My Favorite Books of 2013

Looking at my profile on Goodreads, I counted that I read 96 books this past year.

I know. I know.

NERD ALERT!

When do I have time to read all of these books you ask?

Usually, I read after everyone else falls asleep between the hours of 10pm and 1am. 

Who needs sleep anyway?! AMIRITE?!

Anyway, back to the books.

I read lots of good books, some really bad ones and a few spectacular ones.

Yes.

I said, "Spectacular".

So because I love you, I am going to share with you my favorite books of this year.

Now, these are books that I really enjoyed. I tend to favor YA, specifically dystopia, sci-fi or paranormal genres. Your taste my differ from mine and that's okay! (If everyone liked the same stuff, it would make for a very boring go of things.)

However, if you've never read YA, I challenge you to read a YA book. (May I remind you that Harry Potter and The Hunger Games are YA books? And they are pretty awesome!)

I will warn you. Some of these books are really dark and macabre. A lot are dystopia. All of them are series because we all know how I love my series, people!!

Going to post them beginning with my most favorite, then they will be in descending order from there. BUT I did love them all.

Unravel Me by Tahereh Mafi (Shatter Me #2)

EPIC. This book was outstanding. In fact, this entire series is amazing. Ms. Mafi writes like no one I've ever read before. Her books have such beautiful prose. And the story is captivating. The characters, especially the main character, Juliette, is damaged, tenderhearted, good, and so brave. At times, the characters are so raw. Laying themselves open to all that they are. Saying I cannot wait for the last in this series is putting it mildly.

Angelfall (Penryn & the End of Days, Book 1) by Susan Ee

Okay, this book is dark. Very dark and very macabre. And I don't mind that in my stories, but you might. That being said, the premise and the characters are very interesting. It's a dystopia where we currently live in a world that has been attacked by angels. Yeah, not the warm and fuzzy type of angels, that is for sure. Penryn is brave and headstrong. She will do anything it takes to rescue her sister. Even if it means teaming up with an angel to do so. And the second book in the series continues to be a great read which says a lot about the writer.

Horde (Enclave #3) by Ann Aguirre

Amazing. Loved this entire series. Unique premise, enthralling characters and amazing plot lines. Another very dark and very gritty series. This story focuses on Deuce who earns her name at her naming ceremony. She is a Hunter. Every single book in this series was stand alone awesome. I loved the action, adventure, twists and turns and the romance. (Yep, there's even romance!) Each one I devoured like a fat kid and cake. Get it.

Boundless (Unearthly Trilogy #3) by Cynthia Hand

This is another one about angels but these angels are the nice, kindly, try-to-do-good type of angels. This series centers around Clara, who is a Nephilim (part-angel and part-human) and her purpose. What is her purpose? What is it exactly that she is supposed to be doing? This is a very sweet, tender and romantic series packed with action and adventure. Another writer with lovely prose. But don't let the sweetness fool you, it will suck you in and you will not want to put it down.

The Wicked Within (Darkness Becomes Her #3) by Kelly Keaton

This series ends as it should. It was a spectacular roller coaster ride. One I'd like to take again sometime soon. This series is a modern retelling of the Greek myth of Medusa set in a dystopian New Orleans. The main character is Ari who is thrust into a roll she doesn't want. She is fierce, strong and loyal, however she is shaking on the inside. Fresh new premise with unique characters you will be cheering for. Don't open these books unless you have lots of time to read!

Breaking Point (Article 5 #2) by Kristen Simmons

Another great dystopia series. Another series that I could not put down once I started. The story focuses on Ember and her survival after violating Article 5. There is also her former friend and neighbor, Chase, who comes into play. *Swoon.* Lots of action, adventure, heartbreak, as well as bravery and tenderness. Cannot wait for the last one to see how it all ends!

So, there are my absolute favorites from this past year. If you are looking for a good book, any one of these books will do it for you. Just be sure to have some free time once you crack that book open!

What about you? Which ones were your favorites this past year?