Ascend

The time has come to end yet another series! I still remember the first time I had the first book in my hands... I saw it and it was mine. And here we are, to the third and last book in this series that has surprised me and took me on a great adventure. It's always sad to close a series, however I am absolutely happy that I picked this one up. The only thing I can already say though is that this was totally different from what I had expected to happen and it did disappoint me in the beginning. But I have come to terms with it and I am absolutely in love with Ascend by Amanda Hocking.

WARNING For the ones here that haven't read the first in this series, I recommend you not to read on since there will be further developments to the characters and to the plot. This will create a less pleasant read of Ascend because you know more information than you already should. Therefore, I recommend you not to read the review of Ascend but to read the review about the first in the series: Switched. If you're interested in the second book, Torn, I also wrote a review about that book. Just clicking on the title will open a new page with the review on the first book.

The weight of the world is on Wendy's shoulders. After realizing that only she can safe the kingdom by sacrificing herself, Wendy is up for a great task. Above that not everyone in the kingdom stands behind her, which results in many disputes where Wendy can't defend herself. Only learning to be a future queen, she's has save the kingdom and wants to save everyone she loves. The treat of the Vittra is suffocating them all, but how does she get people to trust her and to fight this battle with her when all they do is ignore her and not see her as their future queen? 

If that isn't enough yet, Wendy also struggles with her feelings for both Finn and Loki while being married to Tove. It's time for her to finally pick someone, but her fear of losing either one of them is too hard to bear. Next to losing one of her loved ones, her mother isn't doing well either. Wendy finds herself on an emotional roller coaster while training to be the future queen and saving her kingdom. Will she be able to stand or will she fall under the weight? The ultimate question remains: will she'll be able to save everyone? 

With this series coming to an end, I have to say I'm absolutely happy with our main character Wendy. Over the course of 3 books, we really saw her grow. From first being someone totally different from who she thought she was to now being on her way to become the queen of the kingdom, I have to say this character has never ever disappointed me.

If there's one thing I can say it's that it's amazing to see her make this progress over a longer course. It just adds to the realistic side of the character. Everything takes time, and her becoming the woman she was destined to be was something that takes time. Amanda Hocking therefore did a great thing from making this doubting character into a strong, independent one. It might have taken us 3 books to finally see her being ready or close to ready, but the end result in the last book is fantastic.

If there's one thing I admired in this character it's her courage. Wendy has this hard task on her shoulders: rescuing the kingdom from the Vittra treat. By now we all know what's going on and what the history is between both Trylle and Vittra (Bonus: we'll get a few more answers during Ascend!) and know what role Wendy plays in this part. The fact that she's also in the process of becoming the future leader of the kingdom makes sure that she'll have a great challenge. The courage and strength this character shows therefore is very admirable. 

And strength she'll need. The people in the kingdom are having a hard time with standing beside her and agreeing to whatever she proposes. This creates an even more difficult situation for Wendy. It might be the last book, but if all it really gives our main character one last chance to prove herself. And prove the readers that she really is in fact this amazing, strong, independent woman that grew over the course of this series.

Above that Wendy is struggling with a few problems of her own. Being the last book of the series, we'll have to get answers on that. Once again this character shows how strong she is by leading and trying to figure out where her heart is really at. This will of course make sure that a lot of feelings will be directed to the readers and makes it easier to connect with the character. 

If I can say anything about all the characters in general it's that I absolutely think the author did a fantastic job with writing them. Each and every character has its individual characteristics, strengths and weaknesses that made sure we got a very varied range of characters. Each of them really added to the story and influenced it so that we came to this one coherent story that really takes us on an adventure. Above that I'm amazed by how well each of the grew and changed, some taking a different path than readers might have expected. Amanda Hocking really writes beautiful characters that still surprise!

For the plot I have to admit that I was stunned by it. We all know that Wendy is having some personal trouble and I had expected that that would really take up the plot as a whole. However that really wasn't the case at all. Of course we'll get a close-up on these problems as they'll still be of major importance for our character's personality and for the readers (because we want answers!). Yet I did notice that the story really concentrates on Wendy becoming the woman that she needs to become to save everyone.

We know that she's still learning to be this future queen and Amanda Hocking really took us onto the trip where we saw her grow in this individual, strong person. She's totally transforming in front of us by making us live through moments of her reigning. With her mother being really ill, it's therefore logical that Wendy takes her spot for now. This learning process will be added with making us sit through meetings and moments where fights have happened and the kingdom needs to make a statement or visit the surviving. 

