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Top Ten 2016 Releases I Meant To Read But Didn’t Get To

Jan 10, 2017

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created by The Broke and the Bookish. Each week they post a new Top Ten list that members at The Broke and the Bookish will answer. Everyone join as you please. This week’s topic is: Top Ten 2016 Releases I Meant To Read But Didn’t Get To.

2016 was a big year for YA. There were books coming out left right and centre and because of that it was very hard to keep up. I read over 100 books in 2016, with most of them being released in that year, however, I did miss a lot. Today’s Top Ten Tuesday is about 2016 releases that I was meant to read but just didn’t get the chance to get to. As always these are in no particular order.

Crooked Kingdom by Leigh Bardugo: I loved Six of Crows. The only reason I haven’t picked this one up is because I want to get the hardback box set and I haven’t had the money to.

The Raven King by Maggie Stiefvater: After reviews started to roll in for this one, I wasn’t excited to pick it up. Firstly, I am not a massive fan of the series. I enjoyed reading the books and I want to know what is going to happen next. But then I saw that not everyone was happy with the ending. Maybe soon.

Girl Against the Universe by Paula Stokes: This one hasn’t been published in Australia yet, so I am waiting for the paperback to be released in the US to pick it up and read it.

The Glittering Court by Richelle Mead: If you have known me for a while, then you might know that I love Richelle Mead’s Vampire Academy world. So when I heard that she was writing new books I wanted to read it. Yet I still haven’t picked it up

Rebel of the Sands by Alwyn Hamilton: This sounds like my type of book. However, most fantasy has disappointed me this year so I have been put off. I hope that I can get to it soon.

The Problem with Forever by Jennifer L. Armentrout: I have yet to read any of Jennifer’s contemporary work and this one sounds like a good place to star. Again I haven’t had the chance to pick it up.

The Forbidden Wish by Jessica Khoury: I was meant to read this when I pre-ordered a copy of it earlier this year. But like usual I just didn’t get to it.

P.S I Like You by Kasie West: I love Kasie West, but like with Girl Against the Universe – I can’t find a paperback yet and I need that to match all my other Kasie West books

My Lady Jane by Cynthia Hand, Brodi Ashton and Jodi Meadows: This one didn;t get added to my list until later on in the year, but it sounds like something that I might just enjoy.

This Savage Song by Victoria Schwab: I have no reason why I haven’t picked this one up. But, I do hope to get to it soon.

And that is it! What books that came out in 2016 that you were meant to read, but never got around to? Do we share any that is the same? Have you read the books on my list? Let’s Chat!

Nevertheless, you can find me on twitter at @angel_reads, Facebook, instagram, tumblr and Goodreads. You can also follow Angel Reads on Bloglovin and via email (in the sidebar).

Top Ten 2017 Debuts I’m Excited For

Jan 3, 2017

I feel like 2017 is going to be a big year for YA and hopefully in a good way. For this week’s Top Ten Tuesday it’s all about debuts for 2017. It’s rare that I think about debuts before they have been published or reviews start coming in, but here are some that I am excited to read. Nevertheless, like always these are in no particular order.

Daughter of a Pirate King by Tricia Levenseller: A pirates daughter who allows herself to be captured by enemy pirates to find a map that will lead to hidden treasure. Nevertheless, things don’t always go to plan. Coming February

The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas: Inspired by the Black Lives Matter movement that sounds powerful and moving. The Hate U Give is the struggling of doing what is right and for justice. This debut is something I cannot wait to read, however, I think it’s going to tear me apart. Coming February

Cold Summer by Gwen Cole: Kale can time travel. One day he is a high school drop out, the other a soldier in World War II. Haunted by PTSD and his life falling apart, all Kale needs to find out that he will die in WWII – but now he must survive. Coming May

The Edge of Everything by Jeff Giles: I already have an ARC of this one, but I have yet to pick it up. The Edge of Everything is an epic romance fantasy adventure that straddles two worlds. Coming February.

