As I sifted through my reviews from 2017 for last Sunday’s Commentary of my Top 5 Reviewed Novels of 2017 in the Adult fiction category I realized that I had read a large number of great Young Adult novels too. Because it would’ve turned my list into a Top 25 instead of a Top 5 I decided to create a separate list for Young Adult novels. I will admit that even though I read quickly I know there are several HUGE titles that I didn’t read last year like The Hate You Give, which were highly reviewed. I am only one person and still have a huge list of books I’d like to read and it keeps getting longer! I do have it sitting on my shelf, as well as many others… I read and reviewed these books in 2017 regardless of the publishing date.
If you’d like to read my entire review of each book, please click the link of the title.
When by Victoria Laurie
“There were many things I loved about this book. I loved how the author put everyone’s death date next to their name when they were introduced into the storyline. I loved her best friend Stubby (although hated his nickname), and his eternal optimism, even through some pretty horrible circumstances. I loved that Maddie, even against all odds-bullied, picked on and beat up, NEVER stopped going to school. I loved that the people who didn’t believe in her ended up caring for her…”
Warcross by Marie Lu
“I do not play video games and was worried that I wouldn’t be able to get into this book because of that but I shouldn’t have worried. The world Marie Lu created was vivid, had amazing energy, and painted a 3-D picture for me to visualize and engage with. The games themselves were exciting, the action well written and Emika’s thought process as she deconstructed play exciting. I loved the game!”
Mask of Shadows by Linsey Miller
“This was a great YA fantasy novel. The plot was original and the characters fascinating. All of the men and women who were auditioning as the next Opal wore masks and were given numbers as names creating gender ambiguity. So, even though they were men and women, they became five, four, and in Sal’s case, twenty-three…I liked this unique aspect of the story and started paying more attention to the plot based on the person. Not the sex of them.”
Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor
After reading Strange the Dreamer I was curious about this older series of Laini Taylor’s and boy was this first novel great!
“I loved the mythology of this world, the city of Prague is magical in nature and was the perfect setting, and I fell immediately in love with Karou. Her story was pure fantasy and her love for Akiva overflowed. Their’s is a story I will read to the end.”
Flame in the Mist by Renee Ahdieh
“This was a beautiful book to read and very easy to go all in emotionally. Who doesn’t want to root for a girl to be honored for her intellect, find true love and fight the bad guys? Right on!”
Salt to the Sea by Ruta Sepetys
“This book deserved all of the accolades and great reviews. At times the subject matter was horrifying and difficult to read, but there were a lot of great stories about everyday heroes too, and for me that made it a really well balanced book. If you like historical fiction, this is definitely worth your time.”
A Court of Wings and Ruin (A Court of Thorns and Roses #3) by Sarah J Maas
“It was hard to not read all of the reviews of this book before actually reading it myself. They were everywhere! All of my fellow bloggers gushed and sighed, exclaiming over Feyre and Rhys’s love story. Oh those Tamlin fans quickly became Tamlin haters, much preferring Feyre and Rhys. I don’t disagree, Tamlin has some serious control and anger issues, but I was happy to see that in A Court of Wings and Ruin, he was able to redeem himself, if only slightly. Rhys as Prince Charming is almost too good to be true, but the fairy tale prince continues his reign and can do no wrong in this book.”
Illuminae by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff
“I first listened to the audio book of Illuminae, and I have to say it was one of the best audio books I’ve ever heard. It was produced like a movie with different actors for all of the characters, mood music, sound effects, everything! It was awesome!… Then I picked up the book. Illuminae takes reading a novel to the next level. It is part book, part graphic novel, and all fun! The story of Kady Grant and Ezra Mason is told through a series of emails, military diaries, memos and narrated videos. Don’t miss out on this one!”
A Study in Charlotte (Charlotte Holmes #1) by Brittany Cavallaro
“This book stayed true to the original Holmes and Watson formula. Two people who couldn’t be more different and become great friends, trusting each other over every other person in their lives. This series looks to do the same thing, but with a possible romantic twist. It was incredibly entertaining and at times laugh out loud funny, but at the same time made my heart twang with emotion. This novel hit all of my hot buttons and I loved it.”
The Sun is Also a Star by Nicola Yoon
“Yes this book was sweet, thoughtful, funny and full of the innocence of young love, but there was a lot of weight to this book too. As an adult, I loved the hope and joy this book made me feel because at times I feel jaded and skeptical, but it also made me appreciate where I am in my own life and happy I am past the struggles of youth although I do still like reading about them.”
I didn’t put numbers next to these books because as I read them I thought, “This is the Best one Yet!” How can you rank each moment next to another?
Have you read any of these novels? Which one was your favorite? Did I miss a great one (Besides the Hate you Give!) that I need to put on my TBR? Let me know!
I’m looking forward to many more fabulous books in 2018!
Keep Reading, Happy New Year!
Deb
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