I feel like the author really took time to set apart all the responsibilities Wendy will have to carry to amplify the weight on her shoulders, as well as really show us, through the plot, how she becomes the woman she's always destined to be. I really enjoyed being in those meetings as a reader and get to know their plans and train of thoughts. It just didn't shut out the whole task that Wendy would have to take when she's a future queen. I'm absolutely thrilled that the author didn't only talk about the personal affairs, but also put a lot of attention on what this is all about: the threat. 

Speaking of the threat we're in for a lot of action in this book. Even though we are seeing a lot of meetings and battlefields, the book takes time to present scenes where Trylle and Vittra will meet. These scenes in particular always gave me chills because of the nature of the Vittra. That's something I have always admired with this series, the author made such a great representation of the Vittra and when they meet each other on the battlefield or in either ones kingdoms, we're in for action and thrill. Once again these emotions will make us get ready for what will come. The tension between the two was also something that got bigger, which I had expected because it is the last book, nonetheless it was something I really enjoyed!

Next up are the emotional and personal problems, or challenges, Wendy will have to conquer in the last book! We've come a long way and we also know that Wendy's heart is torn up between different men. Now the series is coming to an end, we'll see how this will turn out. Therefore the author gave us all the options and so many things to feel through different scenes. It is time to find out if your ship survives people! I absolutely enjoyed this challenge, especially because Wendy had to find an answer. Above that the pressure she's now feeling will influence her relationships and make it an even bigger mystery to who she might pick. 

This book is just a great story with the emotional factor and the political one! There's action, there's thrill, there's romance, and so much more! Also the family aspect will come forward even more in Ascend and I really fell for that more than I had expected. Even though it isn't discussed too much we'll still be able to live through it and feel connected to it when it is discussed and get a few answers we were dying to get.

One thing I'd love to point out however is the fact that Amanda Hocking twisted this story so much. It came as a huge surprise to not see the story go as I had first anticipated. I think we can all agree that when you read a book, you know how the author will try to maneuver it. There's always that thread that connects the characters to each other and to the events. I really had not thought that this story could end up so much more different. I have to say that this caused me to be so disappointed, because I had really high expectations of the story to go and end this way. The author really showed great courage with twisting it and making the characters go another way. After coming to terms with it and accepting it, I did actually love how it went. And I absolutely want to applaud the author for making this change of course.

Lastly I want to point out that there's a prologue to the story and it was included in my copy of the book because it's bonus content. If it's not included in your copy of Ascend, I think you can find it online as an e-book type but I'm not sure. What I can say about Ever After is that I absolutely loved the bonus content. It was absolutely amazing to see how this series had ended and how all the characters have moved on from it too. It gives us one last look to each and every one of them and to feel like this is really the end. It just really gives the readers more closure by giving us a glance in their happily (?) ever after! 

Although I had expected a total different ending, I did enjoy this book as the end of the Trylle series. The characters have grown so much over the course of 3 books and I really adore how Wendy became the strong independent woman she was destined to be. I really admire that the author dared to change the story up and turn another way with some characters so that the readers are left with a total different outcome. I do admit that I was a little disappointed it didn't go the way I wanted it, however I did come to terms with it since it's a beautiful ending. Also the big concern that's been hovering over this series is finally resolved and I have to say that I absolutely loved it! The author took time for a plan and then action and let me tell you... action it is! Even though I didn't enjoy this book as much as I did the first one, I'm still really happy that I picked up the series and finished it! Bonus points for Amanda Hocking to change it up and leave us with a book and ending that's so different from what we might have expected since book one.

“I will make this world a better place, whether they like it or not. That’s the fun of being Queen.” 

The Yesterdays of Tomorrow

Time to review a book that's been sitting unfinished for a long, long while. The reason why I haven't finished it yet is because I haven't been able to really get into the book. I did decide to try once again to read the book and when I was around page 80, I finally felt really pulled into the story which was a good thing because the rest of the book... waw! This is a very nice end in this duology: The Yesterdays of Tomorrow by Jessica Hernandez! 

Note: this book is not a first in a series! It's the second and last book in this duology. I highly recommend not reading on since further developments and changes have been happening in The Yesterdays of Tomorrow. If you're interested in this series, I do have a review on the first book which was a great story! Review on Capering on Glass Bridges HERE!


A year later and the curse is still roaming over the lands. Kaia and the rest are doing everything they can to restore the lands and lift the curse. However, not all darkness has been gone and many secret plans are still around. It's getting harder and harder to know who to trust and who is lying to who. When the curse will be lifted, if it ever will be lifted, would everything be back to normal? Or is there new darkness coming their way? War is coming... Kaia and her friends will be going through tough times and desperate times ask for desperate measures.

First of all the characters because wow, do they know a development! Kaia has been really the most surprising. At the end of Capering on Glass Bridges, I already knew this character would have a lot of potential to grow further and to become a very strong woman as a character. And I was not surprised to see that indeed she did make this change!


