Top 5 Backlist Reads 2019 -

One of my goals this year was to work on reading the backlist books off my shelf and getting to more of those previously published books that I had yet to read everyone has been raving about. I even participated in the Beat the Backlist Reading Challenge. Of all the backlist books I read it was really hard to narrow it down to five, but these are the ones that really stuck out and stayed with me! Here are my Top 5 Backlist Reads 2019!

In no particular order!

Truthwitch by Susan Dennard

“Sometimes justice was all about the small victories.”

A fantasy that has elemental magic and focuses on two best friends! The story is told from the perspective of 4 different characters who are all vastly different from each other. It was action packed with a wonderfully crafted world! It is such a unique story that had both a great plot and fantastic characters with large personalities.

Dragonwatch by Brandon Mull

“Disliking someone is almost as big a commitment as loving someone, and it carries none of the benefits.”

Mull explored more of the world and creatures he introduced in his original series and for me it was definitely what I wanted more of from the Fablehaven series. It was layered with suspense as more issues are presented that siblings Kendra and Seth must handleI love the writing style of Mull and the humor he uses in his writing. He has such a vivid imagination and uses his words to create such an amazing and visual world that you become so immersed in. It is such a quick paced read with tons of action, magic and adventure.

The Leopard King by Ann Aguirre

“This lonely mountain was where the leopard king had come to die.”

This was an intense, angsty, steamy first book in a paranormal series. Sometimes in paranormal romance books I find they lack world building and development. I thought this world building was fantastic and was so intrigued to learn more about the political system and other shifter clans. The couple was adorable and I enjoyed the enemies to lovers/fated mate trope. It was a smoky hot/sweet romance that set up what should be a great series with tension, steamy moments and political intrigue.

Dorothy Must Die by Danielle Paige

“You say wicked like it’s a good thing.”

This book was one of the most surprising reads for me this year. I heard a lot about it when it first came out, but then never really heard if it was good or worth the read. Growing up with a mom who loves The Wizard of Oz, I was intrigued. I loved the story that turned the original on its head. It was humorous and so fast paced. I was flying through the story and loved the unique take Paige took on a post apocalyptic Oz.

Beneath the Sugar Sky by Seanan McGuire

“Adults can still tumble down rabbit holes and into enchanted wardrobes, but it happens less and less with every year they live. Maybe this is a natural consequence of living in a world where being careful is a necessary survival trait, where logic wears away the potential for something bigger and better than the obvious.”

I read the whole published books in this series, this year. Of the backlist ones this one was my favorite. The world that was created was so much fun and creative. There were so many characters involved and a bunch of different worlds. The quest we were taken on was full of adventure and I loved it!

Honorable Mentions

What were some of your favorite backlist reads? Have you read any of my Top 5 Backlist Reads 2019?