The Bookish Best Of... My Favourite Reads of 2014

This year I've read over one hundred and eighty five books, and that isn't counting the ones I failed to finish. Clearly I have no life. But in that huge bundle of books, thirty nine I've rated at five stars. It's been a really good year. So this week I'm showing you a few of my favourites that you need to read.

Poetic Prose



I'm a big fan of lyrical and purple prose, and by far the three most deliciously written books of the year have been Bird, Ignite Me and Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe.

Aussie Brilliance



When it comes to young adult, Australia has seemingly an endless supply of talent, there really is none better. They create relatable teens in realistic situations. A few of my favourites have been The Incredible Adventures of Cinnamon Girl, The Summer of Kicks and Cooper Bartholomew is Dead.

More Than Fantasy



Most of you who follow me regularly probably realise that I'm not a big fan of fantasy in general. Too many big words and unpronounceable names for my liking. So if it's a fantasy title and I've rated it five stars, you know it must be incredibly special. Unhinged, The Winner's Curse and Chasing The Valley Skyfire were all phenomenal. These aren't merely books, they're an entire experience wrapped in pretty covers.

My Dystopian Darlings



I love my dystopians passionately, and it was incredibly difficult to narrow it down to only three. Fire & Flood, Corruption and The Last Shot were not only incredible, but both Jessica Shirvington and Michael Adams are also both Aussie authors.

Contemporaries



Without a doubt, two of my all time favourites have been We Were Liars and Prisoner of Night and Fog. Both are absolutely superb that I would both read again and again. Close behind is The Truth About Alice, which broke me despite the mixed reviews. More recently, All The Bright Places, but since that's not released just yet...

Blew My Socks Off



It was just too difficult to narrow it down, so I've simply had to include them all. The Infinite Sea, Apple and Rain and The Walled City even though it wasn't quite a five star rating.


I don't usually have much luck with series finales, but loved both Raging Star and In The Afterlight. Silver People is a verse novel, an older title but had been rereleased. Incredibly emotional and one of my most unexpected favourites this year.

Next week I'm celebrating my second blogaversary on new years day.

 Stop by for my blogging year in review and an international giveaway.

Have you posted your favourite reads of the year?
Link me up.


44 comments

  1. Merry Christmas!! I really loved We Were Liars as well; I need to check out most of these though.

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    1. Thanks Lauren! Hope you and the family had a fabulous Christmas.

      We Were Liars was incredible! I was in a state of shock when I'd finished it and even went back to reread passages to see if I'd missed the signs. Just incredible and surprising as well.

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  2. I haven't done one, but I know I must. There are a few books here that I haven't read, but I'm keeping them in mind. :)

    Great post, Kelley!

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    1. Thanks Joy. And you totally should, I can't wait to see your 2014 recommendations. I've been really lucky this year with having read so many fabulous books, but 2015 is going to be even stronger. The year has yet to begin, and I've already had two five star reads of 2015.

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  3. You've picked some wonderful books there! I also loved The Winner's Curse, and Unhinged. I didn't LOVE We Were Liars, but it was a pretty good book nonetheless. I also went to a Tahereh Mafi signing, and finally bought Shatter Me. Loved it! I really need to go get Book 2 already, gosh. Lovely post!

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    1. You met her! YOU MET HER! Ohhh, I'm so insanely jealous right now. I'm too old to carry on, but she's the only author that reduces me to a older demented fangirl. I've read the entire series, but also the novellas and may or may not stalk her on Twitter. I'd honestly read her shopping list if she slapped a cover on it.

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  4. What a great selection, thanks for sharing.

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    1. Thanks Shelleyrae, and thanks for stopping by.

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  5. The WInner's Curse! Unhinged! So many great books on here. The Truth About Alice's Aussie cover is so pretty--I read it at the beginning of the year and it stays with me until this day. Great list!

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    1. Me too Summer. It seemed to have had a lot of mixed reviews, but personally I found it a really emotional and powerful read as well.

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  6. What a great post! I should check out some of these books I don't know of. I really liked Unhinged and We Were Liars so I'm glad to see them on your list. x

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    1. They were both incredible weren't they! I'm super excited waiting for Ensnared to be released now. So jealous of those in the US who have an ARC, I NEED one!

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  7. Wow, you've had a brilliant reading year Kellybear, I'm amazed with how many books you've read AND how many you've rated 5 stars. I think I only rated 3 books 5 stars this year...out of 61? Am I being too harsh/cynical I wonder heh.

