I'm going to break it up into two posts. This first list is the best of the best - the books that really stood out in mind even after I put them down.
I KNOW I’m going to forget something but I’ll give it a shot!
In no particular order......
Written in Red (The Others #1) by Anne Bishop - Goodreads | Review
This book absolutely restored my faith in the Urban Fantasy genre. Brilliant world building, intriguing characters and beautiful relationships make this a must read.
Perdition (Dred chronicles #1) by Ann Aguirre – Goodreads
Perdition is an unrelenting, kick-ass adrenaline rush. I was holding my breath for most of the book. Dred is right up there as one of my favorite heroines.
Horde (Razorland #3) by Ann Aguirre - Goodreads | Review
In a year of disappointing series finales – Horde got it right. I’ll miss you Deuce, Fade, Tegan and Stalker.
Taste the Heat (Love and games #1) by Rachel Harris – Goodreads
Harris was a new to me author for 2013 and I absolutely adored this sexy, sweet story about a widowed dad, his precocious daughter and Colby the Cajun chef. I love me some nice guys and Jason had me swooning! (I also enjoy her My Super Sweet Sixteenth Century YA series)
This Song will Save Your Life by Leila Sales - Goodreads | Review
This book brought back so many memories, both good and bad, from high school. Elise is defeated, flawed, sympathetic, inspiring and a wonderful YA female character that I hope to see more of.
The Bridge by Rebecca Rogers Maher – Goodreads | Review
This seemed to be the year of the novella. Henry and Christa’s story nearly broke me apart. I probably bookmared and highlighted 805 of it on my Kindle. From my Review: “For a novella that is just under 100 pages, The Bridge has a depth of emotion and development that some full length novels never attain.”
The Program (The Program #1) by Suzanne Young – Goodreads | Review
I barely survived reading this book. The heartbreak – the betrayal – the twists – THE FEELS!
Manicpixiedreamgirl by Tom Leveen – Goodreads | Review
Leveen is one of my favorite authors and did not disappoint with Manicpixiedreamgirl. I can always count on him to deliver an awkward, honest, messy and ultimately uplifting portrayal of teenagers.
These Broken Stars (Starbound #1) by Amie Kaufman and Megan Spooner – Goodreads | Review
Refreshingly original with plot twists aplenty and strong, intelligent protagonists! IN SPACE!
Days of Blood and Starlight (daughter of Smoke and Bone #2) by Laini Taylor) – Goodreads | Review
One word – INTENSE
Wait for You (Wait for You #1) by J. Lynn – Goodreads
I’m not a huge fan of New Adult or bad boys but this book hit all the perfect notes with a tough subject matter and one awesome (cookie baking) hero.
Binding the Shadows (Arcadia Bell #3) by Jenn Bennett – Goodreads | Review
I was terrified to read Binding the Shadows. Third books usually derail a series and there were A LOT of ways this could have gone wrong but Bennett hit it out of the park. I would even go so far to say that it’s the best one yet!
Yaaay! Some of these were totally my favorites too! Perdition and Horde, of course, Written in Red was just fabulous (I'm trying to talk Ann into reading it and need your help) and Cady Bell is always a fave. In fact, I had so many this year, I had to separate YA from adult, but I'd point out The Bone Season as my absolute fave.
ReplyDeleteI will start harassing Ann lol Written in Red just blew me away.
DeleteI haven't read The Bone Season yet but it's on my shelf.
I NEED the Bishop one
ReplyDeleteI really think you would like that one.
DeleteLeila Sales is high on my TR list for next year. Because, of course, I'm far behind on the books that were out in 2013, as I stated in my latest post. *sighs*
ReplyDeleteHappy Holidays!
I hope you can get to it but I understand. Even with ally he books I've read this year I still have a shelf that's overflowing. *sigh*
DeleteGreat list! I need to try The Program.
ReplyDeleteThat one surprised me!
DeleteYESYESYES! LOVED Written In Red (I think this is my top book of the year), Perdition, TSWSYL, These Broken Stars...YES! Great list.
ReplyDeleteWe're twins! lol
DeleteWritten in Red was my favorite too.
I've only read one on the list but it'll be on mine as well because it was so good. That book being These Broken Stars. I really need to read The Program. Maybe next year....
ReplyDeleteTBS had such an unusual premise - I didn't expect to enjoy it so much. I had even avoided it for awhile.
DeleteSQUEE, we loved so many of the same books! This never happens. I seriously love Tom Leveen. He writes some of my favorite YA contemporary novels. I still need to read SICK. Zombies, heeey!
ReplyDelete*shakes head* How could you ever doubt me?? My contempt and pessimism is just a facade. I'm squeezing on the inside lol
DeleteSo glad that the slump eneded and lots of great reading ensued! Great choices!
ReplyDeleteMe toooooooo! That was painful lol
DeleteSo happy you got out of your slump! And there are a lot of books on your list that I haven't read, so I need to check those out!!
ReplyDeleteJen @ YA Romantics
I really want to read The Program and Written in Red. I'm glad to see they topped your 2013!!
ReplyDeleteThe program stood out to me too but some others I haven't heard of
ReplyDeleteI'm listening to Written in Red and am LOVING it! I'm not far at all though and I'm thinking I may have to go get the book, I can't wait to listen to the whole thing, it's taking too long!
ReplyDeleteThe Program was great, I loved it as well. And Horde was on my favorites too. These Broken Stars and Manic Pixie Dreamgirl and This Song Will Save My Life are ALL on my shelves, I SO need to read them! Perdition is going on my WL pronto!
Some I know and love and some I need to get to. Great list.
ReplyDeleteValerie
StuckInBooks.com
Wow, lookie your list! You know I loved THIS SONG (you should read WILD AWAKE if you haven't already, I think you might dig that, too--ignore the dumb synopsis), TBS, HORDE, and WRITTEN IN RED as well. I need to try to grown up Aguirre books, as well as the latest Jenn Bennett. :)
ReplyDeleteWendy @ The Midnight Garden
Aaah! You got a new layout! Well, it's probably not all that new to you, but I'm fairly certain it's new to me! Then again, I haven't been by in forever!
ReplyDeleteAnyways, you and Maja have turned me into huge Ann Aguirre fans. I started the Sirantha Jax series last year, and I've finished them all except for Endgame (which is in the mail). I'm so excited to read more of her work. I can't believe I waited so long to read her stuff!!! So, of course, her entire pub. list is on my to-read list for 2014. Hope everything is well with you!