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.
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.
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.
Do any of these books coincide with your own top books of 2015? I’d love to know!
Aila J.
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Such a great collection of the books and i really like this thanks for share it .
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 😀
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!
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I just bought Illuminae and I am so excited to read that one. I have heard such great things about it.
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YAAS CYNTHIA, enjoy that glorious, awesome-packed book of AWESOMENESS!
Fabulous choices! Illuminae made my list, as did Wrath! I LOVED Wrath! I also really liked Six of Crows and ADSOM. I need to read all the others though- and they are definitely on my TBR!! Especially Uprooted. I need it SO badly!
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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*
The only books I've read on here are These Shallow Graves and Illuminae! I loved them both. At least 6 of the others are waiting patiently in my TBR pile though. I hope to get to them soon!
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Yesss, so much excitement for you to read the others!! Hopefully you'll enjoy as much as I did~
AWESOME CHOICES. I also loved Illuminae and A Darker Shade of Magic. And The Wrath and the Dawn is on my TBR which is VERY EXCITING 😀
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YAAS THANK YOU SO MUCH! I hope you enjoy TWATD as much as I did :DD
I haven't read any of these books, but I heard of most of these. They all sound great. I usually don't like unique formats for books, but Illuminae does sound good and everyonr seems to love it. of telling. And The Wrath and the Dawn sounds really good too! Great list!
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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.
We have quite a few books in common in our lists! Uprooted! Six of Crows! Orphan Queen! Illuminae!! So many awesome books this year!
My recent post Top 10 of 2015: Best Books I've Read on 2015!!
Yaas, they say that great minds think alike. ;)) Excellent choices, my dear! Here's to 2016 bringing even more awesome books!
[…] a complete coincidence, but my Top 10 is pretty much a combination of Aila and Jenna’s Top 10 Books of 2015, they have good taste guys. Just […]
I've not read most of these books, sadly. But I'll definitely have Carry On in my list as well. 😀
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Ooh lala, enjoy Carry On! I absolutely LOVED that one. <3
It's hard for me to make these lists because there are so many books I loved. I still need to read all of your picks though.
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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!
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 ;
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.
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I'm in the middle of reading Illuminae right now and totally loving it! And super yes to ADSOM and Six of Crows! I need to read Carry On soon!
Great list, Aila!
Here's my top ten list!
My recent post Top Ten of 2015: Best Books I’ve Read in 2015
Carry On, Six of Crows, Carry On, and ADSOM are some of my favorites this year too! 😀
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A Darker Shade of Magic, The Weight of Feathers, Uprooted, Illuminae & Six of Crows were some of the best books I read this year too.
I need to read Written in the Stars and Carry On already! They sound amazing.
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The Wrath and the Dawn was a mighty fine book and I can gladly say that I am so happy that I jumped on the hype train for that one! Because it left me in a puddle of feels and longing for the sequel, WHICH I AM SO EXCITED FOR.
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Wasn't it amazing?!? Gosh I can't wait for the sequel either. I NEED TO KNOW WHAT HAPPENS NEXT. Plus, my OTP. *sobs*
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*
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!
Ooh so many great looking books! Alas, I've only read one of them O.O I must fix this, obviously!!
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Definitely Melanie! They're all pretty big hits for 2015 too. 😀
*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. 🙂
I also think that Six of Crows is best Bardugo’s book and it also made it to my top favorite books of 2015 list 🙂 It was pure perfection!
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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 ;
Illuminae, Carry On and ADSOM were on my list too! Most of the others aren't because i haven't read them yet. GASP.
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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
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
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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
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!
YES RECOMMEND THOSE X100! It's awesome to see we have such similar tastes. As they sayy, "great minds think alike" haha.