#10 – Cuckoo Song by Frances Hardinge

Genre: Urban Fantasy / Horror
Pages: 409
Published: 2014 (Pan MacMillan)
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“The plot and fantasy world was just outstanding. Though it definitely had a Gaiman vibe – which I would describe as a very “alternative and dark fairy tale” – it’s the most original mid-fantasy I have read in a long time. Because of that I was continuously blown away by new magical creatures, aspects and ideas. Due to its originality I could never predict where the plot was going to go and what would happen to these characters I had grown really fond of.”

#9 – The Strange and Beautiful Sorrows of Ava Lavender by Leslye Walton

Genre: Urban Fantasy / YA
Pages: 301
Published: 2014 (Candlewick Press)
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“It is, in essence, a story about a family. A family that just happens to be a little bit magical. The story is intended to explore the different sides and angles of love, precisely by not writing about love; just writing about life, and the love that we can find in between. Loved it.”

#8 – The Mad Scientist’s Daughter by Cassandra Rose Clarke

Genre: Sci-Fi / Romance
Pages: 391
Published: 2013 (Angry Robot)
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“Read it, enjoy it, think about it. Then get your friends to read it and start an in-depth Facebook discussion about the true meaning of consciousness. And let me know if you high-fived your Kindle at any point.”

#7 – The Martian by Andy Weir

Genre: Sci-Fi
Pages: 369
Published: 2014 (Ebury Digital)
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“Hardcore survivalism? Interesting and different location? High stakes, excitement, a protagonist that makes the Book Boyfriend list? OH YES.”

#6 – In The After by Demitria Lunetta

Genre: Dystopia / Zombies
Pages: 480
Published: 2014 (HarperTeen)
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“Made of win. I didn’t expect to enjoy this so much, but the story was everything I wanted. It’s probably the first book I’ve ever read where I could predict what was going to happen, but everything was still so suspenseful and well-written it made me forget that I had, in fact, predicted the happenings. The sequel In The End is equally enjoyable.”

#5 – Lirael by Garth Nix

Genre: Fantasy / YA
Pages: 527
Published: 2004 (Harper Collins)
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“My favourite book of Garth Nix’s epic Old Kingdom series (not that I’ve read them all yet!). This fantasy world is one of the best out there; so different and interesting, it’s the best part of the books for me.”

#4 – Gates of Thread and Stone by Lori M. Lee

Genre: Fantasy / YA
Pages: 335
Published: 2014 (Skyscape)
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“Gates of Thread and Stone is truly a quality read.I’d recommend it for anyone who loves a fairly dark and clever YA read. Someone who wants an original concept. Someone who maybe read The Winner’s Curse earlier this year and wants the same level of world-building or similar kind of romance. With a much better plot, though. GOD, ALL OF THAT PLOT.”

#3 – Crushed by Eliza Crewe

Genre: Urban Fantasy / YA
Pages: 271
Published: 2014 (Strange Chemistry)
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“It is rare, like a diamond in the rough, but it exists; a sequel that is better than the first book. I loved every minute: a fantastic anti-hero, equally wonderful secondary characters, a different and fast-paced plot with a ton of comedy and emotional turmoil.  I could fault Crushed if I tried enough, but I don’t need or want to. Actually you know what, I can fault it: it was over too soon.”

#2 – Peter Pan by J.M. Barrie

Genre: Fantasy
Pages: 207
Published: 1911 (Hodder & Stoughton)
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“It has become one of my most beloved classics, I found it far superior than any Hollywood or Disney adaption I’ve seen, it’s just incredible. It’s fantastically written: creative, clever and very funny. I didn’t expect the funnies, to be honest. Peter Pan is one of the most exciting and fascinating characters in literature, and all the rest of them are a joy to read about too. This book was everything the Disney film told me it would be, and bags more to boot.”

#1 – Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi

Genre: Sci-Fi / YA
Pages: 421
Published: 2014 (Harper Collins)
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“The Shatter Me trilogy is the only series I have properly devoured this year. It’s not something I would easily recommend, as I had a lot of problems with it, but my love for the protagonist was so strong it overrode everything else. The series taught me a lot, and it will always stick with me. Not for the plot, the world-building, or any form of plausible sci-fi element which was not of abundance in this, but for a character I connected to more strongly than any other, an immense realism of humanity, and a heart-wrenching test of endurance.”

See you in 2015! x