Top 15 Kindle Books to Read in 2016

So this blog post is following closely on the heels of the Top 15 Physical Books to Read in 2016. Some of the books you will recognize, most you will not. These are just what I have decided I want to read in the coming year. It's so much harder to pick these because I only buy a book if I'm interested in reading it. So it's like, why can I not choose all 685 of them? Because I can't read 2.5 books a day is why...

Book #1: Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas

After serving out a year of hard labor in the salt mines of Endovier for her crimes, 18-year-old assassin Celaena Sardothien is dragged before the Crown Prince. Prince Dorian offers her her freedom on one condition: she must act as his champion in a competition to find a new royal assassin. Her opponents are men-thieves and assassins and warriors from across the empire, each sponsored by a member of the king's council. If she beats her opponents in a series of eliminations, she'll serve the kingdom for three years and then be granted her freedom. Celaena finds her training sessions with the captain of the guard, Westfall, challenging and exhilirating. But she's bored stiff by court life. Things get a little more interesting when the prince starts to show interest in her... but it's the gruff Captain Westfall who seems to understand her best. Then one of the other contestants turns up dead... quickly followed by another. Can Celaena figure out who the killer is before she becomes a victim? As the young assassin investigates, her search leads her to discover a greater destiny than she could possibly have imagined.

Yes. I am finally just now jumping on the Throne of Glass bandwagon. I don't have a lot of money, so when everyone else is buying them and reading them, I am not. I have to wait for them to come out cheaper or find them at yard sales. I've been hearing loads and loads of good things about this and I'm like "Yeah....got that now."

Book #2: Firefly Hollow by T.L. Haddix

In 1960, a tragic death in the family calls young Sarah Browning back from college to her Appalachian homestead. Unable to return to school and finish her degree, she finds herself facing a future that isn’t what she’d planned. Lost and grieving, she wanders onto her reclusive neighbor’s property where she stumbles across the all-too-attractive Owen Campbell, a man hiding secrets she’d only ever thought were legend. Owen Campbell was raised on the folklore of Eastern Kentucky, tales of men and women with magical abilities from shape-shifting to healing powers. Rejected by those he loves because of his own abilities, he isolates himself from the world. When he meets Sarah, he’s faced with the tough decision of whether to let her in or stay hidden away to keep his heart safe. Please note - this book is NOT a typical paranormal romance. No rage-beast shifters or alpha dogs here. It is, however, at its heart a romance, with a few intimate scenes between the hero and heroine, as well as adult situations dealing with tragedy.

Legitimately this was a cover buy. I didn't even bother to read the synopsis as I bought it. I love having no idea what I'm getting into. I think this is going be very good. I have no idea and really I cant wait to find out. It's going to be perfect.

Book #3: In the Forest of Light and Dark by Mark Kasniak

With one look at her you would think that Cera Singer from Saraland, Alabama is your typical teenage girl from a rural Southern Gulf town. That is, she faces all the problems you would expect a seventeen-year-old would face; boys, drugs, fitting in, her upcoming senior year, and on top of that getting her first car on the road. But what Cera doesn't know yet is what will ultimately set Cera apart from all the other girls her age. Cera is a witch. In this supernatural thriller, you’ll be taken along as Cera recounts her experiences in her memoir of how she discovered that the women in her mama’s family lineage were actually a long line of witches responsible for the protection of her new home and community. As Cera writes she will explain to you how her honest curiosity along with her rebellious, down-to-earth nature quickly got her into more than she could handle, mentally and physically, as she uncovers the many deep and well-hidden layers in her relationships with her mother and grandmother. 

I love witchcraft books. They are beautiful and wonderful and I pretty much need them all. This cover and synopsis together made me go "Need this now" and I got it through Freebooksy. I can't wait to read this and discover what it's going to be like.

