Top Ten Favorite Books I've Read During the Lifespan of My Blog

Today's Broke and the Bookish's Top Ten Tuesday topic is to list your fave books that you've read since starting your blog. Since my blog has only been around six months, the majority of the books are releases from this year. Many of the titles are also included in my Books of Summer Giveaway.

The Reckoning by Kelley Armstrong-The final installment in this incredible series made me eager to read more from this talented author.

Obsidian by Jennifer Armentrout-A fun escapist novel about a bad boy alien who becomes entangled in the life of the girl next door.

Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi-I love this dystopian novel about a girl cast out into a savage land. Can’t wait to see what happens next for Aria and Perry. 

Goddess Interrupted by Aimee Carter-Although I loved the first novel in the series better, I was still drawn into the tale of Hades, Persephone and his new love Kate.

 

Something Strange and Deadly by Susan Dennard-My first zombie novel! I loved the characters and 19th century setting.

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time by Mark Haddon-This is one of those rare books that can change your perception of people. It was heartbreaking and moving.

Predestined by Abbi Glines-Death falls in love with a human girl and I fall in love with this amazing novel.

 

Masque of the Red Death by Bethany Griffin-A very dark and twisted novel that made me an even bigger germaphobe than I already am.

Throne of Glass by Sarah Maas-Although I’m not usually into fantasy novels, I was beyond impressed with this debut about a competition to become the king’s assassin. 

Size 12 Is Not Fat by Meg Cabot-I love Meg Cabot books, so I’m not sure why it took me so long to get to this series. She is definitely my go-to author when I’m in a funk.

Top Ten Most Vivid Worlds in Books

Today's Top Ten Tuesday topic from The Broke and the Bookish is the most vivid worlds and settings in books. Most of the ones that come to mind are entries from the dystopian genre with a few exceptions. Remember to follow my blog if you are a new visitor for a chance to win an Amazon gift card and two free ebooks. Entry form is here.

Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi-As part of this amazing YA novel, virtual reality is used to replace the horrors of being trapped inside protective domes.

The Road by Cormac McCarthy-I remember vividly the weekend I read this book. This horrifying dystopian world full of ash, hunger and cannibalism gave me nightmares each night.

Something Strange and Deadly by Susan Dennard-I recently read this novel about zombies in 19th century Philadelphia and I really loved how the author transported you back in time by touching upon the customs and expectations of women during this period.

 

The Adoration of Jenna Fox by Mary Pearce-This novel about a not so distant future where biological engineering allows people to basically bring back the dead is not hard to imagine.

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins-It's scary how easy it is to picture a world where children must fight to their death to appease a totalitarian regime. 

City of Bones by Cassandra Clare-The author expertly creates a world where demons and demon hunters live among us in this urban fantasy.

Birthmarked by Caragh O'Brien-I really could picture myself in this world where mothers are forced to hand over their babies to the rich and privileged. 

Across the Universe by Beth Revis-From the first page, you're drawn into a future where space travel to a new habitable planet is possible.

Masque of the Red Death by Bethany Griffin-You can feel the despair and horror in this dystopian novel as a virus claims most of the population.

Delirium by Lauren Oliver-I think Oliver is a beautiful writer and I felt drawn into a world where love is a disease and there's a cure to get rid of it.

A Review of My Vacation Reads

Although I didn’t get through all of my vacation reads, I did finish four and a half books. Crossed by Ally Condie will have to unfortunately wait until I put a dent into my packed DVR. The books definitely eased the boredom of a sixteen hour car drive to Florida. Here are a few quick impressions:


Goddess Interrupted by Aimee Carter-This was better than I expected, but still suffered from middle book syndrome. Since it’s a trilogy, the second half felt like mostly a set-up for the final novel. Plus, I didn’t get why Henry was hung up on Persephone. I think the author should have made her a bit more likable.

Expel by Addison Moore-God, I am so torn after this book. It was fast-paced with plenty of love angst, but oh god the ENDING! Not sure how everything is going to work out and who Skyla could possibly end up with. Can’t wait for the next book to see how the author brings everything together.

Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi-This book has been super hyped, so I started reading it with a lot of preconceived notions in my head. I’m glad I gave it a shot because it was sooooo good. I love stories where the two main characters hate each other at first, but then fall in love over the course of the book. The setting was so different too from other dystopian YA entries.

Life on the Edge by Jennifer Comeaux-After some heavier reads, I was definitely ready for a beach read. This book was just what I was looking for. No heavy conflicts, cute love story and a fun setting. Can’t wait to read the upcoming sequel!

Beautiful Disaster by Jamie McGuire-Hey, I can dig bad boys just like most girls. But Travis was way too unlikable for my tastes. I got about half way through and gave up on it. Was very disappointed since I liked that the main characters were college-aged.

Now that my book marathon is over back to getting Second Sight ready for publication. Plan to do my final edits this week, hooray!

YA and New Adult Vacation Reading List

Although my hubby thinks I’m nuts, I have a very ambitious vacation reading list. I really want to devour as many books as possible while I’m away because when I return I plan to do marketing work for Second Sight and start on my first draft for the sequel (gulp). I pretty much have the story in my head already and an outline, I just hope it translates as well to paper. For research and enjoyment purposes, I’m keeping my list mainly YA and New Adult.

Goddess Interrupted by Aimee Carter-When I saw the first book was from Harlequin Teen, I almost didn’t read it. I have such a love/hate relationship with the books from this publisher. There’s been a few that I’ve had to throw across the room because I’ve been so disappointed. However, the Goddess Test was REALLY good which makes me have high hopes for the sequel. (I also saw there’s an ebook novella out as a bridge story. Some of these for series books are cool, but I typically only download the freebies.)

Expel by Addison Moore-The Celestra series has been one of my faves lately. Love the mix of humor and action. Great twists too that will get you excited about the next book. I’ve read mixed reviews on this latest entry, but I’m sure I’ll consider it fabulous.

Life on the Edge by Jennifer Comeaux-I’m such a sucker for 90s movies and this book description makes me think of the Cutting Edge. Plus, it is new adult (upper YA) which I’m trying to read more of.

Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi-I’ve heard AMAZING things about this book so I’m definitely looking forward to checking it out.

Beautiful Disaster by Jamie McGuire-Another New Adult genre book I’m hoping to get to. This book has also received a mix of bad and good reviews, so I’m wondering if it will end up in the chuck pile.

Crossed by Ally Condie- This is in my maybe pile. I read the sample chapters and it’s not sucking me in just yet. Wondering if it could get better?