Tuesday 27 December 2016

My Ultimate Favourite Reads of 2016

Top 10 Tuesday is hosted by The Broke and the Bookish. Here are my ulitimate favourite reads from this year.

1. I Am Malala
I rarely read autobiographies, but Malala Yousafzai is someone I truly admire. She has achieved so much for woman's education at such a young age, and she is a true inspiration that I believe everyone should know and read about. 

2. Carry On
I did not know what to expect from this book as fantasy isn't Rowell's typical genre, but she acknowledged that and the book went with it. The book is not a game changer for the fantasy genre, but I think it's awkward imperfections are what made me love it more.

3. A Monster Calls
This book was raw and beautiful and made me tear up. I'm glad I went into it knowing nothing, because that really made me appreciate it more. The experiences of the characters are so human and genuine and the magic is blended with tragedy so expertly - A Monster Calls is one of a kind.

4&5. The Great Library series
I have enjoyed these first two books in this series far more than I could ever describe. It's so underrated, especially considering the magnificent concept: a world where the Library of Alexandria never fell and now controls all knowledge. Who wouldn't want to read that?

6&7. Shades of Magic series
Never in my life have a come across a concept so wholly unique and brilliant as the world of Schwab's  Shades of Magic series. She mastered characters, concept, writing and plot all in the first book and it's no surprise that she has grown to become my favourite author.

8. Vicious
Another incredible masterpeice, and I wasn't even surprised. Although I pretty much love ever aspect of this book, what really got me was how meticulous the plotting was. Plus the subversion of the superhero/supervillain dynamic was truly glorious.

9&10. Six of Crows Duology
I only read Six of Crows this year but I loved it. It was fun and a great adventure read. But Crooked Kingdom? HOW CAN ANYTHING COMPARE?! My tiny little issues with Six of Crows were suddenly non-existent and it became so plot driven but with the powerful characters that were built up in book 1 to back it. Honestly it blew my mind and I'll never be the same.

13 comments:

  1. Crooked Kingdom was probably my number one read of the year. I liked SoC but didn't LOVE it like most readers. I LOVED LOVED LOVED CK. It was so incredible! Great list!

    My Favorites of 2016

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    1. It's too tough to narrow it down to just one favourite of the year, but CK is definitely up there. I was the same with SOC (it's the only book on this list I rated 4 stars but I felt like I had to put it up there with CK as a fave. I enjoyed SOC but it was a little slow to start and felt like it was finding it's feet. So I definitely didn't expect CK to BLOW MY MIND. Thanks!

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  2. I loved Carry On! It's not my typical type of book at all, but I found it impossible to put down. A Monster Calls is on my TBR - I'm fascinated by Patrick Ness.

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    1. Carry On was so much fun and miles better than I could have ever expected. I feel like it was conscious that it wasn't meant to be a flawless fantasy and somehow that made me love it more? Also A Monster Calls is moving and simply fantastic - if you haven't already I'd highly recommend reading every Patrick Ness book under the sun.

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  3. Great list! I’ve read a lot of these. I love Carry On, A Monster Calls, Vicious, and the Shades of Magic books.

    Aj @ Read All The Things!

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    1. Thanks! Looks like we have similar tastes! 2016 was a good reading year, so many of these I thought 'nothing can ever be this good' and then I read another!

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  4. I'd 100% recommend all of them if you haven't read them yet. Thanks - I hope you enjoy your reading in 2017 too!

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  5. I loved Carry On too! A Monster Calls is on my TBR and I need to get to it before my daughter asks to see the movie.

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  6. The Six of Crows duology is one of my faovurite reads of the year too!

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  7. A Monster Calls is such an amazing read!!! One of my top favorites from last year <3

    Great post,
    Leyanis (teacupsandreads.net)

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    1. It's a truly stunning read and I can't wait for the movie. Ness is a magnificent writer. Thanks!

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  8. I am Malala is a brilliant book!! It was my favourite read last year and I wish more people would read it because her story is aw-inspiring! I still need to get my hands on Crooked Kingdoms, and if I'm being honest, I am putting it off because I just don't feel ready to end this journey...

    You've had a great reading year!! Hope the new year will bring lots of awesome reads too.

    Nihaad - Read & Seek

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    1. It really is fantastic! Malala is such an extraordinary young woman and I believe everyone needs to hear her story.
      I know what you mean about putting off series finales. I'm always scared they will hurt me! I can't reassure you about the outcome of Crooked Kingdom, but I can tell you it is absolutely mind-blowingly fantastic and miles better than Six of Crows. A perfect balance of wanting more and knowing it was a perfect point to end.
      Thank you! I hope 2017 will bring you splendid reads too :)

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