Narrowing it down to ten is nearly impossible. There were so many fantastic books this year, it was immensely difficult to choose. Here are the ones that stood out. (in no particular order)
The Gilded Ones
I loved it! It is deliciously complex and as far as book 1 in a series goes this one brought it all! This Western Africa inspired world gave me all the depth that I love this continent for. It’s brutal, it’s brave, it’s honest. This is in no way a ‘fluffy feel good read’ – it’s an empowering one. This book holds up a mirror to a society that doesn’t just physically oppress women, but alienate them for being different as well.
A complex magic system, cunning politics and a sweet, blossoming young love. This is YA fantasy at its best!
@namina.forna is a force to be reckoned with and I cannot wait to see what she has instore for us in the second book.
Ace of Spades
I can’t stop gushing about this book. It is everything and more and deserve all the hype it is getting. I was so engrossed in this story, I was shaking while reading.
Gossip girl meets Pretty little liars in a twisted tale of racism and homophobia. I was crying at the vividly descriptive, horrific events that read so captivating, screaming at the unfairness that takes place on these pages and spent hours and hours discussing the contents with my husband (and anyone who was willing to listen) This book has absolutely changed my life and will stay with me forever.
If you haven’t read it yet, what is stopping you?
This Poison Heart
Okay, I’m OBSESSED with this book! Cinderella is Dead is good, but this one is PHENOMENAL! We all know I’m a bit of a scaredy cat when it comes to spooky reads, but this one was absolutely perfect. Modern day sass to balance out the gothic atmosphere, Bayron once again magically crafted a enthralling storyline. With loveable and relatable characters, fantastic plot twists and a cliffhanger that still has me nursing my bookhangover. I cannot wait for the sequel.
The Bridge kingdom
I did not expect to love this series as much as I do. Fantastic world building with panic inducing plot twists had me forgetting I was audio booking this one in the gym! WOW!!! I am definitely a fan, and busy with book three, Danielle Jensen has yet to disappoint. This world with it’s politics and culture rich characters is nothing short of mesmerizing.
Amari and the Night Brothers
I am absolutely in love with the world B.B. Alston has created. This was one of my most anticipated releases of the year, and I am so happy it lived up to my expectations.
Amari is such an amazing character, resilient and loyal, that you cannot help but get attached to her. I can’t wait to go on more adventures with her. When her brother goes missing, Amari refuses to give up on him. She will bring him home. When she discovers he had secretly been working at the Bureau of Supernatural affairs and nominated her for the summer camp, she jumped at the opportunity to investigate. But Amari soon found that the supernatural world and the real world can be equally prejudice.
Alston writes in such a captivating manner, I simply couldn’t put it down. I adore this world and detail that went into creating it. From the talking elevators to the individual departments. This world is vivid and bright and pulls you in! It is a must read for young and old.
These Hollow Vows
Selection meets A Court of Thorns and Roses and it’s absolutely mind blowing.
I caught this one on audio and the narration was just perfect! I love the story, I love the characters, I love the intrigue and the secrets. And boy that ending!!! I’m so happy there will be a second book because I’m most likely going to be revisiting this storyworld often!!!
I love it when the audiobook performance is done so well you don’t realize someone else is actually reading. Every fell away and I was just living in this storyworld. I am absolutely blown away.
The Hawthorne Legacy
The sequel to the Inheritance games was EPIC!!! Adding conspiracy to the already complex puzzle was GENIUS! This is edge of your seat kind of writing that had me super psyched about this series. Jennifer Lynn Barnes is definitely an expert puzzler and would beat the likes of Amy Santiago (Brooklyn99) any day. I thoroughly enjoyed trying to solve this mystery, and LOVE the fact that she was able to blow my mind a second time. I’m beyond intrigued to see what the Final Gambit has instore for us.
Realm Breaker
I’m so grateful that I didn’t rush this one. The pressure to get through books in a few days often takes the joy out reading them. But by taking my time and savoring every page, @victoriaaveyard once again reminded me why I fell in love with stories.
Spindle touched or spindle rotten, there is something in this book for everyone. And dare I say my new favorite assassin. Filled with legends, adventures, pirates, assassins, queens and knights, witches and gods. This book has it all!
Aveyard once again crafted a complex story tapestry that had me guessing and speculating throughout. Although most of this book is simply a build up, it is well paced and very descriptive. I found myself marveling at these majestic, ancient cities she so perfectly created.
I can’t wait to see what else she has in store for us, as the biggest part of the story is yet to unfold. But based on what I know of her, I am assuming she will take us on yet another roller-coaster as only she can.
Legend Born
Exhilarating, legendary and mindblowing plot twists!
This book is absolutely worth all the hype it is getting. When legends are more than they seem, this book brings a bit of a dark academia vibe to it despite the bright cover. Secret societies, legends and trials, light vs dark, you name it, it has it.
I didn’t want this book to end. Luckily there is a sequel in the works and I can’t wait to dive right back into this one. I don’t want to say too much, because I don’t want to spoil it. But if you haven’t read this yet, do yourself a favor and get a copy!
Tokyo ever after
I am a sucker for a good rom com. And yes they can be extremely predictable, but that is exactly why I love them. The security they offer in knowing that my heart is going to remain whole and filled to the brim on cringy puppy love and witty banter.
And Tokyo ever after brought it! It reads a lot like what a girl wants (the movie) but with more serious modern day issues carefully woven into the story tapestry. It gives you all the feels. Rich in Japanese culture, I found myself dreaming of visiting some of the beautifully described places. The author has simply blown me away.
Reading Caffeinated 