Jeann
1. Strange the Dreamer by Laini Taylor | My Review
I loved the magical, mystical, magical adventures of Lazlo Strange as a librarian with dreams of visiting a lost world. With an antagonistic alchemist, a mysterious blue-skinned goddess who explores nightmares and dreams, and lots of ancient creatures and characters, Strange the Dreamer was such a memorable read.
2. A Crown of Wishes by Roshani Chokshi | Aila’s Review
Antagonistic romances are my favourite and the one between the fierce princess Gauri and the false prince Vikram was memorable and exciting. I loved the magical Tournament of Wishes and the trials they had to undergo to escape their circumstances. A magical story based on Indian mythology.
3. The Song Rising by Samantha Shannon | My Review
Like every book lover, I love it when series get better and better over time, and The Song Rising was a fantastic third book in the Bone Season trilogy. The dreamwalker Paige Mahoney has gone through so many trials and tribulations, and in this one she really comes on her own. With a secret underworld run by the seven orders of clairvoyance, aliens and a London influence, this is a unique supernatural dystopian series.
4. Always and Forever, Lara Jean by Jenny Han | My Review | Jenna’s Review
The only contemporary on my list, Always and Forever Lara Jean was such an adorable, nostalgic fluffy read about finishing high school. From figuring out what you want to do with your life, to trying to save a high school romance and realising that you’re going through a tidal wave of change, I loved every minute of it! Plus Peter and Lara Jean are so adorable.
Jenna
5. The Secret of a Heart Note by Stacey Lee | My Review | Aila’s Review
I love magical realism and this book had a wonderful combination of romance, family and magical realism elements. There was so much to love about it and I absolutely flew through the book. I thought it had a really interesting concept and definitely one for contemporary lovers out there.
6. Lord of Shadows by Cassandra Clare | My Review
It’s not secret that I love the Shadowhunter Chronicles and Lord of Shadows was yet another brilliant instalment in The Dark Artifices trilogy. The plot was extremely exciting and the development in the characters made it a really enjoyable read. I’m sad that we’ll have to wait at 2-3 years for the last book in the trilogy.
7. Wires and Nerve, Volume 1 by Marissa Meyer & Douglas Holgate | My Review | Jeann’s Review
The Lunar Chronicles is one of my favourite series of all time and I was so excited to find out that there would be a graphic novel spin off/continuation. Wires and Nerve is about Iko’s story after the events of The Lunar Chronicles and I absolutely fell in love with the story. All of the other characters in the main cast feature in this graphic novel and it was wonderful being able to reconnect with them all.
8. The End of Our Story by Meg Haston | My Review
This was definitely the surprise of the year so far for me. I had expected to like it but I never thought that I would love it as much as I do. This novel has one of my favourite second chance romances that I’ve read for a while and the story and its family elements made me fall in love with the book.
Aila
9. The Epic Crush of Genie Lo by F.C. Yee | My Review
I literally can’t recommend this book enough. This is the book I needed growing up. Genie Lo is a fantastic main character who will call you out on your BS, love interest or not. There is integration of Chinese folklore in a way YA has never done before. I LOVE THIS BOOK. And everyone needs to read it. If you didn’t like it, I will fight.
10. Want by Cindy Pon | My Review
A science-fiction set in futuristic Taiwan, Want explores environmental concerns and class hierarchy, all while incorporating diverse characters and a glimpse of Taiwanese culture. Jason Zhou is a broody boy who will steal your heart with his butterfly knife skills and loyalty towards his squad. And plus points for characters with colorful hair.
11. The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas | My Review | Jeann’s Review
Important, poignant, raw, and gripping, this book made me cry, ache, and hope throughout the whole story. Inspired by #BlackLivesMatter but extremely relevant today – and the days to come – The Hate U Give will make readers see their privilege and open their eyes with a personal account of new articles that populate America today. Starr is formidable and bold, and her love with her family and friends will fill readers’ hearts.
12. Rebel Seoul by Axie Oh
This is another science-fiction story, this time set in futuristic Korea, whose capital is now split between Neo Seoul and Old Seoul. You’re going to love the bromances and friendships in this one. Character camaraderie is A+ as this sci-fi book will blend K-drama feels with mecha anime to create a terrifyingly fun, action-filled plot.
Which of these books have you read this year?
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I really really need to get on that Lara Jean bandwagon haha. And Strange the Dreamer!! I love Wires and Nerve so much! Want looks really cool! Great list, ladies!
I completely agree Cyn, I hope you pick them up because the series just gets better and better!
Strange the Dreamer is high on my TBR after reading Daughter of Smoke and Bone. I wasn’t a big fan of the story in DOSAB but the writing style was utterly dreamy. Mix that in with Strange the Dreamer’s unique and magical sounding premise, and I’m almost certain I’m going to love it.
