1. Ruby Oliver series by E. Lockhart-
Why it made the list
Not only was this my favorite series of the year, it was eye-opening. This book is a fun contemporary with boys, cute clothes that seems fluffy. But it's not. E. Lockhart impressed me with her ability to put such great depth into a book that doesn't feel heavy.
Not only was this my favorite series of the year, it was eye-opening. This book is a fun contemporary with boys, cute clothes that seems fluffy. But it's not. E. Lockhart impressed me with her ability to put such great depth into a book that doesn't feel heavy.
From the review
This series is one of the best that I've read this year. This is not a mushy true love story. It's girly, but the right kind of girly. Ruby is witty, intelligent, neurotic, boy crazy and completely awesome. I'm very impressed how these books touch upon some serious topics without taking themselves too seriously. Read review here
This series is one of the best that I've read this year. This is not a mushy true love story. It's girly, but the right kind of girly. Ruby is witty, intelligent, neurotic, boy crazy and completely awesome. I'm very impressed how these books touch upon some serious topics without taking themselves too seriously. Read review here
2. Quintana of Charyn by Melina Marchetta
Why it made the listMelina Marchetta will always make my top ten list. She writes people that are imperfect, damaged, relatable and completely believable. Nobody writes characters like Marchetta does.
From the review
Very few trilogies are as complete and wonderful as this series. Every book is strong and every character developed This series in complex, with layers and depth and meaning. Quintana of Charyn tore my heart out, but in a good way. I would simultaneously be hurting and crying for joy. Very few books touch me on that guttural level. The Lumatere Chronicles are a series that every book lover needs to read and re-read. Read the review here.
Very few trilogies are as complete and wonderful as this series. Every book is strong and every character developed This series in complex, with layers and depth and meaning. Quintana of Charyn tore my heart out, but in a good way. I would simultaneously be hurting and crying for joy. Very few books touch me on that guttural level. The Lumatere Chronicles are a series that every book lover needs to read and re-read. Read the review here.
3. The Fault In Our Stars by John Green
Why it made the list
I don't think there was a YA book with more accolades this year, all well deserved. Maybe John Green's best work yet.
From the review
The book goes between being funny and heart-wrenching in a way that I don't think has ever been done. Normally you have "books that make me laugh" then on another shelf "books that make me cry." Very rarely do you have books that make you do both. Read the review here.
4. The Assassin's Curse by Cassandra Rose Clarke
Why it made the list
This book is perfect for me even if it's not perfect for everyone. Strong heroines and adventurous fantasy (think Tamora Pierce) is where my heart belongs.
This book is perfect for me even if it's not perfect for everyone. Strong heroines and adventurous fantasy (think Tamora Pierce) is where my heart belongs.
From the review
For those who like fantasy with strong heroines and are looking for Tamora Pierce meets Jacky Faber, this book is perfect for you. In this book you'll find your next fictional crush (especially if you're into men who treat women with respect), a new fictional best friend and maybe even a favorite novel. Read review here.
5. Alif the Unseen by G. Willow Wilson
Why it made the list
Middle Eastern fantasy is my new favorite thing and I have this book to thank. The nerdy computer science, the setting and the conversations about religion make this book a winner.
From the review
Alif the Unseen is such a unique book. It's a computer-science heavy fantasy novel set in the modern Middle East. There is coding, firewalls, cloud servers and genies, all in the same book. Doesn't that sound amazing? This book is fantasy blended with real science, something that I've never seen before. It's a big risk that pays off. Read the review here.
6. Goliath by Scott Westerfeld
Why it made the listThis book is a great ending to a great trilogy. Sometimes series falter on the 3rd book but not Goliath. Just as brilliant as ever.
From the review
I feel like me and this series were meant to be together. The story of an alternative steampunk WWI, a girl dressed in boy clothes and a global adventure is just my style. This series is spectacular and highly recommended, especially if you like history. Deryn is near the top of heroines I love. Read review here
7. Deadline by Mira Grant
Why it made the listI was worried about switching protagonists. REALLY worried. But Grant knows what she's doing. This series is the epitome of zombie fiction. There is no better.
From the review
I've become convinced that Mira Grant's Newflesh series has become the peak of the zombie genre. This book is ballsy, a bit like a punch in the face sometimes because it never holds back. Read review here.
8. Seraphina by Rachel Hartman
Why it made the listWelcome back high fantasy. We've missed you.
From the review
It's got the drama of court politics, the romance of first love and an overaching story with a mystery to solve. The women are smart and strong. Seraphina is not the exception, but Glisselda and the Queen are both admirable women. Strength is not measured in brute force. Seraphina's intelligence, along with her bravery are what make her a heroine. Read review here
9. A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness
Why it made the listIf there's a more honest book about grief I haven't seen it. The audiobook is narrated by Jason Isaacs, who is perfection.
From the review
A Monster Calls rings heartbreakingly true, capturing how it feels when someone you love is chronically ill. It captures the sorrow, the anger and the guilt. Read the review here
10. Lions of Little Rock by Kristin Levine
Why it made the listThis was a book that completely surprised me. Normally I hear about great books from other bloggers and anticipate reading them. This I randomly grabbed at the library and wow, it impressed me.
From the review
I loved the history, especially since it was history that I never learned in school. But this isn't a history book, it's a novel with a historical backdrop. This is the story of how 12 year old Marlee found her voice. Marlee doesn't talk. It's not because she can't, she talks to her sister and her father, but because she's afraid to. Read review here