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Top Ten Tuesday: Top Ten 2016 Releases We Meant To Read But Didn’t Get To (But TOTALLY plan to)

pam TTT 2017

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly feature hosted by The Broke and the Bookish that other bloggers are welcome to join in, to create Top Ten lists on varying topics. This week it’s Top Ten 2016 Releases We Meant To Read But Didn’t Get To (But TOTALLY plan to)

Paein

bright smoke cold fire elite Saint's blood fantastic beasts frost like night

1 Bright Smoke, Cold Fire

by Rosamund Hodge

Sabriel meets Romeo and Juliet in this stunning and atmospheric novel—the first in a duology—from the author of Cruel Beauty and Crimson Bound.

When the mysterious fog of the Ruining crept over the world, the living died and the dead rose. Only the walled city of Viyara was left untouched.

The heirs of the city’s most powerful—and warring—families, Mahyanai Romeo and Juliet Catresou share a love deeper than duty, honor, even life itself. But the magic laid on Juliet at birth compels her to punish the enemies of her clan—and Romeo has just killed her cousin Tybalt. Which means he must die.

Paris Catresou has always wanted to serve his family by guarding Juliet. But when his ward tries to escape her fate, magic goes terribly wrong—killing her and leaving Paris bound to Romeo. If he wants to discover the truth of what happened, Paris must delve deep into the city, ally with his worst enemy . . . and perhaps turn against his own clan.

Mahyanai Runajo just wants to protect her city—but she’s the only one who believes it’s in peril. In her desperate hunt for information, she accidentally pulls Juliet from the mouth of death—and finds herself bound to the bitter, angry girl. Runajo quickly discovers Juliet might be the one person who can help her recover the secret to saving Viyara.

Both pairs will find friendship where they least expect it. Both will find that Viyara holds more secrets and dangers than anyone ever expected. And outside the walls, death is waiting. . .

-Goodreads

I love Rosamund Hodge’s books, but I couldn’t read this as soon as I got it like I’d hoped. I hope to get to it soon!

2 Elite

by Mercedes Lackey

Joy wants nothing more than to live and Hunt in Apex City without a target on her back. But a dangerous new mission assigned by her uncle, the city’s Prefect, may make that impossible.
In addition to her new duties as one of the Elite, Joy is covertly running patrols in the abandoned tunnels and storm sewers under Apex Central. With her large pack of magical hounds, she can fight the monsters breaking through the barriers with the strength of three hunters. Her new assignment takes a dark turn when she finds a body in the sewers: a Psimon with no apparent injury or cause of death.
Reporting the incident makes Joy the uncomfortable object of PsiCorp’s scrutiny—the organisation appears more interested in keeping her quiet than investigating. With her old enemy Ace still active in Hunts and the appearance of a Folk Mage who seems to have a particular interest in her, Joy realises that the Apex conspiracy she uncovered before her Elite trials is anything but gone.
As the body count rises, she has no choice but to seek answers. Joy dives into the mysterious bowels of the city, uncovering secrets with far-reaching consequences for PsiCorp… and all of Apex City.

-Goodreads

I’m a fan of several of Mercedes series, this one is quite different to her others but it’s just as good. It’s such an imaginative world and so different to her others.

3 Saint’s Blood

by Sebastien de Castell

How do you kill a Saint?

Falcio, Kest, and Brasti are about to find out, because someone has figured out a way to do it and they’ve started with a friend.

The Dukes were already looking for ways out of their agreement to put Aline on the throne, but with the Saints turning up dead, rumours are spreading that the Gods themselves oppose her ascension. Now churches are looking to protect themselves by bringing back the military orders of religious soldiers, assassins, and (especially) Inquisitors – a move that could turn the country into a theocracy. The only way Falcio can put a stop to it is by finding the murderer. He has only one clue: a terrifying iron mask which makes the Saints vulnerable by driving them mad. But even if he can find the killer, he’ll still have to face him in battle.

And that may be a duel that no swordsman, no matter how skilled, can hope to win.

-Goodreads

I was meant to be reviewing this for netgalley, but then I realised that it wasn’t the last book and thought that, to reach the end, I’d probably have to go through them all. Why? Because they’re fantastic and utterly heartbreaking that’s why.

4 Fantastic Beasts and Where To Find Them: The Original Screenplay

by J.K. Rowling

When Magizoologist Newt Scamander arrives in New York, he intends his stay to be just a brief stopover. However, when his magical case is misplaced and some of Newt’s fantastic beasts escape, it spells trouble for everyone…

Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them marks the screenwriting debut of J.K. Rowling, author of the beloved and internationally bestselling Harry Potter books. Featuring a cast of remarkable characters, this is epic, adventure-packed storytelling at its very best.

Whether an existing fan or new to the wizarding world, this is a perfect addition to any reader’s bookshelf.

-Goodreads

The film is a wonder and who wouldn’t want to relive it all?! The only disappointment that I can foresee is that it’s a script and there won’t be any hidden insight into the mind of Newt – which is perhaps the point. That’s what at least some of the other films are for.

