Showing posts with label novels. Show all posts
Showing posts with label novels. Show all posts

Monday, 6 January 2014

Top 10 Books of 2013

I have compiled a list of my favourite books I have read this year. I am so happy that I have been able to read 53 books in total this year, and it still freaks me out. This has been such a great year of reading, and I hope next year is too. So in sort of order...

10. Where She Went by Gayle Forman



The sort-of-sequel to If I Stay, Where She Went is from Adam's perspective as he visits New York and runs into his ex-girlfriend, Mia, as she performs a concert. The two go on a journey of the city, reflecting on their time together and apart. A more well-rounded novel than the original. Loved the city.

9. Legend & Prodigy by Marie Lu



Putting two books in a series together? I think that's allowed. Legend and Prodigy are great, easy to read dystopian novels set in a futuristic Los Angeles in the Republic of America. The plot follows the characters June and Day as they face the truths of the political situation they have found themselves in, as well as with each other. I just finished Champion, the final book (in 2014), and it is overall a great trilogy.

8. Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro



This book was required reading for an English university course I did this year, and it was definitely my favourite. The writing is unique and interesting, despite having seen the film already, and already knowing the majority of the plot. Never Let Me Go questions life in the 21st century and is a sad and thoughtful tale of love, friendship and life.

7. Bloodlines Series by Richelle Mead




So I read the whole of the Bloodlines series this year (or what has been released so far). In order they are: Bloodlines, The Golden Lily, The Indigo Spell and The Fiery Heart. Each one just built on the previous to create a fantastic storyline with amazing characters. Bloodlines follows the Alchemist Sydney as she works to protect the Moroi Princess Jill in Palm Springs. This is a spin off series of the Vampire Academy series, and to be honest, it is a much better storyline. Many characters from the original series make appearances, including Rose, Dimitri, Lissa, Christian and Sonya Karp as well as the minor characters who the story focuses on this time. A great read, especially if you have read and loved Vampire Academy.


6. Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins



Damn Cricket. Lola and the Boy Next Door is the sort-of-sequel to Anna and the French Kiss (which may also make an appearance in this list, if you haven't already scrolled down...). It follows Lola as she comes to terms with boys, her Dads, a returning mother and work in San Francisco. Characters from the original novel make a much-welcomed appearance, but this story can easily stand alone. Cricket Bell has returned to the house next door, and brings up everything Lola has kept hidden under her fluctuating fashion sense. A great teen novel with the usual dramas and lovable characters. 

Friday, 27 December 2013

Most anticipated books of 2014!

So as it comes to the end of 2013, I'm looking at all the new books that will be appearing on my bookshelf and wishing the time would pass quicker. So, for your viewing pleasure, I have compiled a list of my most anticipated books which will be released (some time) in 2014! Start counting down the days...

Silver Shadows (Bloodlines #5) by Richelle Mead

Expected Publication Date: July 29th 2014*

Official Cover
The fifth book in the Bloodlines series, which is a spin off of the Vampire Academy series, will be released next year, and I can't wait. This series just gets better and better. After the cliffhanger of Fiery Heart, I can't wait to get my hands on this one, so many Sydrian feels! Just ignore the tacky and ugly cover.

City of Heavenly Fire (The Mortal Instruments #6) by Cassandra Clare

Expected Publication Date: May 27th 2014*

Placeholder Cover
Do people still care about Clary and Jace? Who cares. This is the final (FINAL) book in Cassandra Clare's amazing and ground breaking series (only in that it gave us The Infernal Devices and Will and Jem), and no matter who you are, you will be itching to finish this series. I assume something will happen with Sebastian and all loose ends will be tied blah blah blah. But who really cares about that? JEM AND TESSA WILL BE IN IT. (I know you may have been confused by the use of 'WILL' in that sentence, the tears will never stop falling). I love all the crossovers with this series and TID, and that is all I want to read in this book. Bring on Jessa feels and The Dark Artifices

The One (The Selection #3) by Kiera Cass

Expected Publication Date: May 6th 2014*

Official Cover
After the somewhat disappointing sequel The Elite, hopefully Kiera Cass can bring it all home in her final book in The Selection Trilogy. Entitled 'The One' it is pretty safe to say that America will end up being the Princess of Illea, married to the perfect Maxon. But there are many loose ends to tie up. What is the point of the rebels? What will happen with Aspen? And what is up with America's father? The lack of world building, especially to do with the Northern and Southern rebels in the first two books will have to be thoroughly explained and dealt with, in order to make this the perfect ending to a series with so much potential. Can America stop being so annoying (i.e. The Elite) and face her feelings without ruining everything? Will definitely be reading to find out!