This year has seen some incredible fantasy books that have taken BookTok by storm. And it has seen some books that… haven’t. Below I have compiled a list of some of the worst rated BookTok fantasy books from 2024 on Goodreads. If you have read any of the books on this list and disagree, that’s okay! One of the beautiful things about the book community is that you are allowed to have your own opinions on the things you have read. But that does not mean it isn’t fun to read some of those 1-star reviewed comments on Goodreads, especially if you need a good laugh!
To Gaze Upon Wicked Gods by Molly X. Chang (3.38)
Ruying possesses the power of death but at the expense of her own life. When she gains the attention of an enemy prince, the very man who has subjugated her people, Ruying is forced to become his weapon, even if it means dying herself. Trapped in a position she doesn’t want to be in, Ruying finds herself growing closer and closer to the man who is supposed to be her enemy.
“God blessed me with eyes and I have abused them.” – Szasza
The Book of Elsewhere by Keanu Reeves and China Mieville(3.37)
For thousands of years, there have been whispers of a warrior who cannot die, who has seen the beginning and end of civilizations, known simply as “B.” Despite his prestige, all that he wants is to die. In the present day, a US black-ops group has promised B they can help him with his desires. But when a mortal soldier comes back to life, it seems there is a force even more powerful than B himself.
“DNF. I’ve seen a bunch of reviews calling this cerebral, and I guess if you consider that a synonym for incomprehensible then I’d agree. Full disclosure I only got about 20 pages in, then decided I’d suffered enough. Sorry, Keanu.” – Heather Sebastian
Visions of Flesh and Blood Jennifer L Armentrout (2.98)
Book 5.5 in the From Blood and Ash series. The first book follows Poppy, a girl who is fated to be a Maiden, never again to be touched or spoken to. Disappointed with her fate, Poppy finds herself growing closer and closer to her guard, Hawke, who tempts her with what she knows he cannot have. Poppy is playing a dangerous game for reasons she doesn’t quite understand yet.
“If you read this book start to finish… you should be entitled to financial compensation.” – Brittany Rader
Sanctuary of the Shadow by Aurora Ascher (2.91)
Harrow is a seer, struggling to hide her abilities amidst a traveling circus. When a mysterious and powerful creature is held prisoner by the circus, with no memory of his past, she becomes drawn to him in ways she can’t explain. Their forbidden love story unfolds as they attempt to unravel this stranger’s identity and free him before it is too late.
“This is a reason we do not judge books sheerly by an attractive cover because the book is beautiful, the writing leaves much to be desired.” – Lauren
The Atlas Complex by Olivia Blake (2.87)
This is the third and final book in The Atlas Six series. In a world where the most uniquely talented magicians are selected to earn a place among the prestigious Alexandrains six candidates meet. In a fight to survive, as long as they are better than the next person, they are safe. But the one who isn’t as qualified as the rest might just pay for it with their life.
“got my nicogideon endgame but at what cost.” – Lex
Crown of Starlight by Cate Corrain (1.73)
Ariadne Tholos is the Crown Princess of the interstellar Cretan Empire, trapped in a world of imperial politics. When she gets the chance to flee, Ariadne finds herself injured and alone, until she meets Dionysus, the exiled god of wine. Dionsyis needs a Cretan royal to join his cult so his banishment can end. Ariadne agrees to help if he hides her away from her father. What ensues is a marriage of convenience that turns into something more.
This book was dropped by Del Ray when the author admitted to review-bombing POC authors, so her book is not available to purchase anywhere.
“Just plaster a “Greek mythology retelling” to a book that has absolutely nothing to do with Greek mythology and doesn’t respect or pay attribute to it.” – Raven
Allow me to reiterate: if you disagree with any of the books on this list, that’s great! I’m glad you enjoyed one or more of the books above, we all deserve to like the things we read. But there is nothing wrong with disagreeing with others in the book community. It makes the conversation more fun and engaging. So, whether you agree or not with these selections, come tell us about it on our socials!
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