I’m trying something new for Fridays. Let me know what you think.
My Top Five Favorite Books
This list is always in flux because I love reading and am pretty much never without a book. But here’s the top five I’ve read since January.
Sanderson is basically a writing god. His world building and magic systems awe me. I’m seriously obsessed with the guy. Fortunately, he’s a magnanimous writing deity and not only releases books with a startling frequency and attends conventions close to my home, he has a podcast full of writing advice called Writing Excuses.
Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein
This book had me breaking down in the middle of a Chick Fil A. It’s a powerful story barely contained in a powerful writing style. I’ve rekindled my love of the epistolary novel thanks to this book.
Rebel Angels is the second book in the Gemma Doyle series. I’d choose the first book as one of my favorites, but technically I read it in December. Libba Brey blends historical fiction and supernatural romance with a deft hand. This is one of those books that make you feel like you’re holding your breath the entire time you’re rushing through reading it because you have to know what happens next.
Girl of Fire and Thorns by Rae Carson 
This is an interesting fantasy series focused around one particularaly magical princess and a ton of political intrigue. What I liked best about the book, or the series rather, is how much emphasis it put on inner strength. The protagonist has such a profound character arc physically and emotionally. I know the phrase strong female character gets tossed around a bunch, but this arc handles it well.
Manners and Mutiny by Gail Carriger
Manner and Mutiny is the last book in the Finishing School series, which is possibly one of my favorite young adult series of all times. Carriger writes alternate history, steam punk, supernatural romance. She blends those unlikely genres as well as Melissa Marr blends fairy tales, cyborgs, and space operas. Impressively.
Kaitlin Bevis 