Celebrating My Book Series Addiction: 2016

I have a problem.  I am addicted to book series.  I just love them, whether they are telling one big sweeping story or just loosely connected through characters or setting.  It seems like as soon as I finish one series I pick up another. All in all, out of the 115 books I have read and finished this year, 84 of them were part of a series. That's 74% of my reading.  Oof. 

I made a whole challenge for myself last year to try and make progress on/finish some series because I was feeling overwhelmed.  However, I won't be addressing the results of that at all here - that needs its own post.  In this post, I'd just like to highlight some of the series I was happy to have dabbled in this year.  In some cases they are the series I have great hopes for that had a smashing beginning - in others they are old favorites which continue to delight or that wrapped up nicely!  Get ready to be hit with a LOT of books. Let's do this:

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Source

Beginnings... Series I started this year but haven't read past book 1.

The Passage Trilogy by Justin Cronin

GENRE: Dystopia Sci-Fi, Horror, Adult

The first book in this dystopic series, The Passage, made it into my top ten books of the year list.  It was a fantastic beginning so I really hope this trilogy lives up to its potential.  I've heard grumblings.  All the books in this series have been released.

Laura Elliston Trilogy by Melissa Lenhardt

GENRE: Historical Fiction, Adult

This historical series, which starts with the book Sawbones, set in the American western frontier has a marvelous female protagonist and a great mix of drama, mystery and humor.  The second and third books are due out in 2017. 

Shades of Magic by V.E. Schwab

GENRE: Fantasy, Adult (?)

A Darker Shade of Magic, the first in this series, started a little slow for me but once the unique setting was set, it picked up pace and flew by.  The first two books are out and book three is due in 2017.

The Cinder Spires by Jim Butcher

GENRE: Fantasy, Adult

I did NOT need another series addiction from Jim Butcher - The Dresden Files already has me completely hooked - but this more classical fantasy novel has talking cats and big three masted sailing ships that fly.  I didn't stand a chance after reading The Aeronauts Windlass.  The second book in the series is called The Olympian Affair and lord knows when it will be released.

Charlotte Holmes by Brittany Cavallaro

GENRE: Mystery, YA, Sherlock Holmes Fan-Fiction

In A Study in Charlotte, Charlotte Holmes and Jamie Watson meet at a New England boarding school** and shortly thereafter...MURDER!  I loved both these characters and their relationship while also adoring Cavallaro's writing style and humor.  Can't wait for more stories with these two! Book two is due out in 2017.

** The phrase New England boarding school is almost certainly on my list of  what words describing a book  will make me want to read it immediately.

Rogues of the Republic by Patrick Weekes

GENRE:  Fantasy, Adult(?)

A disparate cast of mildly nefarious, mostly heroic characters band together to pull off a heist in a fantasy world setting. It was as awesome as it sounds.  It felt like the first book only scratched the surface of a complex world and society so looking forward to more.  I think this series is a trilogy and that all the books are out.  

The Great Library by Rachel Caine

GENRE: Fantasy, YA

I didn't get as into the first book of this series as some but it is such an original idea, has an international flavor and I am interested to see where it is headed! 

Innkeeper Chronicles by Ilona Andrews

GENRE: Urban Fantasy, Adult

I'm branching out from the Kate Daniels series!  This was a fun and really unique urban fantasy that kind of mashes Sci-fi and Fantasy together.  I like the main character a lot and it looks like this series will have plenty of action and a great mystery.

The Colors of Madeleine by Jaclyn Moriarity

GENRE: Fantasy, YA

The characters in this reminded me a lot of Stiefvater characters and it's got a very interesting set-up with a character in this world passing notes through a parking meter to another reality/world which is more magical but not super different from our own.  The perspective switches back and forth between the two worlds.

Middles... Series I'm in the middle of...

Vorkosigan Saga by Lois McMaster Bujold

GENRE:  Science Fiction, Adult

I read book 13 of this series (Diplomatic Immunity) this year and it's still going strong and might even be getting better.  LMB doesn't seem to be losing interest in this universe - there is so much to explore.  This year saw the release of book 16 and I'm excited to get to it because it focuses on Miles' awesome mother Cordelia!

