YA Book
Top Ten Tuesday: Standalone Books That Need Sequels
It’s been a long while since I participated in a Top Ten Tuesday post but I’ve been slowly getting out of this awful slump and would like to churn out more content than I have been! Plus this is a fun topic! Also before we begin just a little side note here: I believe all of the books on this list were wrapped up nicely and do by no means REQUIRE a sequel, but it’d be nice if they had one.
These books are listed in no particular order and if I have a full review available I will link it.
Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme created by The Broke and the Bookish.
It has now been moved over to That Artsy Reader Girl.
ARC Review: Strange Grace by Tessa Gratton
ARC Review: Girl at the Grave by Teri Bailey Black
ARC Review: Ace of Shades (The Shadow Game #1) by Amanda Foody
Book Review: Daughter of the Burning City by Amanda Foody
Top Ten Tuesday: Books I Can’t Believe I Read and Loved!
Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme created by The Broke and the Bookish.
It has now been moved over to That Artsy Reader Girl.
This week’s theme is pretty broad you can do any spin on it that you can think of! It’s books you can’t believe you read, I decided to go with an easy one and just do a list of books that are kind of out of my comfort zone that I ended up enjoying.
I will include reviews if I have them, these aren’t in any particular order.
10.) Queens of Geek by Jen Wilde
Normally I do not read contemporaries, ESPECIALLY if they’re romance focused so “Queens of Geek” didn’t seem like a book I’d enjoy. However, I was very surprised by how much I loved it! The romances were adorable, the anxiety rep was amazing, and the diversity is off the charts. Fantastic book overall and I’m so happy I gave it a read.
You can read my full review here.
9.) The Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue by Mackenzi Lee
I don’t usually read historical fiction, I find it can be a little too slow paced for me but this was an exception because it’s very fast paced and FUN! Definitely a book I didn’t think I would read!
You can read my full review here.
8.) Paper Princess by Erin Watt
If I was listing these in an actual order this would probably be #1 because it is so far from what I normally read, I didn’t think I would EVER read this but I borrowed it from the library to give it a try. I was surprised by how addicting this story was and how much fun I had reading it, it’s like reading a soap opera!
You can read my mini review here.
7.) Heartless by Marissa Meyer
This is only on the “can’t believe” list because I didn’t love “Cinder” and I could not understand what the big deal with this author was. So when she released this standalone back in 2016 I wasn’t sure if I’d like it or not, but I’m a sucker for Alice in Wonderland retellings so I gave it a go. I was pleasantly surprised by how enjoyable it ended up being in the end!
You can read my full review here.
6.) The Winner’s Curse by Marie Rutkoski
So…a YA Fantasy with a girl in a ballroom gown on the front, I NEVER would have guessed it would have been as amazing and badass as it was. Kestrel, the MC, definitely matches the cover but she isn’t a damsel in distress either, loved her!
You can read my full review here.
5.) The Forbidden Wish by Jessica Khoury
As I already kind of mentioned, I don’t go for books that appear to be romance-heavy either by the cover or synopsis and “The Forbidden Wish” kind of appears to be romance-heavy. However, while the romance is a big part it’s such a “ship-worthy” romance and also the women in this book are total badasses! Very glad I read this one!
You can read my full review here.
4.) Lips Touch: Three Times by Laini Taylor
This is a book that you shouldn’t judge by it’s cover because honestly, the cover makes it seem very cheesy. But the three short stories within are very unique, well-written, and just downright awesome and I’m glad I made time for them!
You can read my full review here.
3.) The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
This book comes very hyped and very recommended by tons of people but normally slow paced, atmospheric books are not my jam. I’m glad I made an exception for this one though because it’s beautiful and very much worth my time.
2.) The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater
I have to say that I completely misjudged this book and I blame the synopsis, which makes it sound like this book is all about true love, insta-love, and kissing boys. Which is why I DIDN’T want to read it but I am so glad I finally caved because this book might be about a kiss but that really isn’t even half of it, there’s magic and mystery and some amazing characters! I could rave all day.
You can read my full review here.
1.) The Wrath & The Dawn by Renee Ahdieh
Once again, a book that SEEMS like it’s all about that romance (which it kind of is) but is actually filled with badass women and magic too. Definitely loved this book a TON and didn’t think I would at all!
Have you read any of these as well? What did you think?
What are some books you can’t believe you read (positive/negative)?
Let me know in the comments!
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Top Ten Tuesday: New To Me Authors I Read in 2017
Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish.
Of course I read quite a few new authors this last year but these are the top ten that made the biggest impression on me! They are in no particular order and I will link to the reviews I have of their books.
10.) Angie Thomas (The Hate U Give)
After reading the amazing masterpiece that is “The Hate U Give” I am fully prepared to read anything and everything Angie Thomas writes! While I was reading I could not believe that this was her debut novel, she definitely writes like a seasoned pro.
