Top 10 Books Of 2014!

Hey bookworms! I've been getting a lot questions on social media as to what were some of my favorite reads this year! I read a ton this year so it was really hard to limit the amount to my top 10 favorite books of 2014. Some of these books were released this year and some where just new reads for me. So, let's get this list started!

 

10. A Million Suns by Beth Revis

This is the second book to the Across The Universe trilogy and I fell in love with this book! I thought the first book was an okay read and didn't expect to love this one way more!

 

9. Siren by Tricia Rayburn

 

I fell in love with this book from the very first page and it was my first book I ever read about sirens. It was so romantic and very mysterious!

 

8. The Selection by Kiera Cass

I love any dystopian read and this trilogy is one of my favorites! It was a modern day princess story and I loved it!

 

7. The Giver by Lois Lowry

This was a very quick and somewhat vague story but left so much room for my own imagination and I just love it so much!

 

6. Cinder by Marissa Meyer

I just loved this fairytale retelling about Cinderella! I loved the dystopian aspect and the magical element and darker feel of the story!

 

5. Four by Veronica Roth

As a huge Divergent fan, I was really excited for this book! It did not disappoint me at all and it could easily be the best book in the series!

 

4. Anna and The French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins

This is one of my favorite contemporary reads of all time! It was so romantic, funny, witty and heartwarming and put a huge smile on my face!

 

3. Shatter Me by Taherah Mafi

I've said it once and I'll say it again, this book is a masterpiece! This book was very adventurous, romantic, and just beautiful!

 

2. The Fault In Our Stars by John Green

Need I say more?

 

1. The Young Elites by Marie Lu

This book is by far the best book I read this year!! It was good and hooked me from the very first page and was so action packed, it was fantastical and had a little romance and was a darker read that I really, really loved!

 

That's all bookworms! What was your favorite book of the year? Let me know on social media and in the comments down below!

 

Bonus Pick!

The Maze Runner by James Dashner

You really thought I wouldn't include this in this post? People these days . . .

Elixir by Hilary Duff

Elixir by Hilary Duff

Rating: PG

Genre: Romance, Fantasy

Score: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Page Count: 327

Book #1 of the Elixir trilogy

Publisher: Simon & Schuster

Published: 2010

 

Seventeen-year-old Clea Raymond has felt the glare of the spotlight her entire life. The daughter of a renowned surgeon and prominent politician, she has become a talented photojournalist who takes refuge in a world that allows her to travel to many exotic places. But after Clea's father disappears while on a humanitarian mission, Clea begins to notice eerie, shadowy images in her photos of a strange and beautiful young man- a man she has never seen before. When fate brings Clea and this man together, she is stunned by the immediate and powerful connection she feels with him. As they grow closer, they are drawn deep into the mystery behind her father's disappearance, and they discover the centuries-old truth behind their intense bond. Torn by a dangerous love triangle and haunted by a powerful secret that holds their fates, together they race against time to unravel their pasts in order to save their lives- and their futures.

 

Rating:

Pros:

1. I'm a fan of the amazing Hilary Duff and I was excited when I found this book by her. It's a bit older and I wished I could've found it a bit sooner seeing as it only took me a day to read this book. This fantasy love story hooked me from the very first page and I barely even put it down once. I couldn't wait to get to the last page of this book to see how it ended so let's get this review started so you can know why!

 

2. The writing for this story was very easy to fly through which is something I love finding about a book. Even when there wasn't really anything going on in a chapter, the writing made it seem very important to the story, at least in my opinion. It was simple to read and I actually loved the size of the font in my copy, it's a weird pro but I really enjoyed it.

 

3. I really enjoyed the characters in this book as well. They weren't my favorite group of characters but I still really enjoyed getting to know them and find out more about them. I found myself laughing out loud when it came to certain characters, there were two in particular that I found so loveable and funny and I love a book with a character that makes me laugh. They were all fun and I can't wait to get more of them in the second book.

 

4. The story line for this book was interesting as well. I really liked how everything seemed very mysterious until almost the very end of the book when all truth is revealed in one chapter. It was very mind blowing to say the least. There was a ton of mystery and things that didn't quite seem to add up which made me that much more invested in reading the story to see where it went. I also really liked that there were main factors that the story revolved around, only ending up to be just small pieces of a bigger picture.

 

5. Overall, this book was an enjoyable read for me and I think for anyone else who wants a fun fantasy read, this one you might want to consider picking up. I'm excited to pick up the second book in this trilogy so look out for that review soon!