Peter Grant/Rivers of London by Ben Aaronovitch

GENRE:  Urban Fantasy, Adult

This and the next series on the list are in a duel to the death as my favorite Urban Fantasy series.  I adore Peter and his shenanigans and humor as he polices London's paranormal happenings.  I read book number 4 (Broken Homes) this year and am kind of parceling them out so I don't catch up.  Book 6 was released this year.

Kate Daniels by Ilona Andrews

GENRE: Urban Fantasy, Adult

I read book 6 (Magic Rises) this year and this series seems to get better with every book.  I love this series and am so invested in all the characters.  Book 10 is set to release next year.  Another series I am doling out slowly to myself to make it last:).

Lord Peter Wimsey by Dorothy L. Sayers

GENRE: Mystery, Adult

A classic mystery series that I just picked up this year!  I should finish book 5 by year's end.  Lord Peter is hilarious and the mysteries are clever and unique.

Saga by Brian K. Vaughn and Fiona Staples

GENRE: Graphic Novel, Science Fiction, Definitely Adult

I read the first 4 volumes of this amazing space opera this year.  It's as good as everyone says.

Endings... Series I finished this year

Lewis Trilogy by Peter May

GENRE: Mystery, Adult

Such a great moody mystery trilogy set in the Outer Hebrides.  I wish he hadn't cut it off at a trilogy. 

The Raven Cycle by Maggie Stiefvater

GENRE: Fantasy, YA

I adored this series about 5 friends looking for a dead Welsh king in the Virginia hills.  Also, a boarding school!  4 books total in the series.

Percy Jackson and the Olympians by Rick Riordan

GENRE: Fantasy, Myth, Middle-grade

I started and finished this 6 book series this year.  It brings the Greek myths into the modern day and gives them fun little twists!

Parasol Protectorate by Gail Carriger

GENRE: Fantasy, Steam Punk, Adult

I so loved getting acquainted with Alexia and her gang of unusual friends and family.  I can honestly say I've not encountered another series like this.  Fun, funny, charming and unique! A total of 5 books in the series.

The School for Good and Evil by Somain Chainani

GENRE: Fantasy, Fairy-tale, Middle-grade

This series was a total roller coaster and constantly surprised me.  I was sad to see it end but think it did so quite well. 

RE-Read... I re-read one series from my youth and it was awesome

The Belgariad by David Eddings

GENRE: Fantasy, YA

So technically this epic fantasy series was published before Young Adult was a thing, lol, but if released these days I think it would count as that.  I read this series as a teenager and was ready to be completely underwhelmed by it now that I'm old and all adult and stuff.  Thankfully, I was pleasantly surprised!  Unfortunately, I was not as impressed with the first book in the follow-up series (The Mallorean) and have thus stalled on reading that.

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That's my big list of series that I loved this year!  How about you?  Are you a series junkie too?  If so what were some of your faves this year?

TOP TEN TUESDAY | Best Books I Read in 2016

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme for bloggers who like books and lists. It's awesome and is graciously hosted by The Broke and the Bookish.

This week's prompt is pretty self-explanatory. The only thing I'd like to clarify is that these are the best books I read in 2016 and most were not published this year. The list is in no particular order. Mostly.  Here goes...

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1) The Round House by Louise Erdrich

GENRE: Fiction, Adult

So most of this list is not in a particular order but The Round House was definitely the best book I read this year.  Part mystery, part coming-of-age tale, part social justice instructive and all of it so beautifully written, encompassing both heartbreak and humor.  It was the only book to get a five star rating from me this year.  

2) The Passage (The Passage #1) by Justin Cronin

GENRE: Horror, Dystopian Sci-Fi, Adult

I spent the first section of this book rolling my eyes at all the literariness of it and was tempted to put it aside.  Then, everyone turns into vampires and we nuke ourselves and it became a totally brilliant read.  It's not a particularly original story but it's well told and the characters, relationships and settings are riveting. One caveat, is that I have not run right out to pick up the next book in the trilogy so I guess I wasn't that riveted but still an all around fantastic read. 

