Top Ten Tuesday | Top Ten Books I’ve Recently Added to my TBR

Jan 19

Top Ten Tuesday

Top Ten Books I’ve Recently Added to my TBR

This is fun, you guys! I’m excited about all of these books I’ve just added to my TBR–obviously, since I just added them to my TBR. I’m also excited because some of them are new releases or pending releases, but there are some older titles on here as well that I’m looking forward to.

TBR So this thriller sounds pretty good. I was lucky enough to snag an ARC at ALAMW last weekend, and I’m digging the mysterious past and the death row and the secrets.
TBR Only thing you need to know about this upcoming first novel in a new fantasy series called Clash of Kingdoms: One of the posts I saw in my feed when I added it to my TBR was a gif of Merida shooting an arrow. Couldn’t add it fast enough. Merida is my GIRL.
TBR This just sounds so adorable! A girl wants to get over her ex-boyfriend by kissing 26 boys over the summer, each with a name starting with one of the letters of the alphabet. What’s the over-under on this? Where are we betting she stops? D? M? Do we think she makes it to Z? (I don’t.) I can’t wait to find out. TBR I’ve never read any books by Patricia Briggs, although I have a few of her books on my TBR (from a different series). THIS one, though. Dragons? And I love the name of the series: Hurog. Sounds like a badass dragon name. TBR Lots of awesome-sounding fantasies recently added to my TBR! Including this first book in the Rowankind series. I love the woodsy/forest vibe from the title and the series name, but what I love more? The alternate history of Napoleonic Britain, where magic is outlawed, and the story of a lady pirate who dresses like a man. I’m done. TBR Book one in Descendants of the Blood Countess series, this book jumps right out at me for a number of reasons: One, Blood Countess = Elizabeth Bathory. My girl Alyssa LOVES her. She’s widely believed to be the first female serial killer. Two, the synopsis talks about “ancient orders.” I love those. Really excited for this one. TBR OMG I LOVE ELLE KENNEDY. I’ve reread books 1 and 2 in her Off Campus series multiple times, and I just devoured book 3. I CANNOT WAIT to read about Tuck. I also really hope that she keeps going after these original four guys. I love hockey and I love the way she writes. TBR I’ve still never read Jodi Meadows’ Incarnate series, but I did REALLY enjoy THE ORPHAN QUEEN and am anticipating THE MIRROR KING A LOT. This new series talks about dragon smuggling. I’m not sure what else will be going on, but that’s all I need to hear, really.
TBR The first thing I thought of when I read the synopsis for this book was the Knights Templar. Except the people in this book aren’t knights. They’re mercenaries. But they’re being hunted and killed off, and I WANT TO KNOW WHY.TBR

I’m very intrigued by this book. The cover is GORGEOUS, but I’m also really interested in a few things: what the title means, how the individual stories link up, and what living in Alaska was like in the 1970s. It sounds like one of those quiet books, so I might have to be in the right mood for it, but I added it to my TBR for sure.

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Top Ten Tuesday | Top Ten 2015 Releases I Meant to Read But Didn’t

Jan 12

Top Ten Tuesday

Top Ten 2015 Releases I Meant to Read But Didn’t

WOOO, this list could’ve been as long as the last one. Lots of fantasies, too! What was I doing in 2015 not reading these? Does anyone know? Anyway, these 2015 releases are on my priority to read list for 2016. If we get to December and I’m still behind on some of these, you guys have to let me know.

2015 releases

The Rose Society: The Young Elites #2 by Marie Lu | I enjoyed THE YOUNG ELITES, especially the ending. LIKE, WHOA. I meant to hop onto this sequel ASAP. Alas.

The Things We Know by Heart by Jessi Kirby | I do always like Jessi Kirby’s books, guys, so I generally buy them whenever they come out. This one’s been sitting in a pile for months.

