Top Ten Books Read in 2016 (so far)

Hey all, Dani here.

First, I would like to apologize for not having a post up Monday or Tuesday. After seven months working on second shift, I have been moved back to third shift starting this week, and it hasn’t been the easiest of transitions for me.

So to make up for that, yesterday I shared a post about writing diversified characters, and today I have a fun little post where I talk about some of the amazing books I’ve read so far this year.

My friend Rachael (Rachaelrexds on Instagram) had her own post on this topic a few days ago, and I thought, well, maybe I should see if I can narrow down the books I’ve read into some semblance of a favorites list. And, well, here we are.

Now, a disclaimer…I did not include re-reads in this list (sorry Harry Potter and Percy Jackson), and I also did not include books that have yet to be released (sorry History is All You Left Me). Also, this list is in absolutely no particular order–well, okay, they might be in chronological order of when I read them, but they certainly aren’t in any sort of favoritism order.

Here we go…

Truthwitch (Witchlands #1) by Susan Dennard

This was one of the first books I read this year and I absolutely loved it. The witcheries are really cool, and there was enough world-building to give me a basic idea of the world. The interactions between the characters were varied and complex, and I cannot say enough about the amazing friendship between Safi and Iseult.

The Wrath and the Dawn/The Rose and The Dagger by Renee Ahdieh

This duology was stunning. I love retellings, and reading this version of 1001 Arabian Nights was so incredibly lovely. Shazi is such a strong female character. I love that she is so determined and outspoken. If you haven’t already, I highly recommend that you check these out/pick them up/read them.

Red Rising (Red Rising #1) by Pierce Brown

I heard so many people talking about this and gave it a try based on the recommendation by a really good friend of mine. I definitely wasn’t disappointed. Yes, the concept of one group of people who are underlings/in servitude/etc and one group who are the ruling class/wealthy/superior has been done so many times, but hey, this takes place on Mars, and I found the whole thing quite intriguing. I still need to read the rest of the trilogy, but Red Rising at least is definitely worth a read.

Six of Crows (Six of Crows #1) by Leigh Bardugo

A great start to a duology, but oh how I wish it were at least a trilogy. I love the characters, the expansion to the world, and the heist was great. I made myself read the Grisha trilogy before jumping into this one, and yes there are a couple important events from the trilogy that are mentioned in this series, and having the knowledge of those books does help you understand the world already, but I don’t think it’s necessary to read the Grisha trilogy first. And I’ve heard a lot of people say they prefer Six of Crows. I agree with those people. This was an action-packed adventure and I wish it were September already because I need to have Crooked Kingdom in my hands already.

Captive Prince (Captive Prince #1) by C.S. Pacat

Okay, technically I would like to include the whole trilogy right here, because I devoured all three of them in only a few days. I am so grateful that I didn’t find these books until after the final one was released; otherwise I would not have enjoyed the wait between books. I can’t say that I’ve read a lot of slave-fic romances, but the story was so vivid, mostly because the characters had such depth to them. I wanted to learn more about them and see how their relationship dynamics changed as the story progressed and I hoped for a happy ending. I won’t spoil anything, but I will suggest that you go out and pick up these wonderful books. Oh, I guess I should also mention that they feature a m/m romance, if you didn’t already know that.

Borderline (Arcadia Project #1) by Mishell Baker

I have mentioned this book a few times, both here and on my Bookstagram account. I absolutely love the diversity of the characters and the richness of the world, which is really just our world with the inclusion of the creatures from myth and fairy tales. Millie is such a realistic protagonist and has her own issues to overcome and struggles to face. Complicated friendships, working relationships, and hints of romance make this the kind of story that I think anyone could enjoy.

A Court of Mist and Fury (A Court of Thorns and Roses #2) by Sarah J Maas

This book was outstanding, and completely blew ACOTAR out of the water. I won’t say much more about this because I don’t want to spoil it for anyone, but I will say these things: The Night Court was awesome, Rhysand was fantastic, and man, oh man, with the way it ended, I am desperate for book three. Also, did you hear that Sarah J Maas is now contracted for 6 more books in the series (though one of them is actually a coloring book. Still, we might have 5 more books–4 if one turns out to be a guide to the world/characters/etc).

Hamilton: The Revolution by Lin-Manuel Miranda and Jeremy McCarter

Honestly I don’t think I could make a list like this without including some mention of my obsession for Hamilton. The behind-the-scenes look into the show and the creation of the music, lyrics, casting, portrayals, etc just enriched the whole concept for me. I cannot wait to finally see it live. This is the perfect gift for anyone in your life who finds themselves listening to the soundtrack Non-Stop and constantly talking about or referencing Hamilton in general conversation. I mean, come on, this musical pushed me in the direction of needing to buy a 700+ page biography about Alexander Hamilton.

Reliquary (Reliquary #1) by Sarah Fine

I was lucky enough to receive an e-galley of this book and I adored it. Thankfully it has been released so I can include it on this list…and book two is coming soon. It is near the top of my TBR since I was approved for another e-galley. Asa Ward is my new book boyfriend. I love the magic system in this world and the chemistry between Mattie and Asa is…whoa. This is definitely my favorite Sarah Fine book to date.

The Unexpected Everything by Morgan Matson

Okay, yes, so there is a contemporary on my list, but I found this to be a delightful read and Clark would also make an excellent book boyfriend. I guess my only issue is that he is several years younger than me. The aforementioned Asa Ward is just right. Anyway, this was a quick easy read, perfect for summertime, and all the little nerdy moments as well as the great friendship dynamics make this a book I have to recommend.

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Well, there you have it…my top ten reads (so far) in 2016. I’ll be honest, it wasn’t the easiest of tasks. At the current moment my Goodreads proudly proclaims that I have read 89 books already this year.

What are a few of your favorite reads so far this year? I’d love to hear from you.