Kaia will really get into the learning to fend for herself and defeat the ones that go against all that is wrong. I really loved to see how she grew to become a very strong and independent girl. Although I already thought she was very independent and mature of nature, she showed us in The Yesterdays of Tomorrow that she really can be even more and learns to fend for herself! 

What shocked me the most is what she'll do to lift this curse. I never thought she'd really go through with these drastic measures to lift the curse and to fight off all the darkness that comes with it. The desperate times that she'll meet will really ask a lot of her and when I thought she wouldn't go through with it she always went further and made many sacrifices. I really admire her for all she does in this story, for the people and for the lands because wow... she'll do things I had never in my life in this book had expected her to do! A very great character that knew a very big development!

As for the other characters in the book, I feel like this book was more about Kaia than the others as she will part ways at some points. However I did notice slight changes in each of the characters and also felt that family bonding they had going on once again. I'm really keen on the fact that the brothers slash princes, Kaia and her sister have such a strong bonding and work so well together. It really melts my heart. I also really adore the brothers, they sometimes bicker but I like that! Their connection to one another and what they'll do for one another is yet another thing to really admire in them!

This also means I still really enjoyed the bond between sisters! In my review on the first book, I had already told you how keen I was on the sisters. Even though this book concentrates on Kaia's quest and the sisters being a part for a while, they're still going strong and I still was a great fan of them when they were reunited. What a strong pair they are!

Also, can I just point out Kaia and Warren? Like in Capering on Glass Bridges I felt like they'd be such a great team and yes, this book will give us some more perspective on these two friends. I really adored seeing them together as I secretly hoped they'd be together. They were my OTP from the very first beginning in Capering on Glass Bridges but if something will ever come out of it is a question you should find the answer on by reading this book! 

Which actually brings us to the plot, talking about my OTP's I remember there be little to actually no romance in the first book in this duology. Did I regret that? No, it was a really new thing for me to have a book that doesn't contain some sort of love. I really was keen on seeing the strong build of the plot that wasn't about romance at all in Capering on Glass Bridges, however the second book will make a bit of space for romance and can I say I actually adored it?

It won't be a book filled with love but it'd be rather something subtle, raw and tender. The main focus will still be on solving the problems on the lands and do things for the greater good. Even though the focus wasn't on romance, I did really appreciate the little love being there and make it something oh so sweet! 

This plot was also a lot more surprising than I had first anticipated, I really had thought this would be about lifting the curse and problems with trying to reverse what has happened to make the curse come into place. Although there will be some things to be handled to help lift the curse, there's another thing that will be a greater concern!

What would happen after the curse is lifted? Will the curse ever be lifted? I really feel like I can't say a lot because I don't really want to go spoiling it since it really surprised me. What I really do want to say is that I was shocked by the amount of trust issues that will arise and the lies that will be told. All of a sudden things seem even more dangerous and it will make sure that our main character will have to make hard decisions.

People will be parted, reunited, re-found, there will be loss and love and tears. Really, tears. And I really had never anticipated for all of this to happen. These hard decisions will make sure that Kaia has to fight for the ones she loves when they're in need and also means she'll prepare for whatever is coming her way. I really can't say this enough but the suspense and the betrayal are real! I did have some suspicion to some characters in the first book but then my feeling told me: it's nothing! Waw, my feeling was right! 

But it's not only Kaia that will do whatever it takes to free the lands and fend for her family and friends. Many of the characters will make sacrifices that'll cause so much loss and heartbreak with the reader, like really I couldn't do this! But then BAM the author hits us with a plot twist and things seem lies and not what they once were, or were they? The reader will be pulled into the position of trying to figure out what is going on: lies or truths? Twisted truths? Especially because the characters will have mixed feelings. Some will think someone has betrayed them, others won't believe that someone would ever do that and so the game of truth and loyalty begins. 

Loyalty will also be one of the main things in The Yesterdays of Tomorrow! Loyalty to your king, loyalty to your family and loyalty to your duties. I really loved to see how each of these loyalties were turning onto each other and how this would influence the story further on. Family will also be a very important thing in this story and you'd be amazed when you know who is tied to who. 

Also speaking of family, we'll get to see more of that as well. The princes' will turn towards their family as desperate times are heading their way into the lands. The sisters' family will also make a comeback and I also enjoyed that part. The best thing to this whole family thing though was the fact that Kaia finally gained some answers, as did the readers and I was really pleased to that as well!

If there's one thing I really want to point out is that I really missed the recapitulation in the beginning of the story. It might've been that that made sure I wasn't pulled into the story. Many things had been very deep in my mind on the first book as it had been a while since I read the first book before I started into the second book. So I would suggest to read these two books not too far away from each other, unless you have a much stronger brain than me and know the details even after a few weeks! 

