2022 Booktok Books Novels & Stories

Reading through my feed, I can tell this month is all about the monster romances and cozy fantasies. The 'knotting' discourse around Sarah J. Maas's books has died down a bit, but you can't scroll five seconds without seeing someone's fan art of Cassian or post about 'Iron Flame' spoilers. What's new is the absolute takeover by books like 'Butcher & Blackbird' – the dark comedy and the 'serial killers falling in love' premise is everywhere. Also, that witchy, cottagecore vibe from 'A Witch's Guide to Fake Dating a Demon' is having a major moment.

A trend I'm less thrilled about but can't ignore is the recycled 'romantasy' tropes getting super popular again. It feels like every other video is about another brooding fae lord and the human girl who 'doesn't know she's powerful.' The algorithm loves it, but my personal feed is starting to feel a bit samey. I'm seeing more buzz for 'The September House' too, which is a nice shift into horror – a mom just refusing to leave her haunted house is a hilarious and terrifying concept that's catching on fast.

BookTok's on a real run with a few titles this month. It feels like everyone’s talking about 'The Maidens of Grayson Manor' – that dark academia murder mystery with the Greek mythology twist. I saw it literally everywhere after that one creator did the dramatic reading of the prologue.

Personally, I'm more drawn to the quieter trend. 'A Psalm for the Wild-Built' is getting passed around like a secret handshake among people who feel a bit burnt out. It’s not flashy, but the conversations around it are so earnest.

The big commercial hit seems to be 'Crimson River' still. That romantasy series somehow refuses to die down. My feed is half aesthetic moodboards for the main couple and half debates about whether the third book jumped the shark. I haven't touched it, but the sheer volume of content is undeniable.

A wildcard pick I keep seeing is 'The Silent Patient' again. It's years old, but some algorithm glitch or a popular adaptation rumor has it trending with a 'if you haven't read this yet' angle. Makes me wonder how much of BookTok is just eternal rediscovery.

BookTok has been buzzing with some incredible novels this year, and I’ve been absolutely hooked on a few of them. 'Fourth Wing' by Rebecca Yarros is a massive hit, blending fantasy and romance in a way that’s impossible to put down. The world-building and the slow-burn romance between Violet and Xaden are just chef’s kiss. Another standout is 'Happy Place' by Emily Henry, which is all about second chances and rekindling old flames. It’s heartfelt, funny, and perfect for anyone who loves a good emotional rollercoaster.

Then there’s 'Yellowface' by R.F. Kuang, which has been making waves for its sharp commentary on the publishing industry and cultural appropriation. It’s dark, thought-provoking, and impossible to ignore. For those who enjoy a mix of romance and mystery, 'The Seven Year Slip' by Ashley Poston is a must-read. It’s a time-travel love story that’s both whimsical and deeply moving. Lastly, 'The Serpent and the Wings of Night' by Carissa Broadbent is a dark fantasy romance that’s been compared to 'A Court of Thorns and Roses' but with its own unique twist. These books are all over BookTok for a reason—they’re unforgettable.