(This post contains a flashing/fast-moving gif which may cause problems to those with photosensitive medical conditions.)
2016 wasn't 100% bad - just, like, 85%, or something. Anyway, there were some pretty awesome books!
I've purposefully picked books with 2016 release dates here - but I should point out that I also read some pretty great 'back-list' (pre-2016) titles during the year, they're just not on the list.
So, these are my picks of books released in 2016, that I read in 2016. Everyone got that? Great.
(And yes, I know this post is technically 'late' - but I make my own rules dammit!)
I'm also uber-pleased to note that most of these are diverse books - so anyone who says diverse books are lower quality needs to go and ask themselves some serious questions 😇
They are also
all written by women - girls rock!
Here we go then (and in no particular order, because I am a wuss who can't rank books over each other):
Nina Is Not Ok by Shappi Khorsandi
For my international readers (and boy is that a phrase I'm never going to get used to,) who may not have heard of her,
Shappi Khorsandi is an Iranian-British comedic genius.
Her first novel though, is not light-hearted. It's not funny. It's
not for the faint of heart. And it's
freaking incredible.
Seriously, this is one that I'm sooooo happy I had a digital review copy of, because I was
so privileged to be one of the first people to read it.
Since then, I've basically been like 'read the thing!' whenever it's been possible to recommend it.
And I'm clearly not the only one, since it was recently nominated for the
inaugural Jhalak Prize - though Khorsandi unfortunately
withdrew the book from the longlist out of concern that drawing attention to her ethnicity might alienate white readers.
It's a disappointing decision, but it's far from my place to tell a person of colour (PoC) how to market their own book.
And it really is a fantastic book guys!
You can see my full review here.
Swan Boy by Nikki Sheehan
Nikki Sheehan is a definite talent. I can't wait to see what she comes up with in the future.
Swan Boy is a remarkably artistic and lyrical kids' novel (middle grade/MG) and it's just... a
stunningly beautiful read.
Honestly, it's amazing.
Check out
my full review of Swan Boy here.
Blood Stain, Vol 1 by Linda Sejic
Linda is an amazing person who writes
awesome and oh-so relatable comics that make me laugh and bring me smiles when I need them.
You will love the hapless Elliott as she tries to make her way in this bizarre world of adulting (and she has levels of clumsiness and bad luck that most of us will recognise!)
You can see my
full review of Blood Stain, Vol 1 here.
Monstress, Vol 1: The Awakening
ORHGUIREJNGOIRGHNKETMNHOEIROIJTGGWMKRNGHTOI!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
There are
very few books which I consider '5 star' books guys.
(And I have issues with the arbitrary and restrictive nature of star ratings anyway - which is why I don't use them on this blog!)
But, if there is such a thing as a five-star book, then THIS IS A 5 STAR BOOK.
It has everything -
fantasy, world-building, a disabled Asian protagonist, and stunning artwork.
And I want to adopt the small fox child. Soooo cute!
The ladies in charge here -
Marjorie Liu and Sana Takeda - have a lot to be proud of.
You can see my
fangirling ramble review here.
Santa Muerte by Lucina Stone
One which I haven't reviewed yet (but I will dammit! I will!)
Santa Muerte is an
awesome-sauce first instalment in a
new-adult urban fantasy series by the lovely Lucina Stone.
What is urban fantasy? It's only an uber-incredible sub-genre of paranormal and fantasy that involves paranormal-types faffing about in cities and/or towns!
Add in the focus on brujas (witches,) and a chatty prose-tone (that's totally a phrase now. Shh,) and what more do you want?!
Luna the Vampire: Grumpy Space by Yasmin Sheikh
Do you want grumpy internet-style humour with bright colours and a millennial attitude? Of course you freaking do!
Seriously, Luna makes me smile. And will make you smile too.
Check out
my review here.
Labyrinth Lost by Zoraida Cordova
Another bruja book, although a
lot different to Santa Muerte, Labyrinth Lost is the beginning of a YA series about a bisexual Brooklyn Latina girl, Alex, who has a big mess to clean up.
This one is so involving, and those of you looking for a new YA obsession and/or fandom need look no further!
You can see
my review of Labyrinth Lost here.
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