Books You Should Be Reading

There are so many books out there, so many series to read, and it seems like the list is endless!...And that's only YA. My TBR list is never ending because I have started all of these beautiful series and the next book is always coming out. Never quick enough, but there's always something to be read and another world to fall in love with.

If you're having trouble trying to figure out what book to read next, or which book will help get you out of your latest literary hangover, here are some books and series that I think you should be reading, if you're not already.

1. The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern

This book is by far my favorite book I've ever read. There is no doubt in my mind that The Night Circus will one day be a classic novel that is read in schools. It is beautifully articulated and it is the kind of book that sucks you in and, to be honest, I haven't even left it yet. And it's been a while since I read it. This book follows the story of two magicians competing against each other, not knowing who their opponent is, in the beautiful setting of a mysterious night circus. It's magical, romantic, adventurous, and encapsulates everything a book should be.

2. The Throne of Glass Series by Sarah J. Maas

If you haven't heard of this series, you may be living under a rock...or just not apart of the fantasy novel world. Sarah J. Maas has taken over fantasy, so if you're into fantasy, you're probably already reading her magnificent books. This particular series follows an assassin named Celeana in a world cut off from magic. It's hard to give a good summary about the whole series without spoiling anything because, trust me, this book has so many twists and turns and it's just an amazingly crafted story that you need to be reading.

3. A Court of Thorns and Roses Series by Sarah J. Maas

Yes, Maas is on this list twice. Why? Because she is queen. This was actually the first book I read by her, which then opened me up to the Throne of Glass series, and I am completely hooked. It was a bit of a beauty and the beast retelling, which immediately caught my eye, and then it morphed into something completely different. Feyre is kidnapped by the Fae where she has to break this curse on Tamlin, only she doesn't know that she has to, and she hates Fae. So, yeah, this is an intense read, but it is a great read. Not to mention, when you read the sequel to this one, your mind will be blown. Just saying.

4. The Lunar Chronicles by Marissa Meyer

While I am still working my way through this series, I have to say that I am hooked and the fairytale retelling is only a part of the reason why I think this is a such a good series. This story, a dystopian retelling of some of our favorite fairytales including Cinderella, Rapunzel, Red Riding Hood, and Snow White is going to take you on a ride. A good ride, one that you will refuse to get off of.

5. The Selection Series by Kiera Cass

While there has been some mixed reviews of this series, especially pertaining to the last two, I think this is a great series that is definitely worth reading. It's addicting, romantic, and you will have your ships by the end of book one. If you're looking for a solid read, a quality obsession, then the story of America entering the Selection, a process where the prince picks his true love out of thirty some odd girls, is the book for you. You won't regret it.

6. An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir

This book was hot the second it came off the presses. Literally. Tahir was a best seller with her first book. If that's not enough to entice you to read this book, just to see what all the hype is about, then many the summary will. Set in the Martial Empire, inspired by Rome, when Laia's brother is taken for treason, Laia has to make a decision. And that decision is to work for the rebellion within the walls of the Martial Empire, so that they can take it down. And there's a sequel coming soon, so best to start now! It's a brutal world with awesome characters and a story you're going to fall in love with.

7. The Splintered Series by A. G. Howard

While this series isn't new or hot right now, this is one of my favorite book series ever. Mostly because I love Alice in Wonderland and this is a twisted approach to that beloved story. I can tell you how much I love it, but I literally have a post dedicated to why you should read this book. If you're looking for a read, into some creepy stuff and twisted stories, and you haven't gotten around to this one, then you definitely should.

8. The Shadow Falls Series by C. C. Hunter

This is a book series I read a long time ago, but it's good. You know what they say, Old but gold. Well, it's not old old, but when it comes to the YA spotlight, it kind of is. When Kylie Galen is shipped off to a reform camp for troubled teens, she learns that the trouble these kids are in is the supernatural kind. They're all coming to terms and learning to harness their abilities safely and at camp. The characters in this book are relatable, the story is intriguing, all in all this series encapsulates the heart of YA from a couple years ago when werewolves and vampires ran the show, but also shone some light on Fae who are getting their light now. This series is everything. And I mean that in every sense of the word.

