Wednesday, December 23, 2015

Best of 2015


The end of the year is upon us and that means Best Of lists. Today I am going to talk about my favouite books of 2015. They may not be released in 2015 so a more accurate title might be "The Best I Read In 2015". From now until the end of the year I'll have a bunch of fun 2015 round up posts, as well a post or 2 looking forward to 2016.

In no particular order, here are my fave books of 2015. I kept it as short as I could and will only list the top 20 from the year. This was hard! They each link to my review (where posted, some will be up in early 2016) if you want to know what I thought on more detail.

1 Me Before You by Jojo Moyes

I will be forever thankful for Will and Lou's story. It's a story that left me a sobbing mess but so thankful for the life I get to live. It's breathtakingly beautiful, and incredibly sad all at once. You'll fall in love with not just Lou and Will but their love story as well.

2 A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J Maas

A surprising, sexy, and deliciously decadent twist on the Beauty and the Beast story that proves Sarah J Maas is a force in the YA fantasy genre. The wait for the next instalment will be torture but one that is certainly going to be worth the wait.

3 Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard

Victoria Aveyard's stunning debut was certainly buzz worthy this year. An attention grabbing cover, and plenty of pre-release chatter made it impossible to not be curious about this one. The book inside that beautiful cover showed that it deserved all of the hype. A novel whose heartbeat is betrayal, and a world that is only just being to be fleshed out will ensure that you're desperate to get your hands on it's sequel.

4 Dumplin' by Julie Murphy

This is a book that leaves your heart ten times fuller than when you started reading. A novel that embraces the differences in all of us as something to be cheered. A novel that reminds you everyone has those moments of insecurity, even if it doesn't seem like it from the outside looking in. It's such a positive, smile inducing read that you'll immediately want to read it again (and eat some red cherry suckers).

5 Truly, Madly, Famously by Rebecca Serle

Rebecca ends her romantic, sexy, Hollywood set series in a way that is prefect. It's perfect for the world these characters live in, and the characters themselves. She also paints this Hollywood set novel with more than a dose of reality and adds a depth to Paige that makes this story deeper and more complex than it appears at first glance. 

6 Simon Vs The Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli

This novel leaves you wanting to be a little kinder to those around you, and blissfully sighing as you devour Oreo cookies. This feel good read is perfect for those looking for a sweet, romantic read that also has a heavy dose of insight. Filled with quote worthy lines, Becky is a bright new talent that I cannot wait to read more from.

7 Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo

A fast paced thrill ride that also includes some unforgettable characters? No wonder this series is quickly being an obsession for a lot of readers. Romance, action, intrigue, and high stakes all ensure that you're glued to the pages and immediately begging for more once you've turned that final page. I dare say it's shows even more promise than her previous Grisha series.

8 Kill The Boy Band by Goldy Moldavsky

Since this one doesn't come out until next year, I won't say much about it. My review will go up closer to release but believe me when I say you need this book! A darkly funny novel that is a twisted love letter to the power of fangirls and a strong message to never underestimate them. It's highly reminiscent of Heathers and is completely unforgettable. Goldy is a new auto buy author, and I cannot wait for everyone to see why.

9 Anne and Henry by Dawn Ius

This modern twist on Anne and Henry is sexy, intense and addictive. Bold, and unforgettable it comes complete with a lightening bolt of an ending that is filled with cinematic flair. It's the type of book that makes you NEED to talk about it. Dawn's writing is sharp and has me eager to read whatever she writes next. 

10 I Was Here by Gayle Forman

A story of grief, love, death, and most importantly life. This novel is classic Gayle Forman in that she makes you feel all of the emotions, and sometimes all of them at once. It's a surprisingly hopeful story and one that resonates deeply. 

11 Tear You Apart by Sarah Cross

A darkly seductive twist on the Snow White tale that will leave you as entranced as it leaves you unsettled. The world Sarah Cross has created is one I could return to again and again. She blends these fairytales together flawlessly and gives us a dark look at some of our favourites.

12 My Diary From The Edge Of The World by Jodi Lynn Anderson

Jodi Lynn Anderson has some of the most beautiful writing I've ever read (seriously, read Tiger Lily) and this middle grade novel is exactly what younger me would have been obsessed with. A novel filled with fantasy elements that twist together with a more contemporary feel. This is a story of a family at it's heart - it's just one that happens to be dealing with dragons, Dark Clouds, and more. It's whimsical and will break your heart.

13 A Darker Shade of Magic by VE Schwab

If A Darker Shade of Magic showed me anything it's that Victoria Schwab is capable of moving between middle grade, YA, and Adult with appeared ease. This showcases what an immense talent she is, and each of her books are better than the last. A Darker Shade of Magic is spellbinding and will leave you eager to take another journey through the many Londons that are the setting for this exceptional fantasy novel.

14 The Royal We by Heather Cocks and Jessica Morgan

A fun, frothy, romantic story that is perfect for anyone obsessed with the British royal family. This story was obviously inspired by Will and Kate's love story and you will be obsessed. It's got the right balance of humour, characterization, heart, and romance to keep you enthralled. You'll be begging for a companion novel starring Freddie by the end, and let's hope 2016 grants us that wish.

15 When We Collided by Emery Lord

Another 2016 book that will be reviewed closer to release. For now all I will say is that you will love this book. You'll love Jonah. You'll love Vivi. You'll love Emery for writing it. Vivi is a complicated girl and that makes her all the more special. This story is filled with heart, so much so that it feels raw at times. Emery put everything into this novel, and it shows. Do not miss it in 2016.

16 Blood and Salt by Kim Liggett

A sexy, unsettling read that is filled with a rich back story and the kind of mythology that takes your breath away. The ending twists also set up one heck of a sequel that you'll be needing to get your hands on. This novel is perfect for those fall evenings near Halloween that make you believe, even if just for a second, that ghosts, ghouls and other beings aren't so impossible.

17 Fans Of The Impossible Life by Kate Scelsa

A novel that brings forth comparisons to Perks of Being A Wallflower. It's filled with complex, complicated characters who make mistakes. They're messy and achingly realistic. You can feel the heartbeat of this story and it's beautiful writing only adds the flourish to an already fantastic read.

18 Queen of Shadows by Sarah J Maas

I have not gotten a review for this one up yet (look for it in early 2016) but Sarah is the only author to have TWO books on my list. Sarah continues to surprise me with this series. She peels another layer back on the world, the characters and the plot with each novel she writes. She manages to rip your heart out and make you like it at the same time. If you haven't started this series, do so immediately. 

19 The Summer of Chasing Mermaids by Sarah Ockler

A quiet, but powerful novel that managed to sneak up on me. It's beautifully written and filled with a beautiful message. This story of a girl finding her (metaphorical) voice will resonate deeply for anyone who has struggled to be heard. Fans of The Little Mermaid will love the nods to the classic tale (especially the Disney version) but this stands on it's own as a worthy, more contemporary retelling (that has just a little bit of magic itself).

20 Hello? by Liza Wiemer

A novel that shows what can come from a simple hello, and how human connections can be the most powerful thing of all. Liza weaves together multiple narration types to create something truly special. This uniquely written story is perfect for fans of contemporary YA and should be on your list if you're a fan of that genre.

What book is your favourite of 2015? Any of mine make your list, too? Let me know in the comments.

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