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Well, we made it through the first half of the year, and now it’s time to see what our favorite books are so far! I’m pretty sure this list will change a little by the end of the year, because there are still so many books I have yet to read that I expect to love. But as of right now, here are my ten favorite books of 2018 so far:
The Sky is Yours by Chandler Klang Smith. I know this book wasn’t everyone’s cup of tea, but I loved it. Quirky, emotional, and just plain weird, I recommend this book for readers who love unique and challenging reads. Read my review here.
The Last Sun by K.D. Edwards. I was surprised by how much I loved this story! Edwards may be a debut writer, but wow can he write. In a recent interview he revealed that he has NINE books planned for this series, so I’d appreciate it if you all would buy some copies to assure he gets to write those books! Read my review here.
The Night Dahlia by R.S. Belcher. I always have high expectations when a new Belcher book comes out, and I have yet to be disappointed. If you love edgy horror and complex characters, I suggest you check out a Belcher book ASAP! Read my review here.
The Hunger by Alma Katsu. I know at least one blogger who disagrees with me on my love of this book, but I’ve been a staunch Katsu fan from the time I read her first book. This time she puts a supernatural spin on the historical tale of the Donner party expedition. Read my review here.
Looking Glass by Andrew Mayne. Mayne is a seasoned writer of fast-paced and engaging thrillers, and this series featuring Dr. Theo Cray is addictive. This is book #2 in the series, but you could read them out of order. Read my review here.
Outpost by W. Michael Gear. I loved this book, and I loved going in with no expectations and being blown away. Another fantastic “thriller in space,” a sub-genre I’m loving more and more. I’m excited that the sequel to Outpost is coming out soon! Read my review here.
The Oracle Year by Charles Soule. Soule is best known for his work in the field of comics and graphic novels, but wow, did he ever deliver with his debut novel! If you love a combo of thought-provoking concepts and fast-paced action, you really do need to read this. Read my review here.
The Cruel Prince by Holly Black. I know many readers who’ve put this on their “Best of 2018 So Far” list, and I’m no exception! I had so much fun with my first Holly Black story, and I can’t wait for the second book in the series to come out next year. Read my review here.
Royal Bastards by Andrew Shvarts. I finally got around to reading this book, which came out last year, and I’m so glad I did, it was so funny and simply a blast to read. I have the second book ready to go, as soon as I can fit it in. Read my review here.
Sky in the Deep by Adrienne Young. YA books that get more than four stars are rare for me, so I was surprised at how well this story worked for me. If you love intricate relationships, you should definitely check this out. Read my review here.
I haven’t read a single book on this list but I have been eyeing a few: particularly The Last Sun and The Cruel Prince! 🙂
Both worth reading, IMO. I’d start with The Last Sun:-)
Sky in the Deep was a real stand out this year- and I can’t wait to hear what you think about the sequel to Royal Bastards!
I can’t wait to get to City of Bastards, I keep forgetting about it!
Hmmmm…and who would be the disagreeing blogger regarding “The Hunger?” Oh well, I’m really glad you enjoyed it so much and I am more than willing to give the author another chance. I enjoyed “Cruel Prince” after getting off to a rocky start with it and am anxious for the second one. “Outpost” made my list too and I have you to thank for that recommendation! Great list and here’s to reading more books! Also, I’m about 70% done with “The Mermaid” by Christina Henry and am loving that one too!
Ha ha, gee I wonder who?? lol. I’m glad you love The Mermaid!
I have only read one book on your list and it’s on my least favorite for the year…lol….The Hunger…lol. I do want to read Sky in the Deep and just waiting for it from overdrive. 🙂
Ha ha! I love the “anti Hunger” from you and Barb. Hey, not all books work for everyone!
Oooh I loved Sky in the Deep and The Cruel Prince!! Sky in the Deep would probably make my top 10 this year but the Cruel Prince would probably just miss the cut. Great list!
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Thanks Brittany, it’s hard to choose when you have to narrow it down to ten, right;-)
I haven’t read any of these!! I’m not counting my dnf of Cruel Prince because I really want to try it again but in print this time. Many of these are on my TBR but I really want to read Outpost.
Bonnie @ For the Love of Words recently posted…Top Ten Tuesday – Best of 2018 (So far)
Outpost was really good, and it kind of caught me off guard. In a good way!
