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Well this was an enlightening post. Apparently I'm incapable of reviewing books I loved the most - of the books on this list, I've reviewed three, and one of them I only reviewed because I got it as an ARC and therefore was obligated too. What's wrong with me?! Why is it so hard to write about books I love??
Well this was an enlightening post. Apparently I'm incapable of reviewing books I loved the most - of the books on this list, I've reviewed three, and one of them I only reviewed because I got it as an ARC and therefore was obligated too. What's wrong with me?! Why is it so hard to write about books I love??
Carrie Ryan - A Forest of Hands and Teeth
I don't know what it was about zombies this year, but it was pretty much my zombie awakening, and I'm so glad that this series got to be a part of that.
I don't know what it was about zombies this year, but it was pretty much my zombie awakening, and I'm so glad that this series got to be a part of that.
Erin Morgenstern - The Night Circus
God this book is just such a work of art! (Speaking of, look at that cover! I want to put it on my wall.) I've mentioned before that I'm a total sucker for beautiful prose, and this just really nailed it for me.
God this book is just such a work of art! (Speaking of, look at that cover! I want to put it on my wall.) I've mentioned before that I'm a total sucker for beautiful prose, and this just really nailed it for me.
Kerstin Hamilton - Tyger, Tyger
So, first a disclaimer: I haven't read the next two books yet, so no spoilers if you have read this! I got this as an audiobook, and was expecting a fun romp with faeries...which it is, but it definitely takes an unexpected turn for the dark and gritty, which it completely commits too. Which of course took me by surprise, which is great and all...unless you're trying to drive. I did not expect this to hit me as hard as it did, so I can't wait til I get my hands on the other books! (Also the narrator's accent was to die for)
So, first a disclaimer: I haven't read the next two books yet, so no spoilers if you have read this! I got this as an audiobook, and was expecting a fun romp with faeries...which it is, but it definitely takes an unexpected turn for the dark and gritty, which it completely commits too. Which of course took me by surprise, which is great and all...unless you're trying to drive. I did not expect this to hit me as hard as it did, so I can't wait til I get my hands on the other books! (Also the narrator's accent was to die for)
Gail Carriger - Etiquette & Espionage
This was my very first audiobook, (that I completed) and I couldn't recommend a better audiobook for newbies! The narrator is perfect and the story is just SO freaking fun, and totally absorbing. I haven't got my hands on the third book, but hopefully I won't have to wait years for that to happen! (Also she has an awesome retro fashion blog and is involved in steampunk. And apparently loves Tamora Pierce and Robin McKinley, aka my two favouriteauthors/heroes/rulers of my life. What's not to love here?)
This was my very first audiobook, (that I completed) and I couldn't recommend a better audiobook for newbies! The narrator is perfect and the story is just SO freaking fun, and totally absorbing. I haven't got my hands on the third book, but hopefully I won't have to wait years for that to happen! (Also she has an awesome retro fashion blog and is involved in steampunk. And apparently loves Tamora Pierce and Robin McKinley, aka my two favourite
Daria Snadowsky - Anatomy of a Boyfriend
This is probably the book I'd consider Important Book of the year. I wish, wish, WISH that someone had put this book in my hands as a teen/before I had sex. If you know anyone - boy or girl (although I don't have much faith in boys reading this, but they should) who is at the age where they're curious/thinking about sex, this book is amazing. It is so open - Dom (the MC) has some supremely awkward sex moments (and trust me, all of us who have gotten to that point have had it!), and the relationship isn't a magic fix it all. It's basically the book that would have reassured me that everything I was going through was ok and normal, and definitely would have answered some questions I didn't have someone to ask. (And I have a REALLY open relationship with my parents - but there are lines. I was lucky I could ask them anything I was comfortable asking, but I know a lot of people don't have that. GIVE THEM THIS BOOK. Added bonus? It talks about safe sex in this book in a way that isn't preachy, but still gives a lot of thought.)
This is probably the book I'd consider Important Book of the year. I wish, wish, WISH that someone had put this book in my hands as a teen/before I had sex. If you know anyone - boy or girl (although I don't have much faith in boys reading this, but they should) who is at the age where they're curious/thinking about sex, this book is amazing. It is so open - Dom (the MC) has some supremely awkward sex moments (and trust me, all of us who have gotten to that point have had it!), and the relationship isn't a magic fix it all. It's basically the book that would have reassured me that everything I was going through was ok and normal, and definitely would have answered some questions I didn't have someone to ask. (And I have a REALLY open relationship with my parents - but there are lines. I was lucky I could ask them anything I was comfortable asking, but I know a lot of people don't have that. GIVE THEM THIS BOOK. Added bonus? It talks about safe sex in this book in a way that isn't preachy, but still gives a lot of thought.)
Melina Marchetta - Froi of the Exiles
I know Froi is the second book in the trilogy, but I just need to reiterate for the millionth time that this book is like...the book of my soul. Finnickin of the Rock is amazing, and I loved it...but this book? This is the book that made the trilogy for me and made it stand out from the billions of fantasy novels I read any given year. Also it's probably the shippiest ship ever for me this year. (Well ok other than Heir of Fire. Because Chaolena forever. Although Rowan almost rocked that boat for me...but I just want him in Celaena's life in anyway, not necessarily as the love interest. Wait, what was I talking about?)
I know Froi is the second book in the trilogy, but I just need to reiterate for the millionth time that this book is like...the book of my soul. Finnickin of the Rock is amazing, and I loved it...but this book? This is the book that made the trilogy for me and made it stand out from the billions of fantasy novels I read any given year. Also it's probably the shippiest ship ever for me this year. (Well ok other than Heir of Fire. Because Chaolena forever. Although Rowan almost rocked that boat for me...but I just want him in Celaena's life in anyway, not necessarily as the love interest. Wait, what was I talking about?)
