Best Books of 2013

 Although this was not the best year as far as consistent reviews go, Rebecca and I actually did read many books. (We’ll try harder next year, I promise.) And at the end of every year I really enjoy compiling our “Best Of” list and giving you, our readers, some recommendations if you haven’t read the following books yet. So, here it is, another year gone by and another list of the top ten books we’ve read (split between Rebecca and me).

Enjoy!

Rebecca & Esso

Rebecca's best books:

Rank	Title	Rebecca says:
1	The Fault in Our Stars by John Green	I laughed, and I cried as I gained insight into the lives of the chronically ill and their caretakers.
2	Monsters of Men by Patrick Ness	I was on the edge of my seat while reading.  Ness paints an interesting picture of the true nature of people and makes me wonder if we could colonize another planet.
3	The 5th Wave by Rick Yancey	Would we survive an alien invasion?  With determination and some help we would put up a heck of a fight.
4	Through the Ever Night by Veronica Rossi	Rossi continues to develop strong characters in this second book.  I can’t wait to see how Perry and Aria save the world.
5	Cast in Sorrow by Michelle Sagara	Sagara did not disappoint with Kaylin’s latest journey.  One person can have such a large impact on many.

Esso's best books:

Rank	Title	Esso says:
1	Siege & Storm By Leigh Bardugo	As a continuation of Alina’s story this book couldn’t get any better. I love the new characters we’re introduced to, particularly the unexpected, swoon-worthy, privateer Sturmhond. More please!
2	The 5th Wave by Rick Yancey	A YA novel that is more survival than dystopian. Yancey is a magnificent writer and isn’t afraid to take chances and pull out all the stops in this story.
3	The Final Descent by Rick Yancey	It is finally the end for Will Henry and Dr. Warthrop. The ending is somewhat controversial for fans of the series, but I can’t imagine it any other way.
4	Ketchup Clouds by Annabel Pitcher	A contemporary YA fiction novel, this is a huge surprise coming from me. Pitcher made me fall for this story and the characters she created. This is a book that will draw you in and keep you for all 261 pages. Good luck putting it down.
5	Grave Mercy by Robin LaFevers	Assassin nuns. Read it. You won’t be disappointed.

Oh, and if you’re wondering, Rick Yancey is the reigning champion (according to me), seeing as he has maintained a spot on our “Best Of” list every year since our blog’s inception. That is no typo; you’ll notice Yancey acquired three of these coveted spots this year. I think we should all commence in singing “For He’s a Jolly Good Fellow” now.  Go ahead, I'll sing with you.

Fantasy Friday: Siege and Storm by Leigh Bardugo

Just the facts:

Overall: 5 Stars

Addiction Level: I ignored the hubby and puppies until I finished the book.

Believe-ability: It was believable.

Dystopia Factor: Eh! It’s “normal” life.

~~~~~

            I am so excited to finally have this book in my hands! Actually I’m pretty sad that I’ve already finished it. I hate it when that happens! It’s like having book induced bi-polar disorder. Book-polar disorder! See what I did there? Oh yeah.

            Siege and Storm picks up shortly after Shadow and Bone ends and Mal and Alina have crossed the True Sea and gone into hiding. Unfortunately, their escape doesn’t last long (its even shorter than you might think) and they are captured by the Darkling and once again forced to locate another amplifier. Much more action ensues, which ultimately leads up to the question of “What will happen in book three?” (Sorry, I didn’t want to give more information because I sometimes find it hard not to spoil the secrets.)

Luckily, Bardugo doesn’t succumb to “Second Book Syndrome” and Siege and Storm packs a wallop much like book one. We are introduced to an array of new characters including the legendary pirate Sturmhond (who Alina might call irksome, but I’d call intriguing) and the relentless brother-sister duo, Tolya and Tamar. We also find that Alina embarks on a path of self discovery that becomes a love hate relationship for both her and Mal. (I particularly enjoyed Alina’s cheekiness in Siege and Storm and found myself laughing out loud or gasping with an “Oh no you didn’t!” kind of air.) Of course, Bardugo doesn’t stop there. Siege and Storm incorporates some rather “modern” weaponry and inventions which might stretch the fantasy limits for some, but I say what the heck! The series already has many magical elements to it, so why not throw in some more scientific elements as well. It all flows together quite nicely.

Needless to say, I am dying to read Ruin and Rising and have begun my reread of Siege and Storm to pass the time. I can’t go into my anxieties without giving too much away, but of course, I need to know what will happen to Alina! And Mal? The Darkling? Ravka and the heir to the throne?! (Read it and you’ll know exactly whom I’m talking about). Oh geez! I find it hard to breathe when I start thinking about all of the potential endings! I could really use a time machine right about now!

*** Oh! And here's a very Happy Birthday wish to the best brother in the world! Thanks for buying me books. :)***