Top Ten Authors New to Me that I Read in 2022
2022 was a great year for me in terms of finding debut authors whose books I loved and finally trying books by authors that I’d had on my TBR for a while. For this week’s Top Ten Tuesday, I’m sharing the top ten best books by new authors (or new to me authors) I read in 2022.
Out of the 171 books that I agreed to review in 2022, 121 of them were authors who were new to me. That doesn’t include the backlist titles that I read, which I am not doing a good job keeping track of right now. I would guess that I’ve read a majority of new authors in backlist titles as well, including Dean Atta, Bethany C. Morris, and Alice Oseman.
So, apparently I read a lot of new authors! Of all those authors, here are the books I ranked as the best six young adult and best four middle grade titles I read in 2022 by authors new to me.
Also, a couple weeks ago I posted a list of the best books I read in 2022. Several of those were by authors who could have been on this list, but honestly I read so many great titles last year that I decided to make a fresh list without overlapping the titles I mentioned before.
Note: Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jana at That Artsy Reader Girl.
Top Ten Best Books by New-to-Me Authors
It Looks Like Us by Allison Ames
Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads | My Review
What you need to know: Did I mention that I’m not usually into horror? I couldn’t get enough of the Antarctic setting. The tenuous friendships disrupted by an alien or infection. Also, there’s a wildly rich, rocket launching, electric car manufacturing guy named Anton Rusk. Lol.
The Darkening by Sunya Mara
Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads | My Review
What you need to know: A city surrounded by a powerful storm filled with magic and monsters. A reluctant prince. A failed revolutionary determined to save her people no matter the cost. I loved the writing and the story kept me on the edge of my seat. I can’t wait to read more.
My Mechanical Romance by Alexene Farol Follmuth
Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads | My Review
What you need to know: A robotics team superstar and guy who’s good at everything. A tinkerer who only joins the team under duress and isn’t impressed by him. This was such a fun story. I loved the banter and enemies to lovers elements of this one. Total win.
Night of the Raven, Dawn of the Dove by Rati Mehrotra
Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads | My Review
What you need to know: A girl with a bond to her queen who will do anything to protect the two princes. Until she learns a secret that causes her to question every loyalty she’s ever felt. I found the cover copy of this one confusing, so I wasn’t sure what to expect. I devoured it in less than twenty-four hours. Loved it.
Braiding Sweetgrass for Young Adults by Robin Wall Kimmerer
Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads | My Review
What you need to know: I had heard really great things about the adult version of this book, so when I saw that there was a young adult version, I jumped at the chance to read and review it here. I loved the introspective questions, the history and ecology lessons woven together in perfect harmony.
Lotus Bloom and the Afro Revolution by Sherri Winston
Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads | My Review
What you need to know: Another title longlisted for the National Book Award– and so deservedly! Lotus is vibrant and talented. I loved the way she heard music in everything. Great writing, and fabulous story.
Ghostcloud by Michael Mann
Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads | My Review
What you need to know: A kidnapped boy is forced to work in a power plant. Then he discovers a ghost who may be able to help him escape. Totally fresh, fascinating story. I loved the ghostly world and relationships between characters.
The Insiders by Mark Oshiro
Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads | My Review
What you need to know: Three friends connected by a mysterious room that appears when they most need an escape from school. I loved the characters and the way the room responded to their stories. Super great book for anyone experiencing bullying and needing an escape.
Set Me Free by Ann Clare LeZotte
Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads | My Review
What you need to know: A Deaf girl from Martha’s Vineyard is hired to teach a young girl who cannot speak. This one went straight to my heart. I loved Mary and walking with her as she processed her own trauma and found healing through helping another girl. Fantastic historical novel.
What are the best books by new authors you’ve read lately?
Do you read a lot of books by new authors, or do you tend to stick with tried-and-true authors you know? If you read new authors, which new authors or new-to-you authors are your current favorites?
Have you read any of the books on my list? What did you think of them? Leave a comment below and let me know!