Booknut 101's TOP 13 of 2013

2013 is almost over! Who can believe it?! 

It's been a brilliant year filled with tonnes of amazing books. Having reached my Goodreads reading goal of 500 books, I have to say it was a tad daunting picking just thirteen books. But, I have taken on the challenge...and will now present you all with my Top 13 Books of 2013.

(This list does not include any of the ARCs I've read that will be published in 2014. Those may feature on next year's list)

#13.) Acid by Emma Pass

She's out for revenge. 

She's on the run. 

She's their worst fear.

She's the key to ACID's destruction.

She's Jenna Strong. And she's coming for you.

An incredible book that matches its gorgeous cover, Acid has so much potential. It pushes the dystopian genre to new heights, and introduces readers to a feisty heroine who is as strong as her last name suggests.

#12.) Unremembered by Jessica Brody

Who is she? 

Where does she come from?

The concept of time travel has never been more addictive. Unremembered was a roller coaster of a read - never a lull, never a dull moment. An enticing mix of romance and action, it was a definitely one of the highlights of my reading year.

#11.) The Girl with the Iron Touch by Kady Cross

Whilst the occupants of 1897 London slumber, a sinister force awakens below...

Steampunk is one of my fave genres.

And Kady Cross handles it like a master, creating a vivid world filled with enticing inventions and characters who capture your imagination and your heart.

Be prepared to immerse yourself in a world of mystery and intrigue, joining Finley and her motley band of friends on their latest adventure.

So strap on your goggles and tighten your corset - the battle for London is about to begin!

#10.) The Highwayman of Tanglewood by Marcia Lynn McClure

This highwayman will steal more than your riches...he'll steal your heart.

If books were treasure, McClure's The Highwayman of Tanglewood would certainly be a diamond among diamonds. 

A story that is truly gripping, tantalising, magical and beautifully woven in every way, it rekindles a reader's love for historical fiction - presenting a clean, yet intense romance novel that is sure to have you swooning over The Highwayman every bit as much as its heroine Faris does!

#9.) The Falconer by Elizabeth May

Heiress. Debutant. Murderer. A new generation of heroines has arrived.

The Falconer is a refreshing combination of steampunk and fae mythology. It gives us a spectacularly flawed heroine, a dangerous love interest and plenty of witty dialogue to accompany the swordplay and magical battles.

All in all, an absolute treat to read.

#8.) Salvation by Skyla Madi

Filled with adventure, Salvation is the next gripping instalment in the Guardian Angel series by Skyla Madi. Open the book and let yourself be pulled between the pages into a world unlike any other!

There are stories about angels. And then there's Skyla Madi's Guardian Angel series.

Move over Fallen! Salvation brings a great twist on the angelic legend, as well as a romance that will be tested against the storms of society, war, loyalties and powers beyond our understanding.  

#7.) Confessions of an Almost-Girlfriend by Louise Rozett

If they can't handle Rose 2.0, then that's their loss.

This painfully raw series reaches an all new high in Confessions of an Almost-Girlfriend. Louise Rozett captures those moments in life that change us for better or for worse - and she captures them with a skill rarely seen in modern literature. Her characters are as flawed as you and me, their words aren't mediated before hand. 

It's a true gem of a book, that is sure to become a much-loved classic.

#6.) Geek Girl by Holly Smale

It's going to take more than a mathematical formula to solve this problem...

You haven't read a book until you've read Holly Smale's Geek Girl. Fresh, funny, and full of quirky goodness, this is a book for everyone who needs a laugh...or needs to be reminded about what truly matters in life. With a loveable protagonist, Geek Girl is definitely a Cinderella story like no other. 

From geek to chic, Harriet Manners is in for the ride of her life!

#5.) Pivot Point by Kasie West

With its brilliant concepts, its flair for presenting readers with a poignant storyline and an intense narrative voice - as well as its creative structure - Pivot Point is a must-read.

Kasie West has once again delivered a memorable novel that finds its home in the nooks and crannies of our bookworm hearts. Unpredictable and addictive, Pivot Point will have you questioning the way we live our lives...as well as the 'ripple effect' of even the smallest of our actions.

#4.) Sentinel by Jennifer L Armentrout

This book contains high quantities of perfect males, kick-assery, pointy weapons, annoying gods and awesomeness. You have been warned.

The much-anticipated conclusion to a wickedly amazing series, Sentinel delivers above and beyond my expectations. Romance? Check. Action? Check. Perfectly executed humour? Check. Tears? Check. Hot demigods? Double check!

Nothing can prepare you for the magic J Armentrout has in store. So hold on tight and be prepared to expect the unexpected!

#3.) Rebel Spring by Morgan Rhodes

Feelings become the deadliest weapons of all, and the line between friend and foe blurs in the latest instalment in the thrilling Falling Kingdoms series.

Morgan Rhodes takes readers on the adventure of a lifetime. In an epic struggle between magic, force, and sacrifice, Rebel Spring is a fantasy novel that is terribly addictive, and emotionally destructive. With a rebellion that puts Les Miserables to shame, and an amazing cast of characters, this is definitely a series to have on your bookshelf.  

#2.) Crown of Midnight by Sarah J Maas

The making of a literary legend, Sarah J Maas' Crown of Midnight is a thrilling sequel which will have you sitting on daggers, awaiting her storytelling magic and more of Celaena's passionate spirit!

Assassins, pointy weapons, tantalising mysteries and action combine to create a story which has thrilled readers and broken their hearts. Maas' ability to transport readers into another world - to allow them to experience it as if it were right in front of them, so vividly - is a rare gift, and one that makes this series all the more memorable. 

I can't wait to see where this series goes next, and to continue to accompany Celaena on her journey.

#1.) Whirl by Emma Raveling 

A thrilling example of YA fiction at its best, Whirl is an electric mix of J Armentrout'sCovenant series and Richelle Mead's Vampire Academy books. 

Emma Raveling spins a tale full of dark mystery, intense fighting, adventure, love and perfectly executed humour that will make you fall hook, line and sinker for this series and its feisty heroine Kendra Irisavie. 

You cannot read this book enough times. There is something that draws you to it, like a moth to a flame! It's so, so addictive, and a story that is intriguing on so many levels - conceptually, with the twist on mer mythology, as well as emotionally, with the complexity of the relationships between sets of characters.

Each book in the series fits in perfectly with the first, building upon the various mysteries and main plot points flawlessly. But as the first, Whirl holds a special place in my heart...and is sure to enchant readers worldwide for years to come.