Top Ten Tuesday is hosted by The Broke and the Bookish, where each week we’re given a new top ten list to blog about.
So, I’m not following the prompt this week, because I don’t want Santa to bring me ANY books for Christmas, LOL. Most book review bloggers will probably agree with me:-) Instead, I’m breaking down my favorite books of the year into YA and Adult, as I usually do. Up this week: my favorite YA books of the year! Now, you’ll notice this is a top five list, and the reason for that is…I didn’t read much YA this year, and I didn’t feel as if I could even point to ten books that really deserve to be called “the best.” There were plenty of YA that I just didn’t get to, that no doubt would have made this list longer. So instead, I’ve chosen my five favorites of the year. Click on the links to read my reviews! Here they are:
1. Railhead by Philip Reeve
Railhead literally blew me away, and if any book deserves the number one spot on this list, this is it. I get chills just thinking about it, and I read it eight months ago! I don’t think very many people even know about this book, which is a crying shame. It’s that rare YA book that crosses age groups seamlessly, kind of like Harry Potter does. I just found out that the sequel to Railhead is already out in the UK—Black Light Express—so of course I just ordered a copy from The Book Depository! Read my review.
2. Gemina (The Illuminae Files #2) by Amie Kaufman & Jay Kristoff
I’m pretty sure Illuminae made my top ten last year, so it’s no surprise that Gemina joins the ranks! An amazing follow-up that not only kept up with the pace and exciting story line, but surpassed it. Unfortunately, I have not had time yet to write my review for Gemina, but I hope to put it up soon. If you haven’t started this series yet, it’s one of the best out there.
3. Nevernight (The Nevernight Chronicles #1) by Jay Kristoff
It doesn’t surprise me at all that Jay Kristoff is on this list twice! He sure was busy this year, and we have two pretty awesome books from him to prove it. This book technically isn’t YA, but I’ve put it on this list because it has that feeling of YA, despite the sex and violence. I know some readers will probably disagree that it belongs on a YA list, but what the heck:-) Nevernight is the first in a new series about a school for assassins, and has Jay’s trademark grimdark stylistic writing and compelling characters. I can’t wait for the next installment! Read my review.
4. When the Moon was Ours by Anna-Marie McLemore
McLemore’s beautifully written story about gender identity was magical and hypnotic. I mentioned in my review that this is an important book, as it speaks to teens who may be searching for their own answers about identity. Read my review.
5. This Savage Song (The Monsters of Verity #1) by Victoria Schwab
Schwab is always going to hold a special place in my reader’s heart, simply because she wrote Vicious. So I went into This Savage Song with a little trepidation, because I enjoy her adult books more than her YA. But I needn’t have worried. Although this book had some issues, I still loved it and would recommend it to anyone who is a fan. I’m hoping book two, Our Dark Duet, fills in some of the blanks for me. Read my review.
I really enjoyed This Savage Song as well. It didn’t quite make my Top 10 (I combine all of my reads on one list), but if I did a Top 15 instead it would have made the cut. 🙂
Sara L. recently posted…What’s Making Me Happy in December 2016 (Plus, I’m on a Holiday Blogging Hiatus)
I rarely put four star reviews on my “top” lists but this year I had to, simply because I didn’t read that many outstanding YA books, for some reason.
I’m confused about Nevernight. I’ve seen it on YA lists, but my public library has it as an adult title. I’ve not read it yet so since you have, is my library wrong? (not that I would ever tell them:)
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Yeah, I was confused too. I think in my review I actually say “this is not YA” and yet I put it on this list. Go figure! I think overall it has that YA vibe, even though it’s quite violent.
The cover of Nevernight is sooo good! I am going to check out that book!
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Haha! No, I want books and gift certificates for bookstores! I do get plenty for review, but there are always books I still desperately want and my book buying budget is TIGHT!
Excellent picks, btw. I need to read ALL OF THESE 🙂
I’m listening to the audiobook of Gemina now – just squeezing it in before the year end – so it’s awesome to see it on your list.
I was so shocked that I ended up loving Gemina more than Illuminae but it was such a fun read. And I actually was considering This Savage Song on audiobook the other day at the library but I opted against it. I own SEVERAL of Schwab’s books on ebook so I figured those should be priority. lol
Bonnie @ For the Love of Words recently posted…Top Ten Tuesday – Santa List 2016
Not heard of three of them and I really want to try This Savage Song.
Nice list- I need to read Gemina soon and Railhead I’m not familiar with, but what a cover! I’ll go take a look at that one.
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I’m consolidating all my top books in one big post later this week – needless to say though, Gemina made it onto my favorite YA novels that I read this year as well. I also need to check out Railhead. Any book that gets you talking about it so much has got to be worth it! 🙂
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Of these, I’ve only read Gemina and loved it! I have the rest of these on my tbr though! 😀
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I haven’t read any of these but I want to read them all. You’re bad for my TBR pile, Tammy!
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I’ve been wanting to read never night. It’s on my to read list. I’m hoping to get to it soon.
Great list – I’ve only read Nevernight but I also need to read Gemina having just read Illuminae and loving it.
Lynn 😀
Geminia and Nevernight are both books which I have been seeing on a lot of lists similar to this one! I’m actually currently reading This Savage Song! I’m about a third of the way through and so far I’m really enjoying it :3