Top 10 of 2014: Best Books I've Read in 2014!

Top 10 of 2014 is a fun-filled yearly 5-day event we spend looking back at some of the best of all things books from 2014 and looking forward to those books in 2015 that we can’t wait for.

This event is hosted by Rachel @ Reading YA Rocks, Jaime @ Two Chicks on Books, Mindy @ Magical Urban Fantasy Reads & Nancy @ Tales of a Ravenous Reader.

To join this event, sign up HERE!

I had lots of fun participating in this event in the previous 3 years, so of course, I couldn't pass up joining in once again!

Today's theme is Best Books I've Read in 2014, and yes, once again, it will be so tough to choose them, because despite the many reading, reviewing & blogging slumps I had through the year, lots of the reads I read were all kinds of amazing!

Best Books I've Read in 2014:

THE TOP 3:

(because I would put all of these as #1 if I could a.k.a the books that absolutely & totally blew my mind this year)

 

~ Half a King by Joe Abercrombie

  

I haven't tried Joe Abercrombie's adult books yet (even though I've wanted to for years), but Half a King is the best type of epic fantasy, and how YA books should be in a perfect world. It didn't feel like YA, and I adored every second of it - from the characters, to the setting & the story - it was absolutely, mind-blowingly perfect, and one of the best fantasy books I've ever read!

~ Stiltskin by Andrew Buckley

To say that I was surprised by this book, it will be an understatement. Stiltskin is one brilliant mix of an intriguing world, a different twist on well-known fairy tale characters, humour, craziness, danger, action, evil, magic, twists & turns, heartbreak & one unforgettable story & characters!

~ Frostborn by Lou Anders

  

Frostborn is the first book in the Thrones & Bones series, and the fascinating debut novel of Lou Anders. Set in a magnificent viking-inspired world, filled with rich history & mythology, different countries, creatures & magic, featuring a half frost giantess as one of the MC's (brilliant character), Frostborn is one imaginative & addictive run-for-your-life adventure, that is full of awesomeness, danger, humour & fun, with amazing & magical world-building & writing style, so yes, one of the best fantasy adventures I've read!

#4 - The Whispering Skull by Jonathan Stroud

  

Last year, the first book in the Lockwood & Co. series The Screaming Staircase ended up on my Best of 2013 list, and now, the amazingly mysterious, eerie, humorous & entertaining sequel - The Whispering Skull - featuring the same, but now even more amazing main characters, set in the same interesting, dangerous & fascinating world, left me even more in love with this series, and it's one of the best reads in 2014 for me!

 

 

 #5 - The Queen of Zombie Hearts by Gena Showalter

  

If you know me, you know that I love Gena Showalter's books. And The Queen of Zombie Hearts is Gena at her best. It seems that she's back, her latest books had been some of her best, and this one is among them, and I loved the finale of The White Rabbit Chronicles. Entertaining, charming, sizzling & heartbreaking, and perfect ending to this great series!

 

#6 - The Book of Life by Deborah Harkness 

   

The Book of Life is the amazing & perfect finale to the All Souls trilogy. A beautiful mix of romance, history, love, family, magic, supernaturals, science & mystery - and perfect conclusion to all of these characters (main & secondary) that I adore. (I'm really hoping for a spin-off.)

 

 

#7 - Rose and the Magician's Mask by Holly Webb

One of the series I got hooked on this year is Holly Webb's Rose series. And the third book Rose and the Magician's Mask is one absolutely wonderful tale full of wonder & whimsy, magic & danger, humour, mystery & history, with lovable & quirky cast of characters, set in the reimagined mysterious & magical Venice.

 

 

#8 - Goliath by Scott Westerfeld

Goliath is another series-ending book, and just like with the previous books in the Leviathan trilogy, it's absolutely wonderful adventure, set in one unique, brilliant & imaginative steampunk world, that will make you laugh, and fill you with wonder, and make you fall in love with its world & characters all over again. So, yes, amazing finale & one of the best books that I've read this year. (Though, I like to look at the whole Leviathan trilogy as one story, to be honest.)

 

#9 - The Mute Button by Ellie Irving

  

The Mute Button is a wonderful, hilarious, heartbreaking, and unforgettable story about family, and about finding yourself & finding your place. It was definitely one of the most unexpected & surprising reads for me this year, and one of the best books I read in 2014.

#10 - Curtsies & Conspiracies by Gail Carriger

 

If you adored the Parasol Protectorate series, you'll adore this book. I mean, Etiquette & Espionage was great, but Curtsies & Conspiracies is absolutely perfect. That's all I'm going to say. Gail Carriger at her best! Unfortunately, I still haven't gotten around to read Waistcoats & Weaponry, but I really can't wait to read it!

 

Don't forget to stop by tomorrow for the Best Book Covers of 2014 list.

  

 

And what about you? 

What are your best reads in 2014?