5 Frost Like Night

by Sara Raasch

Angra is alive, his Decay is spreading—and no one is safe.
Meira will do anything to save her world. With Angra trying to break through her mental defenses, she desperately needs to learn to control her own magic—so when the leader of a mysterious Order from Paisly offers to teach her, she jumps at the chance. But the true solution to stopping the Decay lies in a labyrinth deep beneath the Season Kingdoms. To defeat Angra, Meira will have to enter the labyrinth, destroy the very magic she’s learning to control—and make the biggest sacrifice of all.
Mather will do anything to save his queen. He needs to rally the Children of the Thaw, find Meira—and finally tell her how he really feels. But with a plan of attack that leaves no kingdom unscathed and a major betrayal within their ranks, winning the war—and protecting Meira—slips farther and farther out of reach.
Ceridwen will do anything to save her people. Angra had her brother killed, stole her kingdom, and made her a prisoner. But when she’s freed by an unexpected ally who reveals a shocking truth behind Summer’s slave trade, Ceridwen must take action to save her true love and her kingdom, even if it costs her what little she has left.
As Angra unleashes the Decay on the world, Meira, Mather, and Ceridwen must bring the kingdoms of Primoria together…or lose everything.

-Goodreads

The first of these was quite original and I’m semi scared that it wont stay that way! but now that book three is mine it’s time to complete this adventure.

Ms4Tune

I own all of these…

Queen of Blood Nevernight unexpected everything ruined REBEL OF THE SANDs

6 The Queen of Blood

by Sarah Beth Durst
Owned since October 2016

An idealistic young student and a banished warrior become allies in a battle to save their realm in this first book of a mesmerizing epic fantasy series, filled with political intrigue, violent magic, malevolent spirits, and thrilling adventure

Everything has a spirit: the willow tree with leaves that kiss the pond, the stream that feeds the river, the wind that exhales fresh snow . . .

But the spirits that reside within this land want to rid it of all humans. One woman stands between these malevolent spirits and the end of humankind: the queen. She alone has the magical power to prevent the spirits from destroying every man, woman, and child. But queens are still just human, and no matter how strong or good, the threat of danger always looms.

With the position so precarious, young women are chosen to train as heirs. Daleina, a seemingly quiet academy student, is under no illusions as to her claim to the throne, but simply wants to right the wrongs that have befallen the land. Ven, a disgraced champion, has spent his exile secretly fighting against the growing number of spirit attacks. Joining forces, these daring partners embark on a treacherous quest to find the source of the spirits’ restlessness—a journey that will test their courage and trust, and force them to stand against both enemies and friends to save their land . . . before it’s bathed in blood.

I really enjoyed Sarah Beth Durst’s Vessel and really wanted to read this one as it’s an adult fantasy.

7 Nevernight

by Jay Kristoff
Owned since August 2017

The first in a new fantasy series from the New York Times bestselling author.

In a land where three suns almost never set, a fledgling killer joins a school of assassins, seeking vengeance against the powers who destroyed her family.

Daughter of an executed traitor, Mia Corvere is barely able to escape her father’s failed rebellion with her life. Alone and friendless, she hides in a city built from the bones of a dead god, hunted by the Senate and her father’s former comrades. But her gift for speaking with the shadows leads her to the door of a retired killer, and a future she never imagined.

Now, Mia is apprenticed to the deadliest flock of assassins in the entire Republic—the Red Church. If she bests her fellow students in contests of steel, poison and the subtle arts, she’ll be inducted among the Blades of the Lady of Blessed Murder, and one step closer to the vengeance she desires. But a killer is loose within the Church’s halls, the bloody secrets of Mia’s past return to haunt her, and a plot to bring down the entire congregation is unfolding in the shadows she so loves.

Will she even survive to initiation, let alone have her revenge?

I got this in my August Fairyloot Box and my August Illumicrate Box so I really have no excuse, I had two copies. Oh well maybe next year?

8 The Unexpected Everything

by Morgan Matson
Owned since May 2016

Andie had it all planned out. When you are a politician’s daughter who’s pretty much raised yourself, you learn everything can be planned or spun, or both. Especially your future. Important internship? Check. Amazing friends? Check. Guys? Check (as long as we’re talking no more than three weeks).

But that was before the scandal. Before having to be in the same house with her dad. Before walking an insane number of dogs. That was before Clark and those few months that might change her whole life. Because here’s the thing—if everything’s planned out, you can never find the unexpected. And where’s the fun in that?

This was everywhere in May. I couldn’t help myself I ordered it straight away and then left it on the side ever since. May save this for summer next year now.

9 Ruined

by Amy Tintera
Owned since June 2016

A revenge that will consume her. A love that will ruin her.

Emelina Flores has nothing. Her home in Ruina has been ravaged by war. She lacks the powers of her fellow Ruined. Worst of all, she witnessed her parents’ brutal murders and watched helplessly as her sister, Olivia, was kidnapped.

