Today's Topic:
Top Ten Underrated Authors
or Books in the YA genre.
or Books in the YA genre.
I really had to think about this topic, to be honest. One thing I've realized this week is that I read a lot of mainstream fiction - especially since I've broken into book blogging. Back in the day I found books through different means, but now I pick what to read based on what's recommended or what tours are happening. I pulled these books from the last 10+ years of reading and, since I couldn't think of a good way to organize them, here they are in alphabetical order:
Ashfall by Mike Mullin
I originally found this book by browsing Goodreads last year. I've been really into dystopian fiction recently and this one sounded awesome... and it was.
My Rating: 4/5 stars
Bound by Duty by Stormy Smith
This book is relatively new - it came out this July. When I read it, I was totally blown away by how good it is! Unfortunately, it doesn't seem to have circulated very widely thus far. Go read it!
My Rating: 5/5 stars
My Review
Children in the Night by Harold Myra
I first read this in seventh grade, I believe. I wasn't a big reader back then, but someone gave it to me and it became one of my absolute favorite books. It's so obscure that I had to HUNT to find a picture of the cover online. I've also linked to Amazon because Goodreads has even less reviews. Some list it as Christian fiction, but I had no idea it was supposed to be an allegory until I saw that. I highly recommend getting a $0.01 copy!
My Rating: 5/5 stars
The City of Ember by Jeanne DuPrau
I'll be honest... I'm a little shocked at how few people have read this book. I saw the movie when it came out and had to get my hands on the source material. I ended up forcing it on my dad, who also loved the series!
My Rating: 5/5 stars
Darkness Before Dawn by J.A. London
Before I blogged, I won a copy of this through the First Reads program. Because I'm a terrible person, I never reviewed it (which is probably why no one will send me ARCs anymore), but it really was amazing! I'm not sure why I haven't read the next in the series, but it's on my list.
My Rating: 4/5 stars
Enclave by Ann Aguirre
I don't remember how I found this one, but I do know it totally blew my mind. I had just gotten into zombies when I came across this and almost had a fit waiting for the next two to be released. Definitely not your typical dystopian romance!
My Rating: 5/5 stars
Flowers in the Attic by V.C. Andrews
An oldie, but a goodie! I feel like far too many people overlook this book because it's "old," but seriously, don't. Never pass up a book just because it was published before you were born! This entire series is just insane! Seriously recommended to any YA or horror fan.
My Rating: 5/5 stars
The Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan
This was my first zombie novel and ohmygod it's the best! I truly didn't know they were even talking about zombies until about halfway through - she never actually says the word. Kind of like "The Village," but... not. Give it a try!
My Rating: 5/5 stars
This is Not a Test by Courtney Summers
I actually read this pretty recently - last summer, I believe - and wasn't entirely sure what to expect. There were more zombies, obviously. I was very pleasantly surprised by this book and am still waiting patiently for the second one, which is set to be released next year.
My Rating: 5/5 stars
Winter Rose by Patricia A. McKillip
This was a discovery I made while volunteering at the public library in my town as a teenager. I quickly read everything I could get my hands on by this author, but this was my first! She writes original fairy tales and has a writing style that I haven't seen before or since. I have a feeling Juli over at A Universe in Words would love this one (if she hasn't read it already)!
My Rating: 4/5 stars
Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created at The Broke and the Bookish - a fun way to get to know your fellow bloggers. Each week they post a new Top Ten list and everyone is welcome to join. Click here to get involved!
