Monday, December 22, 2014

Top 10 of 2014: Best Books I've Read In 2014 (+) 1 Honorable


Hi guys, I'm so excited to be bringing you the first glimpse into a week long filled with looking back and looking forward in the world of books! Seriously, what could be better than that?! I've read so many books this year that it was insanely hard to pick just ten of them, but I did the best I could to cull back the list just a bit. This was the year that I discovered Brandon Sanderson's Mistborn series and started reading the first book in it and I also became quite obsessed with Samantha Shannon's The Bone Season series and kind of couldn't help but recommend it to everyone that I've come into contact with...literally!

Anyway, I've had so much fun putting all of these lists together and I can't wait to share them with you, which is what we're all here for right?! So, for today's we're going to check out my...

Top 10 Best Books I've Read This Year
(+) Honorable Mention


This Shattered World (Starbound #2) by Aimee Kaufman and Megan Spooner. I seriously love this trilogy, it's absolutely gorgeous and I love that each book focuses on a new starcrossed romance with new characters and a different setting. I can safely say that this was definitely one of my most anticipated YA reads for this year and if you want to check out my review on my Goodreads I would totally love you for it. *g*   

The Bone Season Series by Samantha Shannon. So, oh my gosh! I COULD NOT STOP TALKING ABOUT THESE TWO BOOKS. Once I started reading them, I could not put them down until I was finished with them. They were just that good. Probably one of the most uniquely written dystopian fantasy series that I've read in quite a while. From the beginning until the end it's nonstop action, amazingly phenomenal kickass heroine, and intriguing characters that leave you wondering what's next.


Prisoner of Night and Fog by Ainne Blankman. I read this as an eGalley back at the beginning of the year and fell in love with the way the story was told. One of the most enjoyable aspects of this book for me, was the way that Blankman managed to take a horrific part of history and wove a story around basic facts so well that it came together in such an original and unique way. There is a huge moral fiber woven into the tapestry of this beautifully written and darkly rich satisfying debut that you definitely will not want to miss out on. I would really recommend it, if you are looking for a dark, beautifully written, mystery romance.

Exquisite Captive (Dark Caravan Cycle #1) by Heather Demtrios. I guess this was year for YA Fantasy for me, guys, because MALEK! I mean, what else could I say?! lol. I LOVED THIS BOOK! And, I cannot wait for the next book. It was a dark fantasy about jinni's and magic, which I haven't read about jinni's before so I was happy about that and I loved how well developed all of the characters were and the world building.

Salt & Storm by Kendall Kulper. I think Kendall Kulper totally knocked it out of the park with this debut historical paranormal. I was totally glued to the pages as I was flipping through this eGalley and I know I was up to all hours, because I didn't want to put it down until I'd read what happens next. I fell in love with the history and life that Kulper breathed into the world of whaling, the lifestyle the townspeople lead, and the history of the Roe Witches on Prince Island. This was just really a great book, even though there are mixed reviews all over Goodreads.


This year was so incredibly exciting as far as these two wonderful NA Southern Contemporary romance's go, because they were both written by my best friend and favorite NA author, Molli MoranAs You Turn Away is the first book in the Walker Boys series and One Song Away, is a stand alone that will absolutely leave you breathless once you've read it. I feel so incredibly blessed to have gotten the chance to beta read both of these novels before they were released and I'm even more excited for As We Fall Together (The Walker Boys #1.5), which is a novella that will be released before the second book As You Breathe Again, that will revisit Quinn and Jonah to see where they left off and where they'll be heading to next. The second book in this amazing swoon-worthy series, is going to be Reece's story and and you totally don't want to miss out on that. I had the BEST TIME while reading these two books and I am so incredibly proud of Molli to get finally get to see her dream of being an author come true.


Black Ice by Becca Fitzpatrick. I was beyond thrilled that Becca Fitzpatrick was able to pull off writing such a thrilling, mysterious, dark novel like Black Ice. I really love it when I'm able to find a really good YA romantic thriller, that's done right and this book didn't leave me disappointed in the least little bit. If you are looking for an addictive story filled with terrifying twists and turns, lots of heart pounding action, and some unexpected romantic chances then Black Ice is totally the novel for you.

The Thousand Dollar Tan Line by Rob Thomas and Jennifer Graham. Okay, it's Veronica Mars, how could I not?! And, anyway who doesn't love a fantastic mystery with lots of witty banter, interesting characters, and complicated romance. lol. Plus, it totally put me right in the mood to re-watch the series entirely and watch the movie about 10 (+) more times. I personally loved seeing the grown-up version of Veronica, getting to see all of the old characters back again, and the book read just like you watched a brand new episode of the show too. It was a fantastic way to spend the day, just lazing about and reading a great mystery thriller. 

Mistborn: The Final Empire by Brandon Sanderson. I'm currently in the middle of reading this book right now and I think I stand a pretty good chance of finishing it before the New Year. Oh my gosh! THIS BOOK! EPIC, doesn't even begin to describe it, because it's just that amazing. How have I not read this book already?! Alomancy, metal magic, fantastic fantasy plot twists, and interesting characters. LOVE IT!

So, that's my top favorites, what's yours?!
Let me know in the comments below.

10 comments:

  1. I purchased the Bone Season for my library and can't get students to check it out. Now I know that I must read it first. Thanks for the recommendation.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ah, you're more than welcome. You should totally encourage your students to check it out because it's amazing. It's totally nonstop action. :)

      Delete
  2. Veronica Mars! I'm listening to it right now and loving it! Was shocked her mom came back! Really want to read This Shattered World and Exquisite Captive.

    Best Books I’ve Read in 2014

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh, I know, but I actually liked that part of the book. I liked how it was sort of able to put a little bit of closure on some things for her. Those two books are love! If I were going to recommend any book besides The Bone Season series, I would definitely suggest those two. :)

      Delete
  3. Love your picks! Thanks so much for taking part in the Top 10 of 2014! Looking forward to seeing the rest of your Top 10’s :D
    Hugs,
    Jaime @ Two Chicks On Books


    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Aw, thanks Jaime! I love being part of these events, I was actually anticipating this one all year long. So I totally planned for it and I can't wait to put up the rest. :)

      *hugs back*

      Delete
  4. I haven't read any on your top list, but that cover for Mistborn is so pretty!! :) I've seen it before and I always stop to look at it. Thanks for sharing! Here's my Best Books of 2014 post.

    ReplyDelete
  5. I am so excited to see This Shattered World on your list since I'll be reading it very soon. Black Ice was also really good! Great list.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Totally loved This Shattered World! And Prisoner of Night and Fog was definitely a good read! I've been wanting to check out The Bone Season. And haven't read the Veronica Mars book yet but I totally rewatched the whole show (and movie) last month, haha. Great list, thanks for sharing!

    ReplyDelete

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...
GoodReads Amazon Barnes and Noble LibraryThing Shelfari