Best of 2013.... so far

Hard to believe it's already 6 months until 2013. It's officially the half way point to the end of the year and time to check in and see what the best books I've read this year... so far at least. I've linked to my reviews if you want to know more about what I thought of each of these novels (or have indicated when a review is forthcoming in cases where reviews are not yet posted).

The top 10 in no particular order...

1 Tarnish by Katherine Longshore

A book that reads more like an autobiography than fiction. Anne Boleyn's voice leaps off the page, and creates one of the best characters I've read this year. A different approach as this novel focuses on her life rather than her untimely death.

2 Dance of the Red Death by Bethany Griffin

Lush descriptions, hot romance, and flaw characters come together to create one of my favourite of the year. A perfect ending to Araby's story that leaves you with just enough light in the darkness to say goodbye to these characters who are all too easy to become attached to.

3 Night Film by Marisha Pessl

Hands down one of the most well written novels I've read. The mystery of Ashley Cordova's death will haunt you, as will Stanislas Cordova himself. The question 'Who is Cordova' haunted me as much as it plagues our main character. This novel is sovereign, deadly and almost perfect. *review to come in the Autumn*

4 Golden Boy by Abigail Tarttelin

A novel that is beautiful and heart wrenching. It questions gender, and it's relevance to who we are. It's characters are ones that you'll remember long after you've finished this brilliant debut novel. Wonderfully written, and executed, this novel is one I urge everyone to pick it. It surprised me in the best possible way.

5 Star Cursed by Jessica Spotswood

Jessica Spotswood delivered a sequel that more that lives up to the first installment of the series. Filled with sibling rivalry, magic, romance, and ending in a heart crushing climax that will leave you breathless for the final novel. It's avoids the normal hindrances found in sequels and delivers something magical.

6 Before I Go To Sleep by S.J Watson

Thrilling, scary and disjointing. A novel told from the perspective of a character who is the definition of an unreliable narrator. SJ Watson has taken an already alarming premise and made it as sinister as possible. A novel that doesn't let go until all the secrets have been unraveled in the shocking ending.

7 Clockwork Princess by Cassandra Clare

An emotional ending to a trilogy that may just be superior to the author's Mortal Instruments. Saying goodbye to beloved characters is never easy but this ending provides everything I could have wanted. Closure, emotional payoff, and brilliant connecting between the two already interconnected series.

8 Reboot by Amy Tintera

A novel that surprised me with how much I fell in love with it. It's a fascinating look at what makes us human. Sweet romance, mixed with incredible action scenes, it's a novel that is as dark as it is beautiful. If this one flew under your radar, be sure to pick it up. It'll surprise you.

9 The Bone Season by Samantha Shannon

A novel filled with brilliant world building. Paige's world is complex, and so fully fleshed out that my excitement over what is to come is almost as great as my love for the first installment to this series. A captivating character in Paige, and some intriguing plot developments make me think this is a series, and writer, to watch. *review to come in the August*

10 Game by Barry Lyga

The follow up to I Hunt Killers is everything it's predecessor was, and more. Jazz remains as chilling as he is charming. The stakes are as high as ever, and Barry Lyga's twisted story unfolds at a perfect pace, making the novel impossible to put down.

I can't wait to see which of these will make it to the final list of top ten books of the year come the end of December. What is the best book you've read so far this year? Let me know in the comments.

Reboot by Amy Tintera

Reboot by Amy Tintera
Release Date – May 7, 2013
Publisher Website -  Harper Collins
Publisher Social Media - Twitter/Facebook/SavvyReader
Pages -  352 pages
My Rating- 4/5
**obtained for review from publisher**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

Five years ago, Wren Connolly was shot three times in the chest. After 178 minutes she came back as a Reboot: stronger, faster, able to heal, and less emotional. The longer Reboots are dead, the less human they are when they return. Wren 178 is the deadliest Reboot in the Republic of Texas. Now seventeen years old, she serves as a soldier for HARC (Human Advancement and Repopulation Corporation).

Wren’s favorite part of the job is training new Reboots, but her latest newbie is the worst she’s ever seen. As a 22, Callum Reyes is practically human. His reflexes are too slow, he’s always asking questions, and his ever-present smile is freaking her out. Yet there’s something about him she can’t ignore. When Callum refuses to follow an order, Wren is given one last chance to get him in line—or she’ll have to eliminate him. Wren has never disobeyed before and knows if she does, she’ll be eliminated, too. But she has also never felt as alive as she does around Callum.

The perfect soldier is done taking orders.

A novel that is as dark as it is beautiful. A look at what makes us human, and the emotional connections we make with others.

This novel surprised me because I wasn't expecting what I got upon stumbling into it's pages. The emotions I felt, and the journey the main character goes on are only hinted at in the synopsis. Those looking for non stop action may be slightly disappointed to find that this novel is way more than that. Those looking for more depth from their action-y stories will, however, find much to love.