(You can read my full review here)
9.) Pierce Brown (Red Rising)
Why did it take me so long to read his books?! Why?! There is such a wonderful blend of twists, fantasy, sci-fi, and just overall emotions in this book. He wrote such excellent characters and I fell in love with them! I am ready for more heartbreak, bring on the rest of the trilogy!
(You can read my full review here)
8.) Sabaa Tahir (An Ember in the Ashes)
Once again I am ashamed that I didn’t read this book immediately because it was amazing. The world that Sabaa Tahir created is brutal, shocking, and full of twists but there are also hints of magic and fantastic characters. I’m not only really excited to read the sequel (and rest of the series) but also anything she writes in the future as well.
(You can read my full review here)
7.) Jen Wilde (Queens of Geek)
Not my usual genre whatsoever as it is not only contemporary but also romance, however, it was fantastic. There was loads of diversity, I found the anxiety rep to be on point, lots of geekiness, and in general just a great book. I am really excited to read her upcoming book “The Brightsiders” and anything else she writes!
(You can read my full review here)
6.) Mackenzi Lee (The Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue)
While I do own another of Lee’s books, “This Monstrous Thing”, this was the first book I have read by her. This book was incredibly well written, fast paced, and downright fun! Her characters had a ton of personality and I’m very excited for her future books.
(You can read my full review here)
5.) Hillary Monahan (The Hollow Girl & Mary: The Summoning)
I actually read two books by Monahan this year because one was an ARC and the other was for Halloween! However, after reading “The Hollow Girl” I knew I would want to read her other books and was not disappointed with either of them. She definitely knows how to write horror well!
(You can read my full review of “The Hollow Girl” here)
(You can read my full review of “Mary: The Summoning” here)
4.) Margaret Rogerson (An Enchantment of Ravens)
I am so happy I decided to pick up this debut novel because Rogerson’s writing is so lyrical and beautiful! She also created a wonderful fantasy world in such a short amount of pages, I am excited to see what else she will come up with!
(You can read my full review here)
3.) Amanda Hocking (Between the Blade and the Heart)
This was such a fast paced, fun read that was filled to the brim with great mythologies and world building. I’m not only excited to continue this series but also to check out Hocking’s other books as well.
(You can read my full review here)
2.) Olivia A. Cole (A Conspiracy of Stars)
I think I could gush about this book forever! The vivid and creative world building is some of the best I’ve seen especially in a sci-fi book, the creatures and planet were described so well and all of it’s unique! I am PUMPED to read the sequel and of course any of her future books too.
(You can read my full review here)
1.) Jodi Lynn Anderson (Tiger Lily)
I loved this book it was a very somber but beautiful retelling of Peter Pan and some of Anderson’s other books also sound very creative too. I think I’m more excited to see some more retellings from her though.
(You can read my full review here)
Have you read any of these books before? What did you think?
Have you read anything by any of these authors before?
Who were some of your favorite new to you authors in 2017?
Let me know in the comments!
5 Star TBR Predictions
I saw a video on Regan’s channel Peruse Project that was “5 Star TBR Predictions” and it looked like so much fun so I thought I would give it a shot as well! Basically I will be picking books off of my TBR that I believe will be 5 star reads for me, I don’t rate a ton of books 5 stars they have to be PERFECTION for that. Hopefully I won’t be setting the bar too high for these and will still enjoy them when I get to them!
Strange The Dreamer by Laini Taylor
So I have read two other books of Laini’s and ADORED them so with that alongside the fact that the synopsis sounds amazing for this book I can pretty much guarantee I’ll love it. The writing will be A+ because ya know….it’s Laini Taylor and she writes so beautifully plus her unique world building and mythology is always good too so really I can’t think of a single reason why this book wouldn’t be a five star read for me.
The Final Empire by Brandon Sanderson
I’ve honestly heard nothing but good things about this book (and series) and I KNOW Sanderson is a fantastic fantasy author and I’m positive this book will include a great magic system and a unique plot and world. For me a good fantasy book will have great world building and I just feel like Sanderson will deliver that. Therefore I have a pretty good feeling I’ll end up rating this a full five stars.
The Child Thief by Brom
“Peter Pan” is pretty much my FAVORITE fairy tale/ story and I’m pretty much down for any kind of retelling of it. I also LOVE dark retellings and “The Child Thief” is definitely a very dark retelling. I’m really hoping it’ll be a great, unique retelling with a creative spin on Peter Pan and also full of dark happenings. If that all proves true I’ll probably be rating it 5 stars!
Eon by Alison Goodman
Not only have I heard quite a few good things about this book/duology but the premise just sounds like something I know I’ll love: dragons + a badass female protagonist. I also cheated a bit and started reading part of it and really enjoyed what I read!
Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller
I think the idea of a “retelling” of “The Iliad” is very creative and unique so I’m all for it! I also like that it’s a M/M romance between Achilles and Patroclus, honestly I just know everything from the setting to the characters will more than likely be 5 stars for me.