Poison’s Kiss by Breeana Shields: A teen assassin that can kill someone with a single kiss. She has killed dozens of boys, but what happens if the next boy she has to kill is the one that she loves. Coming January

To Catch a Killer by Sheryl Scarborough: As a toddler Erin spent 3 says next to the corpse of her murdered mother. Now, fourteen years later she finds another body. However, Erin thinks her mother’s killer has struck again. Coming February.

Empress of a Thousand Skies by Ronda Belleza: With planets on the brink of war Rhee and Aly are thrown together to confront a ruthless evil that nevertheless, threatens the fate of the entire galaxy. Coming February

Royal Bastards by Andrew Shvarts: Being a bastard blows. Tilla would know. At sixteen, Tilla spends her days exploring long-forgotten tunnels beneath the castle. However, before she knows it, Tilla is leading the sheltered princess on a late-night escapade. Coming June

The Hidden Memory of Objects by Danielle Mages Amato: When her brother dies and the police to nothing about it, Megan turns to the things that he left behind. She can see memories attached to some of Tyler’s belongings, however, those memories reveal a brother she never knew. Coming March

Frostblood by Elly Blake Ruby is a fireblood who must hide her powers from the cruel frostblood ruling class. However, when her mother is killed for protecting her, the rebel frostbloods demand her help to kill their rampaging king, she agrees. But Ruby’s powers are unpredictable. Coming January

What debuts are you looking forwards to in 2017? Do we share any of the same? However, have you already read some fo the books on my list? What did you think of them? Let’s Chat!

You can find me on twitter at @angel_reads, Facebook, instagram, tumblr and Goodreads. You can also follow Angel Reads on Bloglovin and via email (in the sidebar).

2016 End of Year Survey!

Dec 30, 2016

Welcome to the annual End of Year Survey. This survey was created by the lovely Jamie at Perpetual Page Turner.

This survey is a wrap up if the whole of the 2016 year. It’s what I love and what I didn’t. It’s everything and anything bookish and blogging during 2016. I look forward to this survey every year. I both love working on my own post, and checking out everyone else’s. I can talk about books, books and more books.

So get your coffee, tea or your choice of beverage and sit down. I tried to keep the answers are short as possible, but hey sometimes I love to talk about certain books. I also choose not to do some questions, as this post would go on forever.

Number of Books Read

I am so happy with the amount of books that I have read this year. Although it wasn’t a year of many 5 starts. There was a good amount of 4 Stars – which I think is pretty amazing. However, this number doesn’t include re-reads which I love to do.

Number of Re-Reads

I always forget to mark down – the number of re-read that I read each year. I plan to change that next year. However, from the top of my head, I think it’s about 15 re-reads. Some of my re-reads are from books that I have read in previous years, but there are also some from this year.

Genre You Read Most From

This was a hard year to pick what genre I read most from. The number of contemporary books that I read has definitely this year. And I think it’s equal with fantasy this year. I feel like the quality of fantasy is on a drop right now – which is upsetting, because it is my favourite genre.

Best Book You Read In 2016?

I can never pick one – it’s just way to hard. So I’ve split it up into genre’s and picked my favourite from there. You can also check out my top ten best books of the year.

Fantasy – Lady Midnight by Cassandra Clare: I don’t think this is much of a surprise | Full Review
High Fantasy – The Winner’s Kiss by Marie Rutkoski: A perfect ending to a perfect series | Full Review
Historical – Salt to the Sea by Ruta Sepetys: Beautiful, captivating, extraordinary | Full Review

Dystopian – Disruption by Jessica Shirvington: enthralling characters, an engrossing world and a plot that just keeps you right there in the action | Full Review
Contemporary: The Yearbook Committee by Sarah Ayoub: You will be torn apart and put together over and over again | Full Review

Book You Were Excited About & Thought You Were Going To Love More But Didn’t?

Heartless by Marissa Meyer: I don’t know if I can explain how much this book disappointed me. I expected going into it, that I was going to love it. That it’s going to hit all the right spots, but it fell flat, dramatically | Full Review

Most surprising (in a good way or bad way) book you read?