As for the ending WAW, oh waw. I can't believe the author did this to us. When you read it you will know what I mean! I am shocked and lost for words but I really enjoyed the book and that ending made it a stunning ending to the whole duology.

Lastly I really want to thank Jessica Hernandez for granting me this opportunity to read her duology for review. I'm really pleased and happy that I could do this and am really happy she wanted to share the story with me! Thank you!

©Jessica Hernandez

<3 finally="" p="">Although I loved the story, I really had a very hard time to get into it. The author also doesn't take a lot of time to recapitulate what was happening, therefore I felt like I fell in a little void as it had been a while since I read the first book in the series! However, I really did enjoy the book when I reached page 80, the plot then really pulled me in and made me live in the world where the curse must be lifted. The characters will have a hard time and our main character goes through a huge development which I really appreciated! As for the plot, things were really heightened and I never had expected to see everything turn like this! The suspense, the thrill, the trust issues, the lies, the betrayal, the loss, it was ginormous and I devoured it eventually! This is a last in a series so the author has one end of a story ready for you and I was so shocked, a lot of things came as a huge surprise in this book. Even the end! I did enjoy the story, even though I didn't get into it very easily, and really recommend this series. The Yesterdays of Tomorrow is a thrilling and surprising end but oh so good!
<3 finally="" p="">
<3 finally="" p="">"We’ve won and lost."

16 best books of 2016

As the new year is approaching us, I thought it would be a good idea to show off 16 books that I read this year and were special to me. These 16 books each did something to deserve a special spot in this list of the "16 best of 2016".

Note: the order in which the books are presented is not a grade for how good they were. All books in here are equally good no matter what number is before them.
Note: If I present a second, third,... of a series try not to read the letters in bold because they could contain spoilers since it's a synopsis of the book and we're already in a new, advanced stage in the series!

1. Did I Mention I Love You by Estelle Maskame
This book was a huge life changer in my book-life! I remember falling in love with this cover and really wanting it, not only for its cover but also for the little synopsis I got. God, this was so not a mistake! This book really gave me a huge portion of the feels and it really got me obsessing with the series! 

Eden goes all the way from Portland to Santa Monica to spend the summer with her father. The man who left her and her mother three years ago and never let anything hear of him. Then all of a sudden, he called her and gave her the opportunity to spend the summer with him and his new family. Eden accepted to offer, but not for her dad. She thought it could give her a way more awesome summer there than in stupid, boring Portland. 

But as she arrives there and meets with one of the three stepbrothers, she isn't as convinced this is going to be as awesome as she thought. Taylor is short tempered, has an ego to big for his head and drives her completely insane! Yet she can't deny that she doesn't find him interesting. Soon Eden gets caught up in a lot of drama and the masks eventually fall, revealing all sorts of secrets but also creates a whole lot of new lies and secrets... It might not be an awesome summer, it is at least an interesting one. 

The characters are strong, the plot gave you feels and plot twists and backstabbing and unanswered love and answered love and all those kind of things. It was all teenage drama but still absolutely great I just devoured the book. Also the rest of the series was absolutely fantastic, and as much as I want to put them in the list I can only pick one of a series in my 2016 top 16 (I promised myself...). I chose the first one because it got me addicted to the rest of the series but all were equally good! A thing I did notice through this series, and which I was keen on, was the fact that I saw a growing line in these three books. Where the first book was all teenage drama, the last book was very mature. The characters really grew up and developed themselves. I totally recommend this series!

Review on Did I Mention I Love You?: HERE!
Review on Did I Mention I Need You?: HERE!
Review on Did I Mention I Miss You?: HERE!

2. Switched by Amanda Hocking
Also this read was very surprising because I came across a species I've never, ever read of before. I didn't even think I'd enjoy a read about creatures like this but I found myself tangled in this book before I could notice!

Wendy Everly was only six-years-old when her mother tried to kill her. She was so convinced that Wendy wasn't hers, that she was a monster and that she'll only mean trouble. Ever since that day her older brother Matt and her aunt Maggie have been taking care of her. Making sure their mother can't lay one finger on Wendy ever again. 

It isn't until years later that Wendy finds out that her mother might've been right all along. Together with Finn Holmes, Wendy tries to find out exactly who she is in a world she never knew existed. But she's not sure she wants to be a part of it...

This was also my first book ever written by Amanda Hocking, she's a great author I had heard and after reading this book: I couldn't agree more! She left quiet the impression. This book deserves its place really for the concept it had but also because of its very strong plot! I was very surprised to where it was going and never expected things to go that certain way. I was very content with what this book brought me. Also the cover just looked really appealing! 

Review on Switched: HERE!
Review on Torn: HERE!

