We all have different tastes in books, but some genres are more popular than others. Or could it be that those popular books that I will feature in this post are promoted by a younger demographic? It can possibly have an impact, but I’m not sure if that’s the only reason. Regardless, the following books are the most-wished for in 2024.
For the sake of transparency, I did not come up with this list on my own, but based it on lists generated by Goodreads and other similar platforms.
Surprisingly, not all the books that are most wished-for in 2024 published this year. There are a couple of them that have been on the most wished-for list for a number of years already. And the last one will actually come out in January of 2025, but the majority of them did publish this year.
So, let’s get right down to it. I know you’re dying with anticipation. These are the most wished-for books of 2024.
First Lie Wins by Ashley Elston
A Reese’s book club pick, First Lie WIns is a fast-paced mystery/thriller that is engaging, I’m not going to lie. Was it my favorite book of 2024? Not even close, but I can get why it is so hyped. It is still very popular today, but it was one of the main books we saw on social networks when it first came out at the beginning of 2024. If you want a fast-paced, engaging popcorn thriller to get lost in, I say do pick it up.
Wild Love by Elsie Silver
A first in the Rose Hill series, this romance novel came out in April this year. Fans of the author rave about it, so it may be time to give the book a chance. Especially since Silver is Canadian. But even without that incentive, I hear good things about her writing. And I’ve been in such a lighter-reads mood these days, you never know; I might just grab it this summer.
This Summer Will Be Different by Carley Fortune
The third book by the author, This Summer Will Be Different is another lighthearted summer romance book to keep an eye out for. Another Canadian author, Fortune writes about summer flings best. Her previous two novels also take place during the summer as well, hence making her a new summer go-to author. She is becoming a solid presence in the genre, so give her a try if you haven’t done so yet.
The Women by Kristin Hannah
The Queen of historical fiction has done it again. The Women is one of the most wished-for books of 2024, and with good reason. Great plot, awesome narration, and an overall great book all around. If you haven’t read much historical fiction yet but would like to, this one is a sure bet. I must pick it up myself, I’m due for a new historical fiction read soon.
Just for the Summer by Abby Jimenez
A typical summer romance book, Jimenez is becoming a go-to author for the contemporary romance genre. Lighthearted and easy to read, Just for the Summer promises to bring readers a few hours of entertaining. I’ve been meaning to read one of her books for a while, and I might just start with this one. Romance lovers swear by the author, so there must be a reason for that.
Funny Story by Emily Henry
The Queen of contemporary romance published a new book this year. And, once again, it is highly rated, hence one of the most wished-for books of 2024. With 4.3 stars on Goodreads, I can assume it is well written and fun. I’ve only read a couple of the authors’ books so far, but I might add this one on my tbr since I tend to gravitate towards this genre this summer.
Divine Rivals by Rebecca Ross
Switching gears, Divine Rivals is a winner of best young adult fantasy and science fiction Goodreads award last year. There seems to be a theme this year when it comes to most-wished-for books. But young adult reads seem to sell the most and they are the most wished-for. Hence, my theory I mentioned at the beginning of this post. There might be something to it. Since the younger demographic seems to boost sales of these books it is no wonder readers want to buy them.
The ACOTAR Series by Sarah J. Maas
Yes, even though the series originated in 2015, it is still one of the most wished-for series in 2024. The series that debuted almost a decade ago is winner of the best young-adult fantasy and science-fiction series ever written so far. That explains why it still tops the charts of the most popular books of all time. Maybe since Harry Potter, of course!
Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros
This is not a mistake on my part, the first and third books in the trilogy are more popular than the middle one. Most reviewers seemed to love Fourth Wing and look forward to Onyx Storm, but their middle counterpart, Iron Flame, is not quite as wished-for. Still, it tops my ten most wished-for books of 2024 since it is part of the trilogy. And despite it being the least popular of the two books so far, it is still among the most wished-for books of the year.
Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros
This is the first book that introduces the reader to the Universe of the Empyrean realm. And while it came out in May of 2023, it was the most gifted and wished-for book of 2024. Fantasy books are not only a great way to escape reality, but I find that they have the best covers in the industry. Especially their sprayed edges; they are truly works of art. So readers are not only looking forward to a great plot and unforgettable characters, but also love to collect those gorgeous books to flaunt in their home libraries.
Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros
The third book in The Empyrean trilogy is coming out in January 2025, but its sprayed edges special edition cover was announced this week. It is a work of art, just look at it! I mean, how can you not fall in love with it? I’m not a fantasy lover myself but the genre has, without a doubt, the best covers out there. And for the die-heart fans of the previous two novels, I can understand the hype. So, fantasy lovers, are you ready to fly or die?
Concluding Words
This concludes my list of the most wished-for books of 2024. Are any of these books on your list as well? Which book are you most excited about this year?
Let me know in the comment box below. Until next time, keep reading fellow bookworms.