But because Em has nothing, she has nothing to lose. Driven by a blind desire for revenge, Em sets off on a dangerous journey to the enemy kingdom of Lera. Somewhere within Lera’s borders, Em hopes to find Olivia. But in order to find her, Em must infiltrate the royal family.

In a brilliant, elaborate plan of deception and murder, Em marries Prince Casimir, next in line to take Lera’s throne. If anyone in Lera discovers Em is not Casimir’s true betrothed, Em will be executed on the spot. But it’s the only way to salvage Em’s kingdom and what is left of her family.

Em is determined to succeed, but the closer she gets to the prince, the more she questions her mission. Em’s rage-filled heart begins to soften. But with her life—and her family—on the line, love could be Em’s deadliest mistake.

I actually pre-ordered this one and when it arrived I was drowning in ARC copies so I prioritised them. Sadly bad reviews of this put me off a bit. But I think I may give this a try soon. Just so I judge for myself.

10 Rebel of the Sands

by Alwyn Hamilton
Owned since February 2017

She’s more gunpowder than girl—and the fate of the desert lies in her hands.

Mortals rule the desert nation of Miraji, but mystical beasts still roam the wild and barren wastes, and rumor has it that somewhere, djinni still practice their magic. But there’s nothing mystical or magical about Dustwalk, the dead-end town that Amani can’t wait to escape from.

Destined to wind up “wed or dead,” Amani’s counting on her sharpshooting skills to get her out of Dustwalk. When she meets Jin, a mysterious and devastatingly handsome foreigner, in a shooting contest, she figures he’s the perfect escape route. But in all her years spent dreaming of leaving home, she never imagined she’d gallop away on a mythical horse, fleeing the murderous Sultan’s army, with a fugitive who’s wanted for treason. And she’d never have predicted she’d fall in love with him… or that he’d help her unlock the powerful truth of who she really is.

Now I really did mean to read this one as soon as it came out but something happened… no idea what. I’ve heard so many good things about this book that I really need to prioritise it for next year!

pam id pics paein pam id pics and pam id pics ms4tune

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23 comments on “Top Ten Tuesday: Top Ten 2016 Releases We Meant To Read But Didn’t Get To (But TOTALLY plan to)

  1. Lori

    You both have some really good books on your lists! I meant to get the Fantastic Beasts book and never did! The Unexpected Everything was so good! I hope you read it soon!

    1. Ms4Tune

      Hiya, I’m planning to read The Unexpected Everything in March but you know how plans go. Finger-crossed though. :) Thanks for stopping by.

    1. Ms4Tune

      Me too. I got so excited when the first great reviews started popping up but then all the bad reviews started to roll in and now I’m starring at my beautiful book thinking… I don’t want to hate you…

  2. Louise

    Bright Smoke, Cold Fire and Rebel of the Sands are both two I’ve been meaning to read too. And I still need to see the Fantastic Beasts movie!

    1. Ms4Tune

      Aww definitely go see Fantastic Beasts! It’s really really good!

  3. Emma

    The Unexpected Everything is on my list too. The more lists I look at the more I realize how many books I forgot to include. I want to read Frost Like Night, but I just have to read Ice Like Fire first.

    1. Ms4Tune

      Ha, I know what you mean. I’ve rearranged by TBR to include some that I saw on other peoples lists. I feel like I’m always playing catch up though, there’s just so many great books!

  4. Mariela

    I really want to buy The Queen of Blood.
    So many books last year and so little time! Also in my case I was not in the mood of reading a lot, I am getting older and I get too tired that when I sit to read I fall sleep

    1. Ms4Tune

      I feel your pain Mariela, I hardly read anything at the end of last year because of ‘older’ age and just falling asleep. Worst part is getting Kindle Slapped. Go on, you can tell me, did you fall asleep and get hit in the face by your kindle too? :P

  5. Angela

    Most of these are new to me, but they sound great! I hope you enjoy them when you get to them!

    1. Ms4Tune

      I’m getting the impression that The Unexpected Everything is one I definitely have to make time for this year lol. I will definitely TRY… :) Thanks for stopping by.

    1. Ms4Tune

      hehe I think we’re all guilty of that one!

  6. Rissi

    I had every intention of reading Morgan’s this past year as well (there’s always 2017!), and should have made more of an effort to finish the series by Sara Raasch. The only one I’ve read is the first book though. Happy reading – and thanks so much for making Finding Wonderland one of your Top Ten Tuesday stops. :)

    1. Ms4Tune

      You’re welcome Rissi, love your blog.

    1. Ms4Tune

      Thanks Jo, hoping to read it this month. Fingers crossed :)

  7. Morgan | Backlist Babe

    Reading everyone’s post of 2016 releases has made me realize I bought books I’d completely forgotten about— Like The Unexpected Everything and Rebel of the Sands. Really need to get to those this year >__<

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