreads: [https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/50202953-piranesi](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/50202953-piranesi) - Goodreads Rating: 4.23 - Remarks: Top 10 fantasy books, thought-provoking themes of self-identity and mental illness. - Jay's Thoughts: This book is strongly atmospheric and thought-provoking, exploring themes of self-identity and mental illness. It's mysterious and the setting is a character in itself. - Video: ```json { "start_time_mins": "3", "start_time_secs": "51", "stop_time_mins": "5", "stop_time_secs": "05", "video_location": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4s0INNG0T50" } ``` - Shop Here: [https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/163557563X](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/163557563X?tag=listium03-20) ### 3. [Twelve Kings in Sharakhai](https://listium.com/@capturedinwords/93879/best-books-i-read-in-2023-so-far/2/twelve-kings-in-sharakhai) Item ID: `2` - Cover: ![Cover](https://img.listium.com/images/width=800,height=800,fit=scale-down,format=webp/l/qzh5zjysxjc7zgby10ib.jpg) - Author: Bradley P. Beaulieu - Genre: Epic Fantasy - Goodreads: [https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/24611565](https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/24611565) - Goodreads Rating: 3.93 - Remarks: Epic fantasy, character-driven, set in an oppressive desert landscape. - Jay's Thoughts: The story is very character-driven, and I found most characters, especially Cayada, to be unique and compelling. It's refreshing to find a world that’s not the typical medieval fantasy but has depth. - Video: ```json { "start_time_mins": "5", "start_time_secs": "21", "stop_time_mins": "6", "stop_time_secs": "45", "video_location": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4s0INNG0T50" } ``` - Shop Here: [https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0756409721](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0756409721?tag=listium03-20) ### 4. [The Lost Metal](https://listium.com/@capturedinwords/93879/best-books-i-read-in-2023-so-far/3/the-lost-metal) Item ID: `3` - Cover: ![Cover](https://img.listium.com/images/width=800,height=800,fit=scale-down,format=webp/l/zs0mlo3krvtygxda0bjp.jpg) - Author: Brandon Sanderson - Genre: Fantasy, Epic - Goodreads: [https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/23947089](https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/23947089) - Goodreads Rating: 4.48 - Remarks: Conclusion to the Wax and Wayne series, ties in many Cosmere elements. - Jay's Thoughts: I’m heartbroken but satisfied with this conclusion. It’s one of the funniest Cosmere books I’ve read, and it’s perfect for ultra Sanderson fans. It makes me very excited for the future of the Cosmere. - Video: ```json { "start_time_mins": "6", "start_time_secs": "51", "stop_time_mins": "7", "stop_time_secs": "48", "video_location": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4s0INNG0T50" } ``` - Shop Here: [https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0765391198](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0765391198?tag=listium03-20) ### 5. [The Sword of Kaigen](https://listium.com/@capturedinwords/93879/best-books-i-read-in-2023-so-far/4/the-sword-of-kaigen) Item ID: `4` - Cover: ![Cover](https://img.listium.com/images/width=800,height=800,fit=scale-down,format=webp/l/rinzozrid6v4svatyzlg.jpg) - Author: M.L. Wang - Genre: Fantasy, Martial Arts - Goodreads: [https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/41886271](https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/41886271) - Goodreads Rating: 4.46 - Remarks: Standalone book, emotional with a blend of fantasy martial arts and magic. - Jay's Thoughts: This is probably my favorite standalone book right now. It's an emotional ride about love and loss, blending fantasy and martial arts in a way that really moved me. - Video: ```json { "start_time_mins": "7", "start_time_secs": "50", "stop_time_mins": "9", "stop_time_secs": "06", "video_location": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4s0INNG0T50" } ``` - Shop Here: [https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07MNWKF2M](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07MNWKF2M?tag=listium03-20) ### 6. [The Ninth Rain](https://listium.com/@capturedinwords/93879/best-books-i-read-in-2023-so-far/5/the-ninth-rain) Item ID: `5` - Cover: ![Cover](https://img.listium.com/images/width=800,height=800,fit=scale-down,format=webp/l/b7jenaupnfolkgnlxxt6.jpg) - Author: Jen Williams - Genre: Fantasy, Science Fiction - Goodreads: [https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/29758013](https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/29758013) - Goodreads Rating: 4.11 - Remarks: Mixes sci-fi and fantasy, unique world-building with giant bats and Elven vampires. - Jay's Thoughts: I was captivated by the unique mix of sci-fi and