Ice Like Fire: Snow Like Ashes #2 by Sara Raasch | I have to admit, there were times when I was reading SNOW LIKE ASHES where I thought the worldbuilding was a little juvenile. But the characters and the plot made up for it, and I’m really excited to see where things go in book 2.

Shadow Scale: Seraphina #2 by Rachel Hartman | Guys, I reread SERAPHINA last year in preparation for reading SHADOW SCALE. Didn’t happen.

Blood and Salt: Blood and Salt #1 by Kim Liggett | Scary books and I sometimes get along really well, but this one name-drops Children of the Corn and Romeo and Juliet. Ok. Say no more.

Their Fractured Light: Starbound #3 by Amie Kaufman and Megan Spooner | This series has really gotten me hooked on sci-fi. I’m not usually a huge lover of space and aliens, these books have really made it exciting.

Until We Meet Again by Renee Collins | Alyssa read this one a few months ago and told me I’d love it. That’s all I need to hear.

The Royal We by Heather Cocks and Jessica Morgan | I have a HUGE soft spot for royals. I’m just kind of infatuated with them as a group. I’ve also heard nothing but positive things about THE ROYAL WE. Lauren from Bookmark Lit even got me a copy (WOO!), so I didn’t really have any excuse.

Court of Fives: Court of Fives #1 by Kate Elliott | Kate Elliott is one of those fantasy authors that I’m DYING to read. I’ve heard some maybe mixed things about her YA debut, but I still want to give it a go.

The Sword of Summer: Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard #1 by Rick Riordan | DUH. Need it, even though it’s probably basically the same as Percy Jackson but with Norse gods.

The Anatomical Shape of a Heart by Jenn Bennett | I meant to read this book towards the end of this year–I even carted it with me to Friendsgiving in November–but I never got to it. It sounds like a really emotional contemp, and I’m all about those.

The Sacred Lies of Minnow Bly by Stephanie Oakes | I keep hearing good things about this cultish sounding story. I saw someone reading it at ALA this past weekend and was like, “OH! Right! I need to read that!” Because I do.

What 2015 releases are you still looking forward to reading?

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Top Ten Tuesday | Most Anticipated Releases of Early 2016

Jan 5

Top Ten Tuesday

Top Ten Most Anticipated Releases From Early 2016

LOL remember that time when we were only supposed to pick 10 books for Top TEN Tuesday and I picked 20 instead? Sigh. Memories.

Friends, there was no way, no how that I was narrowing this down to 10 books. I had a hard time narrowing it down to 20! SO MANY GOOD THINGS COMING! I can hardly deal at all. And true story? This list should have 21 books on it but I left one off because it doesn’t have a cover yet, so it didn’t fit with my fancy graphics here. So, yeah, this list is long. But it could’ve been longer! 2016 reads When We Collided | Emery  Lord | April 5, 2016 | Bloomsbury USA Childrens2016 reads A Study in Charlotte (Charlotte Holmes #1) | Brittany Cavallaro | March 1, 2016 | Katherine Tegen Books2016 reads Because of Miss Bridgerton (Rokesbys #1) | Julia Quinn | March 29, 2016 | Avon Books2016 reads The Crown’s Game (The Crown’s Game #1) | Evelyn Skye | May 17, 2016 | Balzer + Bray2016 reads Stone Field | Christy Lenzi | March 29, 2016 | Roaring Brook Press2016 reads The Love That Split the World | Emily Henry | January 26, 2016 | Razorbill2016 reads A Court of Mist and Fury (A Court of Thorns and Roses #2) | Sarah J. Maas | May 3, 2016 | Bloomsbury USA Childrens2016 reads Truthwitch (The Witchlands #1) | Susan Dennard | January 5, 2016 | Tor Teen2016 reads Traitor Angels | Anne Blankman | May 3, 2016 | Balzer + Bray2016 reads The Unexpected Everything | Morgan Matson | May 3, 2016 | Simon & Schuster2016 reads Into the Dim (Into the Dim #1) | Janet B. Taylor | March 1, 2016 | HMH Books for Young Readers2016 reads Daughters of Ruin | K.D. Castner | April 5, 2016 | Margaret K. McElderry Books2016 reads The Mirror King (The Orphan Queen #2) | Jodi Meadows | April 5, 2016 | Katherine Tegen Books2016 reads The Skylighter (The Keeper’s Chronicles #2) | Becky Wallace | March 22, 2016 | Margaret K. McElderry Books2016 reads Riders (Riders #1) | Veronica Rossi | February 16, 2016 | Tor Teen2016 reads The Rose and the Dagger (The Wrath and the Dawn #2) | Renee Ahdieh | May 3, 2016 | Putnam Juvenile2016 reads Built (Saints of Denver #1) | Jay Crownover | January 5, 2016 | William Morrow2016 reads Exit, Pursued by a Bear | E.K. Johnston | March 15, 2016 | Dutton Books for Young Readers2016 readsBlackhearts | Nicole Castroman | February 9, 2016 | Simon Pulse
2016 readsPassenger | Alexandra Bracken | January 5, 2016 | Disney-Hyperion

