Top 10 Books of 2016

The end of the year is nigh and I’m so glad to leave this year behind.

There were some pretty great books that I read in 2016, so I thought I’d share my top 10 with you all.

Let’s get on with it, shall we?

10. Royal Assassin

Looking back, Royal Assassin was the book that made me love Robin Hobb. It had everything I’ve come to adore about her work. So if you weren’t that impressed with Assassin’s Apprentice, give it until Royal Assassin because its were I feel you really see what Hobb is all about.

9. Between Shades of Gray

I read this very early on in the year and its one that’s stayed with me. This historical fiction delved into a part of history that I knew nothing about. It was really eye-opening and lead me to research more on this unheard of section in history. And that for me is what historical fiction is all about.

8. Empire of Storms

This is one of my all-time favourite series, and it was no surprise that I loved this fifth installement. Its crazy to think that this is the penultimate book. I am kinda terrified at what Maas might do to us in the finale, but at the same time, I NEED it. October can’t come fast enough.

7. The Queen of the Tearling

A new favourite but a favourite nonetheless. The Queen of the Tearling took me by surprise and is currently my new obsession. If you want more of my thoughts, I just did a review for it here.

6. Nevernight

100 pages in and I knew Nevernight would be somewhere on this list. It was one beautifully thought out book and had some of the best written characters I’ve ever had the pleasure of reading. I’d never read a Jay Kristoff book before, but after this I’m definitely going to go read more from him.

5. The Raven Cycle

Please read this. You’ll hopefully be completely sucked in like I did. The Aglionby boys will take over your life.

4. The Diviners

I needed a change in pace when I picked up The Diviners. YA paranormal fantasy is not my go-to genre, but its one I’m gonna branch into more. I had such a fun reading this. The audiobook really help with that too. The narrator was so good and she did an amazing job of bring this book to life. I can’t wait to see how this series progresses.

3. The Lies of Locke Lamora

I was pretty sure I was going to love this, and that I did. I’ve said this before, but solid friendships are one of my favourite things to read about, and this provided that and more. Locke is one of the best protagonist ever. The Lies of Locke Lamora is an all-round fantastic book. Recommend this to the moon and back.

2. Ship of Destiny

My favourite Hobb book to date. Everything about this conclusion was perfect. There’s so many shocking moments that I didn’t see coming. And that’s what I freckin’ love about her books. You think you know where it’s going, but then this curveball comes out of nowhere and hits you on the face. Ship of Destiny was a wonderful end to a trilogy I adore.

1. A Court of Mist and Fury

When I read ACOTAR right at the beginning of the year, I was so disappointed. Sarah J. Maas is one of my all-time favourite authors, so it really bummed me out when I didn’t enjoy ACOTAR. But then A Court of Mist and Fury came out, and it blew my socks off. And ever since I read it, I haven’t stop thinking about it (and I’m not just saying that). I’ve had to stop myself on countless occasions from re-reading it. Rhys is now my ultimate book boyfriend; he’s who I judge everyone else against. Love is too small a word to express what I feel for this book. If you were like me and you didn’t get on with ACOTAR, please read ACOMAF. It gets 1000x better.

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I had the most wonderful reading year, despite the shit show that was 2016.

Praying that things improve and that 2017 is the year of acceptance and positivity.

Wishing you all a happy, happy new year.

As always, thanks for reading.

Marian ❤