There are so many new and backlist novels that I’m longing to read this year! In this post you’ll find the 23 books I’ll be marking as “high priority” on my 2023 reading list.
In both 2021 and 2022, I put together a “high priority” reading list for my year. These lists contained 30 books that I absolutely had to read that year, no matter what else I picked up. This way, I wouldn’t stray from my goals of completing an author’s backlog, finishing a series, picking up a new release, or whatever else I wanted to accomplish over the course of 365 days. However, in 2023, I decided to try something a little different. Rather than 30 books, I’m going with 23 to match the year!
While my lists over the last couple of years have been a really wide mix of both new releases and backlist books, this year I’m prioritizing new books by my favorite authors! There are a couple of older titles mixed in, but for the most part, the novels come out during 2023. This gives me the chance to slowly check off my list throughout the year, rather than finishing it within the first few months. It’s bound to be a great reading year!
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How a Planned Monthly TBR Can Help You Tackle Your Reading List // 22 Books I Read in 2022 That I Can’t Recommend Enough // How to Make Sure You Read More Books
23 Books I’m Prioritizing From My 2023 Reading List
You can find each book from my 2023 reading list below. Tap on the photo to read the synopsis and tap on the title to buy or preorder. Visit my StoryGraph account to read my reviews as they go live – and check out my bookstagram account for more aesthetic photos of books and coffee!
The Brothers Hawthorne (The Inheritance Games #4)
Jennifer Lynn Barnes
Why I Want to Read
The Inheritance Games was one of my favorite series of 2022. I’m so excited that the author has chosen to continue the story with The Brothers Hawthorne. I read an excerpt recently and it made me wish the book was in my hands this instant.
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Stealing Infinity (Stolen Beauty #1)
Alyson NΓΆel
Why I Want to Read
I was sent a copy of this book before the release but never got a chance to read it last year. I’d really like to pick it up because the concept sounds super interesting.
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In the Shadow Garden
Liz Parker
Why I Want to Read
This was another book sent by a publisher that I didn’t get to read last year – and I tried to add it to three different monthly TBR lists. Oops. This year I’m going to make sure I read it. The plot is totally up my alley!
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The Liar’s Crown (Dominions #1)
Abigail Owen
Why I Want to Read
I received the coolest PR box for this book and then proceeded to read a ton of rave reviews. I was honestly bummed I didn’t get to it last year but I have an inkling I’m going to enjoy it this year!
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Last of the Talons (Talon #1)
Sophie Kim
Why I Want to Read
Last, but not least, this was the final book sent to me last year that I never managed to read. The synopsis reminded me a bit of Six Crimson Cranes, so I’m looking forward to picking it up!
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Bring Me Your Midnight
Rachel Griffin
Why I Want to Read
Just seeing this title makes me want to screech with excitement. Rachel Griffin is an auto-buy author for me (and most of y’all know that I don’t typically purchase books I haven’t read yet). I’ve just never been let down by her beautiful, atmospheric writing and immersive stories.
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Someone Just Like You
Meredith Schorr
Why I Want to Read
I’m really glad that I discovered Meredith’s book, As Seen on TV, last year because it was absolutely adorable. I’m talking serious Gilmore Girls vibes. I can’t wait for this one!
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The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes (The Hunger Games #0)
Suzanne Collins
Why I Want to Read
Despite being a massive fan of The Hunger Games in high school, when this prequel came out, I somehow missed reading it during the initial hype. With the movie releasing soon, I figured it was past time I gave it a read. I’m nervous but excited.
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Painted Devils (Little Thieves #2)
Margaret Owen
Why I Want to Read
Little Thieves was such an awesome read and I’m greatly looking forward to this sequel. How is it that May still seems so far away? I want it now!
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A Wilderness of Stars
Shea Ernshaw
Why I Want to Read
Shea’s writing is absolutely breathtaking and I can’t wait to get my hands on a copy of this book ASAP. I preordered one for a friend of mine for the holidays and instantly regretted not getting one for myself. I just want to dive in already!
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The Stardust Thief (The Sandsea Trilogy #1)
Chelsea Abdullah
Why I Want to Read
I can’t tell you how many times this book was recommended to me last year. Aladdin vibes? Hyped by the author of The Daevabad Trilogy (one of my faves)? Yeah, I need to read it like yesterday.
