The Hunger Games trilogy by Suzanne Collins — I was so far removed from the YA book world when I was in college that I didn't even learn about The Hunger Games until right before Mockingjay was released. I made up for that quickly enough by getting a boxed set of all three and proceeding to share with family and friends.
Seraphina by Rachel Hartman — Seraphina is a fairly recent love of mine, but of all the books I read last year it's definitely my favorite. I've already recommended it to friends and my boyfriend (he'll be reading it soon I hope). It's a perfect book for those who don't believe that fantasy can be relevant or address "real world" issues within a fantasy world context.
Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine — As I've no doubt already mentioned many times on the blog, Ella Enchanted is by far my favorite "Cinderella" retelling and fairy-tale retelling of all time. I was introduced to it as a preteen and I still periodically go back to reread my favorite parts. It's just that good and I want the whole world to know that!
Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling — I seriously have no idea what my childhood would have been like if I hadn't grown up with Harry Potter. I'm sure most people within my generation totally understand what I mean. Not everyone may be able to have that experience, but that still doesn't mean I won't try to get them to have their own life-changing experiences with this series.
Crown Duel by Sherwood Smith — I recommend this series more for younger YA readers, although I still fondly remember and reread certain scenes now, over ten years after being introduced to Smith's wonderful duology. This book made the rounds with my friends and there's just something so satisfying in reading about Mel's struggles and misadventures to do what she believes is right.
The Thief by Megan Whalen Turner — The Thief and I also have a very long history. I'd just as easily recommend sequels The Queen of Attolia or The King of Attolia, but there's something magical about being introduced to Eugenides in this first book and having NO IDEA what sort of journey you're in for with him as your guide.
So...not quite ten. But that's okay. I'm picky with what I recommend to other people, at least those books that I recommend in person. One thing I noticed when making this list is how many of these books I've been familiar with for many years now. I prefer to sit back and really let books resonate within me before I consider them favorites or worthy of recommendation.
Anyway, please let me know if any of these books makes your list and be sure to tell me what books you tend to recommend the most!
You and I can safely recommend books to each other all we want! Most of these are my favorites as well and I often recommend them (OMG Megan Whalen Turner!) The only one I have to read is Crown Duel, and I honestly can't wait.
ReplyDeleteFantastic list! Oh, what about Lumatere?
Wow, thanks, Maja! It's always awesome when I find out that other bloggers I respect have similar tastes in books. :)
DeleteIf you enjoyed all of these other books, then I definitely think you should read Crown Duel at some point. It's a quick read and lots of fun.
And Lumatere isn't on here (yet), because, with the exception of Seraphina, which I connected to really quickly, I've read and reread the others many times. It's very difficult for me to determine if I liked something while in the moment of reading it, or whether I think it is something that will have a lasting impact. I did enjoy Finnikin, but I'm waiting to reread that and then read Froi and Quintana once Quintana releases and see what I think about the trilogy as a whole and how it's impacted me and such.
A really good list :). Some of these I completely forgot about!
ReplyDeleteHere's my TTT
Thanks! And I hope remembering them again will make you want to read them again!
DeleteI've read ALL of these except Crown Duel, so I clearly need to get on with that one. I just LOVE The Thief, Graceling, HP, and Seraphina, though. I'm sure I recommend those to practically everyone as well! Wonderful list, Amanda! :)
ReplyDeleteUm. Yes. You do. I think you'd enjoy it! I am so surprised that some not well-known books (like The Thief) are still known to a lot of bloggers, but others like Crown Duel aren't. Well, I'll definitely do my part and spread the love. :)
DeleteOh my gosh, so if I had made another Top Ten Recommended Books List, this time focusing solely on fantasy, I probably would've written out exactly the same list as you did. You have GREAT taste and I am proud to say that I have read every one of the books on your list! Huzzah!
ReplyDeleteYayyy! I am SO happy to know so many people have similar tastes (though perhaps not so surprised about it). And I am glad to have found another blogger who has read and appreciates the awesomeness that is Crown Duel. :) All of my picks are fantasies, aren't they? Oh well. That's what I enjoy reading the most and so I feel like I have a better handle on the fantasy YA books out there.
DeleteI've had The Thief recommended to me before and I really need to get on that series. I've heard NOTHING but brilliant things about it. And I also want to read Seraphina fairly soon because I love dragon books, but I also get a little nervous about dragon books because I love them so much - if that makes any sense at all.
ReplyDeleteREAD IT! Seriously, drop everything and read it! It's that good. :) haha I think I understand what you mean. You have higher expectations. Well, I think that Seraphina can match them. It's by far my favorite dragon book.
DeleteThis is a great list, and so many of those books are of a similar vein, it's easy to see what your favorite types of reads are Amanda:) I actually have a copy of Crown Duel I have never read (I know, I know) It's sitting right beside the copy of Howl's Moving Castle which is still unread too. What is wrong with me?? :)
ReplyDeletehaha yes. Basically all fantasy. What can I say, I'm a fantasy girl. :) Heather! You should read Crown Duel soon! It's SO good and fun and I need people to gush with about it!
DeleteI still wish that I had loved Seraphina more! but I LOVE LOVE LOVE The Thief and am so thankful for those that recommended it to me last year. Of course Harry Potter and The Hunger Games are up on my recommends too. I don't know anything about Crown Duel so I will be looking that one up for sure.
ReplyDeleteI wish you had too, but I can understand how it's not for everyone. And I bet. I am glad I was introduced to The Thief at such a young age but, really, being introduced to the book at any age is just awesome and totally worth it. And look into Crown Duel, Lauren! Based on your response and others on here, I'm thinking that I need to blog about the awesomeness that is Crown Duel in the near future.
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