Book #4: Nightfall by Shiriluna Nott & SaJa H

Gibben Nemesio thought his life was over the day he received a conscription notice demanding he train to be a soldier. When he left his home for Silver City, he never expected he'd thwart a terrible plot to murder the King and become an overnight hero—and he definitely hadn't expected to find love in the form of a handsome mage trainee named Joel. Three years later, Gib has fought his way from lowborn farmer to hold the coveted position as understudy to the seneschal. Despite heightening tensions between the King and High Council and the rumors of impending war still terrorizing the people of Arden, Gib finds solace in the company of his wise mentor, loyal friends, and beloved companion. But with the arrival of an ominous message from a powerful enemy in the north, Gib quickly realizes peace is fleeting in a world where chaos lurks in every shadow, and treacherous forces—from both outside the country and within—threaten to destroy everything he holds dear. In "Nightfall", the second chapter of the epic fantasy series "The Chronicles of Arden", the adventure continues. 150,000 words. Epic fantasy. LGBT fiction.

I actually don't remember how I got my hands on the first volume in this series. I have the sneaking suspicion that it was through NetGalley or through Facebook because I remember talking to Ms. Nott and telling her all about how I loved it and how I couldn't wait to get my hands on this book. It's definitely going to be one of the top books I read this year.

Book #5: Wicked Sense by Fabio Bueno

Witches inhabit our world, organized in covens and hiding behind a shroud of secrecy—the Veil. Skye’s London coven sends her to Seattle’s Greenwood High to find the Singularity, an unusually gifted witch who may break the Veil and trigger a dangerous new era of witch-hunting. Things get complicated when Skye meets a charming new classmate, Drake. Skye’s job becomes even trickier when she clashes with Jane, an intimidating rival witch. Drake falls for the mysterious Skye, but odd accidents, potion mix-ups, and the occasional brush with death kind of get in the way of romance. Once he discovers Skye is a witch, he goes to war for her, even though his only weapons are a nice set of abs and a sharp sense of humor. Fighting off wicked Jane and the other dark forces hell-bent on seizing the Singularity's immense power, Skye and Drake will risk everything to save the covens. Going on a date has never been harder.

Remember the statement from earlier about witchcraft books? I really can't help myself sometimes. I liked the cover and the synopsis. I can't wait to actually start this and find out what's going on.

Book #6: CHANGELING by Vaun Murphrey

When the girls are forced to flee Earth to escape being the next target of a deranged Axsian fugitive, they end up getting much more than they bargained for. Their guardian, Kal, couldn't possibly have prepared them for the chaos and intrigue of his home world. Can Silver and Cassandra put aside their differences and work together to make it through alive? Find out in CHANGELING, Book Two of the Weaver Series.

Okay, so I've had this book for so long that the actual time frame ran out. I got it from NetGalley and was supposed to have read and reviewed it some time in June or July of last year. I know I'm terrible. To be perfectly honest, I started it at least twice that I can remember. Other books that were more important at the time came up and I just managed to not read this one yet. I plan to start it soon and actually finish it before the end of the year. Maybe even before Valentine's if I can get it started soon.

Book #7: The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank

Discovered in the attic in which she spent the last years of her life, Anne Frank's remarkable diary has since become a world classic—a powerful reminder of the horrors of war and an eloquent testament to the human spirit. In 1942, with Nazis occupying Holland, a thirteen-year-old Jewish girl and her family fled their home in Amsterdam and went into hiding. For the next two years, until their whereabouts were betrayed to the Gestapo, they and another family lived cloistered in the "Secret Annexe" of an old office building. Cut off from the outside world, they faced hunger, boredom, the constant cruelties of living in confined quarters, and the ever-present threat of discovery and death. In her diary Anne Frank recorded vivid impressions of her experiences during this period. By turns thoughtful, moving, and amusing, her account offers a fascinating commentary on human courage and frailty and a compelling self-portrait of a sensitive and spirited young woman whose promise was tragically cut short.

I've actually wanted to read this for a long time. I have vague memories of reading it before and one of my favorite movies of all is the Freedom Writers where they meet the woman who had been sheltering Anne Frank and her family. I have no idea why I'm so interested in it. It might be my German and Jewish roots wanting to know about what happened and what it was like for both sides of my heritage?


