Top Fifteen Books I Read In 2014

Hosted by: The Broke and Bookish

This year was definitely the year of new authors for me. If you stopped by last week, you'll definitely notice a lot of the same books that I posted then. But that's ok because they deserve a double dosing of recognition :) ...but because I'm lazy, if you stopped by last week and think some of my thoughts sound oddly familiar...they are...

Going Bovine - Libba Bray

God, this book was nothing like I expected, and so much better.  I can't even begin to describe what it's like. It's definitely not for everyone, but if you're ok with things going pretty surreal you should give this a try. And that's all I'm going to say about this because you just really need to experience it for yourself.

Coldest Girl in Coldtown - Holly Black

I'm definitely a black sheep on this one. Most of the reviews for this were pretty lackluster (I don't think I know ANYONE who loved it!), so I was not expecting to totally love this the way I did. That audiobook was pure magic and man...the descriptions are super steamy sometimes (without being explicit) which an art all in and of itself!

The Forest of Hands and Teeth - Carrie Ryan

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.

The Night Circus - Erin Morgenstern

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.

Etiquette & Espionage - Gail Carriger

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 authors/heroes/rulers of my life.  What's not to love here?)

Heir of Fire/Assassin's Blade - Sarah J. Maas

Umm, is an explanation even needed for this?! Celaena Sardothien. Queen Sarah J. Maas. Expect to see her books on every list I ever make for TTT for the next four years. (But let's be real, probably for all of time)

Anatomy of a Boyfriend - Daria Snadowsky

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.)

Froi of the Exiles - Melina Marchetta

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?)

The Drowned Cities - Paolo Bacigalupa

Man, I wish Paolo Bacigalupi had more buzz in the YA book community. I know a few people irl who know his adult books, but I don't hear about his YA books very often.  And let me tell you - if you like dystopias, this is like...the dystopiest dystopia you'll come by.  And the kicker? It also feels like the most realistic of all the dystopias I've ever read, because the core of what's happening in these books? It's happening now.  Look to your third world countries.  Look at the child soldiers and children living in extreme poverty.  Yeah.  So no, you aren't going to be finding much in the way of swoons in these books, but man you are going to find a lot to think over.

The Strange and Beautiful Sorrows of Ava Lavender - Leslye Walton

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.

The Lies of Locke Lamora - Scott Lynch

So here's another author you should expect to see on all my best of the year TTT's for pretty much the rest of EVER.

Daughter of Smoke and Bone Trilogy - Laini Taylor

Recurring theme of this list? If you write pretty words I heart you.

Fangirl - Rainbow Rowell

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!

Newsflesh Trilogy - Mira Grant

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.

Dragonsong/Dragonsinger - Anne McCaffrey

It's no secret that I love Anne McCaffrey's books, particularly her Pern ones. (I think I might have got rid of the space ship ones by accident when I moved *sobs*)  For me, the first two books in her Harper Hall trilogy are golden, and are right up with there with her first Pern book


Honorable Mentions: (I had to cut the list off somewhere, right?) The Kiss of Deception, The Truth About Alice I wouldn't call these flawless books, but they are probably the most innovative books I read this year as far as formatting the narrative is involved, and I thought both of them did that very, very well.

Top Ten New-To-Me Authors I Read In 2014

Hosted by The Broke and Bookish

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.

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.

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)

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 favourite authors/heroes/rulers of my life.  What's not to love here?)

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.)

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?)

Leslye Walton - The Strange and Beautiful Sorrows of Ava Lavender

          

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.

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.

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!

Top Ten Tuesday: Books I Reread the Most

Hosted by The Broke and Bookish

I'm a pretty big rereader.  It's my go to stress mechanism.  Freaking out?  Go read these books!  Almost all of them I reread literally every year, although some of them are a little too intense for that.

The Tortall Realm - Tamora Pierce

I generally get in at least half of her total Tortall books every year.  Tamora Pierce is a serious staple of my reading - last year I read ALL of her Emelan books for the first time...which is like...15 books?  I also read her Trickster and Wild Magic books last year.  So far this year I've already reread her Alanna books, but I'm definitely looking forward to a Protector of the Small reread sometime soon!

His Dark Materials - Philip Pulman

This is one of those series I probably hit once every 3-5 years.  I freaking love it...but it's also a little too intense for me to handle as a stress reread.  I'm about due to get to this series again soon as well...

Pride & Prejudice - Jane Austen

This is another one I read yearly!  I don't know if I'll get to it this year though - I reread Persuasion instead (which totally deserves more rereads than I've given it - this was my second time through), and am getting through the rest of her books I haven't read yet (finished Mansfield Park, still haven't finished wading through Emma, and have Northanger Abbey to try out)

Harry Potter - J.K. Rowling

This series has the phenomenal ability to immediately make me want to reread it once I put it down.  It basically means my need for this series is never sated.

A Ring of Endless Light - Madeline L'Engle

Madeline L'Engle's Time Quartet definitely deserves a shout out here too - I can't tell you how many times I've read it.  But I can tell you it's not as many times as I've read A Ring of Endless Light!