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Begin Again
Emma Lord
Why I Want to Read
While I’ve begun to lean more heavily into adult romance novels over the past year, Emma Lord is one author whose YA romances still make me swoon. This one is more NA (college-aged) and it sounds like so much fun.
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Happy Place
Emily Henry
Why I Want to Read
Quite possibly my most anticipated book of the year right now! Emily Henry is one of my favorite authors of all time and so far, she has yet to disappoint with her summer-y romances. I’m sure Happy Place will be no exception.
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This Cursed Light (The Last Finestra #2)
Emily Thiede
Why I Want to Read
The cliffhanger that This Vicious Grace left us on had me itching for the sequel the moment I finished. I was lucky enough to meet the author during the autumn of 2022 and talking with her about This Cursed Light got me even more excited for its release!
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Foxglove (Belladonna #2)
Adalyn Grace
Why I Want to Read
Belladonna was my favorite book of 2022, so it’s no surprise that Foxglove is one of my most anticipated (if not THE most anticipated) fantasies of 2023. I’m truly dying to learn what happens next in this sweeping, gothic romantasy.
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The Foxglove King (Nightshade Crown #1)
Hannah Whitten
Why I Want to Read
Hannah’s Wilderwood duology blew me away, so I’ve had this book on my TBR since the moment she announced even working on it. It’s a lot darker than the books I typically reach for, but I have a feeling I’m still going to love it.
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A Curse for True Love (Once Upon a Broken Heart #3)
Stephanie Garber
Why I Want to Read
It’s been so much fun reading these books over the last couple of years. I’ve been collecting the Barnes & Noble special edition copies and hope I can get my hands on ACFTL in that edition as well! It’s such a fun spin-off for Caraval and after the gutwrenching cliffhanger of the last book, I NEED this installment to come out now!
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Babel
R.F. Kuang
Why I Want to Read
Okay, let’s be real, this book ruled 2022. At least, from the way the online bookish community was raving about it, that’s what I assume to be the case! I didn’t get a chance to read it then, but I do plan to this year – even if it’s intimidating.
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The Young Elites (The Young Elites #1)
Marie Lu
Why I Want to Read
I feel like this is one of those series that I missed when I was a teen but will probably enjoy even as an adult. It sounds right up my alley and I’ve heard it’s a good place to start with this author, so I’m looking forward to diving in.
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There Will Come a Darkness (The Age of Darkness #1)
Katy Rose Pool
Why I Want to Read
One of my favorite bookstagram accounts recommends this series constantly, so I figured it was past time I check it out. The covers and even the titles remind me a bit of the Shades of Magic series and the synopsis sounds incredible. I’m sure I’m going to love them!
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Daughter of the Moon Goddess (The Celestial Kingdom Duology #1)
Sue Lynn Tan
Why I Want to Read
I saw this duology recommend online so many times over the last couple of years that it felt like it was definitely time for me to pick them up. I’m already drawn to them because of the gorgeous covers and the way the author weaves Chinese mythology into the story.
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Spellbreaker (Spellbreaker #1)
Charlie N. Holmberg
Why I Want to Read
A good friend of mine recommend these and the plot instantly intrigued me! They really sound unlike anything I’ve read, which is a huge perk. I’m excited to check them out and see what I think since I rarely ever see them featured online.
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The School for Good and Evil (The School for Good and Evil #1)
Soman Chainani
Why I Want to Read
When the Netflix adaptation came out this past year starring Kit Young (one of my faves from Shadow and Bone), I decided to read the prequel and then watch the movie. However, I think I was missing a lot of information. So, shortly after watching, I added the first book in the series to my TBR. I’m hoping it help me make more sense of the story since the prequel wound up confusing me more than anything else!
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Have you read any of the books I’m prioritizing from my 2023 reading list? If not, are any of them on your TBR?
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Michelle says
Happy New Year, Stephanie!
Oh I can totally empathise: too many books and not enough time. Iβm still focusing on backlist reading with a couple of new titles thrown in. Babel is on my list for 2023 too! I read Daughter of the Moon Goddess last year and LOVED it (and as a duology!). I also read The School for Good and Evil ahead of the Netflix adaptation β it wasnβt hugely my bag but I think itβll be a good read if youβre after tying up some loose ends from the film!
