My Favourite Books of 2015

2015 has been another year of ups and downs reading wise.  I have come across some absolute standout titles but I have also failed to be wowed by quite a number of the books I've read this year.  This meant that for once, it was actually pretty easy to pick my top ten books of the year.  Normally I change my mind half a dozen times but these titles really stood out in my mind and quite quickly made my favourites list.      

So without further ado, here's my 2015 top ten list.  These are in no particular order and have not necessarily been published this year.

1. Queen of Shadows by Sarah J. Maas
Published by Bloomsbury

 

A perfect conclusion to the series.  Sarah J. Maas pulled out all the stops in this final instalment.  I practically devoured this book in one sitting and now can't wait for more future titles by one of my favourite authors.    

 

 

 

2. Conspiracy Girl by Sarah Alderson

Published by Simon and Schuster

 

I am a huge fan of Sarah Alderson and this book is one of my favourite of her novels.  Exciting, tense and gripping it knocked my socks off.   

 

  3. Royal Wedding by Meg Cabot

Published by Macmillan

 

The return of Mia, Crown Princess of Genovia!  It was fantastic getting to catch-up with Mia and Michael and find out what had happened to them after the conclusion of the Princess Diaries books. 

 

 

 4. Monster by C. J. Skuse

Published by Mira Ink

 

There is no doubt that this is a five star read and might actually grab the very top spot in my 2015 list.  I literally could not put this book down and I was gripped by all the twists and turns.  The ending was absolutely explosive and I've since recommended to everyone.  A must read. 

 

  5. A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas

Published by Bloomsbury

 

Sarah J. Maas is the only author to have two books in my top ten list.  This is the first title in her new series and was yet another standout.  Her writing is incredible, her characters are fantastic and I'm always left wanting more. 

 

 

 6. First Class Murder by Robin Stevens

Published by Corgi

 

A new series which has become a firm favourite.  I love the Wells and Wong mysteries and it's become the event of the year when a new instalment is published. 

 

 

 7. Everything Everything by Nicola Yoon

Published by Corgi

 

A superb debut novel.  I really enjoyed 'Everything Everything' which I found thoroughly engrossing and captivating.  This is an author that I will be keeping my eye on in the future.   

 

 

 8. Jane by April Lindner

Published by Poppy

 

This was published in 2010 and I've had it sitting on my bookshelf for a few years.  I finally got around to picking it up and then wished I hadn't waited such a long time before reading it.  A brilliant contemporary retelling of Jane Eyre, I enjoyed every second of this one.  I'm going to track down and buy the whole of April Lindner's back catalogue now. 

 

 

 9. The Host by Stephenie Meyer

Published by Atom

 

Another one that took me years to read!  I recently saw the film, so thought it was about time that I also read the book.  Loved it. 

 

 

 10. Go Set a Watchman by Harper Lee

Published by Penguin

 

This book divided opinion among critics and readers.  I'm firmly on the side of those people that deemed it an instant classic.   

 

 

Comment and let me know if you've read any of these and what your personal favourites of 2015 were.

What I'll be reading during the Christmas holiday

Life has been so busy lately that reading seems to have slipped a bit over the last month.  I'm really looking forward to having a two week Christmas break and getting stuck into some of the lovely January releases that I've been sent.  There are some crackers here which I'm very excited about!

My Life Next Door by Huntley Fitzpatrick (published by Electric Monkey on 7th January)
This is my first book by Huntley Fitzpatrick and it sounds absolutely brilliant.  Plus the main character and I share the same first name!

Front Lines by Michael Grant (published by Electric Monkey on 28th January)
A new Michael Grant book is always a reason to celebrate.  I love the plot of 'Front Lines' which reimagines World War II with females fighting alongside men on the front line.

Anna and the Swallow Man by Gaviel Savit (published by Bodley Head on 28th January)
Another World War II novel, this has been described as in the same vein as 'The Book Thief'.  It's also a debut novel which I think is going to be a little gem of a book. 

Waiting for Callback by Perdita and Honor Cargill (published by Simon and Schuster on 28th January)
Written by a mother and daughter team, this one sounds incredibly funny.  I think there are going to be lots of giggles in store for readers. 

All the Rage by Courtney Summers (published by Macmillan Children's Books on 28th January)
I'm expecting this to be a powerful and deeply moving read.  I also think it will also throw up lots of challenging questions. 

Oblivion by Jennifer L. Armentrout (published by Hodder on 3rd December)
This is going to be top of my Christmas reading list.  A new novel about Daemon and Katy but from the point of view of Daemon.  I seriously can't wait to get started on this one!  Plus just look at that cover - gorgeous!

How Not to Disappear by Clare Furniss (published by Simon and Schuster on 31st December)
'The Year of the Rat' was so good that this title has a lot to live up to.  I'm expecting this one to make me cry buckets. 

The Incredible Adventures of Cinnamon Girl by Melissa Keil (published by Stripes on 11th February)
Aussie YA!  The reviews I've read of this book have been positively glowing so I'm sure this will be a brilliant read.