9. Miss Peregrines Home For Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs

This series has kind of taken the world by storm. Even Tim Burton has gotten his creative hands on this series. With the movie coming out, this is a book you need to read before the movie is released.

10. The Shadowhunter Chronicles by Cassandra Clare

This is actually a group of books in a group of series and basically if you start reading Clare's works, you are in for a very long ride with a very beautiful outcome. If you're going to start with Clare's Shadowhunters world, you should start with The Mortal Instruments and then work your way through it. There is also The Infernal Devices and the newest series in the chronicles The Dark Artifices. Your emotions will be manipulated by Clare and this is definitely a fandom you should be apart of.


So what do you think? Did I cover the good ones? Are there any you think should have been on this list? I know for sure that there are SO MANY MORE fantastic books out there that I haven't gotten around to reading yet and I can't wait to discover what they hold for me, too!

At the end of the day, when you pick up a book, there is a connection there. Something draws a permanent line between book and reader. Not always is there that connection, which sucks, but what's important for every reader is to find the books out there that do that for them. The ten books above are just a few of the ones that have captured my heart and I hope you do too. And let me know what you discover when you read these books cover to cover!

The Best Fairytale Retellings of YA

I don't know what it is about this time of year that gets me in the mood for fairytales. Maybe it's because the new year brings hope often felt in fairytales or maybe it's just because I like finding excuses to talk about fairytales. Regardless, fairytales have become an inspiration for many writers and have influenced many aspects of their stories. Popular in young adult fiction is fairytale retellings. Here are some that I've read and loved and recommend for those of you out there that have a soft spot for them.

1. The Lunar Chronicles by: Marissa Meyer

The Lunar Chronicles is a series about classic retelling fairytales set way into the future. It's filled with sci-fi and fantasy and is promised to fill all of your fairytale needs.

2. A Court of Thorns and Roses by: Sarah J. Maas

A Court of Thorns and Roses  is a beauty and the beast retelling. Although Maas has added a fae element, which was something I was unsure of when I picked up this book, I haven't let it influence my opinion of the book in one way. Instead, I was reading the book and I fell in love with it.

3. Throne of Glass Series by: Sarah J. Maas

While this series may not seem like a retelling from first read, there is definitely a fairytale influence to it. It's not really seen at first, so I won't give anything away, but once you continue on with the series, you'll see those aspects.

4. The Selection Series by: Kiera Cass

This series is a bit of a Cinderella retelling. A poor girl gets invited into the palace and ends up winning the prince's heart. However, this is not without Cass's own twists and turns. Our protagonist is only there to keep food on her family's table and she's not a step-child. It's the perfect story that will have you swooning.

5. Entwined by: Heather Dixon

This is a retelling of the 12 Dancing Princesses. It's enrapturing and fulfilling for the fairytale lover in all of us.

6. The Hollow Series by: Jessica Verday

 This is the retelling of the legend of Sleepy Hollow. This is one of my favorite books series of all time. There are so many aspects about this book that kept me reading had me up at night thinking about it once I had finished the series.

7. Red by: Alyxandra Harvey

This book, inspired by the tale of Red Riding Hood, follows one girl as she's forced to live with her grandmother at some giant manor surrounded by secrets and monsters.

8. Beastly by: Alex Finn

This book, turned into a movie, is another beauty and the beast retelling. The boy, cursed by a witch to be as ugly on the outside as he is on the inside, is forced to find love to break the curse in the modern world or live the rest of his life like that.

9. Splintered by: A.G. Howard

This series sheds a new light on the stories of Alice in Wonderland. The dark twisty elements make the light tale we all knew growing up more enticing to our older selves. This is, in my opinion, one of the best Alice in Wonderland retellings. If you haven't read this series yet, you must.

10. The White Rabbit Chronicles by:  Gena Showalter

Another fabulous Alice in Wonderland retelling. This one, however, is much darker. Ali has fallen down the rabbit hole and found herself in zombieland.

12. Drown by: Esther Dalseno

This is a very well written retelling of the Little Mermaid, but with so much more. This is a complete reinvention of the original story from Hans Christian Anderson bound to impress readers.










