BookTok has recently dominated the publishing industry. Names such as Colleen Hoover, Sarah J. Maas, Holly Black and more have grown mass popularity from BookTok recommendations. Booksellers such as Waterstones have even started dedicating sections and tables for BookTok books!
But with all these recommendations, it is hard to narrow which ones to read. This list is some of the highest rated BookTok books and some hidden gems!
For more information on what BookTok is and the lingo, check out SmashBear's blog on it: Is BookTok worth it? (smashbearpublishing.com)
We Hunt the Flame by Hafsah Faizal
With a Goodreads rating of 3.95, this BookTok book is well worth the read. With all the popular tropes including enemies to lovers, found family, 'I am supposed to kill you', close proximity and more, there is no wonder why this book is so popular within the BookTok community. With lyrical writing and Middle Eastern representation, this fantasy book is well worth the read!
Purchase We Hunt the Flame and follow Zafira and Nasir's quest to return magic to their kingdoms here: We Hunt the Flame: TikTok Made Me Buy It! (Sands of Arawiya Book 1) eBook : Faizal, Hafsah: Amazon.co.uk: Kindle Store
It Ends With Us by Collen Hoover
Colleen Hoover has dominated BookTok, and It Ends With Us is no exception. With a Goodreads rating of 4.42, this book follows Lily's domestic abuse journey and her escape from the cycle. Hoover even used her own experiences of witnessing her parent's abusive relationship, creating a realistic and empathetic tale for her readers. Plus extra good news is that Hoover is releasing a prequel in September: It Starts With Us, which tells Atlas's story.
Purchase It Ends With Us here and get the tissues ready: It Ends With Us: The emotional #1 Sunday Times bestseller eBook : Hoover, Colleen: Amazon.co.uk: Kindle Store
A Good Girl's Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson
Holly Jackson's murder mystery is an immersive reader, perfect for fans for murder, thrillers and mysteries! A rating of 4.37 can only attest to this. This book follows as Pippa (Pip) investigates the town's local murder that was deemed solved five years ago. This book will draw you in, an easy and perfect summer read filled with twists and surprises! And bonus: it is a trilogy and fully released so get ready to binge read!
Purchase A Good's Girl Guide to Murder here and learn the truth about who really killed Andie Bell: A Good Girl's Guide to Murder: TikTok made me buy it! The first book in the bestselling thriller trilogy, as seen in Netflix’s Heartstopper! (A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder, Book 1) eBook : Jackson, Holly: Amazon.co.uk: Kindle Store
The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang
For all the lovers of a good romcom, The Kissing Quotient by Helen Hoang is an amazing read. Stella who is autistic seeks help from Michael Phan in how to enjoy relationships. The spice levels in this book is high so ideal for older readers, but this 2018 Goodreads Choice Winner is well worth the read. Be warned: it is impossible not to fall in love with Michael.
Purchase The Kissing Quotient here: The Kiss Quotient: TikTok made me buy it! (The Kiss Quotient series) eBook : Hoang, Helen: Amazon.co.uk: Kindle Store
A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas
Is it really a BookTok post without the mention of Sarah J. Maas? With her iconic series such as Throne of Glass and Crescent City, Maas is a well-known name within the BookTok community. A Court of Thorns and Roses is one of the most hyped books on the app, with the abbreviation of the book, #actoar, getting 3.4 BILLION views.
The series follows the protagonist, Feyre, and her journey in the world of fairies, hot High Lords, and missions. Maas has since branched out the series and her latest release for ACOTAR was written in third person from Feyre's sister's, Nesta in A Court of Silver Flames.
Whatever Bat Boy person you are (Rhysand, and I stand by that), the character relationships and the angst in Book 2, especially, is spectacular and a must read!
Purchase A Court of Thorns and Roses and start the series here: A Court of Thorns and Roses: The hottest fantasy sensation of 2022 eBook : Maas, Sarah J.: Amazon.co.uk: Books
Legendborn by Tracy Deonn
Personally, I am a SUCKER for mythological retellings and this Arthurian retelling did not disappoint! With a Goodreads rating of 4.42, this book deserves every bit of hype. The plot follows a secret society that hunts demons that feed on humans, descendants of King Author's knight and an impending magical war, this book is perfect for urban fantasy readers! Deonn doesn't sugarcoat societal issues other, her protagonist, Bree, facing racial discriminations.
Good news is that the sequel is due to be released in November so only a short wait!
Purchase Legendborn here: Legendborn: TikTok made me buy it! The New York Times bestseller (Volume 1) (The Legendborn Cycle) : Deonn, Tracy: Amazon.co.uk: Books
These are only a handful of BookTok books worth the hype and worth the read! BookTok is always finding new books to recommend so say sorry to your bank account and enjoy!
For even more things BookTok related, follow SmashBear's tiktok account here: SmashBearPublishing (@smashbearpublishing) TikTok | Watch SmashBearPublishing's Newest TikTok Videos.