fantasy elements. The world-building is weird and wonderful, filled with giant bats and Elven vampire-like creatures that are just so intriguing. - Video: ```json { "start_time_mins": "9", "start_time_secs": "10", "stop_time_mins": "9", "stop_time_secs": "50", "video_location": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4s0INNG0T50" } ``` - Shop Here: [https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1472235177](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1472235177?tag=listium03-20) ### 7. [Dresden Files: Summer Night](https://listium.com/@capturedinwords/93879/best-books-i-read-in-2023-so-far/6/dresden-files-summer-night) Item ID: `6` - Cover: ![Cover](https://img.listium.com/images/width=800,height=800,fit=scale-down,format=webp/l/u1w1m6zm6ugrdxgnqxon.jpg) - Author: Jim Butcher - Genre: Urban Fantasy, Mystery - Goodreads: [https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/91478](https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/91478) - Goodreads Rating: 4.26 - Remarks: Introduces Fairy elements, werewolves, and has a great mystery. - Jay's Thoughts: This book is where the Dresden series picks up steam. It introduces fairies and brings back werewolves, along with a great mystery. It’s possibly my favorite Dresden book yet. - Video: ```json { "start_time_mins": "9", "start_time_secs": "53", "stop_time_mins": "10", "stop_time_secs": "29", "video_location": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4s0INNG0T50" } ``` - Shop Here: [https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007CIHDNK](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007CIHDNK?tag=listium03-20) ### 8. [Dungeon Crawler Carl](https://listium.com/@capturedinwords/93879/best-books-i-read-in-2023-so-far/7/dungeon-crawler-carl) Item ID: `7` - Cover: ![Cover](https://img.listium.com/images/width=800,height=800,fit=scale-down,format=webp/l/oflajuvkj2royju4tru4.jpg) - Author: Matt Dinniman - Genre: LitRPG, Fantasy - Goodreads: [https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/56791389](https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/56791389) - Goodreads Rating: 4.56 - Remarks: LitRPG series, funny with video game RPG elements. - Jay's Thoughts: I was surprised by how much I loved this series; it's so funny and entertaining. The comedy is on point, and I found myself laughing out loud many times. It’s a great blend of humor and RPG elements. - Video: ```json { "start_time_mins": "10", "start_time_secs": "33", "stop_time_mins": "12", "stop_time_secs": "55", "video_location": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4s0INNG0T50" } ``` - Shop Here: [https://www.amazon.com/Dungeon-Crawler-Carl-Gamelit-Adventure/dp/B08V8877BY](https://www.amazon.com/Dungeon-Crawler-Carl-Gamelit-Adventure/dp/B08V8877BY?tag=listium03-20) ### 9. [The Wandering Inn](https://listium.com/@capturedinwords/93879/best-books-i-read-in-2023-so-far/8/the-wandering-inn) Item ID: `8` - Cover: ![Cover](https://img.listium.com/images/width=800,height=800,fit=scale-down,format=webp/l/ufwc1zdserr2xlq0sim8.jpg) - Author: Pirateaba - Genre: LitRPG, Slice of Life Fantasy - Goodreads: [https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/41033158-the-wandering-inn](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/41033158-the-wandering-inn) - Goodreads Rating: 4.30 - Remarks: LitRPG, slice of life fantasy with a vast and progressing world. - Jay's Thoughts: It’s the definition of a slice of life fantasy. The progression is engaging, and I really love the balance between the big and small moments. The characters feel so real. - Video: ```json { "start_time_mins": "13", "start_time_secs": "26", "stop_time_mins": "14", "stop_time_secs": "29", "video_location": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4s0INNG0T50" } ``` - Shop Here: [https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07G4MX1Z4/](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07G4MX1Z4/?tag=listium03-20) ### 10. [Yumi and The Nightmare Painter](https://listium.com/@capturedinwords/93879/best-books-i-read-in-2023-so-far/9/yumi-and-the-nightmare-painter) Item ID: `9` - Cover: ![Cover](https://img.listium.com/images/width=800,height=800,fit=scale-down,format=webp/l/hgwqn1z1cfyhqqjfsuck.jpg) - Author: Brandon Sanderson - Genre: Fantasy, Romance - Goodreads: [https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/60531416](https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/60531416) - Goodreads Rating: 4.53 - Remarks: Influenced by the movie Your Name, involves a unique magic system. - Jay's Thoughts: It’s hard to choose between this book and 'Tres of the Emerald Sea'. There were cringy moments but also some that blew my mind. The romance Sanderson built was something I really appreciated. - Video: ```json { "start_time_mins": "14", "start_time_secs": "34", "stop_time_mins": "15", "stop_time_secs": "13", "video_location": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4s0INNG0T50" } ``` - Shop