What books are YOU guys looking forward to in the first half of 2016?

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Top Ten Tuesday | Top Ten Classic Fantasies I Want to Read in 2016

Dec 29

Top Ten Tuesday

Top Ten Classic Fantasies I Want to Read in 2016

When I thought of this topic I got really excited. I LOVE reading classic fantasies and have a bunch that I’m really excited to read. Then, as I was putting together this list, I realized that some of these books aren’t as old as I thought they were. But! My list, my rules, right? So I figure that any book that was published more than 10 years ago is old enough. There is one that skates right under this rule, but just barely! Also, for the purposes of this list, 10 is actually 11.
classic fantasy I picked up a copy of THE BLACK SWAN when I was in Illinois with Alyssa visiting Brittany, and I’m really excited to read it. It’s the second book in a series, but I don’t think I need to read the first one to understand the second. Also, Swan Lake retelling. Ish. BRANG IT. classic fantasy I have never read anything by Guy Gavriel Kay and I feel that, as a fantasy fan, this is a big gap in my reading. He’s written so many well-liked books! Just reading the synopses of his books gets me excited, and THE SUMMER TREE, where a group of college friends get thrown into a fantasy realm, is no exception.classic fantasy Another author that I’ve never read, alas. I’m very much looking forward to reading BITTER GREENS, but I’ve also grabbed a few copies of Kate Forsyth’s older fantasy series on my used book store runs, and THE WITCHES OF EILEANAN sounds right up my alley: witches, prohibited magic, evil queens, dragons. classic fantasy The first book of Sharon Shinn’s that I heard about was ARCHANGEL, and I own it, but I’m also drawn to her more hard-core fantasies. I was lucky enough to have a Secret Santa this year who LOVES Sharon Shinn and gifted me SUMMERS AT AUBURN CASTLE! Actually, my secret sister from last round (hayy Lauren!) also gifted me Sharon Shinn fantasies. So I have a nice little pile to choose from! classic fantasy Ooooh, forgotten BEASTS you say? Fantastical beasts? YASSSS. This is the oldest book on my list and I’m stoked. Never read anything by Patricia A. McKillip either. classic fantasy I read UPROOTED this year with my girls, but I’d heard of Naomi Novik’s fantastical historical fiction about the Napoleonic Wars being fought with dragons long before. It’s so intriguing! Also, it combines two of my favorite things: fantasy and historical fiction. classic fantasy There are SO MANY books to choose from when you’re looking at Robin Hobb’s catalog. I have a few on my TBR, but this one sounds amazing. Mostly because the title–ASSASSIN’S APPRENTICE–hints at, well, assassins. I also love the way the synopsis describes the way nobility are named in this world: by their virtues. HOW AWESOME DOES THAT SOUND. classic fantasy I believe I actually have the first two books in this series on my Kindle (pretty sure Alyssa either gave or recommended them to me). CROWN DUEL just sounds like a great YA fantasy. I’m down. classic fantasyKUSHIEL’S DART is one of those series that seems to have a really vocal, devoted fandom. That alone tells me that, at the very least, reading this book will give me lots to ponder and talk about. I’ve heard great things about this whole series, so I can’t wait to dive in.
classic fantasy YAY TAMORA! I have a mission to read all of her books. Maybe not this year, but I want to do it. I picked up WILD MAGIC at The Book Barn and felt that anticipation! Her books are always a good time. classic fantasy Not gonna lie, I’ve had to restrain myself from buying HEART’S BLOOD a few times because I’m trying not to buy all the books on my secret sister wishlist. But man, I want it BAD. Juliet Marillier retells Beauty and the Beast?! SHUT YOUR MOUTH. classic fantasyWaaay back when our bff status was a lil’ baby, Alyssa gave me the entire boxed set of the Enchanted Forest Chronicles because when we she was wee, she loved them and they impacted her FO LYFE. I’m going to read at least DEALING WITH DRAGONS this year, but probably all of them because let’s be honest: They’re super short.