Outpost was indeed an amazing discovery, and I can’t wait to read its sequel 🙂
Maddalena@spaceandsorcery recently posted…Review: KILL CREEK, by Scott Thomas
Me too! It was such a surprise:-)
I completely forgot about The Sky Is Yours! :O I got it months ago from a blogging site and was so excited to read it, but it got pushed to the bottom of a stack and I guess I just… forgot? I’m so glad to see you liked it, I’m definitely going to bump that up and read it soon, I love a quirky book! The Hunger and Royal Bastards are also ones I’m hoping to read soon. Great list! I’m definitely adding some these to my TBR now, haha.
I’d love to hear how you like The Sky is Yours if you get a chance to read it:-)
This is a really intriguing list and to my shame – I haven’t read a single book on your list! But Outpost is definitely one that I will be reading before the year is out – like you, space mysteries is becoming a solid favourite with me. I hope the coming six months produces yet another crop of outstanding books:)
It’s not surprising that you haven’t read any of these, simply because there is sooo much to choose from! I think you will love Outpost.
The Cruel Prince is a favorite of mine as well. I think it would also definitely be in my top 10.
It was surprisingly good, and now I want to read more from Holly Black.
What a great list with quite a few books that I really want to get to – if I can ever get the chance. Royal Bastards and Outpost in particular.
Lynn 😀
I know what you mean, so many books I want to read but I have to choose. That’s what happens when there are just too many new books out at the same time.
I surprisingly have read none of these! The Oracle Year is on me list though. Arrrr!
x The Captain
Ooh read The Oracle Year, I’d love to have more bloggers to talk to about it.
I really enjoyed Sky in the Deep and The Cruel Prince too. I just recently purchased Royal Bastards and am looking forward to reading that one, especially after seeing it on this list. 🙂
Oh, thanks for reminding me I still haven’t read the sequel to Royal Bastards, ugh, must get to it soon!
I didn’t rate Sky in the Deep as high, but I agree that it’s a good read. I was surprised I liked it since I don’t get along well with YA these days. (It’s probably because it’s not romance heavy.)
I usually have a tough time with YA as well. It’s pretty rare that I find something I love.
I am seriously thinking of getting The Sky Is Yours, and will admit that the cover and the quirkiness of it are major draws. 🙂
Sky in the Deep was fun!
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It’s a crazy book, so if you don’t mind books that are outside the box, it’s perfect:-)
I might have to check out some of these, I feel as if I’m neglecting Fantasy/Sci Fi these days but nothing has really caught my eye for a while so this list might be a good place to start 🙂
I know what you mean, sometimes I feel like I need a break from sci-fi/fantasy, so it’s nice to change things up now and then.
you have quite a few that I haven’t heard of and I am going to check out. I also read Cruel Prince this year and really enjoyed it. great list.
Thanks, I’m excited to read the follow up to The Cruel Prince!
The only one of these I’ve read so far is The Cruel Prince, and I agree — definitely one of the best books of the year so far! I still have yet to read anything by Alma Katsu, which just feels silly at this point. And The Last Sun is on my TBR, too!
Danya @ Fine Print recently posted…Review: Rogue Souls by Chelsea Mueller
Alma’s books are very dark, but I happen to love dark so they work for me:-)
Great list! I’m determined to read The Cruel Prince this week.
Oh good, I hope you can read it, I’d love to hear what you think.
I just finished it!! Wow that was a lot of fun. Definitely one of the better ya fantasy novels!
Oh good, so glad you loved it! I’m really excited for the next book in the series.
there’s another book?! That’s awesome!
I remember you mentioning The Sky is Yours 🙂 I haven’t been able to haul it yet, but your review left me intrigued. I would also love to read The Oracle Year sometime.
By the way, I don’t know if my comment reply notifications reach you, but I wanted to say thank you for watching my video of the song festival, and actually yes, I live beside that place with the trees – it’s actually a park in the middle of the city, and our city is the capital and the biggest city in the country, but it still has forests. If you’re ever looking for a place to visit in Europe, haha 😀
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I did get your comment notification, thank you! I’ve been slowly answering comments as I’ve been on vacation for a few days. You are so lucky to live near a forest, that would be a dream come true for me!
Sky in the Deep, Cruel Prince, and The Hunger are on my TBR list. I’m glad you liked them!
Aj @ Read All The Things! recently posted…Top Ten Tuesday: Recent Wish List Additions
Oh good, those three are all so different, so have fun:-)
The Oracle Year!!! *hands up in celebration* Definitely curious about R.S. Belcher’s books thanks to you though. 😀 Great list, Tammy!
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Yes, I wish more people would read The Oracle Year, it was fab!
I agree about The Last Sun! I still need to get a copy of The Cruel Prince though! I’m not surprised to see it on lots of lists either, I know lots of people loved it!
I was excited to see The Cruel Prince on so many lists. I hope you get to read it someday:-)