Aila’s Top 10 Books of 2015

December 21, 2015 by Aila J. | Books, Features

top102015_Aila

So let me just tell you that YOU CAN’T MAKE ME CHOOSE AND LIST BOOKS. YOU JUST CAN’T. *screeches* (This is why I do so bad with Top Ten Tuesdays //sobs.) But, being the end of the year I guess I shall have to make an exception. So this list took me thirty minutes to make and it first started with listing all the beautiful book I’ve read that were published in 2015. And then crossing off the ones that were the series finales because there were like 4 in there and of course they were amazing so that’s not fair. And then making sure there was a mix of genres in there. And ugh, suffice it to say this was a pretty hard list to make. Without further ado, LET US COUNT DOWN.

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10. The Orphan Queen by Jodi Meadow –Review

Lost queen of a kingdom. Secret and intriguing romance. Political intrigue. A world where magic is banned.
Oh em gee so the ending of this book will probably make you hyperventilate like it is doing to me right now. With a great, well-developed setting and main characters that are on a mission, no matter how manipulative they can be, this fantasy read will is just full of fun.

9. Written in the Stars by Aisha Saeed- Review

YES to diversity! Beautiful representation of a Pakistani family. Cute romance. So, so realistic and eye-opening.
I only wanted a couple of contemporaries on this list to make room for fantasies (ha sorry not sorry) and this one was one that stood out. It’s a fairly short read, but really hit close to home with having a family with deep, traditional values that affect the main character’s life.

8. The Weight of Feathers by Anna-Marie McLemore – Review

Beautiful, diverse characters. Intriguing plot that keeps your eyes attached to the page. Descriptive scenes that create a beautiful picture.
This quiet, subtle book with its magical realism was just so beautiful to read. The characters’ relationships with their families sometimes broke my heart but the gorgeous and satisfying ending was worth it.

7. These Shallow Graves by Jennifer Donnelly – Review

Accurate historical setting. Dynamic characters that fight the social system. A mystery with multiple murders involved. Forbidden romance.
I didn’t think a historical book would end up on this list, but this one was just unputdownable. Reading about the characters solve the murder mystery is full of excitement and thrills as they piece the clues together.

6. Carry On by Rainbow Rowell- Our Discussion Review | My Review

CUTEST COUPLE TO EVER BE A THING. Fun magical world. A wizard with just too much power in him. So otp it physically pains me.
Despite this book using elements of many others, it totally stands out on its own. I can’t think of SnowBaz without grinning and I love how the characters’ relationships develop throughout the book.

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5. The Wrath and the Dawn by Renee Ahdieh – Review

Stunning retelling. GIVE ME ALL THE FOODS. Snarky characters with wit and charm. Intriguing plot with hints of magic.
The superb writing in this book really sucked me into the story as I read about scrumptious food and a dazzling setting. Oh me oh my, I also fell in love with the characters and their unique charm. Definitely a retelling that I will be rereading as the years come by.

4. A Darker Shade of Magic by VE Schwab

Multiple Londons. A coat with various functions. Give me some of that magic bruh. Superb dynamic characters and nonstop action.
The clever world in this book as well as the fun characters just make it shine. Add to it nonstop magic and gorgeous magic, and you’re in for a wild ride.. Recommended for a binge-read because you’ll find that it is extremely hard to put down once you start.

3. Uprooted by Naomi Novik – Jeann’s Review | My Review

Absolutely enchanting. Will suck you in and never let go. Amazing characters. If you’re a fantasy fan and haven’t picked this up, I suggest you stop reading this post and do so right now.
I was surprised in the best of ways by this book. The fantastical world and brilliant characters make for a wonderful read.

2. Illuminae by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff – Jeann’s Review

Explosions. Spaceships. Intergalactic warfare. A romance through space. A dangerous virus outbreak. Upcoming movie.
The unique format of Illuminae was what caught my attention, but the actual story inside made me crazy for more.

1. Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo- Review

Dangerous heists. Amazingly amazing characters that pull on your heartstrings. Romances that you can’t help but ship. Action that leaves you on the edge of your seat.
Do not miss out on Bardugo’s most recent and (in my opinion) best book. I absolutely adore all the characters in this one and am biting my nails for the sequel.

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Do any of these books coincide with your own top books of 2015? I’d love to know!

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Aila is a young adult reader who loves to transport herself to new dimensions through reading. She's currently an undergraduate student at university in the US. Let's talk about our obsessions on Twitter @aila_1woaa!