 

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Top Ten Tuesday | Top Ten Books I’d Love to Find Under My Christmas Tree

Dec 22

Top Ten Tuesday

Top Ten Books I’d Like to Find Under My Christmas Tree

Books are my favorite things to get as gifts any time of year, but there’s always something extra special about getting books for Christmas. Don’t know what it is, honestly. But I wouldn’t kick any of these bookish presents out of bed, nah mean?

Christmas tree

So, I had big plans to actually WRITE things about these books and why I want them, but alas. Christmas and life. I had to run a last-minute errand last night and then wrap presents for today and then HONK SHEW I was tired. But share with me! What books would you like under your Christmas tree?

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Top Ten Tuesday | Top Ten Reads of 2015

Dec 15

Top Ten Tuesday

Top Ten Reads of 2015

There are a handful of Top Ten Tuesdays that I look forward to every year, and this is one of them. As I read during the year, I mentally catalog which books might wind up on this list. Usually, I have a harder time narrowing things down, but this year’s Top Ten Reads of 2015 was a pretty easy list to compile. I’m not sure if that means I read fewer good books or a greater quantity of really amazing books than I usually do, but these ten books were LEGIT. Some of them I’ve already reread. 2015 was a good year for favorites, friends.

Top Ten Tuesday

When I first ZOOMED through THE WRATH AND THE DAWN with my girls, we all basically died from love. Shazi and Khalid…my brain sometimes can’t process how much I loved reading their story and experiencing their world.

