I’ll admit it—by some standards it might be a bit late for a blog post like this. I, however, aim to live my life like Gandalf the Grey, and “a wizard (read:writer) is never late”. With that said, 2023 was the year I both read and wrote much more than I ever have in quite a while. During that time, I encountered some pretty spectacular novels. So, if you’re looking for something to add to your TBR, here are the best books I read in 2023.
The Black God’s Drums
Probably my favorite read of the entire year, P. Djèlí Clark’s The Black God’s Drums was short and sweet, but definitely left a lasting impression. Though I feel like I’ve said this before, I love me some Caribbean-inspired fantasy, and this novella is exactly that. It’s set in an alternate New Orleans and follows Creeper, a young pickpocket who dreams of one day having her own airship (because those exist in this world!). The Black God’s Drums combines themes of Orisha spirituality with an afto-fantastical spin on the “save the world” trope. I gave it 5 stars on GoodReads, and though it’s been a while since I finished it, I am considering doing a full (mini) review.
Side note: I also had the chance last year to take a writing class led by Clark. It was such an enjoyable time and gave me a much needed dose of inspiration!
A Wizard of Earthsea
A book that I actually did write a mini review on, A Wizard of Earthsea was nothing like what I expected, albeit in a really good way. The year 2023 was the year I finally delved into the world of Ursula K. Le Guin and my immediate thought was “I wish I had done this sooner.” Before that, the only exposure I’d had to Le Guin’s work was the Studio Ghibli adaptation of Earthsea, which unfortunately (and in a very, very rare occurrence) didn’t do the book much justice.
A Wizard of Earthsea is everything one could ever want in a fantasy read. It’s an immersive (and subversive) story with expansive worldbuilding that still manages to remain an easy read throughout.
Read my mini review here.
American Gods (In Progress)
I’m still not done with Neil Gaiman’s American Gods (shoutout to my fellow slow/easily distracted readers), but that hasn’t stopped this novel from carving out a space for itself on my list of favorite books. For as long as I can remember, Mythology has been one of my all-time favorite topics and American Gods explores the gods and goddesses of a myriad of cultures in such a captivating and creative way.
The story follows Shadow, a recently released ex-con who, upon agreeing to work for a mysterious man known as Wednesday, ends up in the middle of a battle between the gods of the old world and the new. If you love any of Gaiman’s work—Coraline, The Sandman, anything—then do yourself a favor and read American Gods. Haven’t read his work before? Do yourself a favor and read American Gods.
What I’ll be Reading in 2024
My reading goal for this year is an ambitious (lol) ten books. So far,my 2024 reading is off to a great start and I’m about ⅓ of the way finished with Black Cake by Charmaine Wilkerson. Though I’m far from finished, it’s already a book that I would recommend to any and every Caribbean person I encounter.
Also on my list of 2024 reads is No One’s Gonna Take Her Soul Away by my good judy Amanda B. Weaver. Amanda is an expert at writing otherworldly stories that blend fantasy, reality, and horror, and she’s looking to do the same with this latest publication. Set to come out later this year, No One’s Gonna Take Her Soul Away follows the deceased Sapphira Gail as she plots to escape literal hell.
Lastly, Before the Coffee Gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi captured my attention in 2023 thanks to a friend of mine who sang high praises for it. It’s a time traveling tale I’m super excited to delve into.
What will you be reading this year? What were your favorite reads from 2023? Let me know in the comments or connect with me on Instagram @kgentlewrites
Khaila A. Gentle 
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