So remember how I was a sucker for prose? This book might have taken the cake on that. Magic realism always seems to have the most gorgeous prose! Also that cover might be one of my favourite covers ever. I still can't really articulate the atmosphere and emotions that this book evokes...but it's just all so gorgeous.
Laini Taylor - Daughter of Smoke and Bone
Recurring theme of this list? If you write pretty words I heart you.
Recurring theme of this list? If you write pretty words I heart you.
Mira Grant - Feed
Ahh, the series that started it all. I can't thank Meg enough for introducing me this series. It's really a toss up whether Melina Marchetta's trilogy or this one is my favourite of the year. I legit can't decide because they are so amazing, and even if you think zombies aren't your thing? You should totally check this out anyway. It might change your mind.
Ahh, the series that started it all. I can't thank Meg enough for introducing me this series. It's really a toss up whether Melina Marchetta's trilogy or this one is my favourite of the year. I legit can't decide because they are so amazing, and even if you think zombies aren't your thing? You should totally check this out anyway. It might change your mind.
Rainbow Rowell - Fangirl
So most of you have probably read Rainbow Rowell at this point, so I don't even need to explain why I love her books. I actually haven't read any of the other for some reason (it doesn't matter how much I love a contemporary work/author, they just don't call to me the way fantasy does, so I usually have to actively remind myself to grab a copy), but all her books are definitely on my TBR pile!
So most of you have probably read Rainbow Rowell at this point, so I don't even need to explain why I love her books. I actually haven't read any of the other for some reason (it doesn't matter how much I love a contemporary work/author, they just don't call to me the way fantasy does, so I usually have to actively remind myself to grab a copy), but all her books are definitely on my TBR pile!
I love Rainbow Rowell and Laini Taylor both so much! I definitely recommend Eleanor and Park by Rainbow, it's nearly as good as Fangirl!
ReplyDeleteThose are the only two authors are your list I've read, but I really want to read some of the others, like Forest of Hands and Teeth! =)
My TTT
Happy to see Rainbow Rowell on your list. She's a wonderful writer! :-)
ReplyDeleteI still need to read almost all of these. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeletehere's mine
I also have a $30 gift certicate to Amazon giveaway, so check that out if you want.
Erin Morgenstern made my list too as The Night Circus will certainly be on my best reads of the year. I lovw Gail Carriger as well but am still working on her Parasol Protectorate series and haven't yet gotten to her YA but I will. Oh yes, I will. Melina Marchetta and Mira Grant are both on my want to check out list. Rainbow Rowell is one there as well BUT I have an exaggerated version of your less excitement about contemporary YA syndrome. And while you were having the year of Zombies, I was having a year of Sherlock Holmes. Not sure why:).
ReplyDeleteThe Night Circus is my most favorite book, EVER. Love it so much. Wish she had wanted to do a series of it, I want more! :) Thanks for sharing. Here's my Top Ten New-to-Me Authors.
ReplyDeleteYeah, I've totally been drooling over it since I saw it! And if you like magic realism, this is more than likely up your alley.
ReplyDeleteIt's definitely my next book of hers I'm planning on reading. As a white girl dating a Korean, I feel like I probably should have read E&P by now! And I definitely recommend Forest of Hands and Teeth - despite being a zombie book, it's actually a bit contemplative and has a lot of the same feel to it that a contemporary novel does (in a good way, since I actually tend to put off contemporary books forever)
ReplyDeleteDo it! If you just need a book that is a ton of fun (but not necessarily a fluff book), this is the series for you. And god I don't know what my life was before Feed. How did I go so long without reading it?!
ReplyDeleteLots of great books/authors here! So glad you found some great ones this year :)
ReplyDelete1. It's just so beautiful! I want moaarrrrr.
ReplyDelete2. I am so glad that I can jump straight to that as soon as I finish the third Etiquette & Espionage book, because her writing is just so fun!
3. Seriously, I think you will LOVE Melina Marchetta. I'm pretty positive she's up your alley as far as fantasy is concerned, and I'm pretty sure you'll love Mira Grant as well. So really, just read both of these for sure because they are AWESOME and totally in your wide range of interests haha
4. You know, I haven't read a lot of Holmesian things, and I'm not sure why because no matter what genre/take on it, in general it's my sort of thing. I'll have to remedy this (Aka stalk your goodreads)
Yeah, that was me this year - ARCs were just stressful. And I should have known myself well enough that as soon as you give me a deadline that forces me to read a book I immediately refuse to read the book. No matter how excited I was about it hahaha. It takes me a while to get a feel for what people like, but my guess is that content wise you will probably love The Night Circus, but I don't know how you feel about slow pacing. And actually I can see you really liking The Strange and Beautiful Sorrows of Ava Lavender A LOT, but that's just a sort of gut feeling with no great insightful reasoning behind it haha.
ReplyDeleteThey are SO GOOD, and from what I've heard all of her books are that amazing. You don't find an author who can write contemporary AND fantasy extremely well that often. And she does magic realism (which will be my next choice, because I don't think I've ever read anything in that genre that I disliked)
Yeah I know especially with my dad's family he had a similar situation to yours, hence getting sex talks starting at like...9 lol. But it's also been really great because it means whenever I've had a problem I didn't have to question that I could tell them ANYTHING and they would be really supportive. I definitely lucked out, I don't know anyone else who has as open a relationship as I do with my parents, even when we had our rough patches. Which is exactly why Anatomy of a Boyfriend should be read by like...everyone. I thought it was a fantastic read even as someone who's been past that stage for years because it was so easy to remember exactly how it all felt when I was reading this book. It was like reading 18 year old me's mind haha
I know right? I mean it's not like I need any more series in my life, but I would love to read any story in that world
ReplyDelete