    There are so many brilliant ones on this list, and some that I still need to read. Gah time, where art thou?! I hope 2015 treats you just as well reading wise <3 <3

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    1. I find that most of the titles I've requested have all been brilliant reads. I only request books that I'd purchase myself now, that way I know I'll more than likely really enjoy it. I've already rated two 2015 books 5 stars so far, so it's looking like another awesome year of books.

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  8. UHMAYGHAD. SUCH GREAT READS <3 I haven't read Aristotle and Dante... yet, but seeing it on your list makes me anxious to see it sooner rather than later. huhuhu.

    Corruptions looks awesome! I never seen it before, but I'm gonna at it at my to-read list :D

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    1. Add the first one in the series Disruption first, without a doubt you'd absolutely love it Jules. It's a sassy dystopian with a kick ass heroine. Aristotle and Dante made my heart melt, so incredibly beautiful.

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  9. ARGH!!! ALL THE LOVELY BOOKS!!! *hugs them all* So many of these are on my to-read list, but I really want to read them! Hope I can one day! :)

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    1. They all totally are Renee! I have a giveaway coming up in two days for a book of your choice from The Book Depository, but early February look out for the awesomess giveaway ever! And for Aussies only.

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  10. Awesome picks Kelly! I'm aiming to get Aristotle and Dante read this holidays since I've seen SO MANY raving reviews for it. I'm reading In The Afterlight at the moment actually, and it's really good so far - I can't wait to see how the series will end. Thanks for sharing :)

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    1. I loved The Darkest Minds series, gosh, it's one I'll read again and again.

      You need Aristotle and Dante in your life. It's utter perfection. I cried, that's just how poignant and beautiful their story is. I can't wait to see what you think of it.

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  11. I HAVEN'T READ ANY OF THESE BOOKS. Except Ari & Dante (first time I've heard the term "purple prose", is that what it's called? Anyways, I need to get to all of these one day, like Unhinged, Prisoner of Night and Fog, and I just need to start the Darkest Minds in general. ONE DAY

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    1. Some people refer to it as flowery writing. You know, it's just incredibly beautiful and makes your heart swell. Sadly it doesn't work for all titles.

      The Darkest Minds is one of my favourite series, the books are long and detailed reads. Perfect for luring you out of a book slump as well.

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  12. You've just reminded me that I completely forgot about adding Ignite Me! I feel so bad now but I'm just gonna hope everyone else gave it some love. I really need to read Bird if you put it in the same category as Ignite Me and Ari and Dante! I've been meaning to ever since it came out but I haven't gotten the chance. Same with The Truth About Alice and The Walled City. Hopefully soon!

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    1. I wouldn't worry too much Laura, I probably gave it enough love for everyone.

      Bird is classed as middle grade, but there is something so incredibly poetic about how Bird sees the world. It's poignant and incredibly emotional. You'll absolutely loved The Walled City!

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  13. I enjoyed Splintered (but still haven't finished Unhinged) and I ADORED The Winner's Curse, so I need to check out Chasing the Valley. And Jessica Shirvington! I thought One Past Midnight was good, so I need to read more from her. :) Oh dear, I DNFed We Were Liars and gave two stars to Prisoner of Night and Fog... Ooh, I need to read Rebel Heart so that I can get to Raging Star ASAP. <3 Lovely picks, Kelly Bear!

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    1. You haven't! Oh Aimee, you don't know what you're missing out on. I actually enjoyed Unhinged even more, and that cover! Is One Past Midnight also known as Between The Lives? I read that one a few months ago and absolutely loved it. So unique.

      And thanks Aimee Cakes.

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  14. I AM PLEASED TO SEE UNHINGED HERE< YES YES. Of course Morpheus is a 5-star morsel. *nods* FOR SURE. I love your list. It's pretty also and also I just like looking at this. YAY FOR BIRD AND IGNITE ME AND ARI & DANTE.

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    1. There's no way I could have left him off, I'd never hear the end of it.

      Yeah, you totally nag like that.

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  15. So many fabulous books on here Kelly! I absolutely adored We Were Liars for its wonderful twists, and Ignite Me, The Winner's Curse and Ari & Dante for their flawless prose. And Fire & Flood was such an action-packed wonder, was it not? :D (Although the new covers = meh to me...)

    And why am I not surprised to see Morpheus on this list? ;)

    Thanks for sharing Kells, and fabulous picks! (I'm going to link up with you on the 1st! *throws confetti*)

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    1. HOORAY!

