The Books I Read In 2022
It's been a while since I wrote a blog post so I have decided to do a summary of all the books that I read in 2022. I managed to get through 24 books last year, which is the most by a lot since becoming a father just over four years ago. This is because I have actually been making time to read, primarily before bed (which has helped my sleep too) as there are less opportunities during the day with two children and a house to look after.
In 2021 I decided to change my reading system to mix things up a bit, but also get through some of the books that have been sitting on my shelf for a few years, so I continued that system in 2022 and will do so again this year. The system is as follows, read a new book (acquired in the last twelve months), next an older book, then re-read a book that I have enjoyed in the past (I started re-reading the Harry Potter series in 2021 so I was continuing not just starting on the fourth book!). I then repeated this throughout the year and it made choosing a book each time easier but also meant I knew what I had to look forward too when I was approaching the end of a book.
So I will give a brief summary of my views on each book that I read last year along with the rating I gave it on Goodreads.
1 The Key To It All - Joanna Rees 3/5
First book of the year was an interesting one, I really enjoyed the concept of this book however the execution was not as good as I hoped. The main issue I had was that I didn't really like most of the characters or connect with them even though the storyline was really good and I have kept it to read again, just in case I missed something, as there was a lot going on.
2 Harry Potter And The Goblet Of Fire - JK Rowling 5/5
I love Harry Potter so much and this one is probably my favourite of them all. All the new characters are brilliant plus the character development of the existing characters really builds throughout. I also found it super interesting to find out more about the greater wizarding world with the other two schools from France and Bulgaria coming into it. This book also contains one of my favourite scenes in the whole series, Dumbledore, McGonagall and Snape bursting through a door to save Harry, just so brilliant and powerful.
3 Nine Perfect Strangers - Liane Moriarty 4/5
This was a great book, I really enjoyed the storyline and the characters with the journeys they all went on. It got a little strange in the middle but that was quickly sorted, I wanted to give it 4.5 stars but obviously can't on Goodreads. Will definitely re-visit and plan on trying some more books by Liane as well.
4 Entanglement - Andrew J Thomas 3/5
This took a while to get into and at only 300 pages that's a bit of an issue, however it turned out to be fairly good but ended quite abruptly. I am undecided as to whether I'll try the sequel currently.
5 Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix - JK Rowling 5/5
Well obviously I loved it, even if it is my second least favourite of the series, partly due to one of the saddest events in the entire series. If you know the book you'll know what part I mean. Generally though I always enjoy the continued character development, especially Fred, George, Ginny and Luna.
Absolutely incredible, The Seven Kennings series is proving to be a new favourite of mine. Book two really kept the story going and the quality high, there were a whole host of new characters and viewpoints that really added so much to the story. One of the best things about this series is you never quite know for sure what will happen next.
7 Underworld - Cathy Macphail 3/5
A rather strange book and a little simple but enjoyable. The characters weren't likeable but the situation tested them and they came out better people, pretty much what you expect when you start this one.
8 Harry Potter and The Half-Blood Prince - JK Rowling 5/5
By now you get that I love these books, what was refreshing with this one is the pace slowed a bit with more thought, study and spying until the action really kicked off in the last quarter. I especially loved Professor Slughorn, a great character and addition to the series plus Ginny really comes into her own.
9 The Thursday Murder Club - Richard Osman 4/5
This was so much fun, I'm a sucker for things about older people solving mysteries (I was obsessed with New Tricks when it was on) so this was right up my alley. The story is great, the characters are brilliant and the style of writing is nice and interesting, I am looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
10 The Testing - Joelle Charbonneau 3/5
The concept of this book isn't anything revolutionary (similar to Hunger Games, Maze Runner and the like) however the spin of it being an 'educational' setting made it more interesting. I enjoyed it however I feel it could have been executed better, or maybe I've read too many similar books now. I have however got the next two as I want to know what happens following the events of this one.
11 Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows - JK Rowling 5/5
I don't need to say it, this is one of my favourites of the series it is a great ending to an amazing series. I really enjoyed the part where they were out of Hogwarts and the massive battle in Hogwarts with the conclusion of the story that built so much over the seven books. I loved re-reading this series, for many reasons among them being I picked out bits I hadn't noticed before which enhanced the story yet again.
So now I've reached the end of the series here they are ranked from my favourite down;
- Goblet Of Fire
- Prisoner Of Azkaban
- Deathly Hallows
- Philosophers Stone
- Half-blood Prince
- Order Of The Phoenix
- Chamber Of Secrets
12 The Passengers - John Marrs 4/5
Another brilliant book, the concept is great and the fear at the possibility of it being a reality only adds to the tension within. I didn't really connect with most of the characters and some out right annoyed me (a few are meant to) however the storyline and how it flows kept the enjoyment high plus as I learned more about the characters, I understood them better and got to like some of them more.
