This is probably the hardest post for everyone. Talking about their favorite books of the year. So instead of trying to narrow it down to 10 books each, we thought it would be better just to share our favorites for the year.
I (Rashika) actually have a shelf for all my favorites of the year but even with my work cut out for me, I'll probably feel bad for having to pick favorites. I am a reader. It makes me feel guilty because I won't be able to point out all the gems I discovered this year since they didn't make it on my favorites list. I read like 377+ books this year (yes I am showing off) so in some ways my work isn't actually cut out for me. The sad thing about this year was that even though I read more books than I did last year, I still had less 'favorites'. Such is the life of a book worm.
I (Paulina) am not as crazy as Rashika and haven't read over 377 books. It's also hard for me to chose which books are my favorite. I mean HOW DO I CHOSE WHICH BABY I LOVE MORE?! I'm actually quite lucky this year as I've read pretty much all the books I've been meaning to read for months and I loved most of the books I've read so far so this is quite easy for me.
Young Adult
Science Fiction
Rashika's Pick(s):
Altered was one of the first books I read this year. Honestly, I wasn't even surprised by how much I loved it, science experiments on people and runaways? Count me in. Through the Ever Night did surprise me some. It was an anticipated sequel but I was worried it would suffer from the second book syndrome but I lucked out and ended up loving the book.
Paulina's Pick(s):
Yes the reason why I read Divergent is because of the movie coming out soon. But I still loved the book and I can't live without it. I just love it so much and I cannot wait for the movie to come out. It's bad that I've only just found the time to finish the Hunger Games this year but I love Catching Fire and Mockingjay to death. The Host is actually a book that I enjoyed a lot. It's not very high on my list of favorites this year but I still liked it a lot; the movie that came out recently was terrible and nothing like the book. I have read so many mixed reviews about After The Ending I was lucky enough to read this book for a book tour and was surprised with how much I loved the book. It's my kindle favorite book. Aberrant is also one of my kindle favorite books; the story isn't very original but at the same time it is. It's a mixture of Divergent and the Hunger Games mixed in with it's own little originality.
Paulina's Pick(s):
Yes the reason why I read Divergent is because of the movie coming out soon. But I still loved the book and I can't live without it. I just love it so much and I cannot wait for the movie to come out. It's bad that I've only just found the time to finish the Hunger Games this year but I love Catching Fire and Mockingjay to death. The Host is actually a book that I enjoyed a lot. It's not very high on my list of favorites this year but I still liked it a lot; the movie that came out recently was terrible and nothing like the book. I have read so many mixed reviews about After The Ending I was lucky enough to read this book for a book tour and was surprised with how much I loved the book. It's my kindle favorite book. Aberrant is also one of my kindle favorite books; the story isn't very original but at the same time it is. It's a mixture of Divergent and the Hunger Games mixed in with it's own little originality.
Contemporary
Rashika's Pick(s):
I somehow ended up lucking out when it came to contemporary this year. It's not one of my go-to genres but as you can obviously see, I had a lot of luck. So Over You was one of my first books of the year and yes I fell in love with the main character's snark and her refreshing voice. Criminal surprised me as well. I hadn't expected to fall in love with it but I did. This story is not a romance but it is about growing as a person. To finally be able to stand up for yourself. Speechless kind of just left me speechless (bad pun intended). Like Criminal, it involved a lot of character growth when it came to the main character. My love for Looking for Alibrandi did not surprise me, it was by Marchetta, of course I would love it. But unlike most people, I did not consider it one of her weaker works. Most of her books tend to somewhat depressing but this one was so full of life, it really was about coming of age. Having read another book by Kirby and not enjoying it, I was a little worried about Golden but Golden was great. Again, another wonderful coming of age story. How to Love was heartwarming. That is all I have to say. It made my heart soar and made me want to fly. I probably wouldn't have read Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe had it not been for Sam @ Realm of Fiction. Her love for the book encouraged me to pick it up and what can I say? I fell hopelessly in love as well. The Piper's Son was not exactly one of Marchetta's weaker works but after giving all of her contemporaries 5's, I ended up giving this one a four. But hey, seeing that in spite of that, it's still on my list, that counts for something. The Dreamer is by one of my favorite childhood authors and boy I don't have anything to say about it. It was emotionally draining and made me want to curl up into a ball.
