My Favorite FICTION Books From 2017

I can’t believe it was way back in 2007 that I started keeping my journal of the books I’ve read. There is something so satisfying about noting when I finish reading a book. Sometimes I jot a few notes about what I liked best, and sometimes, I go off and write a scathing paragraph outlining the book’s faults. I think I enjoy both equally!

At the end of each year, I look back and tally up how many books I read (58 last year—a new record for me!) and note which were my favorites. I wanted to share those favorites with you all. 

(Also, check out my favorite NONfiction picks from 2017.)

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The Beautiful Pretender by Melanie Dickerson

A servant girl, Avelina, is coerced into impersonating a noble woman and must keep her identity a secret when she travels to the castle of the Margrave of Thornbeck, who has invited nine other ladies to visit so that he may find a wife. Her dangerous secret could be exposed as she accidentally captures the Margrave’s attention, and as she discovers disturbing rumors about the castle and its former inhabitant.

Isn’t it delicious when you start reading a book and realize that it is just the sort of book you were looking for? Wonderful historical setting, a heroine who grows in strength and faith, interesting characters, and just the right amount of romance. I had not read any of Dickerson’s other books, and I intend to remedy that.

The Snow Child by Eowyn Ivey

This haunting tale begins in the beautiful but harsh Alaskan wilderness when an elderly couple notices the child they built out of snow has disappeared. Then they begin catching glimpses of a little girl with blonde hair in the forest. Where did this mysterious child come from?

I loved how this book is a magical mix of survival story and fairy tale set in an unforgiving yet ethereal Alaska of the 1920s. (Think Hans Christian Andersen meets Jack London.) Something about the cold wilderness setting makes you believe snow sculptures could come to life. This book is so beautiful, but also shivery, if that makes sense. A book like this makes you glad of somewhere warm to curl up. Both sad and poignant by turns. I will miss these characters.

Also, I now wish I could have a pet fox.

The Hero and the Crown by Robin McKinley

Aerin is the daughter of the king, but she is viewed with suspicion in Damar because of who her mother was. She’s not the type anyone would expect to be a hero, and her bravery and strength will be stretched to the limit when she chooses to face an ancient, evil dragon that threatens her land.

Robin McKinley is hands down one of my favorite authors. She creates characters that are all so unique and stories that are so compelling and alive. I don’t know how she makes Damar this mythical place that feels both so other and so familiar. Aerin is such a strong and compelling character; her bravery reminds me of Eowyn in The Lord of the Rings.

This book follows The Blue Sword in Robin McKinley’s Damar books, but I read it first, and am glad I did. Knowing the mythology and history of Damar made The Blue Sword more enjoyable for me.

I Capture the Castle by Dodie Smith

Cassandra and her eclectic family live in a real-live castle that is crumbling down around them. An avid writer and whimsical soul, Cassandra wants to capture what life in the castle is like, so she chronicles the adventures and misadventures of growing up with charming humor and insight.

This is one of those books where the title threw me off and I put off reading it. (I’m reminded of my embarrassing hesitation to watch The Princess Bride for the same reason as a teen.) Boy do I regret that! I absolutely loved this book. I love reading books about aspiring authors, and it’s even more fun when the main character shares your name! Cassandra will appeal to fans of Anne of Green Gables and Jo March of Little Women. I kept noting poetic passages and laughing out loud at the mishaps and wit of the main character.

Heartless by Marissa Meyer

How exactly did the Queen of Hearts become the character we know so well? Meyer gives us the story of a girl named Catherine, who would become the most feared monarch of Wonderland, but her story began much differently than you would expect.

I had high expectations for this book because of how much I love Alice in Wonderland and Meyer’s series The Lunar Chronicles, and I was not disappointed at all. This is the kind of Wonderland I have always have wanted to return to. (It is one of my favorite places in literature.) The magic, playful, silly, surprisingly-odd Wonderland, with that undercurrent of something darker. Meyer brings well-loved character to life beautifully, and introduces new characters that are both fascinating and dear. The tension she builds is unbelievable as the story builds towards its climax.

Oh and by the way, this book destroyed me, so consider yourself duly warned…

Anyone else keep a reading journal? What were your favorite fiction books from last year?

Looking for more book recommendations? Here are my favorite fiction books from 2018.