3) Diplomatic Immunity (Miles Vorkosigan #13) by Lois McMaster Bujold

GENRE: Sci-Fi (Space Opera), Adult

I should just reserve a spot on this list each year for LMB.  She is always blowing me away (though I read another book this year which was the first by her I didn't like- horrors).   This is a convoluted mystery story set on a space station supporting a very diverse community - something most Barrayarans find unsettling at best.  But Miles Vorkosigan isn't your average Barrayaran and his hyper and intelligent mind is fully engaged solving this mystery and bringing it to a diplomatically neutral if not positive conclusion for his home planet.  This is the first book after Miles has gotten married and the way LMB subtly shifts how she writes his character is a pleasure to behold.

4) Lost Stars by Claudia Gray

GENRE: Sci-Fi, Media Tie-in (Star Wars), YA (?)

This was my first Star Wars Tie-in novel and it was so fantastic and didn't even involve any of the main characters from the franchise.  It's a Romeo and Juliet inspired love story set against the backdrop of the war between the Rebels and the Empire.  I love how it brought into focus the average Janes and Joes of these two fighting forces.  

5) Saga, Deluxe Edition, Volume 1 by Brian K. Vaughn and Fiona Staples

GENRE: Graphic Novel, Sci-Fi, Adult 

Yes, I know, I am WAY behind the times on this one but everyone was absolutely right.  It is brilliant and beautiful.  Definitely the best Graphic Novel I read this year.

6) The Snow Child by Eowyn Ivey

GENRE: Fiction, Historical, Adult, Fairy-Tale/Fable/Folk Tale

About a childless middle-aged couple homesteading in Alaska during the 1920s who adopt a little girl who mysteriously and suddenly appears in the winter woods around their house one day.  The wilderness imagery is gorgeous, and the details about surviving in such a harsh climate are a wonderful backdrop to this character story about two people slowly finding themselves and each other.  Beautiful.

7) Longbourn by Jo Baker

GENRE: Fiction, Historical, Fan-fiction, Adult

This is the story of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice told from the perspective of a servant in the Bennet's household.  It strikes a completely different tone than Jane Austen and doesn't try to mimic her writing - it's a completely original story set in the same universe.  It worked really well for me, even though it threw many of my favorite P&P characters into an unflattering light.  

8) The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater

GENRE: Fantasy, YA, Fairy-Tale/Fable/Folk-tale

My favorite YA read this year and a stand-alone from Maggie Stiefvater.  She writes characters and settings like nobody else and this book showcases that talent to perfection. Plus there are marine, flesh-eating horses to make sure it stays interesting!

9) Lord of Scoundrels by Loretta Chase

GENRE: Romance, Historical, Adult

This is a classic of the Regency Romance sub-genre but I just discovered it this year and loved it.  Rather shockingly the male protagonist takes center stage (highly irregular) and he is a HUGE douche-nozzle and somehow Loretta Chase made me love every second reading about him.  How did she DO that?  It is partly due to the brilliant heroine, Jessica Trent who is more than a match for her difficult romantic interest.

10) The Golem and the Jinni by Helene Wecker

GENRE: Fantasy, Historical, Adult (?)

Again, I am way behind the times with this book but I am glad I finally got to it this year.  It's so original, and difficult to describe.  It's an immigrants tale, an outsiders tale, a romance, a coming of age tale and a story of turn of the century New York.  I loved it!

Here are a few more titles that it kills me not to include but they fell just outside the top ten:

Honorable Mention: A Study in Charlotte by Brittany Cavallaro, Bet Me by Jennifer Crusie, Sawbones by Melissa Lenhardt, H is for Hawk by Helen Macdonald

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All in all, while all of these books were great, it was a so-so reading year.  My average star-rating this year according to goodreads was a 3.3. Ouch.  Though I should clarify that a 3 is not a bad book for me - it's a book I like and enjoyed reading but just didn't have that unique something or give me an exceptional reading experience.  

How was your reading year?  Have you read any of these books and what do you think of them?

I Watch Too Much TV: 2016 Edition

I watch a LOT of TV and post about it pretty regularly here on the blog so it only seems right to reflect upon what I was most obsessed with this year.  I do 99% of my TV watching through Netflix so I'm usually way behind (i.e. don't expect the programs/seasons listed to be terribly up-to-date)

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1)  Arrow

This was probably my most significant obsession this year. Oddly (or not) it is one of two shows on this list that I started watching ages ago and couldn't get into but then fell in love with when I gave it another try.  I have never read the comics the show is based on but it seems to be a variation on Batman, but with more Archery.  The first half of season 1 is quite slow but once Oliver starts forming a team, it starts to pick up.  You can also expect CW levels of soap opera on top of the super hero bad-assery.  And yes, I am one of those annoying Olicity fans. Sorry, not sorry.