Here: [https://www.amazon.com/Yumi-Nightmare-Painter-Brandon-Sanderson/dp/1250899699](https://www.amazon.com/Yumi-Nightmare-Painter-Brandon-Sanderson/dp/1250899699?tag=listium03-20) ### 11. [Gardens of the Moon](https://listium.com/@capturedinwords/93879/best-books-i-read-in-2023-so-far/10/gardens-of-the-moon) Item ID: `10` - Cover: ![Cover](https://img.listium.com/images/width=800,height=800,fit=scale-down,format=webp/l/u0f9pchijjwc52e2skki.jpg) - Author: Steven Erikson - Genre: Epic Fantasy - Goodreads: [https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/55399.Gardens\_of\_the\_Moon](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/55399.Gardens_of_the_Moon) - Goodreads Rating: 3.92 - Remarks: Malazan Book of the Fallen series, richly imagined epic fantasy. - Jay's Thoughts: I’ve been introduced to one of the most vast realms I’ve ever read, and it’s so immersive. It’s a bit overwhelming but in a good way, as the mystery and myriad of characters keep me deeply engaged. - Video: ```json { "start_time_mins": "15", "start_time_secs": "37", "stop_time_mins": "17", "stop_time_secs": "29", "video_location": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4s0INNG0T50" } ``` - Shop Here: [https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0765348780/](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0765348780/?tag=listium03-20) ### 12. [Elric of Melniboné](https://listium.com/@capturedinwords/93879/best-books-i-read-in-2023-so-far/11/elric-of-melnibon) Item ID: `11` - Cover: ![Cover](https://img.listium.com/images/width=800,height=800,fit=scale-down,format=webp/l/b8pukl4kbkxcdjv012cn.jpg) - Author: Michael Moorcock - Genre: Dark Fantasy, Sword and Sorcery - Goodreads: [https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/30036.Elric\_of\_Melnibon\_](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/30036.Elric_of_Melnibon_) - Goodreads Rating: 3.89 - Remarks: Essential fantasy saga with a strong anti-hero and Multiverse elements. - Jay's Thoughts: I’m enjoying it even more the second time around. Elric is one of the best anti-heroes ever, and the Multiverse created is fascinating with eerie and alien lovecraftian elements. - Video: ```json { "start_time_mins": "18", "start_time_secs": "07", "stop_time_mins": "19", "stop_time_secs": "23", "video_location": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4s0INNG0T50" } ``` - Shop Here: [https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0441203981](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0441203981?tag=listium03-20) ### 13. [One Piece](https://listium.com/@capturedinwords/93879/best-books-i-read-in-2023-so-far/12/one-piece) Item ID: `12` - Cover: ![Cover](https://img.listium.com/images/width=800,height=800,fit=scale-down,format=webp/l/wkzhe6a3iao3c0fpf7ut.jpg) - Author: Eiichiro Oda - Genre: Manga, Adventure, Fantasy - Goodreads: [https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1237398.One\_Piece\_Volume\_1](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1237398.One_Piece_Volume_1) - Goodreads Rating: 4.47 - Remarks: Manga series, vast adventure with engaging arcs. - Jay's Thoughts: I am loving One Piece so much. It’s been a great journey with engaging arcs, and the Netflix adaptation has only added to my excitement. I hope more people will give my One Piece reviews a chance. - Video: ```json { "start_time_mins": "19", "start_time_secs": "25", "stop_time_mins": "20", "stop_time_secs": "21", "video_location": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4s0INNG0T50" } ``` - Shop Here: [https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1569319014/](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1569319014/?tag=listium03-20) ### 14. [Sunlit Man](https://listium.com/@capturedinwords/93879/best-books-i-read-in-2023-so-far/13/sunlit-man) Item ID: `13` - Cover: ![Cover](https://img.listium.com/images/width=800,height=800,fit=scale-down,format=webp/l/lmqmfept73h1bdkuqdhs.jpg) - Author: Brandon Sanderson - Genre: Fantasy, Action - Goodreads: [https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/60531420](https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/60531420) - Goodreads Rating: 4.45 - Remarks: Action-packed Cosmere book with many references to the universe. - Jay's Thoughts: I’m currently reading this book and enjoying the action-packed narrative. It's full of Cosmere mentions which are satisfying for a fan like me, as I pick up on all the Easter eggs and connections. - Video: ```json { "start_time_mins": "20", "start_time_secs": "25", "stop_time_mins": "20", "stop_time_secs": "48", "video_location": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4s0INNG0T50" } ``` - Shop Here: [https://www.amazon.com/Secret-Project-Cosmere-Novel-Projects-ebook/dp/B0BPN84MD5](https://www.amazon.com/Secret-Project-Cosmere-Novel-Projects-ebook/dp/B0BPN84MD5?tag=listium03-20)