Top Ten Hidden Gems of 2016
I used books that had less than 500 ratings on Goodreads as a guideline to narrow things down.
(In no particular order, except how I happened to arrange them in the pic. Links go to my reviews)
1. The Stranger Game by Cylin Busby
A twisty, mystery YA book that kept me guessing!
2. Die for You by Amy Fellner Dominy
This YA book highlights how easy and painful it is to end up in a destructive relationship.
3. Titans by Victoria Scott
I loved this YA fantasy and was surprised to see that it didn’t have more reviews on Goodreads!
4. How to Keep Rolling After a Fall by Karole Cozzo
I haven’t read many books that feature a main character with a physical disability—this YA contemp was fantastic!
5. Red Winter by Annette Marie
Not only does this YA fantasy have a gorgeous cover, it features Japanese folklore in a contemporary setting. Very unique!
6. Nora & Kettle by Lauren Nicolle Taylor
Historical fiction isn’t my typical genre, but this YA read (with a slight nod to Peter Pan) was gripping.
7. Aftermath by Clara Kensie
This story about the after-effects of a kidnapping was haunting and real and oh so good!
8. Gilt Hollow by Lorie Langdon
This little gem of a YA romantic mystery has stuck in my mind as a page-turning read.
9. Remember Yesterday by Pintip Dunn
This follow-up to YA sci-fi Forget Tomorrow was everything I hoped it would be!
10. The Lost Codex by Heather Lyons
The only adult pick on my list, this was the final installment of Lyons’ mash-up of classic retellings. All your favorite classic characters in one spot!
What books did you think deserved more love in 2016? I want to know!
I know most of these titles; I just haven’t read any of them. Thanks for sharing – and for the reminder. 🙂
I’m guessing this week’s lists will have LOTS of books we’ve all vaguely heard of but haven’t tried. I need to do the rounds and discover other people’s hidden gems!
I just added Forget Tomorrow to my TBR! And I’m binge reading The Collectors’ Society next month, I’m so excited!
Ooooh, I hope you love both series!! I think binge-reading is the way to go!
I really need to read Nora & Kettle! I got a copy a while ago, but just haven’t gotten around to picking it up yet. Hopefully soon!
It’s a great book. I saw that there’s a sequel (or maybe a companion?) coming out this year. I need to investigate!
The stranger Game and The Lost Codex both sound really good to me. Will look further at both. And Red Winter too…
I’ve seriously found like 5 new books I want from this topic this week!
I know. This is a great topic—but dangerous to our TBRs!
The only title I’ve heard is Nora and Kettle, and I’m still waiting for my library to order it in. I’m adding some of these titles to my Goodreads so I’ll remember to check them out!
I hope your library gets it soon!!
Great list! Gilt Hollow has been on my TBR for AGES so seeing it on your list definitely makes me want to read it soon.
It’s one of those books that has stuck in my head long after I read it—so that’s how I know it made a true impression. So often, I read a book and really love it, but then a few months later, I can’t really place the book at all. (My brain is Swiss cheese in my old age.)
Loved How to Keep Rolling!! I so need to get to Nora & Kettle. Die for You sounds good. Great list!!
How to Keep Rolling definitely deserves to be on this list—it’s one of those books that fills a definite gap in the YA contemp world.
I’ve heard of most of these, but I haven’t read any of them. Nora & Kettle is on my TBR list, though. Everybody seems to love it.
I heard that there’s another book coming out this year to follow Nora & Kettle, so now I’m excited to learn more!
Great list! I got How to Keep Rolling at BookIt Con, and am so glad I slated it for one of my reading challenges, because it is showing up on a lot of TTTs this week.
Glad I’m not the only one showing that book some love!
The cover and your description of “Die For You” is really intriguing. Definitely one I want to check out! Hidden gems are so fun to find. Great list!
You should definitely check out Die for You. I thought it was an incredible book!
I’ve only read one of these, which was Aftermath by Clara Kensie. And yes, that is definitely a hidden gem of 2016, so I am so glad that you included it on this list. I’ve heard of a couple of the others, especially Nora and Kettle. Gonna have to check a few of these out ^.^
My recent review and giveaway: http://olivia-savannah.blogspot.nl/2017/01/freeks-book-review-giveaway.html
I’m glad to find someone else who read and loved Aftermath!
I just started reading Red Winter!! 🙂
I hope you enjoy it!!