3. La Fille de Papier by Guillaume Musso

La Fille de Papier, the book of my French class! I hate reading French books, I absolutely loath it because as much as I love French... I couldn't understand a word of it! Each French book I came across, was so hard to read that I just didn't enjoy it until... this book came along. Alone for the fact that I could properly understand it, it should be a reason to get into my top 16 but this book didn't only surprise me on the "waw I understand it"-scale but also on the story itself. 

Tom Boyd is a writer and the first two books of his trilogy are a big hit! Above that Tom has two good friends and falls in love with the lovely Aurore who is a celebrity too. Yet Aurore doesn't feel like it can last and leaves the famous writer. 
Devastated and torn Tom decides not to finish the last book in the trilogy. The story ends in the middle of the book with an unfinished chapter. He's just done with it and meanwhile gets on the wrong path of life. That it until a mysterious women arrives in his house, one that looks very alike the main character of his book. Soon decisions he once made will change or there will be consequences. 

This book had a very mysterious vibe hanging around it but it does deceive you! Not only were the characters really enjoyable, also the plot was very strong and mysterious which I totally give a million stars for. The story line just does amazing things, in French!, and will awaken your senses to a whole new level. It was an easy read and would really be a recommendation if you were trying to read a book in a different language! Also because of the plot twist I'd give it all its stars. A great read for my French class, that's why I thought it was worthy of my top 16.

Review on La Fille de Papier: HERE!

4. Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins 

What can I say? I fell in love with this series... I never wanted to read this series. Somehow I try to stay away from super popular series for whatever reason there is. Yet my friend Fien encouraged me to read the books. It worked, I just loved this series but the last one a bit more than the first two.

Katniss Everdeen closed Catching Fire with blowing up the arena and being saved my her mentor and the Head Gamemaker. Facing hard times with the Capitol, it's decided that Katniss will have to become the symbol of the rebellion: The Mockingjay. All that while there's no sign of Peeta and other tributes that weren't saved from the arena, Katniss is facing the problems and nightmares all by herself. It's not until there's an unexpected turn that Katniss realizes who the real enemy is...

I hadn't seen Mockingjay part two and that also made the last book more appealing. I was just sucked up in the story because I wanted to know how this series would end. The plot was strong and everything was explained so well and detailed it was just mind-blowing! I fell in love with the series, but a little bit more with the last part because it completed everything and we saw how strong each character had become. Also, the end didn't disappoint me at all which I was a bit scared of because some said it was a bad ending. 

Review on The Hunger Games: HERE!

Review on Catching Fire: HERE!

Review on Mockingjay: HERE!

5. Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater

A book that was just... amazingly fantastic. I never read anything by this author but I had heard so many good things about her and she really lived up to my expectations. I've been waiting for this book series for over a year before I found them and grabbed them as if my life depended on it.

Ever since Grace was a very young child, she was fascinated with the wolves in the backyard. Especially in the one with the yellow eyes, the wolf had something human-like, something familiar. It took six years for her to watch him and get him closer. It isn't until a boy is killed by wolves that the town begins to show interest into the pack. The suspicion grows and the town wants them dead. Grace fights against them, still fascinated with them.Yet that fascination takes a whole different meaning when she meets a guy with the same yellow eyes... 

These characters really are fantastic and have such great bonds! Also the fact that there are wolves! Wolves! I was amazed by these creatures and how they acted. Above that the scene setting was absolutely amazing and I just really wanted to live with Sam and Grace so badly... Amazing books, the whole series is really good! Especially because they built up to a very big concept and each book has a very nice ending that leaves you with questions that need to be answered and make you want to have the next book.

Review on Shiver: HERE!

Review on Linger: HERE!

Review on Forever: HERE!

6. Melody's Key by Dallas Coryell

The reason this book deserves a little space in this top 16 is because it was my first ever book read for review! I was really honored and glad that I got this opportunity but Melody's Key also deserved this spot because it was an amazing book!

Tegan Lockwood was stuck in life. All the opportunities that were given to her she declined because of her duty towards her family. They had been having a very hard time lately and were in debts, they couldn't lose the extra power. They wouldn't survive without her help. And that's why Tegan gave in, because they needed her. Struggling with past events, Tegan has a hard time giving her life some color and find things that make her truly happy. That is until a new visitor comes around in Lockwood Holiday and it sure brings some sparks in her life...

The feels in this book were up so high I was totally addicted to it! Each character has its own insecurities they'll have to work with in the story and they'll really be confronted with it. This confrontation makes it very easily to relate to them and that was something I really adored! I really recommend this book!

Review on Melody's Key: HERE!

7. Love and Gelato by Jenna Evans Welch

A book that I chose as my July Summer Read and absolutely deserved to be that kind of read. This book really gives you those summer feels and also the story won't make you feel disappointed at all. I really wished I had this book on my trip to Italy but the book got delivered a day later (!). 