      We can't forget Morpheus. He's only second to Warner who absolutely knocks my socks off. It's been such an incredible year in young adult, and I've surprisingly discovered that I actually don't mind fantasy as well. Not high fantasy, but the mild ones that blend it with an oppressive regime. It's still got to have a little dystopian in there.

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  16. THE LOST COMMENT IS LOST NO MORE (Hopefully I didn't jinx myself because if this one disappears as well, I'm going to cry.)

    WOOHOOO IGNITE ME *fans self* Yeah, that's all I can say. Well I suppose I didn't say much, did I? I feel like a bumbling fool whenever I think of this book haha

    And look! The Summer Kicks book features yet again. I feel like I'm definitely going to have to pick this one up next year. Rebecca and I both need more aussie YA!

    And Dustlands was the trilogy with a slightly more mature Warner, was it not? I'm going to give that one a go as well because I need a dose for 2015.

    What a fantastic year of reading, Kelly! I had a horrible episode of mediocrity in the middle of the year but I've been spending the last two months of this year reading books that get a little more praise so that I can sneak a good 4/5 star read in every once in a while. 3 stars really starts to get repetitive after a well :(


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    1. WAAAAAAAAAAAAARNER!

      I don't fangirl often Jess, but when I do... WARNER!

      You HAVE to nab a copy of The Summer of Kicks. My goodness you'll laugh your ass off. I remember your slump, it was terrible wasn't it. When nothing really piques your interest or holds it. I think 2015 will be an even better year for books if Red Queen is any indication.

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  17. WOAH IGNITE ME IS SO GORGEOUS. I'll have to get to that soon. YAY FOR ARI AND DANTE AND BIRD MAKING IT ONTO HERE *throws confetti*

    Love the list!

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    1. Hooray indeed Nirvana. So many incredible books in 2014 and already the few 2015 titles I've read have all been phenomenal.

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  18. I absolutely adored Aristotle and Dante its so good! It's so different to anything I have ever read and I really related to a lot of the way things were described and the things that teenagers go through.

    I also really loved we were liars, oh my gosh! Have you read her new book yet? I'm half way through it but I've been very slacking on the reading *oops*

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    1. Is that The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau Banks? I have a review for that coming up this week. It was good, but after We Were Liars, I think I was spoilt and expected so much more.

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  19. I'm reading The Winner's Curse right now and I am really enjoying it! I got Aristotle and Dante for Christmas!!!! I'm so excited to read it now that I know some many people enjoyed. I have Melissa Kiel's other books My Life In Outer Space but, I will check out Cinnamon Girl. This list is really awesome. I guess I should finish The Darkest Minds trilogy *oops*.

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    1. You totally should Taylor, it's one of the best series finales I've read actually.

      I loved The Winner's Curse! And the best news is, The Winner's Crime is just as brilliant. A slow burning romance, super intense. Looking forward to seeing what you think of Aristotle and Dante, it's one of my favourite reads. Ever.

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  20. Woah 185 books is insane and a massive achievement, go you!! By the looks of it, you read some amazing books. Reading wise wasn't so great for me this year as I faced numerous slumps but I did manage to LOVE Ignite Me - which is the only one I've read from that list. I own Apple & Rain, The Walled City and We Were Liars, and because of this post have decided to bump them up on my TBR. Thanks for sharing! x

    - Sunny @ A Sunny Spot Blog

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    1. Thanks Sunny.

      Oh no, the dreaded reading slump. We've all had them and it's so hard to stay motivated about books. We Were Liars will certainly lift you out of that slump. I can't wait for you to read it!

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  21. Kelly, I read 327 books this year, so you absolutely DO have a life! :') Me? I just drowned in word. Lol.

    YAYA YAYA!! FIRE AND FLOOD! Damn, I loved that book! Absolutely CAN'T wait for the second book! It's going to be goooooood.

    AW YEAH. Ari and Dante was oh so beautiful.

    SO MANY BEAUTIFUL COVERS IN THIS POST I CAN'T COPE! *dies*

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    1. Bloody hell Ella, that's incredible! That's the most I've seen this year by far.

      I absolutely loved it too, despite so many mixed reviews.

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  22. Excellent selection Kelly, I can totally agree with Aristotle & Dante and We Were Liars, and The Winner's Curse! All fantastic reads, and I enjoyed The Summer of Kicks as well. I'll have to pick up The Walled City, have heard so much about it. Let's hope 2015 holds some awesome new books for us!

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    1. Going by the few 2015 releases I've read so far, it's going to be a HUGE year. The Walled City is incredible and I was obsessively Googling the actual city it's based upon too. Frightening stuff.

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