I’ve been debating whether or not to start The Dark Artifices series. The Infernal Devices was my biggest obsession even before I got into blogging, as was The Mortal Instruments, but once they both finished I wasn’t sure I wanted more of the Shadowhunters world. But with all the glowing praise TDA has been recieiving I might just give it a chance.
I’ve seen so many glowing reviews for The Epic Crush of Genie Lo today alone that have convinced me it’s something I need to read. It sound unique and badass and I’m looking forward to reading it.
Helia @ Rose Quartz Reads recently posted…The Cover Changing Curse
Yessss, I adored Strange the Dreamer, one of my fav books this year! I hope you enjoy it Helia, it’s such a wonderful book. Yeah, I’ve heard a lot about the Dark Artifices, especially with Jenna’s raves! I think you might enjoy that one too. Yesss I’m so glad you’re keen on Genie Lo because I love it so much!
Ahhh omg I LOVED Always and Forever, Lara Jean. I’m SO excited about the movie. Strange the Dreamer was also excellent and I MUST get around to Lord of Shadows soon. And I haven’t heard much hype about the Meg Haston book but I really enjoyed Paperweight so now I want it haha.
Emily Mead recently posted…Exit, Pursued by a Bear | Cheerleading and Girl Power
I know, it was so adorable and my fav of the three series!
Aw Aila, sadly I haven’t read any of your favourite books! But I’ve heard Cindy Poh’s name around quite frequently lately…so time to pick it up??
JEANN OMG you read The Song Rising?? I HAVE YET TO GRAB THAT OMG. I remember being so so so excited for that! My expectations are rising even higher now!
Jenna, LORD OF SHADOWS WRECKED ME. That ending made me so sad!!
Geraldine @ Corralling Books recently posted…I Haven’t Touched A Book In Six Months: An Update On My Life
Yesss, I’m so keen to read Want by Cindy Pon! OMG I hope you enjoy the Song Rising, I loved it so much! Things have really improved since the first 2 books.
I was surprised by how much I enjoyed A Crown of Wishes cause The Star-Touched Queen wasn’t my favourite read. I loved the dynamic between Gauri and Vikram. The hate to love trope was executed so well. So many of these books are on my tbr list. The Secret of a Heart Note, Strange the Dreamer and The Hate U Give are all books I plan on devouring in the near future.
Lois @ My Midnight Musing recently posted…Review: Take Me On by Katie McGarry
I know right? I loved how “tangible” it was, especially in comparison to TSTQ. I loved both of the characters so much especially with how they slowly grew to accept, even love each other. So many amazing books for you to read soon Lois!
YES TO ALL OF THESE. I completely agree – especially with The Hate U Give and Stranger the Dreamer. 🙂 Thanks for sharing and, as always, fabulous choices! <3
Zoe @ Stories on Stage recently posted…Words in Deep Blue
OMG how wonderful were both of these books? Definitely some of my favourites of the year! Thank you so much lovely Zoe!
AMAZING book lineup, everyone! I need to get to Strange the Dreamer and Crown of Wishes! I know Aila will kill me if I don’t get to Genie Lo soon *hides*. The End of Our Story spunds so good? I love secind chance romances!
OMG please read all of those books mentioned above because they are brilliant! Thanks Marianne <3
Ooh I love favorites lists! I’ve heard a lot of good things about Laini Taylor. Want and The Hate You Give look awesome.
Greg recently posted…Sunday Post #204
Yesss, I love both of these books so much! I hope you get the chance to read them Greg.
Ooh I’m very excited to read The Secret Of A Heart Note! AND YES THUG! That’s definitely on my top list of 2017 so far too! Thanks for sharing you guys <3
Yessss both Jenna and Aila have been saying I should read Secret of a Heart Note! i’m so glad you love THUG as well, it’s sooo good.
Lots of lovely books here!! THUG was such a good book. I have and need to get to The Secret of a Heart Note. Hope you have more great reads the rest of the year!
Grace @ Rebel Mommy Book Blog recently posted…What I’ve Been Watching (5)
Yesss, I’m so glad to hear that you loved THUG as well! It was such an important book. You too, Grace!
AHHHH so so many great books here!! I absolutely adored Strange the Dreamer and Lord of Shadows too. ❤️❤️ Cannot get enough of Shadowhunter books afjdsaklfdj. And I really am keen to read the last Lara Jean book…once I read book 2. (Why am I always so behind on my TBR!??)
Cait @ Paper Fury recently posted…A Vlog?? A VLOG (!!) Wherein I Play “Never Have I Ever” With My Sister
YESSSSS I’m so glad you loved Strange too! I need to catch up with TID but there are so many books now that I’m a bit overwhelmed. READ THE LAST ONE NOW CAIT.