The Thousandth Floor by Katherine McGee. Although it wasn’t my favourite book that I read this year – there is a lot of surprises that comes along with reading it. You don’t know who to trust or what is going to happen next. I was surprised with how much I didn’t know and how quick it could turn.| Full Review

Book You “Pushed” The Most People To Read (And They Did)?

There is no doubt that it’s Lady Midnight by Cassandra Clare. I adored this book and I think that it’s her best work yet. What better way to get people to read it.

Best series you started in 2016? Best Sequel of 2016? Best Series Ender of 2016?

Best Series Starter: Lady Midnight by Cassandra Clare

Best Sequel: Magnus Chase and the Hammer of Thor by Rick Riordan | Full Review

Best Series Ender: The Winner’s Kiss by Marie Rutkoski

Favourite new author that you discovered in 2016?

My new favourite author would have to be Shivaun Plozza author of Frankie. Not only is Frankie damn good, Shiuvan is also a pretty amazing person.

Best book from a genre you don’t typically read/was out of your comfort zone?

Illuminae by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff: I don;t read much science fiction. I just can’t comprehend everything to do with it and all the terms. But, I really enjoyed Illuminae this year, but I finally got around to reading it.

Most action-packed/thrilling/unputdownable book of the year?

The Darkest Corners by Kara Thomas – This book! I needed to know what was going to happen next, who did what, is anyone going to die | Full Review

Lady Midnight by Cassandra Clare: I am sorry that this book is going to get mentioned heaps throughout this post, but I read the whole book in 1 day. That is nearly 700 pages.

Book You Read In 2016 That You Are Most Likely To Re-Read Next Year?

Wilder by Rebecca Yarros: When I re-read it’s mostly contemporary books and with the second book in this series coming out in February and the fact that I am going on a cruise early Jan – it’s going to be highly likely.

Favourite cover of a book you read in 2016?

Instagram

And I Darken by Kiersten White – Not only did I love the book, but that cover is gorgeous. And have you seen book 2, cannot wait to have this series in my hands.

Most memorable character of 2016?

I think this one has to go to Magnus Chase from Magnus Chase and the Hammer of Thor. He is entertain, heartbreaking and fun to get along with. I cannot wait to see more of him. Magnus Chase and the Hammer of Thor. He is entertain, heartbreaking and fun to get along with. I cannot wait to see more of him.

Most beautifully written book read in 2016?

Even though I didn’t the love the book The Star-Touched Queen by Roshani Chokshi. The writing was exquisite and breathtaking. I was lost in the book because of the writing.

Most Thought-Provoking/ Life-Changing Book of 2016?

There were some amazing books this year, that really made an impact so I couldn’t really pick one. I am a very emotional person so I just cry and things hit me hard.

All the Rage by Courtney Summers: Or basically all her books. Her books just rip into you and hit you again and again.
Highly Illogical Behaviour by John Corney Whaley: This book explores the notion of ‘fixing’ someone. It’s very powerful | Full Review

Book you can’t believe you waited UNTIL 2016 to finally read?

The Book of Broken Boyfriends by Sarah Ockler: This is my type of contemporary that I love to read and I can’t explain why I even left it this long | Full Review

Shortest & Longest Book You Read In 2016?

OTP OF THE YEAR

Julian and Emma from Lady Midnight– okay, okay, yes they are not together and probably won’t be in Lord of Shadows. But, please this has to be them.

Favourite Non-Romantic Relationship Of The Year

The gang from Magnus Chase and the Hammer of Thor. I love the banter and how much they care for each other. It’s beautiful and such a nice thing to see in YA.

Best Book You Read In 2016 That You Read Based SOLELY On A Recommendation From Somebody Else

Nameless by Jennifer Jenkins: Nick from Nick and Nereyda’s Infinite Booklist loved this book and I can say that I loved it too.

Newest fictional crush from a book you read in 2016?

Julian from Lady Midnight – need I say more. His kind and strong and an amazing brother figure. He has taken over as a ‘father’ and even though he is so young – he loves his family with everything.

Best 2016 debut you read?

