The end of the year is nearly upon us and after reflecting on my favourite reads of 2022, which you can find here, it is time for me to look ahead at all the incredible books I have lined up on my 2023 TBR list. What follows is not an exhaustive list and there are so many books, both self and trad published, that I am eagerly awaiting to read, but I wanted to highlight some here that I am particularly looking forward to reading.
Aiduel’s Sin by Daniel T. Jackson
Following on from his debut novel Illborn, Daniel T. Jackson’s sequel, Aiduel’s Sin, is one of my most hotly anticipated books, due for release on January 28th, 2023. With holy war brewing, alliances shifting and our four protagonists, Arion, Allana, Leanna and Corin, trying to learn more about their growing powers, Book two in the Illborn saga promises to be revelatory! I was kindly given an eARC by Daniel, so expect my review before release.
The Tyranny of Faith by Richard Swan
I recently finished Richard’s debut novel, A Justice of Kings and it blew me away. My love of murder mystery, political intrigue, supernatural abilities and in depth characters were all crystallised perfectly in this book. I expect more of the same, plus excellent character work, getting to know Vonvalt and Helena more intimately, a deepening knowledge of the world and shocking revelations. This is due for release February 14th 2023. I have an ARC for this and my review will be published within two weeks of release.
The Realm of the Elderlings series by Robin Hobb
This is a series that has been sat in my TBR for quite a few years now and 2023 is going to be the start of my journey through The Realm of the Elderlings, starting with The Farseer Trilogy. I don’t think any introduction is needed for Robin Hobbs hugely successful series and I really can’t wait to get stuck in. Assassin’s Apprentice has been tentatively added to my February TBR.
Legacy of the Brightwash by Krystle Matar
I have been meaning to read this book for ages and now it is in my hands! SFPBO finalist Krystle Matar’s book has garnered huge praise in the book community and it would be remiss of me not to add my two cents into the discussion. It has been described as a murder mystery, grimdark, gaslamp fantasy, steampunk fantasy, social commentary and more. I mean, this is catnip for me! Expect this to appear in my March or April TBR.
The Green Bone Saga by Fonda Lee
I have already read the first book, Jade City, and I can’t heap enough praise on Fonda’s first entry into the Green Bone Saga. With a wonderful blend of crime family drama, wuxia action, an incredible secondary world with rich world-building, I get the feeling that Jade War is only the tip of the iceberg. I will be reading the next two books, Jade War and Jade Legacy back to back in April or May. I have been warned, it will tear my heart out.
(Second half of) The Faithful and the Fallen by John Gwynne
Its taken a long while to get here, but the last two books in this epic debut series have at last appeared on my TBR. Gwynne is a master of his craft, one of the best authors at describing war and combat, and I found Malice and Valor, utterly riveting. He has created an immersive and in depth world of gods and men that I cannot wait to get back into. Expect these two books to be read in the summer at some point.
The Iron Crown by L. L. Macrae
I was actually meant to have read this book in November, but as is often the case, life threw me a curveball that month and I pushed it to March next year. I read the novella, The Citrine Key, that precedes The Iron Crown and I instantly connected with Macrae’s writing style, characters and her unique approach to dragons. Its been a while coming, but I am so ready to dig into The Iron Crown and explore the wonderful world she has created.
Howling Dark by Christopher Ruocchio
For anyone who follows me on Twitter and has read my top 5 books of 2022 will know that Empire of Silence, book one of the Sun Eater series, was my favourite sci-fi book of the year. My excitement levels for book two, Howling Dark, are off the scale. I have tentatively put this in my February TBR as I want to get into this as soon as possible. Ruocchio writes with such poetical and gorgeous prose, I need to get back into the mind of Hadrian Marlowe once again.
Dragon Mage by M. L. Spencer
With consistent four and five star ratings on Goodreads and word of mouth, Dragon Mage is a much anticipated fantasy for me next year. It is an absolute chonker at nearly 1000 pages, so I will need to put some time aside for this one, meaning it will likely be read later in the year around August/September. It has been called by Petrik Leo as ‘a love letter to epic fantasy’ and that there friends, is reason enough for me to read it.
The Final Strife by Saara El-Arifi
Saara exploded on to the book scene with her debut novel The Final Strife. With its roots in African and Arabian mythology and focusing on three women against a cruel empire, I cannot tell you how eager I am to read this. It is a pleasure and an honour to read as diversly as I can, and this book promises to be a fresh and innovative take on the fantasy genre. The lads over at Friends Talking Fantasy podcast had a brilliant chat with the author and reviewed her book, so go check it out.
The Last of the Atalanteans by P. L. Stuart
And last, but by no means least, another book that is staring impatiently at me from my book shelf is the second book in P. L. Stuart’s The Drowned Kingdom saga, The Last of the Atalanteans. The author very kindly sent me a copy of this book and with the third book coming out next year, I shall be reading this as soon as I can. A Drowned Kingdom absolutely blew me away last year, you can read my review here, so its safe to say, my need to read this book is sky high!
There we have it folks! Next year is just chock full of fantasy and sci-fi books from authors of the highest calibre. They are incredibly skilled at what they do, the stories are genre defining, heart thumpingly exciting and heart-breaking. What’s on your 2023 TBR? Let me know in the comments or on Twitter, I would love to know.
My last post of the year will be my 2022 year review, some thoughts on the book community, my plans for 2023 and more. But until then dear readers…
Keep reading and revel in the destruction of your TBR…
Luke Winch 
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