Book #8: Blood of Requiem by Daniel Arenson

Long ago stood the kingdom of Requiem, a land of men who could grow wings and scales, breathe fire, and take flight as dragons. Requiem ruled the sky. But Dies Irae, a tyrant leading an army of griffins, hunted Requiem's people, burned their forests, and shattered their temples. Requiem fell. This ancient land now lies in ruin, its halls crumbled, its cries silenced, its skeletons littering the burned earth. In the wilderness, a scattering of survivors lives in hiding. The griffins still hunt them, and every day promises death. Will Requiem's last children perish in exile... or once more become dragons and fly to war?

Magical creatures....a war....need I say more? I love this kind of thing and so this book just screamed my name very much. I can't wait to find out how this book was written and what will happen to Requiem's children. What does that even mean? I am so utterly confused by the synopsis on Goodreads that I am absolutely excited to get into it.

Book #9: The Refugee Sentinel by Harrison Hayes

It’s 2052 and our world is dying – the population has reached 34 billion; the polar caps have melted and Earth has become a single-country planet. Our survival seems to be guaranteed by a draconian new law requiring the expendables to choose someone to die or choose to die in someone else's stead. Only the High-Potentials, those whose contributions are deemed essential to humankind, are exempt. Yana Perkins is eight and lives with her mother Sarah. But what if Yana were earmarked for death? And what if Sarah were not allowed to take her daughter's place? And what if the one who could replace Yana is being marked by someone else?

This looked really awesome when I was looking at the books in the Freebooksy thing and I was like, its outside my normal genres of interest, but let's give it a try anyway? I hope I like it. It sounds very Matrix-y and I cannot wait. It looks so awesome and interesting.


Book #10: The Last Priestess by Elizabeth Baxter

There is a name that is uttered only in whispers. The Songmaker. A ruthless rebel mage, he is bringing civil war to the once-peaceful kingdom of Amaury, enveloping all in a tide of violence. For Maegwin, a tormented priestess, the path forward lies in forgiving her temple's enemies—but she dreams only of revenge. For Rovann, a loyal mage haunted by his failures, salvation might be found in the unthinkable: defying the very king he swore to protect. If they are to succeed they must form an unlikely alliance. For someone must stand against the Songmaker. Someone must save Amaury from his dark designs. But first, they’ll have to learn to trust each other. And so a magical fantasy of darkness and redemption begins.

I saw the title and when I read the book's description on Amazon I just had to have it. I love fantasy stories like this and I am just absolutely excited to pick this one up as one of the top 15 books to read this year. Of course I have no idea how to pronounce any of the names, and I have a similar style of book in physical format. I can't wait!!

Book #11: Copyright: A Novel by Lori Lesko 

Amber Tyler is living every author’s dream: her books are all best sellers and she writes full time. She has worked hard and is well-accomplished in her career, and she has the support and love of her beautiful children and girlfriend. But the dream soon turns into a terrible nightmare when her latest manuscript is stolen. She decides to fight for what is rightfully hers, only to find that the harder she tries, the easier it all slips through her fingers, putting her career, her family, and her life in jeopardy.

How could I possibly resist? It's a book about books. I think it's sort of along the same lines as Mr Penumbra's 24 Hour Bookstore. It involves the theft of a manuscript that the author has been working on and it just feels like the kind of book that I would really enjoy. I'm reading one now where the main character is an editor at a small independent book publisher and it's beautiful. If this one is anything like that one, I know I'll love it.

Book #12: Anais of Brightshire by Jamie Wilson

Anais, the eleven-year-old daughter of a fishmonger, enters the Great House of Brightshire as a scullery maid. Isolated from her peers, she fears a life of solitude and menial chores. The only person who shows her any kindness is a scribe, who offers to teach her how to read in exchange for her help in acquiring goods at fair prices in the market. When she discovers a manuscript describing the art of magic on a routine trip to the market, she can't help but feel tempted to try it, even though magic is strictly prohibited. Giving in to temptation, she starts spending her hours practicing simple spells for her own amusement, but when one of the girls from the kitchens goes missing - amidst rumors of monsters rising in the south and devouring townspeople - Anais decides to use her new skills to find the missing girl. In her search, she befriends the Lord of Brightshire's youngest son, Cedric, and his cousin Mediera. Finally having friends she cares for is great, but practicing illegal magic and fraternizing with those above her station puts Anais in more danger than she can handle.

