I read quite a few duds in 2016, not all of them even made it to my blog. I try to focus on the good though, so I’m going to say goodbye to 2016 and ring in 2017 with a list of my favorite books from this year. Not all of these books were published in 2016, but I read them this year.
Each title links to my review of the book in a new window.
Are any of these books on your Best of 2016 list? Which would you add?
The Shadow Queen by CJ Redwine
* YA FANTASY *
This retelling of Snow White and the Huntsman is full of action, romance, and magic! (Plus a few sexy dragon shifters!)
* YA FANTASY *
An epic adventure of magic and friendship. There’s some steamy romantic chemistry there too.
I can’t wait to get my hands on book 2, Windwitch, in a couple weeks!
Girl on the Brink by Christina Hoag
* YA CONTEMPORARY *
An emotional book about a teen girl in over her head. A realistic look at how a smart young girl can end up in an abusive relationship.
Walk The Edge by Katie McGarry
* YA CONTEMPORARY *
Romantic. Sexy. Edgy. These characters are different as night and day, but they might just find what they need in the other.
Who I Am With You by Missy Fleming
* CONTEMPORARY *
Possible triggers for those who were personally affected by the 9/11 attacks. I wasn’t there, but this book had me crying like a baby at times.
Black Blade Series by Jennifer Estep
* YA FANTASY *
This entire series is a lighthearted and fun journey to a magical town filled with monsters, magic, and danger. The sparks between Lila and Devon add just the right amount of romance.
The Glittering Court by Richelle Mead
* YA ROMANCE *
Be still my heart! This book gave me butterflies. So much romance and adventure. It’s not 100% fantasy, but the countries are made up, so it’s also not quite historical, though it feels that way.
Fifteen Lanes by S. J. Laidlaw
* YA CONTEMPORARY *
This was my first time reading about another culture. In this case, the slums of India. A heartbreaking and uplifting tale of the daughter of a sex worker. This one stayed with me for some time.
The Most Magnificent Thing by Ashley Spires
* CHILDRENS *
The only children’s book on this list, this one was so good that after receiving a digital copy to read from NetGalley, I bought it for my own daughter for Christmas! The pictures are bright and beautiful, and the message is important.
Kernel of Truth by Kristi Abbott
* COZY MYSTERY *
My first cozy mystery! I devoured this book about a popcorn shop owner trying to solve the mysterious murder of her friend and shop neighbor.
Gameboard of the Gods by Richelle Mead
* SCI-FI ROMANCE *
I put off reading this one for a long time, thinking it would be too sci-fi for me. I was so wrong! Filled with dynamic characters and romance, this was a must read!
Goal for 2017: Find and read book 2!
* NON-FICTION *
My first win from Goodreads. This book helped me learn to let go of items I don’t need. Nothing stresses me out more than a bunch of junk cluttering my life. I’m still a work in progress, but this book was a good start for me.
WAR OF THE PRINCES SERIES by A. R. Ivanovich
* YA FANTASY *
I devoured this 4 book series. Though book 1 remains my favorite, the whole series is worth reading. Mysterious magical powers. War. Secrets. Wow, what a ride!
* SCI-FI *
I went out with a bang in 2016, finishing this with only days to spare before ringing in the new year. I never thought a book about a man stranded alone on Mars could be funny. Boy was I wrong! I can’t wait to see the movie next!
BONUS
Since I didn’t start book blogging until the end of 2015, I never put together a list for that year. Below are some of my favorite reads from 2015.
The Bride Wore Size 12 by Meg Cabot
* YA CONTEMPORARY MYSTERY *
The last book in the Heather Wells series, but the first that I read. Though the book revolves around Heather trying to solve a murder, this book is FUNNY! I love Heather Wells!
Should’ve Said No by Tracy March
* CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE *
I don’t read a lot of contemporary romance, but this one has a mystery theme to it, so I was completely engrossed!
Hourglass by Pauline C. Harris
* YA SCI-FI *
A completely unique spin on Peter Pan! What if Captain Hook was a 17-year old girl and illegally captaining a space ship manned by a teenage crew? And what if they found a mysterious planet with a boy named Peter?
Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor
* YA FANTASY *
This book was not at all what I expected it to be. It surpassed my wildest expectations and the ending left me with my jaw on the ground. I listened to the audiobook of this one and the only reason I haven’t finished the series yet is because I have not yet found the audiobooks of the remaining books! (2017 goal!)
The Unfortunate Decisions of Dahlia Moss by Max Firestone
* MYSERY / HUMOR *
If you’re not a gaming nerd (past or present), you may not get this book. However, for recovering World of Warcraft addicts like myself, this book was an absolute riot!
I can’t wait to see what’s next for Dahlia!