Wren's the perfect Reboot. Distant, cold, and void of emotions...or so she'd like you think. Underneath her hardened mask emotions simmer waiting to come to the surface. Enter Callum. A practically human reboot who was dead for a mere 22 minutes. He brings things out in Wren that she thought didn't exsist. There is a lovely parallell to someone going through something very traumatic, and shutting down, only to have someone help them find their way back. Callum is someone who feels everything. He is the most human, and humane Reboot out of the group. His easy smiles, his heart, and tenderness ignite something in Wren.

The romance is sweet. It's not rushed, or too much. There are no declarations of undying love. It's simply a boy who meets a girl, and they both eventually can't deny their feelings for each other. Tentative, and slow to start, you get to see it grow as they face things together. It's one of the few relationships I've read that grow as the characters learn to trust each other.

The other major theme in the novel is prejudice, and a form of racism. Naturally people are scared of Reboots. Being scared of what you don't understand is nothing new. Human beings have always been quick to fear and judge. I found myself angry because, to me, they seem so human. They are not just machines or a number in some army of robots. However, Amy Tintera also manages to make you reflect on the other side of it as well. It's scary to see your loved one walking around when you know they died. It would be unimaginable. She balances this perfectly and there is an incredibly heartbreaking scene with Callum and his family that tore my heart to bits.

With a few fun twists, some dark and horrific experiments, and this novel flew by. The pacing is gripping, as is it's writing. It's easy to see how a little spark of feeling can cascade into a rebellion and I am eagerly anticipating what comes next in Wren's story.

A darkly dangerous world where emotions are the last thing you want to show and embracing those beautiful moments that make us human. A debut novel that surprised me with how deeply I fell into it's pages. It's one I would say is not to be missed.

New To My Book Closet

It's that time of the week again. Time to show you what bookish goodies made their way into my home and book closet (to be saved from the evil book eating cat monster named Aria). This is inspired by the various "mailbox" posts out there (eg. In My Mailbox by The Story Siren, and Stacking the Shelves by Tynga's Reviews).

Another awesome week both for my real mailbox and my email inbox with some great eARCs for review.

Beautiful Bastard by Christina Lauren (goodreads)
The Moon and More by Sarah Dessen (goodreads)

A big thank you to Lindsay from Me on Books who sent me The Moon and More and the awesome Nobody But Us bookmark!

A surprise from Simon and Schuster US showed up at my door. I have been hearing a lot about Beautiful Bastard and it sounds like it could be something different from what I normally read, and hopefully really fun.

The eARCs kindly provided by the publishers/Netgalley/Edelweiss

The Eternity Cure by Julie Kagawa (goodreads)

Reboot by Amy Tintera (goodreads)

Another Little Piece by Karyus Quinn (goodreads)

Happy Sunday and Happy Reading!

My Weekly Obsessions

The awesome Kelly at KellyVision started posting a weekly post highlighting whatever she happened to be obsessed with that week. I LOVE this idea, so much in fact that I will be doing it myself every Saturday.

BOOKS

Just One Day by Gayle Forman

My pining for this novel is reaching unreasonable levels. I want to read it right away. Sigh...

The Evolution of Mara Dyer trailer.



OMG SEXY! Noah! Mara!  This trailer PERFECTLY fits the sequel and I can't wait for you all to read it on TUESDAY!

Reboot by Amy Tintera cover

If you haven't read the Goodreads synopsis for this, head there immediately. It sounds awesome and I like the simplistic look this cover has. Quite excited to read this one when it's released.

Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea by April Genevieve Tucholke cover

Eerie, gothic and really stunning this cover conveys the mood of the novel perfectly. This is high on my "pine for list" for the fall season. I can't wait to get my hands on it. If you haven't checked out the Goodreads synopsis do so immediately and let's pine together.

TV

Once Upon A Time

*Minor spoilers in the video*

Captain Hook debuts THIS Sunday. All I ask is that we can keep him.



Swoon! In case you missed his name (too busy drooling) it's Cillian Jones (or Killian Jones). I am a little afraid that they are going to make Rumpelstiltskin the person who cuts off his hand. That will just make me not happy. I want them to introduce Peter, and Tink and Wendy. That said, I am hooked by this dangerously sexy swashbuckler already. Can someone please write a YA novel involving sexy pirates now?!

American Horror Story : Asylum 

The first episode was creepy, and such an homage to the classic insane asylum stories we are used to. Amazing performance by Evan Peters who was SO different from his season one character. The scene where we meet him? Dancing around and singing to old 50's/60's music? And when he goes home to his wife? Yup...swoon. The accents some of the cast uses are impressive too. Looking forward to the second episode.

OTHER

Mara Dyer Week

It's here! Mara Week starts this Monday! There will be guest posts, review, giveaways and a bunch of other really awesome stuff happening. I can't wait to share my excitement about this series with you. I am already plotting and scheming for the (most likely) final Mara Week next year when The Retribution of Mara Dyer comes out and I am already excited. Be sure to stop by all week long next week!

Vacation Week and Ontario Blogger Meet Up

I am on vacation from work starting the 29th! I am getting so anxious for a break I can't wait. The end of that week myself, and some other Ottawa bloggers (the awesome Meghan, Emilie, Ciara, and Katie) are heading to Toronto for the annual Ontario Blogger Meet Up! I can't wait to meet everyone.

So what you are obsessed with this week?