 

Cons:

1. The only thing I didn't really like about this book was the romance. I would have loved to see the romance built up from when Clea and the mysterious man meet for the first time. I thought that the romance between them wasn't as anticipated as I would've loved for it to be and I felt like it was almost insta-love when the two characters finally were alone hallway in the book.

 

Age Recommendation: 14+

 

I hope you guys enjoyed this book review! If you have any other book requests you would like me to review, just leave a comment or send me an email! Read on bookworms! See you in the next chapter! 

Days Of Blood And Starlight by Laini Taylor

Days Of Blood And Starlight by Laini Taylor

Rating: PG-13

Genre: Romance, Fantasy

Score: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Page Count: 513

Book #2 of the Daughter Of Smoke and Bone trilogy

Publisher: Little, Brown and Company

Published: November 6, 2012

 

Art student and monster's apprentice Karou finally has the answers she has always sought. She knows who she is- and what she is. But with this knowledge comes another truth she would give anything to undo: She loved the enemy and he betrayed her, and a world suffered for it. In this stunning sequel to the highly acclaimed Daughter Of Smoke and Bone, Karou must decide how far she'll go to avenge her people. Filled with heartbreak and beauty, secrets and impossible choices, Days Of Blood and Starlight finds Karou and Akiva on opposing sides as an age-old war stirs back to life. While Karou and her allies build a monstrous army in a land of dust and starlight, Akiva wages a different sort of battle: a battle for redemption. For hope. But can any hope be salvaged from the ashes of their broken dream?

 

Review:

Pros:

1. This continuation of the beautifully written Daughter Of Smoke and Bone is probably one of the best sequels I've read so far this year! It was just as beautiful as the first book and I had a hard time putting my love of this book into words for all you beautiful people. Let's get this review started!

 

2. First thing's first: The characters. In the first book, the characters were of course still being developed and still had to be learned by the reader. However, in this book, the characters were already established and I was so ready to get even more of them. The second book shows just how strong and brave they all are and really shows more of their personalities. I really loved seeing the characters grow from the first book and I almost felt like by the end of this book, they were completely different in a sense. They grew stronger, braver, and more powerful as the story progressed and chaos came upon them and I loved seeing how they reacted in each situation. I could go on for hours talking about these amazing and unforgettable characters!

 

3. The first book was a lot simpler with the world building and character building but this sequel was even more interesting. There was a ton of complexity with the new world that the author had to build and a lot more character development that I found very detailed without having to be overly descriptive and confusing. It is a book that you really have to focus on when reading seeing as you might miss something and there was a lot going on all at once. I loved drowning myself within the story and I loved learning more about not only the characters, the world, the conflict and more but I loved learning about the new battles and wars getting ready to be fought, the history of the old and new characters as well as the history of so many other things like the cities and the people.

 

4. The writing for this story was just absolutely beautiful in every sense of the word! The writing was so poetic in a way and made reading it that much more interesting. With a higher vocabulary, this book was not the easiest to fly through but it made me really focus on every single word and made me collect so much more of the story because of it. The story wasn't too descriptive to have been so detailed and it wasn't at all boring in any part of the book for me.

 

5. There was also a lot of excitement all throughout the book and I had a hard time finding a dull moment when something didn't attack someone or there was no war being fought. Every page was exciting and kept you wanting more. I couldn't finish a chapter without wanting to read just one more as the book was fast-paced and had so many high moments, it kept me on the edge of my seat. If there wasn't a killing going on, there was either a threat of war or an epic sword fight and maybe a blood bath amongst multiple fighters. In other words, it was freaking awesome!

 

6. Overall, this book was better than the first book, and I didn't even think that was possible. I really enjoyed this book and I can't wait to get my hands on the third and final book of this amazing and beautiful trilogy!

 

Age Recommendation: 14+

 

I hope you guys enjoyed this book review! If you have any other book requests you would like me to review, just leave a comment or send me an email! Read on bookworms! See you in the next chapter!