Lina's mother makes her promise that she has to go to Italy. Lina doesn't know why her mother would want that but promises it anyway because it's her mother's last wish. After the loss of her mother, Lina finishes her school year in Seattle and then moves out to the country she didn't want to go to. There, she is confronted with her mother's memories and above that she finds out why she is in Italy. Her mother wanted her to go to find her father and together with the journal she'll discover much more than only that. Lina meets a new friend, which makes her time in Italy more interesting and together they find out the real truth about what happened in Italy...

What was really marvelous in this read was how they describes the environment. We're settled in Florence, Firenze in Italy and I really fell in love with this city on my trip. This book described everything so well that I could just really visualize everything and relive everything Florence had to offer. Also the plot was very adoring and cute which is also a nice asset to the book of course! It was a very swoon-worthy and romantic kind of book but still with the uncertainty of love.

Review on Love and Gelato: HERE!

8. The One by Kiera Cass

Again a third in a series! I was a bit scared when I first started reading this series because it was all very princess-y girly and so on and the books I previously read might have been about queens and princesses but they were always really tough. This was a competition to be a princess and I didn't know if it would effect me that much but... oh waw. It did totally surprise me!

Determined to win her true lover's love, America throws in everything to win The Selection. When she first entered the competition, she never thought she'd end up this close to the crown and grow to adore the palace and all that comes with it. To have the future she wants to have, she'll have to go under more pressure to get what she really wants: the love of her life. Yet the treat of the rebels is still lurking around and ready to overthrow everything that they've ever known. As she finally discovers what she stands to lose, America also discovers how much she needs to fight for what she truly desires.

During this series we actually see the backstabbing we call "girls skill". I absolutely, terribly enjoyed the backstabbing. That sounds so bad but it just brought so much more to the story and really accentuated that this was a competition! I didn't enjoy the second book that much but the third and last in this trilogy really made up for that entirely. This series has had a few problems meaning that there are rebels and we finally get answers I've been waiting on for... two books! Also The One brought a bit of action which is always a good thing and of course it's a final of a series so also the winner of the competition will be named. The last book doesn't concentrate on the backstabbing really because we've narrowed the competition down to just a few girls but it did concentrate on the bonds between the characters. That was something I thought was really exciting and beautiful to see and also to see it become such a great bond. 

Review on The Selection: HERE!

Review on The Elite: HERE!

Review on The One: HERE!

9. Dash and Lily's Book of Dares by Rachel Cohn and David Levithan
This book has been waiting on my TBR-list for forever now. It took me what? A year to finally buy the book and read it? And I can't believe I put it off for so long! This is a book that's been recommended by a good friend of mine. She said it was absolutely amazing and I couldn't agree more.

One red notebook can change your life. Lily left the notebook in her bookstore, waiting for a boy to come around and take it off the dusty shelves. In the notebook, the person gets a lot of dares presented. The main goal? Finding true love. And true love can be just around the corner when Dash takes the notebook and decides to play along. But will this passing back and forth of the book really bring true love? Or is this just a lovely time of doing dares, sharing dreams and then wrap it up and forget all about it?

The characters in this book are just amazing. I have laughed so much during this read, I can't believe it. It's been a long time since I've read anything this hilarious. Only for that I'd already recommend it. But there's so much more, the environment the book creates and the atmosphere? It's absolutely fabulous. I couldn't wait to have my own red notebook! This book is a total recommendation if you want the new kinda love, with a comical tone in it and great characters!

Above that there's a second part in this series! YES, I know, I couldn't believe it either! Both books in the series are set in Christmas time so I'd definitely a wintery read. I have read the second part as my Christmas Read of 2016. Once you read this 2016 review, I also already posted the review about it! It's never to late to start that one...

Review on Dash and Lily's Book of Dares: HERE!
Review on The Twelve Days of Dash and Lily: HERE!

10. Lobsters by Tom Ellen and Lucy Ivison
A book that I've read in the beginning of 2016 and one that absolutely got my attention. I remember seeing the book in various bookstores and only because of its color it caught my attention. I read the book in Dutch but I don't mind it as much as I normally do. It might also explain why it's a flashy color, I don't know if the English versions have a color like this...

Hannah and Sam don't want to be virgins any longer when they go to university. That means they've got only one summer left to find the one and to reach that mile-stone. It all doesn't go as easy as both had planned, especially when you feel like your friends are better at everything. Hannah feels less beautiful and not worthy of a boy while Sam struggles to be, according to his friends, "a real man". Both must navigate social misunderstandings, the plotting of well-meaning friends, and their own fears of being virgins for ever to find happiness. And in the end, it all boils down to love.