The Girl from Everywhere by Heidi Heilig: It’s about friendship, family and love, about what would you do for those that mean so much to you, and that sometimes you have to give up one thing for another. Nevertheless, I am so excited for book 2 in 2017.| Full Review

Best Worldbuilding/Most Vivid Setting You Read This Year?

Nameless and Clanless by Jennifer Jenkins. It’s a slow burn type of worldbuilding where things are given to us a little bit at a time. However, we are able to fit everything together and it works.

Book That Put A Smile On Your Face/Was The Most FUN To Read

Magnus Chase and the Hammer of Thor. I had to put my hand over my mouth at 2 in the morning so I didn’t wake my family. With pop cultural references, banter and perfect dialogue.

New favourite book blog you discovered in 2016?

I am not 100% sure that I discovered these lovely girls in 2016, but I knew that as soon as they posted something new, I was going to love it. Plus, they are totally nice. Don’t forget to follow them.

Favourite review that you wrote in 2016?

I think it’s a tie between my Lady Midnight by Cassandra Clare review and Ruined by Amy Tintera. I loved both these books and I think my reviews explore that.

Best discussion/non-review post you had on your blog?

Again there is another tie for this question. My discussions posts and reading a book before you rate it was really intriguing to write and I love seeing everyone’s comments about it. The second would have to be my fanfiction and Wattpad discussions, where I talk about reading and writing.

Best event that you participated in (author signings, festivals, virtual events, memes, etc.)?

I loved the David Levithan panel I went to during Melbourne Writers festival. He was amazing to listen to, as both an author and editor. David has had years of experience in the industry and with YA and everything he said I took in.

Most challenging thing about blogging or your reading life this year?

Balancing school and family life with blogging. Sometimes my health didn’t allow me to and I needed to take a break for a couple of days – on both things. I was at University full time in 2016 and am continuing that for the next 3 years. Let’s see how it goes.

Most Popular Post This Year On Your Blog (whether it be by comments or views)?

It would have to be my Don’t Rate a Book Before you Read it discussion. I posted it at just the right time.

Post You Wished Got A Little More Love?

Some of my reviews. I feel like they don’t get as much love and I love to write them. I love talking to people about why I didn’t and did love books.

Also, my #LoveOZYA feature where I interview Aussie Young authors every Friday at 4pm. It was such a fun feature and I hope to do more in 2017.

Did you complete any reading challenges or goals that you had set for yourself at the beginning of this year?

Yes, I planned to read 65 books this year and as from when I am writing this post, I am at 98. Another goal of mine was to get 3-4 posts up a week which for most of the year it did happen.

One Book You Didn’t Get To In 2016 But Will Be Your Number 1 Priority in 2017?

Crooked Kingdom by Leigh Bardugo: I haven’t read this one because I wanted to get the box set of both books, however whenever I wanted to get it. They were sold out.

Book You Are Most Anticipating For 2017 (non-debut)?

Lord of Shadows by Cassandra Clare no questions asked. You can also check out my top ten anticipated reads for the first half of the year.

2017 Debut You Are Most Anticipating?

Caraval by Stephanie Garber: Two Sisters, a ruthless father and a game – hell yeah. I have an arc of it and planning to read it very, very soon.

Series Ending/A Sequel You Are Most Anticipating in 2017?

Apart from Lord of Shadows I am so excited to read Now I Rise by Kiersten White and Avenged by Amy Tintera.

A 2017 Release You’ve Already Read & Recommend To Everyone

I don’t know if I am allowed to talk about it! While I was doing my internship I was lucky enough to read a book that is coming out next year! It’s amazing and so many people will love it. Plus it’s a #LoveOZYA.

And that is it! *Bow* I love doing this survey, but it does take a long time to write. I hope that everyone has had a fantastic year.

Do we share any of the same answers? Do we love the same books? What are you looking forward to next year? Let’s Chat! Link me below so I can check yours out!

You can find me on twitter at @angel_reads, Facebook, instagram, tumblr and Goodreads. You can also follow Angel Reads on Bloglovin and via email (in the sidebar).