And I'm sure there are many more, but let's be honest, these are just a few that have taken over the YA world. Maybe you've heard of some of these. Maybe you've read them all already. Regardless, these twelve need to be on your book shelf.

10 Reasons Why Splintered Should Be Your New Favorite Book

Splintered by A. G. Howard is one of my favorite book series. I constantly “stalk” the author online in hopes of finding out any cool new information. And I’m not the only person out there that has fallen in love with the twisted new version of Alice in Wonderland tales. If you read it, you are guaranteed to fall head over heels. And here are ten reasons why you should be falling in love just like the rest of us.

1. It’s Inspired by Alice in Wonderland

Alice in Wonderland is a story that has been used to inspire countless pieces of art. Whether it be physical art, musical art, or the art of writing, Alice in Wonderland literally cannot die. And while there are so many artistic interpretations all over the world, A. G. Howard has taken the cake for one of the best novel renditions of this story.

2. It’s dark and creepy

I say this with every ounce of love. It’s so dark, so twisted, so creepy, but it’s done perfectly to where I’m not having nightmares, but dreams of being drawn in to that world. Howard weaves a world where bugs can talk and things are scary and I loved every second of it.

3. The characters are incredibly unique

I could write an entire post, better yet a senior thesis paper, on the characters in this book. Alyssa Gardner is literally goals in her courage and madness. Morpheus is not only the bad boy stereotype, but he’s got so many layers that are revealed throughout the course of the series. Jeb is just a guy who got involved with the wrong girl, but that doesn't stop him. Alyssa’s mom is probably one of the most interesting characters because she sacrificed her life and went into an asylum to protect her daughter and her family as a whole. Her father is so dedicated to his family that it makes one’s heart swell. And the characters introduced to us in “Wonderland” are so different from what we had always thought (I’m looking at you White Rabbit). She makes the creepy and slightly disgusting adorable and I literally want a White Rabbit of my own, now.

4. The world is incredibly unique

A. G. Howard creates a world that is so complex, that I can’t really explain much further without ruining the book for you. Let’s just say, you’ll feel the familiarity of the world when you first enter it, but when you leave, you’ll start to question reality in and of itself. Just take my word for it.

5. The romance in this book is perfection

While love triangles are super present in YA and kind of cliche these days but we still love it, the love triangle in this book is unlike any you have ever read. Sure there are similarities to other best selling books with love triangles, but these characters make it entirely their own. And everyone needs a little twisted romance in their life, right?

6. The family is not forgotten and is, in fact, the most important part of this story

A YA tactic often used is when the protagonist disconnects herself from her family. While Alyssa may try to go that right, she shows us that family will always be there and you can’t just write them out. In fact, her family is so important to the story that they can’t just disappear. This is such a complex story and the family is only one layer.

7. The bad guys have a story too (and you most likely end up feeling for them)

Red Queen. Enough said.

8. There is plenty of action and adventure to curve even your strongest craving for it

Ah, I love action. I love fight scenes. And A. G. Howard does not disappoint. And the entire story is just one giant adventure that if I elaborated on, I would ruin for you.

9. The fashion reminds you of a time that we all went through and {now} remember fondly

Do you remember seventh grade? When wearing all black and/or steampunk clothing was ideal. You literally wanted to be taken out of a dark Alice in Wonderland themed drawing. Let’s be honest, not all of us grew out of that phase. This story brings all of it back in to perspective and you get the urge to go pull out those black and white striped tights.

10. The protagonist is one we can all get behind and support throughout the entire story

Alyssa Gardner, as I said, is courageous even when she succumbs to the madness of Wonderland. She is willing to do anything for her family and the ones she loves. And that’s someone we all can aspire to be like.

It’s a novel I’m sure my kids will be reading and I’ll be trying not to spoil it for them. It’s one I plan on reading again when I have the time just to relive every incredible moment. Splintered is one that reignites imagination, and I believe that is something we need in our lives now-a-days. So do yourself a favor and go read this book, if you haven’t already. If you have read it, feel free to read it again! There’s nothing to regret by either choice. Unless you choose not to read it…