TTT_2015 9 I have to admit: the dragon in UPROOTED wasn’t what I thought it would be. But thankfully, it was BETTER. This was such an engrossing tale, and it’s one of those worlds that I just want to experience the full width and breadth of. TTT_2015 8 Maybe a little bit of a cheat with this one because EVERY MOVE isn’t out in the US yet. I loved the first two books in this amazing series so much that I ordered them all from the Australian publisher so that I could read them. This is an excellent conclusion to legitimately my favorite Sherlock retelling. TTT_2015 7A COURT OF THORNS AND ROSES is the first of two Sarah J. Maas books on this list–talk about someone having an epic year, guys! Her books and her writing just always ensnare me in the best possible way. Her characters are passionate and tough and the drama is always intense. Can’t wait for more about Feyre and Tamlin. TTT_2015 6 For me, every Sarah Dessen book I read is better than the last. SAINT ANYTHING was really enjoyable to me because the characters are so endearing and complex. I particularly loved the relationship between Sydney and Mac. It’s so sweet and supportive.TTT_2015 4 I COULD NOT PUT ILLUMINAE DOWN WHICH WAS HELL ON MY WRISTS BUT I DON’T EVEN CARE. I’m not usually down with science fiction. It sometimes feels too much like…well, science. But the intense drama and action in this book was perfection. PERFECTION. Adored it. You’ll find out why when I review it (hopefully SO SOON; I’ve been such a review slacker lately.)TTT_2015 3 I’m going to be straight with you guys: I liked SIX OF CROWS a little better than the Grisha trilogy, I think. Actually I’m pretty sure. There’s just something about Kaz and Inej and all of the characters that make up this gang! I could read about them forever. Also, I’m a huge sucker for heists, and this is a great one. I’m also so horrifically behind on my reviews that I haven’t reviewed this one yet. Bad blogger award goes to me. TTT_2015 2 God, isn’t Willowdean just THE BEST?! I adored DUMPLIN’, another casualty of my Bad Blogger Award. (I’m getting to them, I swear.) The sass and the heart…it’s just what basically everyone needs always. TTT_2015 1 THIS BOOK. There is no order to this list, but if I had to pick my absolute, for real favorites of 2015, QUEEN OF SHADOWS would be one. I am 100% in it to win it with this series. The more I can read about Aelin, the better off I’ll be. Ditto for Rowan. Ditto for this world. Ditto for Manon and Abraxos and everything. TTT_2015

I’LL MEET YOU THERE is the only book on this list that I’ve read twice. Because I am always a little weaker in the knees for stories about veterans. Because Josh and Sky are one of my all-time OTPs. Because I legit pretend they are real because I love them so much. Because of THAT LETTER. So many feels. Like actual, physical feels while I was reading. So much love.

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Top Ten Tuesday | Top Ten 2016 Debuts I’m Looking Forward To

Dec 1

Top Ten Tuesday

Top Ten 2016 Debuts I’m Looking Forward To

YAY, DEBUTS! I’m always excited to discover new authors, and these ten books have been on my radar for a while now. I have good feelings about 2016, friends. These books all look fantastic.

2016 debuts

THE LOVE THAT SPLIT THE WORLD • Emily Henry | January 26, 2016, Razorbill. I’m BEYOND excited for this book. It has so many things that appeal to me: comparisons to Friday Night Lights, one of my favorite TV shows of all time; time travel; romance. I NEED IT.

THE MAY QUEEN MURDERS • Sarah Jude | May 3, 2016, HMH Books for Young Readers. This book sounds so wonderfully creepy, with the woods and the superstitious townsfolk and THAT COVER.

STONE FIELD • Christy Lenzi | March 29, 2016, Roaring Brook Press. This is a WUTHERING HEIGHTS retelling, and even though I’ve never read that book (eeep!), I’m still completely enamored with the sound of this one. Historical fiction,

LOVE, LIES & SPIES • Cindy Antsey | April 19, 2016, Swoon Reads. Guys, there are few things I enjoy more than historical romances. They’re just so damn fun! This book also reminds me a lot of one of my favorite series, Lauren Willig’s Pink Carnation. I’m ready for this.

A STUDY IN CHARLOTTE (A Study in Charlotte #1) • Brittany Cavallaro | March 1, 2016, Katherine Tegen Books. I’m sorry, did someone say Sherlock? I’m in. Already preordered this one.

BLACKHEARTS • Nicole Castroman | February 9, 2016, Simon Pulse. I’m very much on the bandwagon for this origin story for Captain Hook. VERY MUCH.

INTO THE DIM • Janet B. Taylor | March 1, 2016, HMH Books for Young Readers. OMG the number of things about this book that I’m excited for is very high. Scotland, time travel, Eleanor of Aquitaine (!), and a blurb by DIANA GABALDON (!!). Preordered.

ASSASSIN’S HEART • Sarah Ahiers | February 2, 2016, HarperTeen. FANTASY. ASSASSIN FAMILIES. GODFATHER COMPARISON. I’M DYING.