13 Bec - Darren Shan 3/5
I enjoyed this as an individual book and really liked the characters, the story is really interesting and keeps you gripped however I struggle to see how this fits into the Demonata series so far. I feel that if the character of Bec is re-introduced later in the series this could have been a back story for her, I shall find out when I get to them.
14 The Ballad Of Songbirds And Snakes - Suzanne Collins 4/5
As a lover of The Hunger Games trilogy and someone who always though President Snow was an interesting character I was very excited to read this. It was brilliant, I loved that this chapter of Snows life really shaped the person he later became, plus the insight into the world 64 years before the trilogy began was quite fascinating. This also lead me into re-reading The Hunger Games trilogy with a new appreciation for the character, not that any of his past excuses his actions but it does explain them.
15 The Black Lung Captain - Chris Wooding 5/5
Another incredible series alert, the Tales Of The Ketty Jay series is another new favourite of mine (even if it did come out over a decade ago). This is the second book and it really keeps up everything great about the first book, there is loads of action and adventure with many near death experiences. All the main characters in the crew of the Ketty Jay are brilliant, they work together well but are also individuals who we keep learning even more about all the time. The story lines are intricate and keep you hooked while also offering tonnes of comedic moments that break up the seriousness, I am very much looking forward to reading the other half of the series.
16 Infinite Days - Rebecca Maizel 2/5
I was quite disappointed in this book, the concept is great but for me the execution was not. I feel there could have been more substance to the main character and she should have had more idea about life, plus the best (possibly only good) characters were both killed off. This is a series I will not be continuing.
17 The Hunger Games - Suzanne Collins 5/5
Another series I love and as mentioned above I got very excited to re-read, I think this is a great opening to the series, I love the storyline and the background within for what is happening. The story flows so well and is such a well rounded thing, with great characters and unexpected situations constantly changing what you think will happen.
18 Alex Rider: Never Say Die - Anthony Horowitz 4/5
When you get to the eleventh book in a series you know what to expect and this did not disappoint, the Alex Rider series is full of action, adventure, thrills and stunts (some of which seem a little to fantastical especially for a teenage boy) which keeps you gripped all the way through. I love that this series is just as enjoyable now as it was when I started them nearly two decades ago.
19 Monster Republic - Ben Horton 2/5
This is a book that I was hoping to enjoy a lot more than I did, it is aimed at teenagers and I feel if I still was one it would have been better. However there wasn't enough to it, there were explanations I wanted but didn't get and the characters didn't really develop or grow on me they just annoyed me. I will not be seeking out the rest of the series.
20 The Hunger Games: Catching Fire - Suzanne Collins 5/5
This one is just as good as the first one, the story starts to build more and the tensions mentioned in the first book are fanned into flames, the new characters are great and really enhance the story plus there is so much happening you can't turn the page fast enough to find out what's next.
21 This Lie Will Kill You - Chelsea Pitcher 4/5
This was such a clever book that I really enjoyed, it was intricate with loads of twists and turns, just when you think you have guessed something you get tossed a curveball that changes your mind only to find out you were wrong all along. The characters in this book were all great and well thought through, I especially enjoyed seeing the events through the eyes of each character as they progressed without much backtracking.
22 Skullduggery Pleasant - Derek Landy 4/5
My brother has been telling I need to read these for years and I can see why, it's brilliant, action packed and fun. The characters are perfect in the world created and the storyline keeps you gripped with twists and turns throughout.
23 The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Suzanne Collins 4/5
Obviously this was my least favourite book in the series, not that I don't love it, I just found it a very slow start and Katniss doesn't have the same impact as the other books for at least the first quarter of the book. It is however a great final book in the series which ties everything together and delivers twists and turns throughout.
24 Falling - T.J. Newman 4/5
Well this was exhilarating from start to finish, action packed with loads of drama and great characters. I was gripped and couldn't wait to find out what came next throughout, definitely worthwhile giving it a try.
To finish off I thought I would add a few end of year summaries;
My average star rating last year was 3.95/5 up from 3.65 in 2021
The oldest book I read last year was Harry Potter And The Goblet Of Fire released in September 2002, the oldest non re-reading book was Underworld released July 2005.
The newest book I read last year was Falling released in July 2021.
My favourite book of the year is actually a tie because I can't choose between A Blight Of Blackwings and The Black Lung Captain as they are both just so incredible.
My least favourite book of the year is Monster Republic, it was a close one but I actually liked a couple of characters in Infinite Days so it's not quite as bad.
The book I would most recommend that I read last year is Nine Perfect Strangers, such a great journey to experience and anyone can enjoy it.
If you have made it this far thank you taking the time to read and any feedback is gratefully received. I will soon be posting my five favourite books that I read in 2021 as a little extra.
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