Voice of London

A fan of literature? In a reading slump? Need some colourful new books for the home library? Look no further, let me introduce you to #Booktok – better known as the book side of TikTok. With 87.4 billion views to the hashtag, #Booktok is rapidly creating new bestsellers and redefining the world of publishing.

From fantasy to period romance, the variety of books found on #Booktok is broad. While some of your favourite authors have joined the fad, many rising writers found their fame from this crazy platform – so, how do you find the books that are worth the read? Fear not, for we have dived head-first into the snake den, separating the unworthy to the deserving – collecting anticipated released on the way. Curious? Continue reading to find out our top five must-read books of TikTok. 

A Court of Thorns and Roses.

When it comes to fantasy, the current queen bee Sarah J. Maas, is unmatched. From the Throne of Glass series to Crescent City, her flare for the mystical is incomparable. However, the series that set the course of her fame was in fact A Court of Thornes and Roses, or more popularly known on #Booktok as ACOTAR. Initially published in 2016, the series is currently five books long, however Maas has suggested she will be expanding the succession – portraying a different character’s story. 

“I was as unburdened as a piece of dandelion fluff, and he was the wind that stirred me about the world.”

– Feyre Archeron

The series is set in a fantasy world called, Prythian a large island that is separated into seven fae courts: Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter, Dawn, Day, and Night. Each court is ruled by a High Fae, who’s power is supposedly unmatched. The story follows 19-year-old mortal Feyre Archeron. Being a huntress, she thinks nothing of slaughtering a wolf, but when a beast-like creature demands for punishment her plain world is turned upside down. The epic love story and turbulent struggle that follows takes you, the reader, on a whirlwind ride across the magical land of Prythian – meeting unearthly creatures along the way. 

With 4.4 billion views to the #ACOTAR, this series is a #Booktok favourite.

The fast-paced series brings excitement, popular book tropes, romance, and many unexpected plot twists. The imaginative nature of Maas’s mind gives readers a gripping experience, loaded with incredible action. For individuals that may be concerned to pick this book sequence up due to the extensive hype surrounding it, do not worry, for it will not disappoint!

Kingdom of the Wicked.

Although author Kerri Maniscalco was initially introduced on TikTok though her novel Stalking Jack the Ripper, it wasn’t until the 2020 release of Kingdom of The Wicked that took #Booktok by storm. With a staggering 76.8 million views to the hashtag, the series is now a trilogy, with official rumours of a prequel. 

“There are victors and victims. Decide who you want to be. Or the choice will be made for you, witch. And I doubt you’ll like it.”

– Wrath

Based around the seven sins, the trilogy follows the journey of Emilia, a witch, and the mystery surrounding her beloved twin’s murder. During her search for vengeance, she meets a Wicked Prince of Hell, Wrath. Claiming to be on her side they set out to solve the occurring murders, but when it comes to the Wicked, nothing is as it seems. 

Kingdom of the Wicked, is a balanced mix of fantasy, thriller, and romance. While many books fall to the mistake of obvious plot twists, this series consistently has you on the edge of your seat. The push and pull between characters gives you the chance to see a different side to the classic seven sin telling. If you’re looking for a dark yet captivating novel, for us, this is what comes to mind – so get down to your local bookstore and invest in this thrilling fantasy. 

It Starts With Us.

The Duchess of contemporary romance is back with the recent release of It Starts with Us – the unplanned sequel to It Ends with Us. Colleen Hoover announced the continuation in August 2022, unsurprisingly #Booktok went wild – Hoover has quickly become the Harry Styles of the bookworm community. 

“If it takes a million kisses for her not to think about the scars that surround her heart tattoo, then I’ll kiss her there a million and one times.” 

– Atlas Corrigan

The novel takes off an hour after the epilogue ends in It Ends with Us, focusing on Atlas side of the story. While the story still touches upon the previous abusive relationship between Ryles and Lily, Hoover reassured her readers she would, “never write anything that would redeem Ryle. It would be an insult to all the women who don’t get that with their abusive partners.” With this is mind, the developing relationship between Atlas and Lily brings the happy romance that readers expected from the previous book.

It Ends with Us collected nearly 1.8 billion views to the #itendswithus tag, proving its popularity. Not even a month after publication #itstartswithus received an incredible 280.6 million views – a hashtag that is continuously increasing. This modern love story takes on tangible anticipation yet hopeful recognition of starting over. For bookworms who enjoy that bitter sweet romance, this novel is definitely for you.

The Love Hypothesis.

Known as the TikTok sensation, The Love Hypothesis is novel that’s popularity was solely created through #Booktok. The author Ali Hazelwood has quickly become a beloved favourite, creating a stream of contemporary romances fans. Released in September 2021, the unique and distinct plot instantaneously gripped people’s attention.

“I am going to take care of this,” he told her. There was something determined, earnest in his eyes. Olive had never felt safer, or more loved. “And then I’ll come find you, and I’ll take care of you.”

– Adam Carlson

Based around PhD student Olive Smith, the story takes place after a series of mishaps that results in a fake relationship with the universities most hated professor – Adam Carlson. While their relationship begins as a convenience it slowly develops into friendship, but with the constant close proximity both come to recognise their feelings are not what they initially thought. The question of choosing professionalism over love becomes ever more present.

For readers that enjoy soft romantic contemporary novels, The Love Hypothesis will tick all your boxes. From the intellectual engagement to the smooth story line, it is no shock that it has received 450.8 million views to the #thelovehypothesis on TikTok. We applaud Ali Hazelwood, and without a doubt, encourage you, the reader, to pick this up ASAP.

Bridgerton Series.

While most people know this series from the popular Netflix Show Bridgerton, originally it was found not on our screens, but on paper. Written by author Julia Quinn, the series is eight books long. Now, this may seem like a stretch, but each book has their own unique plot. With the addition of secret gossip, Lady Whistledown, this period drama has become a distinctive sequence.

‘The topic of rakes has, of course, been previously discussed in this column, and This Author has come to the conclusion that there are rakes, and there are Rakes. Anthony Bridgeton is a Rake.’

 – Lady Whisledown 

Set in the early 1800’s, the series follows the lives of the eight Bridgerton siblings. Each novel centres on one sibling, taking us on their journey to find their place in society and, of course, finding love on the way. Being a period romance drama, the expectations at the time effects each sibling differently. From past trauma to combatting social notions of the era, this series takes you on a continuous whirlwind of emotion.

The world you get sucked into feels like a crossover between Downton Abbey and Gossip Girl, allowing it to stand out differently from the many other novels within this time period – a perfect balance. Out of all our must-read books, this series has the highest views when it comes to the #Bridgerton – reaching nearly 13.5 billion. If you’re looking for a light, witty, and charming book series then this may just be the series for you.

Words: Beth Lander | Subbing: Kiefer Jones