REVENGE AND THE WILD • Michelle Modesto | February 2, 2016, Balzer + Bray. WHOA, Wild West things with magic. Very, very exciting!

DAUGHTERS OF RUIN • K.D. Castner | April 5, 2016, Margaret K. McElderry Books. There are lots of wicked sounding fantasy debuts coming out next year (I’m just realizing also that this list is heavy on the first half of the year; sorry about that!), and this one is definitely on the list. The synopsis name-drops Game of Thrones and Graceling. Can’t beat that for me.

What debuts did I miss? I’m so excited for new books!

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Top Ten Tuesday | Top Ten Debut Authors Who Have Me Looking Forward To Their Sophomore Novel

Nov 3

Top Ten Tuesday

Top Ten Debut Authors Who Have Me Looking Forward To Their Sophomore Novel

Whew! What a mouthful! It’s been a while since I last dove into Top Ten Tuesday, but I’m glad to be doing this topic! Isn’t it just the best when you discover a wonderful new author whose book just grabs you and speaks to you and makes you CRAZY with wanting more? I do. These 10 authors wrote some of my favorite recent debuts and I’m incredibly excited to get their next books!

 

debut author

I really enjoyed the mix of paranormal and historical fiction in Virginia Boecker’s debut, THE WITCH HUNTER. I need to do a reread before book 2 comes out, but I loved the way the magic and the history and the characters all pulled this story together. debut author

DUH I LOVED THE WRATH AND THE DAWN. I loved it so much, guys. The world-building, the atmosphere, the AMAZING Shazi and Khalid–it all blew me away. I’m a little anxious because there seems to be a lot of things hanging around that need to be resolved in book 2, but mostly I’m salivating for it. debut author

I’m so behind on some of my reviews, which is quite honestly the standard around here. THE STORYSPINNER is one of those books, alas. For the record, me not getting around to reviewing is strictly lack of time. I really liked this book and am super excited for book 2. There are lots of debuts here with magic in them, but all of the systems are different, and I love that. I’m also really enjoying the gypsy angle here. Big fan. debut author GUYSSSS, FIRST & THEN was so cute! I’m going to be reviewing it soon. It’s such a heartwarming romance between really great characters, Devon and Ezra. AWWW I want to reread it now. debut author I really thought that I was kind of over vampires. I’ve said this before. And then I read VELVET by Temple West…and I really enjoyed myself. It didn’t feel old hat or anything. It was just fun. I’m definitely looking forward to more. debut author I actually just finished reading Jennifer’s debut SANCTUARY, and it was aces when it came to atmosphere. Not scary, but still unsettling. A great psychological thriller/ghost story. debut author Another cute contemp! I’ve been reading a few different books that take place in Washington, D.C., lately and I’ve enjoyed them all. THE WRONG SIDE OF RIGHT is about the politics of campaigning, but it’s mostly about family. Also the romance is cute. A very enjoyable debut. debut author THE WATERWORKSS FROM ALL THE BRIGHT PLACES! Guys, seriously though. I cried my EYES OUT when I read this. It was disgusting, but also beautiful. Devastating but also life-affirming. Not bad for a YA debut. I’ll take some more, please.debut author LOVE LETTERS TO THE DEAD really touched me. It was also one of the more differently structured books I’ve read, and I have to give props to Ava Dellaira for pulling off an epistolary novel on her first go. It was emotional and insightful. I’m super bummed that I have to wait until 2018 for her next book!

debut authorThe cover for book 2 in Elizabeth May’s Falconer series was just released and I DIED. Because THE FALCONER was pretty legit, and another great book that combines fantasy and historical fiction, this time with Scotland (YAY) and faeries. I’m VERY excited for more Aileana!