 

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Atlantia by Ally Condie

Atlantia by Ally Condie

Rating: PG

Score: ★★★★

Genre: Dystopian, Fantasy

Page Count: 301

Standalone Book

Publisher: Dutton Books

Published: November 4, 2014

For as long as she can remember, Rio has dreamt of the sand and sky Above- of life beyond her underwater city of Atlantia. But in a single moment, all her plans for the future are thwarted when her twin sister, Bay, makes an unexpected decision, stranding Rio Below. Alone, ripped away from the last person who knew Rio's true self- and the powerful siren voice she has hidden- she has nothing left to lose. Guided by a dangerous and unlikely mentor, Rio formulates a plan that leads to increasingly treacherous questions about her mother's death, her own destiny, and the complex, system constructed to govern the divide between land and sea. Her life and her city depend on Rio to listen to the voices of the past and to speak long-hidden truths.

Review:

Pros:

1. This fantasy book is the newest one from Ally Condie, author of the Matched trilogy, an international bestseller. I'm a big fan of the trilogy and I was really excited when this lovely came out and I just had to get my hands on it! Let's get started with the review!

2. The world of Atlantia was very unique but still had the classic feel of an underwater city. Although not based on the famous city of Atlantis, Atlantia still amazed me and got me very interested in its roots. From delicate architecture to enchanting ocean structures, it was one world that I would love to explore.

3. Before you get excited, this book is NOT about mermaids! If you're looking for a mermaid read, I suggest The Little Mermaid. But if you love sirens, keep reading! Ever since reading one of favorite siren trilogy's, I've been on the hunt for a new read with sirens and I was excited to find this one. Although the book doesn't go into detail about the sirens or where they came from, it was fun reading about them and reading why they are considered dangerous in the city Atlantia.

4. The book was very easy to read and get through, no complicated writing or description. It was very well put together and left no gaps in the story or questions. It was well fleshed out and an enjoyable read overall.

Cons:

1. I liked the characters but I didn't connect with them like I would've liked too. They were a little vague and weren't that relatable in my eyes. I would've liked to see their personalities a little more and would've liked to know more about their pasts.

2. It started out a little slow and didn't pick up until at least 30 pages but made up for it later as the story progressed. 

Age Recommendation: +13

I hope you guys enjoyed this book review! If you have any other book request you would like me to review, just leave a comment or send me an email! Read on bookworms! See you in the next chapter!

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Miss Peregrine's Home For Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs

Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs

Rating: PG

Score: ★★★★★

Genre: Horror, Dark Fantasy

Page Count: 348

Book #1 of the Miss Peregrine's Home For Peculiar Children series

Publisher: Quirk Books

Published: 2011

 It all waits to be discovered in Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children, an unforgettable novel that mixes fiction and photography in a thrilling reading experience. As our story opens, a horrific family tragedy sets sixteen year old Jacob journeying to a remote island off the coast of Wales, where he discovers the crumbling ruins of Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children. As Jacob explores its abandoned bedrooms and hallways, it becomes clear that Miss Peregrine's children were more than just peculiar. They may have been dangerous. They may have been quarantined on a deserted island for good reason. And somehow- impossible though it seems- they may still be alive. 

Review:

Pros:

1. This creepy yet fascinating book is definitely a book unlike any other I've ever read. If you're in the loop with all the newest updates about what everyone is currently reading, then you should have seen this book before about a million times. That's what happened in my case and I just couldn't let this book sit on my shelf any longer. Let's just say, I don't regret picking this one up!

2. One thing I really loved about this book was the characters but for different reasons this time around. The characters were very . . . well, peculiar to say the least. I thought it was really interesting to see what each child could do, what their "power" was and how they used it. I loved how the unique abilities between the children weren't those that were common. Consisting from super human strength to being able to bring non-living things to life, the children were very interesting to read about.

3. I really loved how the old vintage pictures used to create the story were so well interwoven that it seemed as though the photographs were taken especially for the book itself. The pictures were sometimes creepy and just hands down terrifying, but others were sweet, funny and even a little witty. I love how the story gave the pictures such a unique meaning and really made me as a reader want to dive in deeper to know more about the pictures.

4. The story is dark and somewhat horrific but was also funny and witty. I got a Lemony Snicket kind of vibe from reading this book, seeing that there was so much mystery and unique characters and had a darker, almost Gothic, kind of tone. It was also lighthearted at times, though rare, but it made me smile, laugh, and sometimes was creepy and scary, almost getting under my skin. It was an enjoyable read that I couldn't stop thinking about even after I finished reading it.

5. Overall, this book definitely deserves the hype that it's been given and so much more. If you're a fan of a mysterious and dark type of book, perfect for a rainy day, then this one is the next book you should pick up! Come on, you know you want too!

