Top 15 Books I Read In 2016

The end of the year is upon us and that means Best Of lists. Today I am going to talk about my 15 favouite books of 2016. They may not be released in 2016 (hence the title of the post) but any book I read in 2016 counts.

These are in no particular order (that would be impossible) and each of them link to my review (where applicable).

1 - A Criminal Magic by Lee Kelly

A novel filled with wonder, romance, magic and that special allure of something forbidden. This book puts a fun twist on the prohibition era and creates a world that is unforgettable. A television adaption of this is in the works from Rob Thomas (the creator of Veronica Mars and iZombie) and I cannot wait to see this vivid world brought to life.

2 - Heartless by Marissa Meyer

A whimsical take on Wonderland that captures the essence of Lewis Carroll's original work. Marissa was woven in one of her trademark romances and offers up a heartbreaking look at the woman who would become Queen of Hearts. 

3- Everland by Wendy Spinale

One of the most inventive and imaginative takes on the Peter Pan lore. A story that blends steampunk with the classic story of the boy who would not grow up and does so effortlessly. The world is vividly created, and the story is wonderfully plotted. I am dying for the sequel which further blends steampunk and fairytales together. 

4- Asking For It by Louise O'Neill

An unflinching, brutally, honest look at rape culture, and its impact on how rape survivors are viewed and treated. This is hard to read at times, but so incredibly important. If you want to know why someone would choose to withdraw their complaint, or even not come forward at all, this book will shine a harsh light on the reality they face by coming forward.

5- A Night In With Audrey Hepburn/Marilyn Monroe by Lucy Holliday

I am kind of cheating by including both these books as one entry but it technically makes 15. This series is adorable, and tinged with more than a touch of Hollywood magic. It is reminiscent of Bridget Jones' Diary and has a main character who is just as charming. It is a perfect series to binge read by the pool. It's light, humourous and offers the perfect amount of escapism. 

6- Three Dark Crowns by Kendare Blake

I have not reviewed this yet, but look for my review early in the new year. This series is filled with jaw dropping surprises, complex sibling bonds, and well crafted fantasy elements. This story has some of my favourite romances I've read this year, simply because they add to the plot without feeling forced or distracting. 

7- Glass Sword by Victoria Aveyard

A sequel that lives up to the first novel in the series, and expands upon it. This novel twists the story into a new direction which only enriches the world and the characters. An ending that basically leaves you willing to beg for the next book, and a cast filled with flawed, but engaging characters has only cemented my love for this series.

8- American Girls by Alison Umminger

Alison Umminger's razor sharp writing is the stand out from this story, but only slightly because everything else is just as wonderful. This is a story of girls both lost and found. This is a story of the harm society expectations can cause girls, and more glaringly the harm they can cause themselves and others. A snarky, fully developed voice for the main character ensures you're entirely in the story and I cannot wait to see what Alison writes next.

9- The Female Of The Species by Mindy McGinnis

This is a story about many different types of female characters. More importantly it is a story about female characters who are everything female characters are not supposed to be. It is also a jarring, and brutal look at rape culture and the way it shapes women's views of themselves, and others. It is a novel that is hard to read, but one that demands you not look away. 

10 - How To Break A Boy by Laurie Devore

My review for this one will be up closer to its release date, but this is a story for everyone who likes their female characters morally ambiguous. It has been compared to many of Courtney Summers' novels and I can see why. The writing is sharp, and the characters are given distinct voices (even when we're not given their point of view). A story that is filled with female characters making questionable decisions and owning them. It also shows that these type of characters can still be worthy. It is not a zero sum game, and there are many shades of grey on the moral spectrum.  

11 - The Unexpected Everything by Morgan Matson

Morgan Matson's novels are always smile inducing and pair perfectly with summer. She creates these characters that you want to befriend, and stories that you want to disappear into. The Unexpected Everything reminds you to go off track every now and again because the unexpected is sometimes more magical than anything you have planned. It'll make you want to have a summer romance, and call your best friends to go for ice cream. 

12 - This Adventure Ends by Emma Mills

One of the best contemporary novels I read this year. A story of friendship, self growth, and letting people in. It was wonderfully written, and filled with some unforgettable characters. Bonus points for the parents having such a large role in the story and not disappearing as they normally do in YA novels.

13 - Overdrive by Dawn Ius

A fun, high octane read that is filled with high speed car chases, a sexy romance and some seriously hot cars. If you're into heist novels with impossible odds this is one book you'll want to pick up. Dawn crafts a whirlwind journey through Las Vegas that will leave you begging for a follow up.

14 - The Thousandth Floor by Katharine McGee

This is one for fans of CW television shows. It is also for people who love their novels to be filled with delicious drama and jaw dropping twists combined with some seriously addictive writing. This is the definition of a summer page turner, and one that will ensure you get a sunburn because you won't able to to put it down. 

What book is your favourite of 2016? Any of mine make your list, too? Let me know in the comments.