Paulina's pick(s):
I was very lucky to receive What She Left Behind signed. I loved this book, it's amazing the emotions that Sara the main character expresses is really fantastic. I suggest everyone should get a copy. Broken Soup is a really great fast read. I think I'm being biased for this book as it's set in England and I don't tend to read many books set where I live and it was a nice change to actually understand some of the slang and streets. There are quite a bit of stuff that annoys me about Thirteen Reasons Why but the whole idea for the book is so amazing and new that I need to list it as a favorite. THE FAULT IN OUR STARS will forever be my favorite book. I would give my soul (if I had one) away for this book. Seriously it's the most wonderfully soul crushing book I have ever read in my life and it's going to be forever on my shelf and I cannot live without it.
I somehow ended up lucking out when it came to contemporary this year. It's not one of my go-to genres but as you can obviously see, I had a lot of luck. So Over You was one of my first books of the year and yes I fell in love with the main character's snark and her refreshing voice. Criminal surprised me as well. I hadn't expected to fall in love with it but I did. This story is not a romance but it is about growing as a person. To finally be able to stand up for yourself. Speechless kind of just left me speechless (bad pun intended). Like Criminal, it involved a lot of character growth when it came to the main character. My love for Looking for Alibrandi did not surprise me, it was by Marchetta, of course I would love it. But unlike most people, I did not consider it one of her weaker works. Most of her books tend to somewhat depressing but this one was so full of life, it really was about coming of age. Having read another book by Kirby and not enjoying it, I was a little worried about Golden but Golden was great. Again, another wonderful coming of age story. How to Love was heartwarming. That is all I have to say. It made my heart soar and made me want to fly. I probably wouldn't have read Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe had it not been for Sam @ Realm of Fiction. Her love for the book encouraged me to pick it up and what can I say? I fell hopelessly in love as well. The Piper's Son was not exactly one of Marchetta's weaker works but after giving all of her contemporaries 5's, I ended up giving this one a four. But hey, seeing that in spite of that, it's still on my list, that counts for something. The Dreamer is by one of my favorite childhood authors and boy I don't have anything to say about it. It was emotionally draining and made me want to curl up into a ball.
Paulina's pick(s):
I was very lucky to receive What She Left Behind signed. I loved this book, it's amazing the emotions that Sara the main character expresses is really fantastic. I suggest everyone should get a copy. Broken Soup is a really great fast read. I think I'm being biased for this book as it's set in England and I don't tend to read many books set where I live and it was a nice change to actually understand some of the slang and streets. There are quite a bit of stuff that annoys me about Thirteen Reasons Why but the whole idea for the book is so amazing and new that I need to list it as a favorite. THE FAULT IN OUR STARS will forever be my favorite book. I would give my soul (if I had one) away for this book. Seriously it's the most wonderfully soul crushing book I have ever read in my life and it's going to be forever on my shelf and I cannot live without it.
Paranormal
Rashika's pick(s):
I read Sanctum very early in the year and fell in love withMalachi the book. It's a wonderful story about friendship and there is tons of creepy stuff and an awesome romance. What else can a girl want? Another Little Piece on the other hand blew my mind. It was so hauntingly original and beautiful. It confused me, messed with my brain but it was written so beautifully and in the end it left me mesmerized.
Paulina's Pick(s):
Erm not showing off or anything but Opal was dedicated to me and some other lovely bloggers after winning a competition. Seriously open the book and you will find my name ;). I've enjoyed the entire Lux series from the start so it's not a surprise that I count Opal as one of my favorites. My Soul To Take not only has a beautiful cover it also has a great story line. Finale was a great end to a wonderful series. I loved the entire Hush Hush saga and I started reading the first book years ago. I was so glad to have finally found out the ending this year.
I read Sanctum very early in the year and fell in love with
Paulina's Pick(s):
Erm not showing off or anything but Opal was dedicated to me and some other lovely bloggers after winning a competition. Seriously open the book and you will find my name ;). I've enjoyed the entire Lux series from the start so it's not a surprise that I count Opal as one of my favorites. My Soul To Take not only has a beautiful cover it also has a great story line. Finale was a great end to a wonderful series. I loved the entire Hush Hush saga and I started reading the first book years ago. I was so glad to have finally found out the ending this year.