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Top Ten Tuesday | Top Ten Books on My Fall TBR

Sep 22

Top Ten Tuesday

Top Ten Books on my Fall TBR

Ahh, fall. The time of cool air, pumpkin spice lattes, Halloween, and awesome new books. As with every season, I’m looking forward to more than 10 books, but these are the 10 I’m most DYING to read. They all sound amazing.

1 I am a VERY BIG fan of Rae Carson’s The Girl of Fire and Thorns series, so to say I’m also stoked about her newest–a fantasy wild west mash-up–is an understatement. CANNOT WAIT for this one, and thankfully, I don’t really have it! It comes out today. fall TBR I’m diving into this one soon, guys (like, this week), and I’m just so excited to be back in this world again with new people. Leigh Bardugo does fantasy soooo well, and the world of the Grisha is one of the best around. Plus, THIEVES. GIMME IT. fall TBRParis is one of my FAVORITE cities on the planet. It’s so…magical. I can’t describe it, but I always gravitate towards books set there, and this one by Ann Jacobus really sounds dark and lovely, and is one of the only contemps on this list. In fact, it’s the ONLY straight contemp. Whoops.
fall TBR DUH I NEED THIS SO BADLY EVEN THOUGH IT’S OVER 800 PAGES LONG. fall TBR I’ve only read one book by Jennifer Donnelly, but it was a good one (REVOLUTION). This historical paranormal sounds amazing, what with the mysterious murder and whole morgue angle. fall TBR I’ve yet to read the prequels to A Song of Ice and Fire by GRRM. Mostly because until this October, they’ve only been published in separate edited volumes of short stories, and I just didn’t want to buy those big books for essentially just one story. BUT. Now the first three prequel novellas are being published in one volume. I’ve had it preordered for over a year. SOON. fall TBR I enjoyed THE YOUNG ELITES, mostly because it set up the rest of this series to be pretty excellent. Not that the first book wasn’t good–it had SO MUCH going on, and so many feels. I’m even more excited to see where it all leads. fall TBR Rick Riordan is doing Norse mythology now? I DIE. I just cannot even. Percy Jackson is everything, so I’m confident that Magnus Chase will take up his mantle well. fall TBR I have not heard a single bad thing about ILLUMINAE. Not anything. I don’t normally gravitate towards hard-core sci-fi, but this one sounds so twisty and different and I can’t wait to get to it. fall TBR

What’s that? Romeo & Juliet meets Children of the Corn? WUUUT! Another book that comes out today that I’m excited for. It sounds perfect for the fall: creepy and intense.

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Top Ten Tuesday | Top Ten Audiobooks

Sep 15

Top Ten TuesdayTop Ten Audiobooks

I’m so excited for this week’s freebie Top Ten Tuesday, guys. I LOVE listening to audiobooks, mostly because it means that I can read while I drive to and from work so it’s BONUS READING TIME. I’ve been listening to audiobooks now for a few years, but I was hesitant at first to start listening to them because I had some meh experiences with full cast audiobooks. Once I discovered single-narrator audiobooks, however, I was ALL OVER IT and have had the good fortune of experiencing some of my favorite books by listening to them. These are ten of my favorites–not just because I love the books themselves, but because the narrators are top-notch.

TTT_notw audiobookThe Kingkiller Chronicle series | Narrated by: Nick Podehl

Guys. Nick Podehl is an AMAZING audiobook narrator. His voice is his like honeyed smoke; it has a great timbre. I could listen to him narrate almost anything. (I say “almost” because I did listen to one book he narrated, but it was boring. Not his fault.) I’ve never actually read Patrick Rothfuss’ Kingkiller Chronicle in print, and that’s thanks to the stellar narration of Nick Podehl. He’s been the only voice of Kvothe that I’ve ever known, and I hope you all know how much I heart Kvothe.