Now I Rise by Kiersten White
I absolutely LOVED the first book, I thought the characters were absolutely fantastic and all of the political intrigue was fascinating. I expect nothing less from the sequel!
Little Monsters by Kara Thomas
I really loved Thomas’s book “The Darkest Corners” it was so suspenseful, dark, and twisted. I think this one sounds just as twisted and I’m super excited to read it, if it’s as dark as the other book I will more than likely be giving it a full 5 star rating!
Golden Son by Pierce Brown
If you’ve read “Red Rising” you’ll understand why this is going to be a 5 star read. Bring it on, I’m ready to be emotionally destroyed again.
Kinslayer by Jay Kristoff
“Stormdancer” was A-MA-ZING with all of the plot twists, world building, and badass characters! Honestly I’m expecting the sequel to at least be just as good, and if it is it is a definite 5 star rating from this girl!
Dear Martin by Nic Stone
I’m very, very excited to read this book especially since it seems similar to “The Hate U Give” which I thought was an amazing, powerful book. I expect nothing less from “Dear Martin” I’m extremely confident that I will love it. I’m actually going to be reading it here within the next two weeks as I got it from the library!
Have you read any of these books? What did you think?
What are some books on your TBR that you think will be 5 star reads?
Let me know in the comments!
Top Ten Tuesday: Great Reads That I’m Thankful For!
Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish.
Since U.S. Thanksgiving is this coming Thursday this week’s theme is books/bookish things we are thankful for! There are plenty of books out there that I’m thankful for but these are a few that just really stick out for me!
I will link reviews for each title if I have one and these are in no particular order!
10.) Stormdancer by Jay Kristoff
This was the first book I read by Jay Kristoff and I am thankful for it because I found him and he’s now one of my favorite authors! He’ writes very beautifully but also NEVER fails to throw in a ridiculous amount of shocking twists and turns, and he also knows how to write a badass female protagonist! “Stormdancer” has great world building, a badass heroine, a talking animal companion, and an intense/action packed plot. What more can I ask for?
You can read my full review for “Stormdancer” here.
9.) The Diabolic by S.J. Kincaid
I’m thankful for “The Diabolic” because it’s a book that really got me interested in reading more YA sci-fi, which I was always interested in but now it’s a favorite genre of mine! This book also had tons of action, another badass heroine, political intrigue, and a romance I could actually ship!
You can read my full review for “The Diabolic” here.
8.) Vicious by V.E. Schwab
This book is unlike anything I’ve ever read before and I highly doubt there’s anything even close to it out there in the book world either. It’s got morally gray characters with super human powers along with an “edge of your seat” plot line, I need the sequel desperately. Schwab’s writing is absolutely fantastic and I will pretty much read anything and everything she writes. I’m thankful for her because she puts out so much unique and creative content!
You can read my full review of “Vicious” here.
7.) Night Film by Marisha Pessl
It’s a perfect blend of horror and mystery and thriller, seriously this book was like winning the jackpot for me. There was plenty of suspense and I just adored it to bits and pieces, I am really hoping Pessl will release something just as good soon!
6.) The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas
I don’t think I need to explain why I’m thankful for this gem, this is such a powerful and beautifully written book and I think it deserves to be read by everyone.
You can read my full review of “The Hate U Give” here.
5.) Red Rising by Pierce Brown
I’m thankful I finally read this amazing book! It’s such an awesome blend of some of my favorite genres such as fantasy and sci-fi, but it’s also full of great characters (that I became overly attached to) and shocking plot twists. THIS BOOK IS AMAZING!
You can read my full review of “Red Rising” here.
4.) An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir
This is a brutal book full of some great world building and even greater characters, there are some magical elements as well. This BOOK kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time and it’s just great, I need to read the sequel!
You can read my full review of “An Ember in the Ashes” here.
3.) Every Heart A Doorway by Seanan McGuire
I honestly don’t know how to describe how great this book but it’s about children who came back from other worlds (similar to the Chronicles of Narnia) via different doorways and learn to cope at a home with other children. After reading books such as the Chronicles of Narnia or Harry Potter as a child I found this book extremely relatable and very magical as well.
You can read my full review of “Every Heart A Doorway” here.
2.) The Wicked + The Divine Series by Kieron Gillen
One of my absolute favorite graphic novels series I am SO thankful I found! The plot is intriguing, the characters are all amazing, and the art is stunning!
You can read my full review for Volume 1 here.
1.) Queens of Geek by Jen Wilde
I’m very thankful for this beautiful book right here not only because it’s incredibly diverse and has a TON of pop culture/geeky references but because the anxiety rep was so spot on. I thought it was so great to see a main character with anxiety being represented so well, since it’s something I suffer from as well and it was just very relatable.
You can read my full review of “Queens of Geek” here.
What are some books you’re thankful for?
Have you read any of these, what did you think?
Let me know in the comments!
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