So far this year, I’ve read a total of 27 books, which I’m actually really happy with. I’m well on my way to achieving my goal of 52 books in 2015 (that’s one book a week in case you’ve forgotten how many weeks are in a year).
But with 27 books to choose from, narrowing that down to 10 of my favourites as part of The Broke and the Bookish’s Top Ten Tuesday was a bit of a challenge, though some of them definitely stood out head and shoulders above the others. Here they are, with number one being my absolute favourite of the year so far.
10. Red Rising by Pierce Brown
This was the first book I read in 2015 and I thoroughly enjoyed it. It’s an epic dystopian with a high-fantasy feel to it, and you’ll get sucked right into the world Pierce Brown has masterfully created.
9. Mind Games by Teri Terry
Another dystopian I’ve loved this year is Mind Games by Teri Terry. It also offers up a rich, well-thought-out world that I was hooked on from the very beginning.
8. Trouble by Non Pratt
Non Pratt’s debut novel is stunningly good. It’s realistic and believable, brilliantly written and will have you hooked. Find out more in my review.
7. Stella by Helen Eve
Stella is a book I read very recently and I’ll have a review for you soon, but spoiler alert: I loved it. It surprised me after reading some slightly negative reviews. It offers a twisting storyline and characters you’ll become unexpectedly fond of.
6. The One by Kiera Cass
Books from Kiera Cass’s The Selection series have been appearing in my Top Ten Tuesday round-ups of the best books of the year since 2013. The Elite was in my best books of 2014 TTT and The Selection was in my best books of 2013 TTT. So it’s probably no surprise that The One has made it into my best books of 2015 so far TTT, and I’m so glad that the conclusion to the trilogy was as good as its predecessors.
I couldn’t help but fall in love with this series, which I’ve always described as a guilty pleasure because it’s about princesses and handsome princes and gorgeous ball gowns. But the dystopian storyline running through it and the gritty conclusion to the series makes it much more than that, and I’d strongly recommend reading it.
5. I’ll Give You The Sun by Jandy Nelson
I’ve read both I’ll Give You The Sun and The Sky is Everywhere by Jandy Nelson this year and loved them both, but I’ll Give You The Sun stood out to me the most (my sister enjoyed The Sky is Everywhere more, so I’d recommend reading both of them!)
It’s another split narrative, which is definitely a style I’ve found myself enjoying more this year, but in a unique twist that narrative also switched between the twins at the centre of this story at 13 years old and 16 years old. It’s very clever and the book is beautiful.
4. Lobsters by Tom Ellen and Lucy Ivison
Described as a socially awkward love story, Lobsters is that and so much more. I couldn’t put it down, and I loved the summery vibe – it’s the perfect holiday read. I loved the split narrative between main characters Sam and Hannah, the brilliant relationships and adorable romance, and the fact that it’s a UKYA so was very relatable to me.
Find out more in my review.
3. The Storm by Virginia Bergin
The second and sadly the final instalment in The Rain series didn’t disappoint. Virginia Bergin is a very, very clever writer and I didn’t want to leave this frightening apocalyptic story and its characters behind. I am so honoured to have a quote from my review of The Rain in the front of this book, and I cannot wait to read more from Virginia Bergin in the future.
2. The Rest of us Just Live Here by Patrick Ness
I haven’t reviewed this one yet, but it’s Patrick Ness so obviously it’s awesome. I’ve said it before but I’ll say it again: Patrick Ness is a genius. His books are brilliant and if you haven’t read any yet I’d strongly recommend you do so! More Than This is my favourite. But The Rest of us Just Live Here, which is coming out in August, is fantastic too. It’s about a boy called Mike who isn’t the chosen one, making a wonderful coming of age story that’s both funny and witty but also thought-provoking and inspiring.
1. Remix by Non Pratt
I didn’t even hesitate to put Non Pratt’s second novel, Remix, at the top of this list. It’s without doubt my favourite book of the year so far and is up there among my favourite books of all time. It’s a book that I can see myself reading again and again, and that’s a rarity for me. As I said in my review, I’m pretty certain that Non is magic.
