Sunday, January 29, 2017

7 Most Anticipated Books of Spring/Summer 2017

It’s finally 2017 and time to rejoice in all the brand new YA books heading our way. There are many books on my TBR this year but only a few whose wait has been long and torturous. Take a look at my top 7 books that I can't wait to read in spring/summer 2017!

Pub Date: May 16

Why I'm excited to read it: 

Feudal Japan, action, adventure, secret identities, badass warrior girl, and hopefully the swoony/angsty romance that Ahdieh is known to write.


Pub Date: May 2

Why I'm excited to read it: 

The Ruined trilogy was one of my favorite new series to start in 2016. It has a badass heroine in Emelina, a compassionate hero in Cas, and lots of action and romance.







Pub Date: May 23

Why I'm excited to read it: 

I'm a huge fan of all of Cassandra Clare's Shadowhunter novels. Clare debuted her latest trilogy, The Dark Artifices with the first book, Lady Midnight in 2016. That book just about killed me with all the book feels. I'm ready for that to happen again with Lord of Shadows.






Pub Date: July 18

Why I'm excited to read it: 

The Conspiracy of Us series is a thrilling adventure centered on an intriguing mystery with exotic locations, kickass characters, and swoony romance. With this conclusion to the trilogy, I'm ready to discover the final fates of Avery, Stellan, and Jack.






Pub Date: May 16

Why I'm excited to read it: 

This is the sequel/conclusion to The Crown's Game. I really enjoyed the Russian setting, the magic competition, and the multiple point of views from the three main characters: Vika, Pasha, and Nikolai. The Crown's Game ended on a pretty major cliff hanger, so reading this book will be a top priority!









Pub Date: March 14
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Why I'm excited to read it: 

I love fairytale retellings. It's always fun to read a twist on a classic. Hunted is inspired by Beauty and the Beast. The tag line alone is enough for me to pick this up: A Beauty deadlier than the Beast.







Pub Date: May 2
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Why I'm excited to read it: 

I wasn't initially on board with this series but the sequel changed my mind. A Court of Mist and Fury expanded on the world building, introduced awesome new characters, took Feyre through much needed character development, and took an unexpected but pleasant turn in the romance department. With this final installment to the A Court of Thorns and Roses series, I'm eager to follow Feyre through the last part of her journey and see her embrace her strength, intelligence, and all around fierceness in battling those who threaten her world and loved ones.





posted by: @perusingya (Amna)

Sunday, January 1, 2017

Favorite Books of 2016

Alas, another year of reading comes to an end. There were many amazing books I read this year, but the following are my absolute faves of 2016.

Book of the Year




If you haven't read the Throne of Glass series by Sarah J. Maas, you need to put it at the top of your TBR pile for 2017. Maas delivered another epic installment to her fantasy series with Empire of Storms. This book had it all from character development, plot twists, romance, and a jaw dropping ending that leaves you wanting the final book RIGHT NOW.

Stellar Sequel




A Torch Against the Night was one of my highly anticipated books for 2016. The wait was worth it because this sequel did not disappoint. Sabaa Tahir introduces readers to new characters, takes us on an adventure across the Empire, delves deeper into the characters of Laia, Elias, and Helene, and shocks you with a twist you never see coming.

Epic Book Feels




I've read all the Shadowhunters novels by Cassandra Clare. I'm familiar with the roller coaster of feelings, angst, twist, and cliffhangers that Clare is so well known for. I thought I was prepared for Lady Midnight. I was wrong. This book emotionally destroyed me and left me in a book hangover for weeks. But it was so worth it.

End of an Era




There were a few series that sadly came to an end this year, The Winner's Trilogy being one of them. The Winner's Kiss wrapped up Kestrel and Arin's story in a beautiful, satisfying way with plenty of adventure, action, twists, and angsty romance along the way.

A New Beginning




My favorite new series of 2016 is the Ruined trilogy by Amy Tintera. It is a fast paced, action packed fantasy story with a kickass heroine, a swoony hero, and a magical plot that leaves you guessing at what comes next. Suffice it to say I'm hooked on this series and can't wait to read more.

Heart Eyes




There was no shortage of beautiful covers in 2016, but the one that stood out from the rest is Passenger by Alexandra Bracken. It is one of the most creative and attractive covers of the year. As soon as I laid eyes on it I was compelled to pick it up and read the blurb. Everything about this cover from the lettering to the imagery to the colors, makes me look at it with heart eyes.

New to the YA Shelf




Of all the 2016 debuts, The Crown's Game was by far my favorite. From the unique setting of Russia, to the beautiful descriptions of magic and the world, and a trio of enjoyable characters, Evelyn Skye succeeded at delivering a solid first book in a duology.

Diverse Read



When I read The Wrath and the Dawn last year I was blown away by the sheer beauty of Renee Ahdieh's writing. Each description of the world, food, and clothes made you feel like you were right there experiencing this fantasy Arabian setting with fierce heroine Shazi. Ahdieh's spectacular writing continues in The Rose and the Dagger as it gives readers a worthy ending to this retelling of A Thousand and One Nights. This books is filled with angsty, swoon romance, surprises, mystery, action, and an ending that leaves you with all the book feels. It was refreshing to read about a positive representation of the Middle Eastern culture. 

Classic with a Twist




Aladdin is one of my favorite Disney movies. When I found out that The Forbidden Wish was a retelling of this classic it jumped to the top of my TBR. I loved that Khoury chose to center the story around a female genie and her relationship with Aladdin, but also included plenty of strong heroines in the story. This twist to the classic tale makes The Forbidden Wish a unique and highly enjoyable retelling. 

Thrilling Mystery



I was sold on the The Conspiracy of Us series with the simple blurb, "It's a Da Vinci Code style thriller for teens." I love heist/spy/adventure/thriller stories and this once delivered on all accounts. Map of Fates is book two in the trilogy and takes readers to new exotic locales, dives further into the mystery surrounding the prophecy, and heats up the romance between a certain pairing. 

Favorite Novella




I am a huge fan of the Heist Society novels by Ally Carter. They are fun, entertaining, and well written. It was a happy surprise to find out that Carter wrote another novella for this series. Kat, Hale, and the rest of the crew are back for another heist adventure that has them racing against time to save Christmas. I loved revisiting these characters and seeing what they are up to after the original trilogy ended. I hope Carter will write more because two novellas are not enough!

And that's a wrap on 2016! What were some of your favorite reads of the year? Did you read any books from my list? Please comment below with your thoughts.


~Amna (@perusingya)