Novel & Cerita Booktok June 2022

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.

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 has been a treasure trove for discovering novels that resonate deeply with readers, and some titles have truly taken the platform by storm. 'It Ends with Us' by Colleen Hoover is a standout, with its raw emotional depth and exploration of complex relationships. Another favorite is 'The Song of Achilles' by Madeline Miller, which beautifully reimagines the epic tale of Achilles and Patroclus, blending mythology with heart-wrenching romance.

'They Both Die at the End' by Adam Silvera is another BookTok sensation, offering a poignant story about love and mortality that leaves readers reflecting on life’s fleeting moments. For those who enjoy fantasy, 'A Court of Thorns and Roses' by Sarah J. Maas has become a must-read, with its lush world-building and captivating romance. Lastly, 'The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo' by Taylor Jenkins Reid has captivated audiences with its glamorous yet deeply human story of love, ambition, and identity. These novels have not only trended but also sparked meaningful conversations among readers.