Fantasy
Rashika's Pick(s):
Assassin Nuns? Count me in. Grave Mercy easily became one of my favorites of the year. With a strong female lead and it's dark atmosphere, it was creative and original and I loved it. Impossible was actually very different from Grave Mercy. It was more like a modern fairy tale but it wasn't in the least bit fluffy. It dealt with teen pregnancy, which at first was off putting since I hadn't read any books that dealt with the issue before and I was a little worried about how it work work with a fairy tale but the author pulled it off wonderfully.
Paulina's Pick(s):
Rashika and I read Anna Dressed In Blood together. I enjoyed it a lot although I was disappointed with the lack of horror in this book. I legitimately thought I would be terrified of this book but sadly no.
Beautiful Disaster isn't that high on my list of favorites only because for me it lacks originality. It's the same bad boy wants good girl routine. But the book is written amazingly therefore it deserves to be on my list.
I read Sins & Needles because hello, Karina Halle. I am a huge fan and she didn't disappoint with this one. I have yet to read the next two books, even though they are already out, but I will, soon. As a second chance romance (which basically means that two people who have a past give it a second shot) junkie, I lucked out with Spring Fever and Nowhere but Home. Surprisingly, the two stories are actually different from each other. Spring Fever deals more with family and saving a business while Nowhere but Home deals with a girl finally learning to accept herself. The latter doesn't focus much on the romance but in both books the romance is developed so sweetly.
Rashika's Pick(s):
The Princess Bride was ummm. How do I actually explain the genuineness of the author? How do I fangirl over this story in a coherent manner when after I finished it all I could think about was how I would read this to my grandkids (this is actually shows how mind boggled I was since I am still like 16). I cannot. Therefore I won't say anything else. Daddy-Long-Legs was a classic, one I willingly read no less, and one I knew I would love, which I did. It is SO HEARTWARMING. The letters Judy writes made me laugh and the ending. Oh dear the ending. I cannot.
Assassin Nuns? Count me in. Grave Mercy easily became one of my favorites of the year. With a strong female lead and it's dark atmosphere, it was creative and original and I loved it. Impossible was actually very different from Grave Mercy. It was more like a modern fairy tale but it wasn't in the least bit fluffy. It dealt with teen pregnancy, which at first was off putting since I hadn't read any books that dealt with the issue before and I was a little worried about how it work work with a fairy tale but the author pulled it off wonderfully.
Paulina's Pick(s):
Rashika and I read Anna Dressed In Blood together. I enjoyed it a lot although I was disappointed with the lack of horror in this book. I legitimately thought I would be terrified of this book but sadly no.
New Adult
Contemporary
Paulina's Pick(s):
Beautiful Disaster isn't that high on my list of favorites only because for me it lacks originality. It's the same bad boy wants good girl routine. But the book is written amazingly therefore it deserves to be on my list.
Adult
Contemporary
Rashika's Pick(s):
I read Sins & Needles because hello, Karina Halle. I am a huge fan and she didn't disappoint with this one. I have yet to read the next two books, even though they are already out, but I will, soon. As a second chance romance (which basically means that two people who have a past give it a second shot) junkie, I lucked out with Spring Fever and Nowhere but Home. Surprisingly, the two stories are actually different from each other. Spring Fever deals more with family and saving a business while Nowhere but Home deals with a girl finally learning to accept herself. The latter doesn't focus much on the romance but in both books the romance is developed so sweetly.
Paranormal
Rashika's Pick(s):
The Kingdom was the second book in the Graveyard Queen series, which I discovered this year. It somehow ended up being my favorite book despite the fact that there wasn't any Devlin in it. The series as a whole is one of my favorites with it's originality and creepiness. Omens was fantastic. Again it was creepy and original and Kelley always has the best male leads so there is that (I can be shallow).
Rashika's Pick(s):
The Kingdom was the second book in the Graveyard Queen series, which I discovered this year. It somehow ended up being my favorite book despite the fact that there wasn't any Devlin in it. The series as a whole is one of my favorites with it's originality and creepiness. Omens was fantastic. Again it was creepy and original and Kelley always has the best male leads so there is that (I can be shallow).