Also this book contains a lot of hilarity! This is mostly caused by awkward situations but it's also a story that contains a lot of love, fate and destiny. Or that's how I see it really! Above that it also contains some drama which I can enjoy if it's not laid on very thick. In this book that isn't the case, lucky me! But yeah, this is also a book I'd recommend but beware because you will be stared at when you laugh. And you will laugh. Hard.

Review on Lobsters: HERE!

11. The Power by Jennifer L. Armentrout
Ah, a book by one of my favorite authors! I must say, I haven't read a lot of books by her this year. It's kind of sad... But hey, this book is WAW. And I hadn't expected any less by Jennifer L. Armentrout. Beware everyone, this is a second book in a series! 

Now Josie's finally settled in the world she was introduced to a while ago, she's finally growing to become a badass-ninja. Although she thinks she's making process, Seth's holding on tight not so sure if in the end she'll be able to kill. He knows how it goes and he knows how it feels. Guarding these feelings from her, Seth grows to really love her company. Yet not all is over. Last time they saved Josie but the danger isn't gone. The Titans and other dangers are still looming around and trying to get her. Seth is determined not to let her out of his sight. It isn't until something bad happens, Seth starts to realize also he might be a danger to Josie... 

This book seriously broke my heart and healed it and broke it again and I just NEED the following book in this series. It's actually not hard to believe I need the second book: who doesn't want a book where Seth is? Seth is like amazing, but this book will concentrate on his good side and how much effort he makes. I really loved to see this other side of Seth because it gave so much more perspective. Also Josie's other side will be accentuated in the book. Above that the plot was again too good for words and didn't disappoint. I can't really add more to it, it was amazing and I loved it. But I love all Jennifer L. Armentrout's books! I don't only recommend this series, I also recommend this author!

Review on The Return: HERE!
Review on The Power: HERE!

12. Haze by Paula Weston
Holy hell! This book was so much better and more exiting than Shadows. Don't get me wrong though, Shadows was good but this one was just over the top. I'm keeping it short here, only because the review will be out soon. 

Now Gaby knows she's different from what she first thought, she still struggles with not knowing enough. Unable to remember her old life, Gaby is touching in the dark. People who know her, are mad at her, hate her or want her to tell them what she was doing one year ago. And Demons are hunting her down because also they want her. The only constant in her life is Rafa, who keeps his own secrets and doesn't let loose anything about their past together. But the biggest thing she can't comprehend is that her twin brother might be alive...

It has been a while since I had read a book that had the theme Angels so I was really happy I picked this one off the shelves. This book shows us so many sides to the characters but this time the soft side will be accentuated which was fantastic. I mean, I already ship two people in this book... now I really want them together! God, I love them. Above that the plot was strong and alternated between action (a lot of action) and sweet, caring and supporting moments. All hens on deck people, this book will bring you surprise, plot twists, betrayal and much more! 

The review of Haze will be online on the 18th of January, so stay tuned! Meanwhile I've also read the third book in this series, Shimmer. Also this review will be up in a bit.

Review on Shadows: HERE!
Review on Haze: COMING SOON (18th of January)
Review on Shimmer: COMING SOON (1st of March)

13. Me Before You by Jojo Moyes
A book that have been made a movie. I did see the movie first but hear me out! I was bored one day and I didn't have the book yet so I kinda just watched the movie? I know that's know how it's supposed to go and I wasn't planning on doing it in that order... Sorry? But it did make me buy the book immediately after that! And I of course, adored it more than the movie itself (although I found that one pretty stunning and emotional too!)

Louisa Clark has never been out of her hometown and she never saw any reason to. Soon she finds herself changing for the better and that all by the man that she should be changing. Disabled in a wheelchair, Will Traynor has lost his interest in life and Louisa tries her best to make him think differently again. What they don't know is that both of them are in for a ride full of emotions and life changers. Both want the best for each other: Will wants Lou to live life but Lou wants for Will to find that passion about life again. Yet soon they find themselves battling against the other to make them realize life can be perfect, but not easy...

What I really enjoyed and feel like most readers will be keen on is the fact that Jojo Moyes added some chapters that where in the perspective of some characters. We mainly see Louisa Clark and her character is worth to be with constantly. Obviously because she's important but also because I see her grow so much. All characters are very well written and won't bore you, they make you feel the way you feel during the book and that's kind of amazing. Why I love the fact that other characters get their own chapter is because it gives us so much more understanding towards them instead of our brain making up how they must be feeling.

Also the fact that it's talking about taking lives is making this one one of my favorites. We're not in the year 2016, so people thought about it so much differently. It's nice to see this perspective come to live but also see who follows this and who doesn't want this at all. It gives us feels and it makes you take a stand yourself. 

