Top 15 Books of 2015

This is my list of top 15 books of the year! In no particular order (except for my number 1,2,and 3):

15. Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell – one of the only 5 contemporaries on my list, Fangirl was relatable, adorable, and very emotional.  We follow a girl named Cath who is an introvert in her first year of college and watch as she deals with love and family.  My favorite Rainbow Rowell book so far!

14. A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness  – I adore Patrick Ness’ writing style and in this novel we follow a young boy as he adjusts to life with a mother who has cancer.  This book made me cry and the illustrations are brilliant! It’s a beautiful book over all and I recommend it to everyone.

13. The Wrath and the Dawn by Renee Ahdieh – This was a highly anticipated 2015 release for me, and it did not disappoint.  I love the Arabian Nights story and this retelling is beautiful.  Check out my review here for more thoughts and some of my favorite quotes!  #WeNeedDiverseBooks

12. Siege and Storm by Leigh Bardugo – This is rare.  Usually the 2nd book in the trilogy is usually my least favorite (Clockwork Prince, Catching Fire, etc.), but this sequel blew me away.  I loved the plot and world development – plus the introduction of the new character was perfection.

11. The Enchanted by Rene Denfeld – This novel surprised me! When I heard that it was about death row inmates, I did not expect this book to move me.  Denfeld’s writing is absolutely stunning and this book shows how someone found beauty amongst the ugly.

10. I’ve Got Your Number by Sophie Kinsella – Cute and ridiculously hilarious, Sophie Kinsella’s books never fail to cheer me up.  I read this during a pretty difficult time in my personal life, and I was very grateful I could turn to this.  Sometimes we need a break, and this book was so easy to fall into.

9. Twenties Girl by Sophie Kinsella – Can you tell I love Sophie Kinsella? I’m not sure which of these two novels I like more, but they’re both amazing in their own way.  I love her focus on women finding independence and finding themselves as a coming-of-age novel.  Even though there are amazing romances, they aren’t the focus.

8. The Winner’s Curse by Marie Rutkoski – I read a lot of books where I wasn’t very satisfied with the female protagonist.  Somehow they come off as whiny and dependent on their romantic interest. Not Marie Rutkoski though.  Winner’s Curse has one of my favorite female protagonists and most heartbreaking romances. Also, amazing female friendship! For my full thoughts, my review is here.

7. Clockwork Princess by Cassandra Clare – An amazing series finisher! I’m sure you have all heard of the Infernal Devices trilogy.  While Mortal Instruments isn’t my favorite series, I do love the world, and this novel had the same world but better characters, better plot, and better writing. The epilogue made me cry. But, #TeamJem.

6. Walk on Earth a Stranger by Rae Carson – This book is different from what I usually like.  It’s a YA Historical Fiction about the journey towards the California gold rush.  It has some magical elements in it which I really enjoyed along with a strong female protagonist and an amazing female friendship.  This made it to the top 15 because Carson deals with sexism and discrimination very well and it’s more than just a romance.  For my full thoughts, my review is here!

5. The Girl of Fire and Thorns by Rae Carson – Carson #2! I enjoyed this novel more than her other novel that I read this year.  This has all the things I love about Walk on Earth a Stranger, but it is set in an amazing fantasy world with really interesting magic! I love how Carson’s novels are not romance-centered, but, instead, deal with other really important issues.

4. An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir– Fantastic world building, soul-crushing romance, and awesome plot! This fantasy world is based off of ancient Rome which is very intriguing. I couldn’t believe that this was a debut!

3. Everything I Never Told You by Celeste Ng – This and Six of Crows are tied for my second favorite novel of the year – I love everything about this book.  The writing was poignant, the story was depressing but eyeopening, and the characters were so genuine. Read me rave about this book in my review here.

2. Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo – Leigh Bardugo is an amazing writer! I love the Grisha trilogy, but I love Six of Crows even more. Heist novels immediately catch my attention, but it’s also set in a Russian-inspired world combined with amazing characters and very turbulent romances.

1. Mistborn: The Final Empire by Brandon Sanderson – My favorite author ever is probably Brandon Sanderson.  I just discovered him this year and I cannot believe I hadn’t found him earlier.  His world-building and magic systems are the best written, and this heist-like plot was, so engaging.  Also, this book will tear out your heart.  I think non-fantasy readers and fantasy old timer alike would love this.  I know it’s already been very hyped, but it deserves every second of the hype and even more.  My full thoughts are here!

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Wow, those are my top 15 books that I read in 2015! I am very satisfied with my reading this year, and can’t wait for even more amazing books next year.  I’ll be doing my yearly wrap up soon!

What were your top books of the year?