You can find out more about it by reading my review, but you’ll like it if you enjoy reading about festivals, music, romance, friendships, UKYA and split narratives. It’s one for fans of Lobsters (the book, I mean), This Song Will Save Your Life and This is What Happy Looks Like.
I can’t wait to see all of your Top Ten Tuesdays this week! I have a feeling my TBR list is about to get a whole lot bigger…
Leave your links in the comments section below!
I want to read I’ll Give You the Sun!!
http://captivatedreader.blogspot.com/2015/06/top-ten-tuesday-top-ten-books-ive-read.html
Author
You should, it’s brilliant! xx
I haven’t read any of these, although some are on my TBR based on great reviews I’ve read. I’m excited for The Selection, I am next on the list at my library.
Here’s my TTT. http://eviloverlordthoughts.com/top-ten-of-2015/
Author
The Selection is such a great series, you’ll love it. Thanks for visiting! 🙂 x
I’ll Give You the Sun is on my list today too! I LOVED that book. Also, I’m super jealous that you’ve read The Rest of Us Just Live Here! I CANNOT wait for that one!
My TTT!
Author
I’m going to visit your TTT right after this! Not too long to wait for TROUJLH, it’s worth it 🙂 x
I have Red Rising on my top ten list as well. Great minds think alike! I’m interested in reading “I’ll Give You the Sun” but have just not got around to it. Hopefully soon though. Great list!
My TTT
Obsessive Compulsive Reader
Author
Off to read your TTT now but yes, definitely read I’ll Give You The Sun, it’s gorgeous.
I’m adding some of these to my to-read list. The Selection series has been on my TBR list for a loooong time.
My TTT
Author
The Selection is so brilliant, hope you enjoy it!
I have “I’ll Give You the Sun” checked out from the library right now and I’m sure I’ll get to it soon. I’ve heard nothing but great things about it! “Red Rising” is on my list too. 🙂
Author
Both great choices, hope you enjoy them Lindsay, thanks for visiting 🙂 x
I’ll Give You The Sun is on my list too, it was an amazing read 🙂 Very excited about The Rest Of Us Just Live Here, and have been meaning to read Trouble for a while. Here’s my TTT!
Author
Just visited your TTT, awesome list! Trouble is brill, you’ll love it I’m sure.
I’m looking forward to it, enjoyed Remix 🙂
I keep hearing about Red Rising, is it really that good? I know some people compare Red Queen to it saying (I’m paraphrasing) that RQ is a less steller version of RR.
Author
I haven’t read Red Queen yet but I did really enjoy Red Rising! It’s pretty full on so it took me a while to read but I’d definitely recommend it. Thanks for stopping by! 🙂 x
Great list! I loved I’ll Give You the Sun and I’m hoping to read The Rest of Us Just Live Here soon.
Krystianna @ Downright Dystopian
I can’t wait to finally read The Rest of Us Just Life Here. I’ve only read one book by Patrick Ness so far (A Monster Calls) but I loved it! I have more than this on my shelf so I’ll start it soon as well.
Lovely list! 🙂
Author
I haven’t read A Monster Calls yet – it’s next on my Patrick Ness list! More Than This is my absolute favourite so far though. xx
I really liked Mind Games too! It doesn’t seem to be getting much hype which is a shame. I have Red Rising and really need to read it and I’m excited for The Rest of Us Just Live Here!
Some of these are still in my TBR. I reaaaally should start with them, especially the finales
I enjoyed reading your list. And I can’t wait to read trouble
I have only read Red Rising from this list, and I LOVE it as well as Golden Son. I’ll have to look into some of these other books.
Author
I can’t wait to read Golden Son! 🙂 thanks for visiting xx
‘Red Rising’ was fantastic, I completely agree! I wanted to put it on my list but there simply wasn’t the room (you’re right, narrowing down was HARD). I really want to get into The Selection series too, it looks really good and the covers are pretty!
Check out my Top Ten Tuesday list this week!
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Katrina @ Chased By My Imagination