Review on Me Before You: COMING SOON (25th of January)

14. The Boy at the Top of the Mountain by John Boyne
Hello book by an author that makes me love reading about war. Honestly, I don't know how he does it guys! I hate reading about war, there were only two books that made that "I love reading about this topic": The Boy in the Striped Pajamas and How I live Now. Now, get me back to a few weeks before this post, I was attracted by this cover in the library. I saw it was by the same author as The Boy in the Striped Pajamas... I took it. I opened it. I freaking devoured it.


When both his parents die, Pierrot needs to go live with his aunt Beatrix at the top of a mountain somewhere in Germany. Ready for the new adventure, Pierrot gets invited into a home where everyone seems scared of its owner. Everyone gets all ready and preparing it for when he decides to take a rest at the top of the mountain. Before Pierrot knows it, he gets intertwined in the world of Adolf Hitler, filled with lies, betrayal and danger. Will he ever get out safely?

Really, John Boyne. REALLY? This book is just... FABULOUS. The characters are so strongly written and so diverse that I wish I was one of them. And then there's the plot which made me fall in love with this book even more! It all starts out so innocent but then turns into a world about lies and betrayal and hurting people and brainwashing. BRAINWASHING! Just take this book from me okay, just grab it when you find it and trust me. This was amazing! People turn from innocent to monsters and that ending... Please, devote your life to this author. He's amazing. 

Review on The Boy at the Top of the Mountain: COMING SOON (22th of February)

15. Confess by Colleen Hoover
This is the best book I've read by this author. And this is only my second book by this author. But really, this one captured me from the start, right at the moment the characters introduced themselves. If rated this book 5 stunning stars on Goodreads. If I could give more stars, I'd give this book the whole damn galaxy. This is a master piece. 

Caused by certain circumstances, Auburn is forced to move to Dallas. Fighting to keep her head above water, she's in desperate need of finding a second job. Luckily for her, Fate is on her side that day and she finds a second job with an artist in the art gallery: Confess. His work is inspired by confessions people submit at his place. Before she knows it Auburn finds herself really interested in all that has to do with Owen, the artist. What they both don't realize is that they each have their own confessions to admit before this might become something serious. And even then the question is if Fate will support their decisions...


This. Book. Has. Real. Confessions. This is so original and show how strong some readers of hers are because they had the courage to confess these confessions. I lived up to the moment to read each confession that's been placed into the book and it's amazing. The courage and strength they show by doing this, was shown in the characters too. Therefore there was a good link seen between them and I was really keen on this. 

These confessions will also make sure that the book turn from something cute to something a bit more dangerous. There's action, confessions, lies and betrayal. There's cuteness, sweetness and adorableness. There's FATE. There's beautiful art in it as well which was a very stunning extra touch to the book too next to the confessions. For short: this book is a master piece. The feels you'll have during the book, the doubts, the questions: thrilling is what I call it. My heart has beating a lot during this read because I was so thrilled and excited to see what'll happen next. Another thing, before I leave it at this, that I really want to say it: be patient. You won't fully know the characters (inside and out) until way past in the book and after a few confessions but it's so worth the wait...

Review on Confess: COMING SOON (15th of March)

16. The Geography of you and me by Jennifer E. Smith
This is not a series but boy I might really want a sequel to tell me what'll happen after this book! I was pretty surprised with this one, even though I knew the big lines of the book because a friend told me about it many years ago. 


Owen and Lucy have never met, even though they live in the same building. Tonight it all changes as the two of them meet while being stuck in an elevator. It hits both of them that they're good together and laugh as the best when they're together. But time to discover if they'd work as something more is not something they get. Lucy moves to Europe, while Owen and his dad try to figure out what they'll do next and travel further through America. Both think about the other all the time, but will they ever meet each other again?

This book was so different from what I expected it to be at first sight! It was stunning and not really about love. Well it was but it still was different! The characters will end up at another part in the world and it shows the reader their lives apart and not together. It's about figuring out your life and figuring out if you need that other person, if they're your other half you can't live without. That was what this book's main vibe was about and I really loved to see all this figuring out and being on your own and sorting out YOUR life and not all being romantic all the time. It's very refreshing!

Also can I just tell you guys that this book... uses absolutely STUNNING passages (and I quote one of them in my review) that really make you think and wonder about how poetic and beautiful everything is. I fell for that the first moment I read one! An absolute asset to my opinion.

Review to The Geography of you and me: COMING SOON (8th of February)


That said, this look back on 2016 has ended! I had a beautiful year filled with many books I have loved and cherished, I hope you guys have had that too. With still a few days left before we turn to a new chapter in our own book I wish you guys a very happy 2017 and may all your book wishes (and other wished) come true! I'll see you all next year.