My Top 10 Best Reads of 2017

Despite 2017 being a crap year (for several reasons I don’t think I have to explain), there were some good things that came out of it, one of them being my FANTASTIC selection of books. I didn’t read as many books as I had hoped to read this year, but at least I managed to read some incredibly amazing books that have easily become some of my favorites.

My reads this year were a great mix of old and new books and I can honestly say that I enjoyed more than I thought I would. It was actually incredibly hard choosing my top 10, but here they are!

MY LADY JANE | Cynthia Hand

Filled with running gags, perfectly delivered jokes and witticisms, cheeky banter, and amazingly entertaining characters, My Lady Jane quickly found its way not only into my top 10 this year, but also into my top reads of all time. I love this book so much. I’d reread it in a heartbeat!

---

The GENTLEMAN’S GUIDE TO VICE AND VIRTUE | Mackenzi Lee

Similar to My Lady Jane, this book is a historical fiction (heavy on the fiction) that contains a great amount of humor and romance alongside daring adventure and surprisingly dark topics of discussion. I thought this book was very well-balanced, diverse, and tons of fun to read! A new favorite as well!

---

NOW I RISE | Kiersten White

While I thought And I Darken was amazing (another book I read this year), the sequel was ten times better. All the characters grew into themselves and wreaked quite a bit of havoc to achieve their goals. This book is bloody and brutal and pure fire. There are no good men or women in this story and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

---

A LIST OF CAGES | Robin Roe

By far one of my favorite YA contemporaries of all time. This book is definitely in my top 5 this year. It’s so wonderfully tragic but wonderful at the same time. I loved the portrayal of family and friendship in this one, and the darker elements hit pretty hard and hurt my heart, but in a good way I guess. Definitely a reread/recommendation!!

---

 

SIMON VS. THE HOMO SAPIENS AGENDA | Becky Albertalli

Ugh, I can’t wait for this movie. This book was so incredibly cute and heartwarming. Sure, I got mad in some places (looking at you MARTIN), the LGBTQ romance, lovable characters, friendships, and slice of life aspect to this feel-good comedy makes it an easy favorite.

---

THE SONG OF ACHILLES | Madeline Miller

Definitely not as heartwarming as some of my other choices, The Song of Achilles is hauntingly beautiful and beautifully tragic. The relationship between Achilles and Patroclus is painted with so much heart and their relationship slowly builds into something pure and wonderful. The bittersweet ending is sheer perfection.

---

A CONJURING OF LIGHT | V.E. Schwab

The first two books in this amazing trilogy are also some of the best books I’ve read this year, but I don’t think either one of them compare to the last book, which is simply fantastic. The action is nonstop, the romance is nice and subtle, the heartbreak is immense, and the character development is on point. A perfect end to this series!

---

CROWN OF MIDNIGHT | Sarah J. Maas

I wasn’t impressed with Throne of Glass and so I was prepared to completely skip out on this series. But then I gave this one a chance, and thank God I did. What a massive improvement!! This book is everything I wanted this series to be. Finally, Celaena Sardothien, famous female assassin, acted like an assassin and kicked some ass. That’s all I wanted. The romance/drama was great too. Was it perfect? Nah. Was it better than the first? Hell yes. And I can’t wait to read the next book because of it!

---

A COURT OF WINGS AND RUIN | Sarah J. Maas

I have a lot of mixed feelings about this book. I hold this series to a higher standard than most other YA/NA fantasies, and so a 3.5/4  star for this book is basically a 4.5/5 star. There were a few issues I had with ACOWAR, but I’d be lying if I said this wasn’t one of the most entertaining and ridiculously engrossing books I’ve read this year. A book that keeps me hooked from beginning to end is a good book, imo.

---

LORD OF SHADOWS | Cassandra Clare

Okay, this list is in no particular order, but I think I can safely say LOS was my favorite read this year. Diverse characters, captivating plot development, strong world-building, intense action and adventure, and an ending that simply BROKE ME DOWN is a winner. Cassie Clare has certainly gotten better over the years and I’d have to say this book is her best work yet.

HONORABLE MENTIONS