Again....it's got magic. It's got books. How could you possibly go wrong here? It's some sort of magical realism book that I want to read very much. It looks brilliant.

Book #13: Widdershins by Jordan L. Hawk

Some things should stay buried. Repressed scholar Percival Endicott Whyborne has two skills: reading dead languages and hiding in his office at the Ladysmith Museum. After the tragic death of the friend he secretly loved, he’s ruthlessly suppressed any desire for another man. So when handsome ex-Pinkerton Griffin Flaherty approaches him to translate a mysterious book, Whyborne wants to finish the job and get rid of the detective as quickly as possible. Griffin left the Pinkertons following the death of his partner, hoping to start a new life. But the powerful cult which murdered Glenn has taken root in Widdershins, and only the spells in the book can stop them. Spells the intellectual Whyborne doesn’t believe are real. As the investigation draws the two men closer, Griffin’s rakish charm threatens to shatter Whyborne’s iron control. When the cult resurrects an evil sorcerer who commands terrifying monsters, can Whyborne overcome his fear and learn to trust? Will Griffin let go of his past and risk falling in love? Or will Griffin’s secrets cost Whyborne both his heart and his life?

I'm a sucker for LGBTQ+ (that's the acronym now, right?) books and this one just looked so cute. I think it's interesting that they used the term "widdershins" for the name of the town as it is a commonly used Pagan word to mean moving in a counter-clockwise circle. It's used to release a circle and this just sounds like woah. I can't wait to find out what's going on.

Book #14: The Chemist's Shop by Richard Brumer

Pharmacology professor Michael Ross retires from the world of academia in 1970 and opens a community pharmacy in a peaceful upstate New York Town. He puts the horrific tragedies of his past behind him and finds serenity in his new life. That is, until he recognizes a customer as former Nazi SS officer, Hans Stern. Michael looks into Stern’s cold steel-blue eyes, clenches his fists and boils inside, remembering how his three young daughters were taken from him and gassed, and his wife, Ilona, was tortured, raped and stripped of all dignity by Stern twenty-five years earlier in Auschwitz. Face to face with this evil being, Michael forces himself to stay calm. In that moment, he experiences two opposing but related feelings. One is anger, the other exhilaration. He could not protect his family then, but he can avenge their deaths now. It wasn’t just about killing Stern. That would be too easy. His death had to be slow, painful, and diabolical, and it begins with a game of chess.

I have had this in my Amazon wishlist for a while, and when I came into money a few weeks ago I immediately went and bought it. I have no idea why I've been on a kick where I want to read historical fiction books dealing with Nazis and WWII. No clue. One of my friends knows Mr. Brumer so, I figured I'd give it a go.

Book #15: In Times Like These by Nathan Van Coops

"We broke something. How do you break time? Can something so bad happen that you fracture the world?" Benjamin Travers has been electrocuted. What's worse, he and his friends have woken up in the past. As the friends search for a way home, they realize they're not alone. There are other time travelers, and some of them are turning up dead. When Ben meets an enigmatic scientist and his charming, time-traveling daughter, salvation seems at hand, but escaping the dangers of the past may lead to a deadly future. If he hopes to save his friends, Ben must learn to master space and time, and survive a journey where past and future violently collide.

How?! How do you break time? How do you fix it after you've  broken it? I'm pretty sure that this is actually a YA novel, but still, I need to know how you break time. Seriously. It looks like the kind of book that I will enjoy. Like a brilliant science fiction book that I am so excited to get into.


And that, my darlings concludes the 30 books I want to read at some point this year, The 15 Physical Books and these 15 Kindle books. Let me know what books you want to read this year, or if you've read these and what you thought of them!