Science Fiction
Rashika's Pick(s):
Rashika's Pick(s):
The Mad Scientist's Daughter was a story I knew would break my heart. And it did. I was an emotional mess after reading it. It was a heartbreaking story that in spite of the amount of angst, managed to get under my skin and found it's way to my heart. I won't be forgetting it anytime soon.
Other
Rashika's Pick(s):
The Princess Bride was ummm. How do I actually explain the genuineness of the author? How do I fangirl over this story in a coherent manner when after I finished it all I could think about was how I would read this to my grandkids (this is actually shows how mind boggled I was since I am still like 16). I cannot. Therefore I won't say anything else. Daddy-Long-Legs was a classic, one I willingly read no less, and one I knew I would love, which I did. It is SO HEARTWARMING. The letters Judy writes made me laugh and the ending. Oh dear the ending. I cannot.
Through the Ever Night was definitely a strong sequel. I enjoyed Grave Mercy, but I have to admit that I liked the sequel/companion more. Altered was such a fun read! I wish there was more sci-fi YA out there. I like TFioS, but wasn't as blown away by it as everyone else seem to be. The Host was such a surprising read! I still can't believe it's written by the same author who wrote the Twilight saga. Ooh, The Kingdom was awesome! Not my usual type of read, but so, so good!
ReplyDeleteMy love for Gavriel and and Ismae won't let me pick the sequel up :P I don't like it when the POV changes but most people loved the sequel. I KNOW RIGHT? I cannot find Sci-fic YA similar to Altered and not for the lack of trying. The series as a whole is AWESOME :D I am dying for the 4th book .-.
ReplyDeleteRashika, I have to say, I'm in the exact opposite position as you! I read fewer books than I read last year (a totally measly number compared to your 377!!), but I read a lot more favorites, so it was nearly impossible to choose my favorites, ugh.
ReplyDeleteI felt the same way about Through the Ever Night!! I was really worried it wouldn't live up to the first book, which I utterly adored, but it truly did. I'm glad that you enjoyed Speechless, because that one left me speechless as well! ;) I couldn't really love How to Love, which I just finished up actually, but I definitely see the appeal for others. Plus, I read Golden this year as well and really liked it! I remember reading The Dreamer suuuuch a long time ago, but I do recall feeling the same way as you. Also, YAY for Grave Mercy! That was one of my favorites last year, and the sequel definitely has honorable mention for me. ;)
Paulina, YAY for finally finishing the Hunger Games this year! I really didn't like Mockingjay, but Catching Fire is my favorite of the series, and that was only reinforced by the movie!! I think I may have enjoyed Thirteen Reasons Why a little more than you, because that book utterly shattered me last year, and it was near the top of my post last year as well. All the love. <3 Also, it's SO COOL that your name is in Opal!! I'm jealous! I really do need to start that series, though. It's also great that you enjoyed Anna Dressed in Blood. I actually was pretty satisfied with the horror aspect for that novel, but I can see how it was lacking for you. =)
AWESOME picks you two!! I hope your 2014 is filled with even MORE awesome books! <3
So many of my own favourites! I really enjoyed Altered and Through the Ever Night too. Sanctum, The Piper's Son and Looking for Alibrandi were all great reads for me. And wow, you're in the Opal dedications, Paulina? That's so cool! Congrats! I'm thrilled that you gave Aristotle and Dante a chance, Rashika, and I'm SO glad that you loved it too. It's such a special book. I plan to re-read it sometime next year. :)
ReplyDeleteIt's a lot nicer to read 'more favorites' :P last year I had 32 I think. Oh... I just saw the relationship between the two numbers, how interesting. Coincidence? I THINK NOT :P
ReplyDeleteHow to Love works for me because it deals with Teen Pregnancy in such an interesting way and the characters are actually 'good people'. Reena wasn't rebelling. Sawyer isn't a typical bad boy. He has issues but he was never a huge asshole (IMO). I can see why it didn't work for other people though :) The Dreamer was heartbreaking. LOL everyone loves Dark Triumph more than Grave Mercy but I still cannot bring myself to read it :P
I re-read it quite a bit or well the ending anyway :D I am going to re-read it soon.... and get myself a copy to fawn over since the copy I read came from the library.
ReplyDelete