Best of 2013

Top Ten Books of 2013!

We're getting close to the end of the year, and I am officially taking it easy on the blog for the rest of 2013. Kicking off Christmas week I am going to put up my list of the top ten books I read in 2013. This was hard, really hard.

There is a mix of YA, and adult on here. It was a good year for both genres. I've indicated which titles are adult. Each of the books link to my review (if posted).

1 Tarnish by Katherine Longshore

Katherine Longshore brings Anne Boleyn to life effortlessly. Her voice stayed in my head long after I had finished the novel, and Katherine's brilliant writing only improves with each novel. She creates a sympathetic, yet still driven portrait of the doomed queen. Fans of Anne Boleyn will relish this one, and newcomers to the Tudor court will find much to enjoy as well. It's sexy, scandalous, and heart pulling.

2 Night Film by Marisha Pessl (adult novel)

A mind warp at it's finest. You'll feel like you're in one of Cordova's 'night films yourself as you question everything. This novel dares to question belief, perception, and reality. Does believing in something make it reality? It's thought provoking ending will make you want to read the novel again.

3 Vicious by V.E. Schwab (adult novel)

Victoria Schwab blurs the lines between good, evil and creates something in between. Vicious wants to make you question mortality, and your definition of the 'anti-hero'. Needless to say, she succeeds. Vicious is not only thrilling, taunt, and addictive, but it's brilliantly written. I, personally, was left wanting to beg her for more. You won't soon forget Victor or Eli after reading this one.

4 Dance of the Red Death by Bethany Griffin

An intoxicating duology that ends with a fantastic finale. Bethany has created a world that is rich, characters that will immediately grab you, and has ended the series in the most fitting way. It's decadent, dangerous, and yet there is a little light of hope, which is exactly the message of her story. Araby grows leaps and bounds and remains one of my favourite female protagonists. 

5 Tampa by Alissa Nutting (adult novel)

After finishing Tampa I felt two things - shock and disbelief. A provocative, controversial novel whose main character, Celeste, is someone you will never forget. Alissa takes what could have been a disaster, and creates something thought provoking, and brilliantly written. It made me want to discuss it with everyone, but it also made me want to warn them (and I think that's exactly what Alissa was going for).

** Tampa is REALLY adult. It is not intended for the younger readers**

6 The Bone Season by Samantha Shannon (adult with cross-over appeal)

Another debut novelist who impressed me with her writing. The world building is fantastic, and Paige is a character I am going to love seeing evolve and change throughout the novel. An impressive set up to what appears to be an amazing series. If you're looking for the next series to get obsessed with, this just might be it.

7 Cress by Marissa Meyer

I don't want to say to much, as this one is not on shelves yet. I will say that I fell in love with Cress (both the book and the character). Marissa Meyer's third novel has set up what is going to be one spectacular finale. The writing is just as engaging as the previous novels, and the plot is tight. This is a series where you can tell the author has planned, and plotted and is weaving everything together. I am so excited to watch everyone fall in love with Cress once it's released, she's truly wonderful.

8 Just One Year by Gayle Forman

Willem may just be my favourite male voice. He's exactly what I imagined while reading Just One Day, except even more so. He's just as swoony, just as complicated, and just as infuriating as you would anticipate after reading Allyson's story. This novel completes her story in a way that you won't be able to imagine one without the other. They are two sides of the same coin, and Gayle's writing shines as she brings Willem to life.

9 Star Cursed by Jessica Spotswood

I loved Born Wicked. It was everything I wanted out of a witch novel. Star Cursed only improved on an already fantastic story. Jessica Spotswood's writing is impressive, and her characters are rich. The stage is set for the installment to this series, and the stakes just keep getting higher. A heart ripping ending, mixed with delightful characters, made this one an easy choice for this life. If you haven't checked out this series - do it immediately.

10 Forgive Me, Leonard Peacock by Matthew Quick

I cried my way through a large portion of this novel. Leonard Peacock's head is not a pleasant place to be, but there is no denying that Leonard's story MUST be told. Matthew Quick creates sympathy in a character who, at first, may seem undeserving. As you unravel Leonard's secret you quickly come to feel his pain. Matthew Quick has creates a timeless story that will crush your heart, and yet give you a little ray of hope as well.

Any of these titles make your top ten this year? Will you be adding any to your reading list in 2014? Let me know in the comments (link me your top ten if you've posted yours!).

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.

Star Cursed by Jessica Spotswood

Star Cursed by Jessica Spotswood
Release Date – June 18, 2013
Publisher Website -  Penguin/Putnam
Publisher Social Media -  Twitter
Pages - 384 pages
My Rating- 5/5
**obtained for review from publisher**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

With the Brotherhood persecuting witches like never before, a divided Sisterhood desperately needs Cate to come into her Prophesied powers. And after Cate's friend Sachi is arrested for using magic, a war-thirsty Sister offers to help her find answers—if Cate is willing to endanger everyone she loves.

Cate doesn't want to be a weapon, and she doesn't want to involve her friends and Finn in the Sisterhood's schemes. But when Maura and Tess join the Sisterhood, Maura makes it clear that she'll do whatever it takes to lead the witches to victory. Even if it means sacrifices. Even if it means overthrowing Cate. Even if it means all-out war.

In the highly anticipated sequel to Born Wicked, the Cahill Witch Chronicles continue Cate, Maura and Tess's quest to find love, protect family, and explore their magic against all odds in an alternate history of New England.

