[Speak Now...] Top 15 Books of 2015

Oh heeeeeyyyyy look I just made my first graphic! I think it might be TOO pink but meh I think it's pretty to look at, and I surprisingly enjoyed making it! (But... any tips for a newbie? Some nice fonts that I can download?)

Usually, I write a list of bookish resolutions at the beginning of each year, but I'm switching it up this year. I only have one resolution about the blog, and that's to READ. Yup, that's it. I don't really want to pressure myself and all that because blogging is supposed to be a passion - it's supposed to be fun!

So... I think I'm going to be pretty successful with my resolution this year! ;)

Before I keep rambling on and on and on, here are my top 15 reads of 2015. I didn't get to read a lot last year, but I did stumble upon a few gems diamonds that now have a place in The Best Books According to Lyra list. Without further delay, here they are, plus a few sentences on why I enjoyed them so so much!




Kulti by Mariana Zapata

Well what do you know - my last read of 2015 (I read this on the wee hours of the 31st) ended up being my TOP read of 2015. Yes folks, Kulti is just THAT good. I loved the main characters, the supporting characters, the story, and my god, the slow-burn romance is TO DIE FOR. But it's not just a romance either! It tackles SO MUCH MORE. Just believe me when I say that Kulti IS AMAZING! ARGHHHH I just have so many feels for this book!!!

The Winner's Crime by Marie Rutkoski

Easily my favorite fantasy series, the sequel to the breathtaking The Winner's Curse did not disappoint in any way. Rutkoski's trump card has always been how thorough she is in developing her characters and wow I didn't think it possible but she made me love Arin and Kestrel even more than I already do. (BUT MY GOD THAT CLIFFHANGER)

 
 PS I Still Love You by Jenny Han

Peter Kavinsky. Do I really need to say more? Overall, this was a satisfying ending and follow-up to To All the Boys I've Loved Before, and once again, I couldn't help but feel that Jenny wrote this book for 15-year-old Lyra. (Wait... she didn't???)

 What's Broken Between Us by Alexis Bass

Our choices define us, but unfortunately for this book's main character, her brother's choices and actions defined her. There is something so unique about this book; something that I haven't seen yet in other contemporaries, but to be honest, it's hard to pinpoint what that something is. (Damn this mini-review is all over the place...) Overall, this book is a refreshing read!

 The Wrath and the Dawn by Renee Ahdieh

I've always had a thing for retellings, so this being a retelling of A Thousand and One Nights... well, I was pretty much sold. (Also... THE SHIP!!!) This was one of the first fantasy books I read, and I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to dabble in fantasy - believe me when I say that the world-building will suck you right in!

Between the Notes by Sharon Huss Roat

If I were to judge this book based on its cover and its blurb (which I do - all the time), I would say that this doesn't seem like the book that I would want to read. I have no idea what happened one night, however - I cracked this book open... and bam! I devoured it in one sitting! This contemporary read has heart, depth, character growth, and two shippable leads. SWOOOON

Velvet by Temple West

Velvet is one delicious throwback to the paranormal craze that hit YA from 2007 to around 2010. It has all the ingredients - sexy vampire, new girl, instant connection (and so on and on and on) from all famous YA vampire books of old, but West added her own twists and turns to the story. She poked fun at the old cliches, and she succeeded in crafting a fun, paranormal novel that made me all happy and at the same time wistful.

The Cage by Megan Shepherd

This book was written for me. NO NO NO BELIEVE MEEEE! I SWEAR!!! I've always been fascinated with how much the environment can affect people and their interactions, and this book touches upon that. It's a gripping story, and my god, that ending!!!!

Ten Thousand Skies Above You by Claudia Gray

Second book syndrome? What second book syndrome? Yeah nope The Firebird trilogy doesn't suffer from that. This book has more time-jumping goodness, and this time around, Gray also tackles the consequences and repercussions of jumping between dimensions.(THAT ENDING!!!)

 My Heart and Other Black Holes by Jasmine Warga

Warga did a such a phenomenal job in tackling such a sensitive topic, and in doing so, she created a compelling read. (Just looking at the cover makes me want to curl up and cry, as weird as this may sound.) It has an engaging premise, a gripping plot, and characters that you don't want to give up on.

The Last Time We Say Goodbye by Cynthia Hand

Who didn't cry after reading this book!? Hand's masterpiece takes you on an emotional roller coaster from start to finish, and this novel is another testament to her gorgeous writing. (Also, all those 'get a tissue' warnings you probably have seen? GO HEED THEM.)

 A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas

If you think that Throne of Glass is a strong debut (and it is!), prepare to be blown away by ACOTAR. Maas upped her game big time - her writing is so much stronger; her world-building enthralling. And her male characters? Well... hot damn.

 No More Confessions by Louise Rozett

I waited almost two years for this book, and it did not disappoint in any way. Reading about how Rose grows into a strong, confident woman is just SO FULFILLING. (You go, girl!!!) Beautiful, beautiful ending, and easily one of my favorite trilogies.

Last Year's Mistake by Gina Ciocca

This book's characters are far from perfect - they make terrible decisions left and right, sure, but I do think that this is what makes this story so familiar. It's REAL. (To hell with hating imperfect characters!) The alternating timelines also added something special to the overall story.

 The Night We Said Yes by Lauren Gibaldi

This was my first book of 2015, and something about it had me feeling nostalgic. It's a fun, enjoyable read that made me reminisce my high school years, and all those times I have deemed memorable. 

What about you? What are your favorite reads of 2015? And what are your bookish resolutions?