Stephanie Whitman says
I’m glad I’m not the only one who didn’t read Babel last year haha. I felt super behind when everyone else was reading it. In fact, I still have yet to read the author’s other books as well, so I’m super SUPER behind! It’s wonderful to know that you enjoyed The Celestial Kingdom Duology! I’m extra excited about those since I’ve heard such raves. Great to know you liked it too π
Annie says
These books sound so great, thank you so much for such an awesome list to inspire my 2023 TBR! I had no idea Suzanne Collins was coming out with a new book in the Hunger Games series, that’s so awesome! I really enjoyed those books, so that one will definitely be at the top of my list!
Stephanie Whitman says
The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes was actually released in 2020, I just haven’t gotten a chance to read it and wanted to prep for the upcoming film adaptation coming in November π
Jodie says
Great choices Stephanie! I also want to read Happy Places and Someone Just Like You and I hope we both enjoy them! Thanks for sharing.
Stephanie Whitman says
Yay for wonderful romances coming out this year! I can’t wait to read them all!
Wendy Williams says
Happy Place is on my anticipated release list too. I recently finished Begin Again and enjoyed it very much. I hope you love all these books.
Stephanie Whitman says
Eek! It makes me so happy that you enjoyed Begin Again. Emma’s books are some of my favorites. They never cease to bring me joy. I can’t wait for that one!
Celeste | A Literary Escape says
Great list! I actually haven’t heard of most of these. But The Stardust Thief is a good read, as is Daughter of the Moon Goddess, so I hope you enjoy them, too. The Foxglove King is on my list as well…looking forward to that one. I have Babel, too, and I suppose I should add that to my 2023 list like you, buuuut I think I’ll initially focus on backlist books I’ll likely unhaul so I can make some shelf space.
Stephanie Whitman says
I’m glad to be introducing you to a few new titles π You’ve got me extra excited for The Stardust Thief and Daughter of the Moon Goddess! I’m sure I’m going to love them.
Bianca Visagie says
So many good books on this list! I really enjoyed Daughter of the Moon Goddess and I’m excited to get to the sequel. I hope you get to read all of the books on this list!
Stephanie Whitman says
I’ve heard excellent things about that duology so I’m really hoping I enjoy it as much as everyone else seems to!
Lover of Romance says
You have such a great list of books there to read! The covers are so pretty. I have seen lots of good things about Babel and the Moon Goddess. Hope you end up loving them all!
Stephanie Whitman says
It seems like Babel was absolutely everywhere during the second half of last year. I’m simultaneously nervous and excited to give it a go!
Marlene says
So many great picks on this list! I haven’t read any of these but did see the Netflix version of The School for Good and Evil, had no idea it was a book!
Stephanie Whitman says
It’s an entire series, actually! Apparently, the movie wasn’t the best adaptation, but I enjoyed the different actors and hope I like the books more!
I'm All Booked Up says
We just finished Begin Again and we really enjoyed it! The Brothers Hawthorne is also on our list.
Stephanie Whitman says
I’m so excited about those two I could practically pop. Actually, I’m that excited about all of my 2023 new release picks. It’s gonna be a good year for books hehe
Lucy @ Lucy Knows Things says
That’s quite a list! I haven’t read any of those books yet, but a few of them are on my TBR for this year.
Stephanie Whitman says
Well, I’m not surprised you haven’t read a lot of them since I think the majority are 2023 releases hehe. I hope you get a chance to enjoy them this year!
According to Chren says
We read A Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes when it released and we can’t wait for the movie adaptation. The Brothers Hawthorne is on our list for 2023 too.
Stephanie Whitman says
I have this feeling the adaptation is going to be great, especially since the originals were so good. I’m super excited to read – and watch – it this year!
Michelle says
I love this idea! I have a very long TBR wishlist that I want to get to but I like to see what other people are reading via bookstagram IG pages so I can get indecisive with what I want to read. I’m going to put together my own list of books that I want to read this year and leave a few spots open for any books that may capture my attention. β₯
http://www.mooeyandfriends.com
Stephanie Whitman says
I think that’s a wonderful plan! I’d love to see what you end up putting on your list π
Lizzie says
These all sound amazing!! I haven’t heard of most of these but you have the best taste in books, so I’m sure they are going to be in incredible. I’m definitely going to put a few on my reading list!
Lizzie
http://www.lizzieinlace.com
Stephanie Whitman says
Aww well thank you! I’m glad you enjoy checking out my reading lists π