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)