1. Please Ignore Vera Dietz
This novel was my introduction to A.S. King and it definitely left an impression on me. I read three of her novels in a matter of weeks and I don't regret a second of it. If you are not familiar with A.S. King, I highly recommend her because she is a magnificent storyteller!
2. Fangirl
Like everyone else, I loved Eleanor & Park and couldn't wait to get my hands on this book. I wasn't expecting to fall in love with it, though. I grew so attached to the characters that I couldn't get them out of my head for weeks! I can relate to Cath in so many levels that the story became very personal to me. And don't get me started on Levi! I just adore him so much that I'm currently stalking every Starbucks in the hopes of snatching a guy just like him. ;)
Oh, and if you've read it, please tell me that I'm not the only one who has read chapter thirty-one several times.
3. Out of the Easy
Beautiful. Profound. Touching. I can't say anything bad about this novel. I knew from the very first chapter that this story was special. The setting, the plot, the characters...it all comes together to create one phenomenal book.
4. Just One Day/ Just One Year
Traveling + First Love = A Winner in My Book. This is a coming of age story that takes us on a journey to the most beautiful places in the world and introduces us to one of the most realistic couples I've ever read in a YA contemporary novel.
5. Easy
I dived into this novel not knowing what to expect. To say that it was a pleasant surprise doesn't do it justice. It is such a beautiful and realistic love story centered around a very delicate subject. It is both powerful and romantic. As soon as I put it down I wanted to read it again, which is a sign that this novel is fantastic.
6. Legend Trilogy
I'm not going to lie: I almost didn't read this trilogy. I only picked it up because I didn't have anything to read. Awful, I know. This is heart-pounding perfection. It has action, romance, great world-building, an intense plot, amazing & flawed characters, and it is wonderfully written. What else could you want?
7. The Sea of Tranquility
This is another one that left me shocked at how much I enjoyed it. The relationship in this one is so complicated that it will take you on an intense roller-coaster ride. It has so many layers that--once they come together--you'll be left exhausted but wanting more.
8. Never Fade
While I enjoyed The Darkest Minds, I didn't love it as much as I loved its sequel. I don't know how Alexandra Bracken does it but she makes sure you are so invested in the story that you curse, sweat, cry, laugh, and just about have a heart attack. This series is definitely worth the hype.
9. The Bone Season
This beauty is expected to be a seven book series, which is incredibly awesome. The story is so intricate that you might get a headache from trying to keep everything straight but it is so worth it. I barely slept while reading this because I didn't want to put it down. It is THAT good.
10. Daughter of Smoke & Bone / Days of Blood & Starlight
Let's get this out of the way: the covers are gorgeous. I could look at them for days. The story totally merits the beautiful presentation. It comes alive in your head in such a unique way that I fell in love with Laini Taylor's writing. It is so freaking beautiful! I can't get over how she puts words together to create the most magical sentences I've ever read.
11. These Broken Stars
Fun. That's how I would describe this novel. Also, kind of creepy. You don't know what's going on for the majority of the story but that alone makes it great! I loved the characters and the writing is phenomenal. I can't wait to read more stories set in this world.
12. Where She Went
I liked If I Stay but I loved Where She Went. Only a fantastic novel can break my heart the way this one did. Both novels are so emotionally charged that all you'll want to do afterwards is have a party for one with your favorite ice cream and a huge box of tissues.
13. Help for the Haunted
I saved the 13th spot for this one on purpose. This is one is the only "scary" book I read in 2013 but it was a good one. I was so terrified of it that I made sure I didn't read it at night. It is super creepy but also really enjoyable.
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Which books made your list? I would love recommendations for next year as well!
