Top Ten New-To-Us Authors We Read For The First Time In 2016

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created by The Broke and the Bookish.
Every once in a while I participate in this one when I either
1) Like the theme, and/or 2) Have the time!

This week's topic:

Top Ten New-To-Ua Authors We Read For The First Time In 2016

Not all of these authors are 2016 debuts, but it was the first time Mandy and I had ever read books by them, so it still counts as being a new author to US!!!

In no particular order...

1) UPDRAFT by Fran Wilde

I heard about this book at BEA 2015, but never got a chance to read it because I gave it to another blogger to read first and never got it back, and she couldn't remember the title to tell me what it was so I could buy it. ^^;; AND THEN I was sent a review copy this fall reminding me about the book. ...AND the author was at a local signing!!!

I really liked the unique world-building and am excited to read more books in this world!

My Review

 

2) A SHADOW BRIGHT AND BURNING by Jessica Cluess

I really loved reading A SHADOW BRIGHT AND BURNING this year--a debut novel--and am really excited to read the sequel in 2017!

My Review



3) THIS IS WHERE IT ENDS by Marieke Nijkamp

I guess this one is technically a cheat. I was lucky enough to read THIS IS WHERE IT ENDS really early in 2015, even though it didn't come out until January 2016. So I didn't read it this year! BUT I recommended it a LOT this year--and just voted for it every round in the Goodreads Choice Awards. So I think it still deserves a place here. Great debut novel!!!

My Early Spotlight



4) THE GIRL WHO DRANK THE MOON by Kelly Barnhill

I bought Kelly Barnhill's novel IRON-HEARTED VIOLET when it came out...and never had a chance to read it. I met her at BEA a couple of years ago and got a signed ARC of THE WITCH'S BOY...and never had a chance to read it. In that sense, the author isn't new to me, but since I've never READ her before, she counts, right??? THE GIRL WHO DRANK THE MOON was breath-takingly beautiful. I cheered when I heard that the man who helmed the movie Kubo and the Two Strings optioned to bring this to animated film as his next movie. This book is just SO GOOD!!!

I still need to review this. I even filmed a design vlog. I just...haven't yet. *hides*

5) THE GIRL FROM EVERYWHERE by Heidi Heilig

There has been so much good buzz about this book, and for good reason! It mixes a contemporary world, historical fiction, and lands of myth together seamlessly in the best way possible. Plus, Heidi Heilig is an awesome person whose Tweets I love seeing whenever I'm on Twitter!!! I voted for her as debut every round in the Goodreads Choice Awards even before reading because they want to know the AUTHOR you like the best in that category, not the book--at least, that's how I take it. And I love how she is the most! ♥

Guys, I just finished this YESTERDAY. Give me time to write a review!!! ^.~

6) SABRIEL by Garth Nix

I bought SABRIEL (And possibly LIRAEL) the spring of my senior year of high school. Everything from that time got boxed up when I went to college. I recently got to meet Garth Nix at BEA when CLARIEL was about to come out, and this fall, he did a tour stop in my hometown. So...I figured I'd better finally read him, right!?

Mandy reviewed this one!

7) WINTERSONG by S. Jae-Jones

This is one of those books that probably shouldn't count because it doesn't come out until 2017, but I read it in 2016, so....

If you like Labyrinth and want a book that was inspired by the movie and is full of romance, you definitely want to pick up WINTERSONG when it debuts in February!!!

Here's my spotlight post!

8) MAGNETIC SHIFT by Lucy D. Briand

 This was a really cool contemporary that missed sort-of kind-of X-Menish abilities into the contemporary world of Nascar-style racing. It was a unique hybrid that I really enjoyed! I can't wait to read more books from Lucy D. Briand!

My Review



9) IVORY AND BONE by Julie Eshbaugh

A book inspired by Pride and Prejudice with wooly mammoths and sabertooth tigers!? How can you NOT want to read it!? It was an excellent debut, and I'm definitely ready for the sequel!!! Plus, Julie is a local author, and super duper nice!!! And that cover!!!

Okay, so there is no review yet because Mandy and I are going to review it TOGETHER and just haven't had the time!

10) RUINED by Amy Tintera

I LOVED this book!!! (And I think it's still on sale for $1.99 if you read e-books!!!) I read it earlier this year and had to read Amy Tintera's first duology because I wasn't ready to say goodbye to the world of RUINED. I desperately need to read the sequel in 2016!!!

My Review

1) THE FORGETTING by Sharon Cameron

My fingers had been itching to pick this book up for months. I just had a good feeling about it. And I was not disappointed. A review will be coming soon, but for now I'll say that it's dystopian, a little sci fi, and I devoured it in a day.

 

2) TITANS by Victoria Scott

Titans was such a good read! Strong characters, a highlight on the strength we gain from familial and friendly support systems, and the bond between human and machine. Alsoooo all the visuals of horses made of metal.

My Review



3) SPLINTERED by A.G. Howard

I am now obsessed with this series. I'd seen it on the shelf at the beginning of this year. It's been around for a while but I hadn't really truly SEEN it. When I had the opportunity to read it for Wonderland week I was ecstatic and it was everything I hoped for. Quirky, dark, twisted and creative. The characters all have hidden depths.

My Review



4) SIGNS OF YOU by Emily France

I can't stop fawning over this book. Once I start talking about it I can't shut my mouth. It's contemporary on the surface, but there's an intriguing supernatural undertone. France handles the concept of the afterlife in a way I've never seen in fiction before and it left my head spinning.

My Review




5) LUCKIEST GIRL ALIVE

I was late on the Psychological Thriller train, but I was so glad that I picked this one up. The main character is quirky and odd, there's something unique and distinctive in the narration, which pulls you in. And when the climax hits well, all I can say is that my jaw dropped more than once.

My Review

6) THE LAND OF FORGOTTEN GIRLS by Erin Entrada Kelly

I will admit I cried several times while reading this. The sisterly feels hit you hard and Kelly has such a talent with pulling readers into the narration.

My Review



7) SUMMER OF LOST AND FOUND by Rebecca Behrens

If you ever wanna take a walk down the road of historical fiction, this book is gorgeous. Rebecca Behrens makes history fascinating by wrapping it around well written characters and colorful narration.



8) THE CALL by Peadar O'Guilin

 I read this one around halloween and oh my gosh. It was everything I loved in a dark book about Fae, but with this extra edge that gave me goosebumps. I am hoping to read more from the author soon!

My Review



9) MAGONIA by Maria Dahvana Headley

You aren't supposed to judge a book by it's cover, but I'll admit this one pulled me in. I'm about halfway through and the imagery this plot creates is breathtaking. Pirate ships in the sky? A girl who is sickly on earth but healthy and powerful in another world? Count me in! Such an amazing book.



10) FURTHURMORE by Tahereh Mafi

I've only just started this one, but oh sweet baby jesus am I in love. The writing is stunning, which I expected because a friend is in love with Tahereh's teen series Shatter Me. You can feel that the story pulls inspiration from multiple fairytale sources, but the plot itself is so vibrantly unique.

What books are you most excited to read???  ^_^