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44 responses to “Aila’s Top 10 Books of 2015

  1. Out of these that I have read, I've LOVED. Except Uprooted, which I liked, but I lacked patience in the middle. Still a good read though! As for the rest, they have just been bumped up on my TBR 😀

  2. kseniasbookblog

    Haha, it’s really hard to choose only ten books. I haven’t posted my list of favorites yet, because I think I need several hours for this. I haven’t read anything from your list, though I have quite a few on my tbr-list. I’m really looking forward to read Uprooted and Six of Crows. Thanks for sharing, Aila!
    My recent post Audiobook review: The Distance Between Us by Kasie West

    • Eee I can't wait for you to read them Shannon! It looks like we have some pretty similar taste in books. ;))) UGH WRATH WAS AMAZING AND I CANNOT (literally can't) WAIT FOR THE SEQUEL. *cries*

    • Thanks Lola! I really hope you enjoy Illuminae and The Wrath and the Dawn once you get a chance to read them. 😀 There are so much books that you're missing out on hehe.

    • Haha I hope you enjoy them as much as I did when you get to them, Christy! I agree, lists are wayyyy too hard to make and use (for me at least haha). I'm planning on rectifying that fact!

  3. ILLUMINAE AND SIX OF CROWS THOUGH. OMG. Those are two of my favorite books of the year too Aila. So, so good. xD Thanks for sharing and, as always, fabulous choices & post! <3

    • YAAS ZOE GREAT MINDS THINK ALIKE AND ALL THAT JAZZ. *twirls and dances* I really really couldn't choose which one would be #1. If I had to honestly say, they would tie. :'D I'M SO SORRY FOR MY INDECISIVENESS ; u ;

  4. samoak

    Fabulous list! So many of these are on my wishlist or TBR pile, I just never got around to reading them this year. I'm definitely going to have to fix that in 2016. I'm especially looking forward to reading Uprooted and Six of Crows.
    My recent post Sunday Post: December 20, 2015

  5. Omg yes. So much yes for this list!! I loved your whole top 6 (except Uprooted which I haven't read). I bought The Weight of Feathers earlier this month, as you know, and I'm so excited to read it! I knew that you loved it but I had no idea it was TOP TEN MATERIAL?!! I will also have to check out These Shallow Graves soon!

    • It was so goodomgJennareaditsoonplease it hit all the feels (refering to Weight of Feathers). It's definitely quieter than the space battles of Illuminae or heists in Six of Crows, but still manages to deliver a huge emotional impact. Gah my heart is twisty just thinking about it. BUT YAY FOR TOP 6. *two thumbs up* *star eyes*

  6. I'm also a fan of The Orphan Queen! I can't wait to reread it before I pick up the sequel.
    The wrath and the dawn, A darker shade of magic, Uprooted and Six of crows are all MAGNIFICENT. So yes, they also made it to my list 😀

    I have chosen Illuminae as my first book for next year, I'm really excited.
    Mel@thedailyprophecy

    • OMG YES. Okay, I was ALL KINDS OF CONFLICTED IN CHOOSING A #1. Can I say Illuminae and SoC tied? T o T This is why I should never make lists. I am the friend that can't decide what to order at restaurants. So many similar books though, yaas!

  7. Rachel Lightwood

    *hides in shame* I haven't read a single one of these books! I know, I know I must but it just hasn't happened yet. I have These Shallow Graves on hold at the library because I loved the author's Dark Tide so that'll be my highest priority, but great list!
    My recent post Rachel’s Top 15 Books of 2015

    • Ooh if you loved the author's past works, I think you'll really enjoy These Shallow Graves! Dang Rachel, you're missing out on so many great books! I especially recommend the top 5, seems like they're all quite popular ones for this year. 🙂

    • Yaas Lucia! *high fives* Honestly I couldn't think of a number one??? IT WAS SO HARD. I am that one friend who never knows what they want to order when going out to restaurants. ; u ;

    • Eek! I very much recommend the others, especially if you enjoy fantasy. 😀 But yes, those were sooo good I get feelings just seeing their titles. :'D

  8. I could have sworn that Illuminae would have been your number one pick this year Aila, being both science fiction fans. I must admit, I haven't read Six Of Crows yet, but Illuminae is number one for me this year. I'm so happy to see These Shallow Graves on your list too, I know we both loved that one as well. We might just be book twinsies Aila <3
    My recent post Madame Tussaud's Apprentice

    • KELLY YOU DON'T UNDERSTAND MY PAIN. It was so hard, I kept on switching those two like crazyyyy! T ^ T (I still think of those like a tie erghh this is the struggle with lists. I'm so indecisive. *sobs*) I was soo pleasantly surprised with These Shallow Graves! It was probably the only historical fiction book I really liked this year haha. *high fives to book twinsies* ;D

  9. So many of these books are on my list too Aila! Lol my Top 10 list is pretty much a combination of yours and Jenna's lists! Thanks for the recommendations here, I'm dying to get my Six of Crows back and to pick up ADSOM!

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