Age Recommendation: 12+

I hope you guys enjoyed this book review! If you have any other book requests you would like me to review, just leave a comment or send me an email! Read on bookworms! See you in the next chapter!

Be sure to read this one before the movie hits theaters in March 2016!!

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Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi

Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi

Rating: PG-13

Score: ★★★★★

Genre: Dystopian, Romance

Page Count: 338

Book #1 of the Shatter Me trilogy

Publisher: Harper Teen

Published: November 2012

Juliette hasn't touched anyone in exactly 264 days. The last time she did, it was an accident, but the Reestablishment locked her up for murder. No one knows why Juliette's touch is fatal. As long as she doesn't hurt anyone else, no one really cares. The world is too busy crumbling to pieces to pay attention to a 17-year-old girl. Diseases are destroying the population, food is hard to find, birds don't fly anymore, and the clouds are the wrong color. The Reestablishment said their way was the only way to fix things, so they threw Juliette into a cell. Now so many people are dead that the survivors are whispering war- and the Reestablishment has changed its mind. Maybe Juliette is more than a tortured soul stuffed into a poisonous body. Maybe she's exactly what they need right now. Juliette has to make a choice: Be a weapon. Or be a warrior.

Review:

Pros:

1. This dystpoian book was a winner for me in many ways from the very first page. I loved pretty much everything about this book and it definitely deserves the hype that its been given!

2. The characters in this book were just amazing. I really loved all of their personalities and I loved the development of them all. I really connected with them all which can be hard to do sometimes. They were all very different and some made me laugh while others were infuriating but lovable at the same time.

3. The story was so well built that it all flowed so well together. The climax was perfect and I loved all the thrilling scenes sprinkled throughout. There was a touch of mystery that added just that much more interest to the story.

4. I loved all the elements weaved seamlessly into this book. It had a big dystopian feel that reminded me of The Darkest Minds by Alexandra Bracken meets The Young Elites by Marie Lu, kids with cool powers treated like dangerous criminals and used as weapons. It's an amazing blend of romance, super cool abilities and secrets that are surprising, sweet and mind blowing in every way.

5. I couldn't put this book down when I started reading it! The writing was so amazing and somewhat poetic. I really loved the crossed out words and sentences, I felt like it really brought the reader into what the character was really thinking and what she actually said and did. 

Age Recommendation: 13+

I hope you guys enjoyed this book review! If you have any book requests you would like me to review, just leave a comment or send me an email! Read on bookworms! See you in the next chapter! 

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November Book Haul 2014!

I won't waste any time on this one since I bought a load of books this month! November was loving my wallet is the least I can say. Let's get started then shall we?

Faithful by Janet Fox- Half Price Books- $1

Three Rivers Rising by Jame Richards- Half Price Books- $1

Airhead by Meg Cabot- Half Price Books- $1

Ranger's Apprentice: The Lost Stories by John Flanagan- Library- $1

Atlantia by Ally Condie- Half Price Books- $14.98

Shopaholic Ties The Knot by Sophie Kinsella- Half Price Books- $2

Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi- Amazon- $7

Evermore by Alyson Noël- Half Price Books- $1

Blue Moon by Alyson Noël- Half Price Books- $1

The Reptile Room by Lemony Snicket- Half Price Books- $4.50

The Slippery Slope by Lemony Snicket- Half Price Books- $2.50

Boys R Us by Lisi Harrison- Half Price Books- $1

P.S I loathe You by Lisi Harrison- Half Price Books- $1

That Summer by Sarah Dessen- Half Price Books- 81¢

Keeping The Moon by Sarah Dessen- Half Price Books- $4

Thunder Dog by Michael Hingson with Susy Flory- Thrift store- $1

Miss Peregrine's Home For Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs- Half Price Books- $8

Elixir by Hilary Duff- Half Price Books- $2.50

Days Of Blood And Starlight by Laini Taylor- Amazon- $7

Daughter Of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor- Amazon- $7

Divergent: Collector's Edition by Veronica Roth- Wal-Mart- $14

The Darkest Minds by Alexandra Bracken- Amazon- $6

Wicked: Witch and Curse by Nancy Holder & Debbie Viguié- Thrift store- $1

Scarlet by Marissa Meyer- Amazon- $6

Cinder by Marissa Meyer- Amazon- $5

Wake by Lisa McMann- Half Price Books- 81¢

Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead- Half Price Books- $4

So which books did you buy this month? Tell me in the comments down below!

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