Ella Enchanted - Gail Carson Levine

In fourth grade I broke the AR record for our school.  My prize?  An autographed copy of this book.  It is by far one of my most treasured things.  I've read it so many times I probably have it memorized, the cover is falling off, and the pages are all bent.  And no matter how many times I read it, I love it just as much as I did the very first time.

The Blue Sword - Robin McKinley
(but really all of McKinley's books)

Once again, this is an author who deserves so many shout outs.  Robin McKinley is in my top 5 favourite authors of all time (right up there with Tamora Pierce, J.K. Rowling, Sarah J. Maas, and Madeline L'Engle).  Out of all her books, this is the one I have perhaps read the most, but it would be impossible to list a favourite.  The Hero and the Crown, Sunshine, Spindle's End, and Deerskin rank among my favourites, and at that point that's half of her books!

Abhorsen Trilogy - Garth Nix

God, I can't remember a time before this series. (Really, I can't remember a time before any of the books on this list.)  I reread this trilogy every year or two, and of all Garth Nix's other works, this is hands down my favourite and OHMYGOD GUYS I NEED CLARIEL.  My library still hasn't got it in. I'm tempted to just go buy it...but...moneys :-/ (the new covers for this series look freaking awesome).  Of all the books in this trilogy though, Lirael is definitely my favourite (although Sabriel sometimes is too. So maybe never mind).

The Year of Secret Assignments - Jaclyn Moriarty

I know this as Finding Cassie Crazy, but in America it's known as The Year of Secret Assignments.  This book is probably the first truly contemporary book I loved - Madeline L'Engle's books always have at least a hint of fringe science to them and Anne of Green Gables and Pride & Prejudice are more classics/historical fiction.  (You'll notice this is the only truly contemporary book on this list)

Cat Street/Kyatto Sutorito - Yoko Kamio

This manga has the distinction of being the only manga I've completely reread (although I've come close with Ouran and Fruits Basket).  It's almost mind boggling to see that this manga came from the same mangaka as her much more insanely popular work, Boys Over Flowers/Hana Yori Dango (a work I have a very complicated relationship with, mostly against my own will).  This manga is completely different than Boys Over Flowers in all the best ways, and is hands down one of my favourites.  It's beautifully drawn, the character growth is amazing, and all the tropes that make you groan start to happen - but then unexpectedly go an entirely different route, which I love.  For anyone who has seen/watched Princess Jellyfish, I'd definitely recommend this!

Honourable Mentions (Books I haven't reread the most, but have been craving to reread recently):  

The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy (despite my all consuming love for this series - hence my blog name - I've actually only read the first couple books twice!)

Heir Apparent (which I really just  need to own so I can reread it a billion times)

This Is All: The Pillowbook of Cordelia Chase (which, incidentally, is an incredibly difficult book to get ahold of, and I left my copy with a friend in SC)
The Faerie Chronicles - I remember really enjoying these when I read them, but for the life of me I can't remember a single detail about the series otherwise.

Top Five Characters Who I Would Totally Want To Be For Halloween

Hosted by The Broke and Bookish


All titles link to reviews or Goodreads, pictures link to where I found them!

Karou - Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor

I'm obsessed with Karou's hair.  Possibly because I want blue hair in the worst way.  I like to think she would have whimsical nick knacks in her hair, although I can't remember if it expressly says so in the book.  The hamsa is also a big part of the plot/her character, so I'd definitely have that as part of the costume as well.  Otherwise, she mostly just wears normal clothes, if I remember correctly.

Celia - The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern

What, can't we all afford $2000 dresses for Halloween? ( Or ever.)  Sue me for just wanting Celia's entire wardrobe all the time.  It sounds freaking amazing.  Or dressing up like really anyone from The Night Circus - a reveler or Tsukiko would also be awesome choices.

Sophronia - Etiquette and Espionage by Gail Carriger

Did you guys know that Gail Carriger actually dresses up in steampunk costume?  And does a TON of research, and basically it's awesome.  That's her in the center.  I've always been into steampunk, but it's a little too intimidating to jump into without some conconspirators (and a lot of money. Neither of which I have).  In all honesty, I probably look more like Sidheag and dress like her, but she doesn't have fun gadgets like Sophronia does.  Although she probably would have a knife, and I do love a girl with weapons...

Celaena Sardothien - Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas

This is the one most likely to happen in my future.  Maybe next year? I just need another year of no haircuts, and I can totally see myself doing this. (I'm dressing up with two other people for Halloween this year, so it seems unlikely they'll go for a random book they've never heard of lol)

Katniss Everdeen - The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

 

This one would be the easiest for me to do.  I already wear my hair in a braid all the time (admittedly I'm not brunette), I've got the leather jacket, boots, and I'd have to ask my mom for my brother's bows and arrows, but that's practically the whole outfit!



Luna Lovegood - Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling



You know, it's never really a question for ANYONE which Harry Potter character I would be.  And it's not because of my coloring - I'm not that blonde, and I'm pretty sure Astoria and Pansy are blondes too.  It's more to do with the...er...spaciness.