Cuddlebuggery: Best Series Blog Hop

The Legend trilogy by Marie Lu is the best series out there. No doubt in my mind. I know everyone has their favorite and you might not agree with me. However, my goal is to make you want to read this series by the end of this post:

First of all, I think you should read the synopsis if you haven't already:

What was once the western United States is now home to the Republic, a nation perpetually at war with its neighbors. Born into an elite family in one of the Republic's wealthiest districts, fifteen-year-old June is a prodigy being groomed for success in the Republic's highest military circles. Born into the slums, fifteen-year-old Day is the country's most wanted criminal. But his motives may not be as malicious as they seem.  

From very different worlds, June and Day have no reason to cross paths - until the day June's brother, Metias, is murdered and Day becomes the prime suspect. Caught in the ultimate game of cat and mouse, Day is in a race for his family's survival, while June seeks to avenge Metias's death. But in a shocking turn of events, the two uncover the truth of what has really brought them together, and the sinister lengths their country will go to keep its secrets. 

Full of nonstop action, suspense, and romance, this novel is sure to move readers as much as it thrills. 

Action! Suspense! AND romance! Still not convinced? But it sounds so awesome! Fine, I'll tell you a little bit more about it. 

The one thing that I can't live without is a strong female character. Luckily, June is my everything.  She's tough, brilliant, ruthless, and focused. She might even be a little bit difficult to love sometimes. But I love her, flaws and all.  Then there's Day. I could sit here all day and tell you why I love him as a character but all I'm going to say is this: Day's journey is beautiful and tragic. There's no other way to describe it.  I think you'll have a hard time not falling in love with them.

If you're concerned about the age of the main characters, don't be! That's one of the reasons I didn't read this series sooner and I regret it terribly. They are not immature or annoying in any way. If anything, both of them are so mature that you'll even forget that they are only fifteen. 

If amazing characters are not enough for you, how about this: You won't see anything coming. Honestly. The story takes the most unexpected turns and the most brutally painful twists you'll ever read. Period. 

Another aspect that I really like is how the romance doesn't overpower the story. If anything, the relationship between Day and June takes a backseat.  Yes, it is one of those complicated relationships that we all love to hate. I can't even tell you how many times they broke my heart.  I do hope that you'll allow them to break yours, too!

Just know this:

You WILL cry. I'm sure of it. If not during Legend (which I did), and if not during Prodigy (which I also did), then definitely as you read Champion.  I love a lot of series and I had a difficult time choosing my all time favorite. However, none of them made me cry the way I did during the final book in this series. Not even Allegiant. It wasn't a pretty cry either. It was more of an ugly why-did-you-do-this-to-my-heart-it-hurts-so-much kind of crying. You've been warned. 

If you're ready to experience the awesomeness that is the Legend series but don't own the first book, you might be in luck! 

Giveaway: One (1) Paperback Copy of Legend by Marie Lu (US Only) 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Note: The use of Matt Smith's face was intentional. Who can say no to that face? NO ONE. 

Top 13 of 2013!

I read 111 books this year. These are the best ones out of the bunch!

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!