In series there is potential for book two to be drawn out, stall the story and save all the big reveals for the final book in the series. If this is true in the Cahill Witch Chronicles, than I may not survive the third book. Filled with twists, reveals, and swoon worthy romance, Star Cursed pulls no punches.

Cate is quickly becoming one of my favourite female characters. She's thoughtful and careful and this doesn't change in Star Cursed. She doesn't become someone she's not because of her power. Even what it's clear that she is one of the strongest witches in the Sisterhood, she remains steadfastly Cate. It will be interesting to see how her actions at the end of the novel shape her character going forward, as I expect a slightly harden, anger fueled witch may be what's in store.

Maura is so head strong. She's opinionated and doesn't back down. She's the more cunning out of the three sister, and the more willing to get what she wants at any cost. She crosses a few lines in Star Cursed that I didn't expect for any of the sister's to ever cross. It only heightens that Jessica Spotswood is unflinchingly willing to go to the darkest parts of their relationships.

Tess is quickly growing into a surprising character. Her desire to do good, and he sweet nature are contrasted with some pretty impressive power. She seems wise beyond her young years, .

It's the relationship between the three sisters that fascinates me. The mixture of love and competition between them feels organic. It reads like a true sisterly bond that bonds them as much as it tears them apart. I can't wait to see where the relationship goes from here, especially with the revelations at the end of the novel.

The Brotherhood is one of the best villains I've come across in awhile. Simply because I fear them. I fear for our characters as a result. As a reader it's a terrifying, and yet exhilarating thing when you fear for the main characters. It's often easy to put stock in the fact that your main characters are safe. Jessica Spotswood has went for the jugular by telling us not only are they not safe, but that one of our beloved Cahill sisters will die. I creates a tension that's different from most stories. She's partnered this fear with a group that is chill inducing in it's single minded focus. Add to this the fact that certain members of the Sisterhood may not have the best intentions, and I was constantly on edge.

The real danger to Cate, Maura and Tess comes from within. The prophecy talks not only of the witch that will save them all, but that one of the sisters would die at the hands of another. The entire prophecy and it's implications is ingenious. As tensions grew within the sisters, as a reader, I immediately became agitated. The reveal of who is the prophesied witch was a definite twist, as it was not who I was expecting. I am still not sure there won't be another twist thrown in, but I was more than satisfied with the unveiling.

I thought the end of Born Wicked was bad. Star Cursed is worse. Star Cursed takes your heart, rips it up and shows it to you for good measure. Stunned isn't even a strong enough word. It's an emotional one where your connection to the characters factors into how deeply you feel it. It's torturous in the best possible way. I am pretty sure Jessica will take much delight in the agonized response to the final chapters. In other words... book three now please.

As someone who fully loved Born Wicked,  Star Cursed surpassed all my expectations, and was even better than the first novel. The Cahill sisters cast a seductive tale filled with romance, and witchcraft that left me spell bound.

New To My Mailbox

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).

This week was a busy one at the mailbox. Most of the stuff is for the Ottawa Blogger Mix and Mingle happening next weekend, so those will be saved for a future post, but I do have some goodies to share.

Star Cursed by Jessica Spotswood (goodreads)
Golden Boy by Agigail Tarttelin (goodreads)

Big thank you to both Penguin Canada and Simon and Schuster Canada for these two titles. I am so excited to pick up Star Cursed as I loved Born Wicked. Golden Boy wasn't on my radar, but it sounds intriguing.

Happy Sunday and Happy Reading!

2013 Must Reads

With 2012 coming to it's rapidly approaching end my thoughts are beginning to turn to the amazing 2013 releases. There are so many novels I am looking forward to. I decided to share my top 15, because selecting just 10 was not happening.

My Top 15 2013 Must Reads

1 The Retribution of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin
2 Dance of the Red Death by Bethany Griffin
3 Tarnish by Katherine Longshore
4 Isla and the Happily Ever After by Stephanie Perkins
5 The Bone Season by Samantha Shannon 
6 Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea by April Genevieve Tucholke
7 Nobody But Us by Kristin Halbrook
8 The Madman's Daughter by Megan Shepherd
9 Unravel Me by Tahereh Mafi
10 Star Cursed by Jessica Spotswood
11 Endless Knight by Kresley Cole
12 Clockwork Princess by Cassandra Clare
13 Night Film by Marisha Pessl
14 Just One Day by Gayle Forman
15 Fire with Fire by Jenny Han and Siobhan Vivian

There are more, but these are my top 15 right now. 2013 is shaping up to be a fantastic reading year already!

What 2013 releases are you most looking forward to?

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.

Here are my obsessions this week:

BOOKS

Cover of Tarnish by Katherine Longshore

I unveiled this earlier this week and can't wait to read it! Anne Boleyn has always captivated me and I am looking forward to see what Katherine does with her story.

Penguin Summer catalog

Much squealing was had while flipping though this catalog. First, I squealed over the fact that Isla and the Happily Ever After was in it. This means we get it this summer. THIS MAKES ME SO HAPPY! Seeing the cover for Star Cursed by Jessica Spotswood was also happy making. I am beyond excited for some of these summer titles.

TV

The Following 'All Audience' Trailer



I am slightly obsessed with the thought of this show. I think it's going to be awesome. They just released two trailers. One that is 'all audiences" and one they are calling "rated intense". Sadly, because I do not live in the USA I am blocked from viewing said "intense" trailer, but the "all audiences" one is pretty insane. Side note - I love that Edgar Alan Poe's works are woven into this story too.

So what are you obsessed with this week?