Epic Recs is a feature hosted by Judith from Paper Riot and Amber from Books of Amber where book lovers recommend books to each other. Basically, book-pushing at its finest.
In 2015, my good friend, Joséphine of Word Revel, and I partnered up and started recommending each other books. We’re back at it again this 2016 and have picked some seriously amazing reads.
Illuminae by Amie Kaufman & Jay Kristoff
This morning, Kady thought breaking up with Ezra was the hardest thing she had to do.
This afternoon, her planet was invaded.
Hands down one of the best books I read last year and one of my most favourite sci-fi books ever! The format is so unique, the story is a thrill ride, and the snarky characters were entirely wonderful. I was completely blown away by this one so I just couldn’t help but give Joséphine a gentle push to read it already when I found out she has yet to pick up her copy.
The Dream Thieves by Maggie Stiefvater
If you could steal things from dreams, what would you take?
Ronan Lynch has secrets. Some he keeps from others. Some he keeps from himself.
One secret: Ronan can bring things out of his dreams.
I read The Raven Boys way back and really liked it but delayed reading this one because I like marathoning series and the wait for the rest of the books was very long at the time. Now that The Raven King will be out this year, Joséphine chose to recommend this to me since she was a fan of the series too, and because it was obvious I needed to get into it already.
I’m really glad she did as I read it over the weekend and seriously loved it. The Blue x Gansey feels! And you know, Ronan being perfectly fucking civil. ;) Gah, it was awesome and I’m totally gonna get Blue Lily, Lily Blue as soon as possible!
18 Responses
Both these books are amazing! You both made great choices for each other.
I hope you love BLLB!
I am currently reading Illuminae and it is such a fascinating way to write a story! It’s been really interesting so far. The dream thieves is a great pick as well, my favorite installment in the series so far. Happy reading :D
I loved Illuminae too! I read it right before the end of last year and it really set my expectations high for books coming into 2016. I’m definitely recommending it to anyone as well. The set up of the story was so amazing! I can’t wait for book 2. I’ve also been meaning to check out the Raven Boys series, because I loved Wolves of Mercy Falls by Maggie. I’ll definitely move that to the top of my list for 2016!
Krystianna @ Downright Dystopian
I LOOOVE Illuminae (an absolutely insane amount) I plan to marathon The Raven Boys too this year – though I have yet to read even the first book. :)
I’ve read Illuminae and I definitely loved it! The way it was written and how action-packed and gripping it was left me breathless, especially those scenes with AIDAN. I’ve been recommending it to all of my bookish friends myself! Definitely going to buy Gemina as soons as it goes available in our country.
As for your other recommend, I have yet to read any Maggie Stiefvater book, but I’m pretty sure I’ll love it when I do. ;)
Great post, Hazel!
I read Dream Thieves in December and loved it! I’m planning to read Illuminae in February – so it’s nice to see you loved it too.
The Dream Thieves is my favorite of all Maggie’s books to date, so I’m very excited to see you liked it too! The wait for The Raven King is murdering me. If the publication gets pushed back one more time I may spontaneously combust.
I cannot wait to read Illuminae soon soon, I’ve just heard so many great things about it! I’ve never read the dream thieves but I have read the first in the series The Raven Boys and I unfortunately just couldn’t get into the writing but hopefully soon I’m planning to try and give it another go! :)
I want to read both of these, but I should probably read The Raven Boys first.
Love the Raven Boys series! I can’t wait for the Raven King to come out, though I hate that it is the last one.
I so badly want to read Illuminae, it looks so amazing! :)
Will definitely check out Illuminae soon. I’m hearing a lot of good things about it. :)
Definitely two fantastic books! They’re both really engaging reads. The storytelling in both is masterful, but in totally different ways.
OMG THAT PHOTO GIVES LIFE. IT IS SO INTENSELY GORGEOUS.
Also this: “Ronan being perfectly fucking civil.” <— YESSSS. That is so Ronan. xD I love that book. But then I love all of Maggie Stiefvater's books so this isn't really a surprise, right?! :P
Your kind words gives life, Cait! <3 Gotta love Ronan! ;)
YES TO BOTH OF THESE. I absolutely loved Illuminae (the characters, the twists & turns at the end, and the romance were all spot on). And I’ve heard so many great things about The Dream Thieves. Thanks for sharing and, as always, fabulous post! ♥
YAY! All the love for Illuminae! I do hope you’ll get to pick up The Dream Thieves one day. :D Thank YOU, Zoe, for checking this post out. <3
I haven’t read any of those books, but I’ve heard really amazing things about them. Amazing recs!