TTT_night circus audioTHE NIGHT CIRCUS | Narrated by: Jim Dale

Sooo…Jim Dale is probably best known for narrating the Harry Potter audiobooks. Which I have never listened to. I know, I know. It’s a THING that I really want to do soon. But I ESPECIALLY want to do it now because of the magical, mysterious vibe he brought the the audiobook of THE NIGHT CIRCUS. He made the Cirque du Reves real to me, and made it sound like a fairy tale.

audiobookTHE SCORPIO RACES | Narrated by: Steve West and Fiona Hardingham

I’m not sure if people know this, but THE SCORPIO RACES is probably one of my favorite books. I don’t really talk about it. *sarcasm* I’d already read this book a few times in print before some friends told me that the audiobook was FANTASTIC and so I checked it out. They were soooo right. Steve West has maybe the best voice I’ve ever heard, and Fiona Hardingham is a great Puck. They make this amazing book even better, which is hard to do as far as I’m concerned.

audiobook

The Raven Cycle series | Narrated by: Will Patton

Maggie Stiefvater gets the good narrators, guys! I know that not everyone likes Will Patton’s narration of this series, but I dig it. Henrietta is such an atmospheric place, and the creepy country vibe goes perfectly with Will Patton’s rough drawl. I’m a big fan.

audiobook

Mistborn series | Narrated by: Michael Kramer

I’ve got one book left in this original trilogy, but I’m not slacking because of any fault in the audiobook. I’m surprised at how many books on this list are books that I’ve never read in print because I always had this impression that the bulk of my audiobooking was for rereads, but this series is yet another that I’ve only ever listened to. Michael Kramer has this really deep, powerful voice. It’s really perfect in tone for this series. Strong, clipped, epic.

audiobookLeviathan series | Narrated by: Alan Cumming

OMG Alan Cumming is one of my favorite narrators. FAVORITE. His narration of this series is AMAZING. The voices he does are wonderful, his inflections are wonderful, EVERYTHING IS WONDERFUL. I was hesitant to dive into this series because sometimes me + steampunk does not equal love. But Alan Cumming hooked me in from the very beginning, and now this series is one of my favorites. Can’t recommend this one enough.

audiobook

HEIR OF FIRE | Narrated by: Elizabeth Evans

I’m listening to this right now, and the only reason that I don’t have the whole series listed here is because I’m listening out of order and haven’t heard books 1 and 2 yet. But they’re all narrated by Elizabeth Evans, who’s got a great, clear voice. Her accents are sometimes a joke, but she’s eminently listenable. I’m going to enjoy listening to the other books in this series.

audiobookELEANOR & PARK | Narrated by: Rebecca Lowman and Sunil Malhotra

SIGH. These two do such an outstanding job narrating the voices of Eleanor and Park. They’re completely captivating and intense. This story is so, so special and so starkly lovely, and Rebecca Lowman and Sunil Malhotra bring all of that to their narration. It’s excellent.

audiobookDaughter of Smoke and Bone series | Narrated by: Khristine Hvam

This is one of my favorite series, and an example of my reread via audio trend. Khristine Hvam has a clear voice that isn’t too–excuse, because this is going to sound SO GROSS–wet (VOM), which is really important to me. Because, like I said, IT’S GROSS. I’ll take Karou and Akiva in any format I can get them, and the audiobook is fantastic. I especially love her Zuzanna. GREAT accent.

audiobookThe Bone Season series | Narrated by: Alana Kerr

This series was a little daunting to me, so I held off on reading it for a while, but I’m glad that I went with the audiobook. I really like Alana Kerr. I like her accent; it’s Irish, just like Paige Mahoney’s would be. She just has a really captivating voice.

audiobookGentlemen Bastards series | Narrated by: Michael Page

I LOVE Michael Page’s narration of this series. The humor in these books is one of my favorite things, and whenever Locke and Jean swear vibrantly at one another, Michael Page really conveys the joy these characters find in being vulgar. I just really love the way he narrates the dialogue and brings Locke and Jean in particular to life.

What are your favorite audiobooks? Who are your favorite narrators? SHARE!!

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