2) Galavant

Unlike Arrow, I loved this show from note one.  I watched all available episodes three times in a row until the music was burned into my skull for all eternity.  The Little Mermaid is my favorite Disney movie of all time so I love the music of Alan Menken and especially love it paired with more adult lyrics.  This show is sarcastic and saucy and romantic and heart-warming all at the same time.

3) Queen In Hyun's Man

I went on a KDrama watching jag about mid-year and among a few other good offerings (Oh My Ghostess, Splash,Splash,Love) this historical, time-travel drama blew me away. I wrote about it semi-coherently and have yet to get back on the K Drama bandwagon, because how can anything else compare?  About a Joseon era warrior-scholar who gets thrust into modern day Korea whenever his life is threatened.

4) The 100

I started watching this show early in the year when I was stressed out/had a lot going on and I had to discontinue because it's so intense and dark and stressful.  However, when things calmed down in life I picked it back up again and it was so so good!  It continually surprises me and is chock full of amazing female characters.  I've only watched the first two seasons and am dragging my feet on season 3 because I hear it is a bit rocky for the first half or so but never fear I WILL be watching!

5) Voltron: Legendary Defender

This is a relatively new discovery for me.  It's a remake by Netflix of the old school Voltron cartoon that I never watched but maybe I should have because its an awesome little sci-fi adventure show.  That involves giant robo-cats that combine into an even gianter robot. And the robo-cats are piloted by a scrappy gang of misfits.  Of course I loved it!  Season 1 ended on a serious cliff-hanger!

6) Longmire - Season 5

After being sorely disappointed by season 4 of Longmire, I started watching season 5 with a heavy heart and ended up being pleasantly surprised!!  Another Netflix produced show, which after a quick search produced some shaky evidence that there will be a season 6 but then that will likely be the final season.  After the awesome season 5, I have hope and confidence that the show runners will produce a good wrap up season for the show.

7)  Sherlock - Season 3

As does everyone in known creation, I love the BBC Sherlock but if I'm honest I was underwhelmed by season 1, and simply liked very much season 2.  BUT SEASON 3? WAS AWESOME!!  I love seeing the softer side of Sherlock and an emphasis on the bro-mance between he and Watson.  It's amazing what this show can do with such short seasons!

8) Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.

This is the second show on this list that didn't really work for me at first.  It's the Whedon family for goodness sake so I was so ready to love it and I just didn't.  Somewhere around halfway through season 1 however, the show begins to become awesome and it has just been up from there.  It's not perfect - the character of Skye doesn't work for me (though she's gotten better), they've killed some of the best characters (Trip! *sniff*) - but I absolutely adore May and Fitz-Simmons and that one character that goes evil that I don't want to spoil.  Coulson, who was colorless at first has really grown on me and his humor cracks me up on the regular these days.

9) iZombie

Being a die hard Veronica Mars fan, I fervently believe Rob Thomas can do no wrong.  And he hasn't proven me wrong with this charming, hilarious and poignant show about a girl who becomes a zombie and then uses her new zombie powers to solve crimes.  As one does.  I've only seen season 1 but will be catching up with season 2 shortly. Also I believe this is the third show on this list adapted from a comic. These comic things..They seem to be having a moment, huh...#statingtheobvious

10) The Great British Baking Show

I don't usually watch cooking shows, even the competitive ones but when I stumbled across this show on Netflix and watched the first episode in desperation, I was completely transfixed.  The drama, the insane baking skills, the Goofy hostesses and a Simon Cowell-esque judge.  It is, in fact, great.

AND ONE MORE:

11) The Summer Olympics

I am such a sucker for the Olympics - I love everything about it- the drama, the heroism, the athletic prowess on display.  My  favorite athletes from this year's Olympics were Usain Bolt, Ashton Eaton, Lilly King and Simone Biles.

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Okay, I am dying to hear from you!  What were the highlights of your TV watching year and why?  Based on the list above are there any you think I must try toot sweet?