And here it is… the moment you’ve all been waiting for – and yes, I’ve been sensing the collective bated breath around the globe – my favourite novels of 2018. *insert drumroll*

You may recall I shared a list of those books I’d loved most for the first half of 2018. The OCDer inside of me feels as if I should have something similar for the second half of the year before selecting the finalists. Like a semi-final. Or preliminary final. Or whatevs.

But quite frankly I can’t be arsed. I should also mention I’m tired so I’m including the bare minimum. As per other years (check out 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014 here) every child book does not win a prize. It’s easier for me to be really picky, so I’ve whittled it down to only FIVE, though included some other memorable reads for good measure.

Interestingly, as I was attempting to write ‘why’ I liked each of these books, my words were the same…

Stunning writing. Beautiful storytelling. Wonderful and memorable characters.

ie. the reading trifecta for me.

And although last year had a clear first place, I’m just listing this year’s alphabetically. By author surname obvs… and as I’m lazy I’m also including a blurb from Goodreads re each book, though more detail can be found in my reviews (links are in the title). So, without further ado…

1. Boy Swallows Universe by Trent Dalton

A story of brotherhood, true love and the most unlikely of friendships. A novel of love, crime, magic, fate and coming of age, set in Brisbane’s violent working class suburban fringe.

Verdict: Addictive, beautifully told yarn.

 

2. Scrublands by Chris Hammer

A troubled journalist arrives in an isolated country town to write a feature on the first anniversary of an inexplicable tragedy in which a young dedicated priest shot five parishioners before being shot himself.

Verdict: Well written and Intriguing.

 

3. The Yellow House by Emily O’Grady

A powerful novel about loyalty and betrayal; about the legacies of violence and the possibilities of redemption.

Verdict: Stunningly written and bloody devastating.

 

4. The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart by Holly Ringland

A story about stories: those we inherit, those we select to define us, and those we decide to hide. It is a novel about the secrets we keep and how they haunt us, and the stories we tell ourselves in order to survive.

Verdict: Great writing. Enchanting.

 

5. Bridge of Clay by Markus Zusak

A boy in search of greatness, as a cure for memory and tragedy. He builds a bridge to save his family, but also to save himself.

Verdict: Memorable. Poignantly literal and metaphorical.

 

And, oh wow… I’ve only just realised these are ALL Australian authors. (That’s weird for me, but whatevs… it is what it is!)

There were so many other great novels this year by my fave authors, including Candice Fox, David Baldacci, Gregg Hurwitz, Kate Morton etc but, I had to narrow this down to those that really stuck with me, so my honourable mentions (and links to my reviews)…

The Fragments by Toni Jordan: read in 2019, but belatedly added cos I actually gave it a very rare 5 stars.

Into the Night by Sarah Bailey: a sequel but (for me) better than the first.

Cactus by Sarah Haywood: again with the (sometimes annoying, but clever) quirk. Reminded me of Eleanor Oliphant.

 

Dear Mrs Bird by AJ Pearce: a huge surprise. Quirky and uplifting wartime read.

Spark of Light by Jodi Picoult: bloody sad. Ironic and important.

 

Have you read any of these? What has / have been your favourite new release/s this year?