Top Ten Tuesday: Hyped Books that Live Up to the Hype

This week’s Top Ten Tuesday prompt is Popular Books that Lived Up to the Hype. Sometimes I avoid hyped books like the plague because more often than not, they disappoint me. (I can think of several from this year as examples.) But there are times I do give a hyped book a chance. Here are ten hyped books (or series) I liked.

An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir: I’ve read this book twice since it’s publication, and both times I was blown away by Sabaa’s writing, characters, and world. The other books in the series, A Torch Against the Night and A Reaper at the Gates, were just as amazing. This is one YA fantasy series that definitely deserves the praise it’s been given.

Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo: I enjoyed the Grisha trilogy, but it wasn’t ever my favorite. Fast forward a year later, Six of Crows was released and it raised the standards for Leigh’s writing ability. I think with every book in the Grishaverse Leigh’s writing gets better. I am stoked for King of Scars.

The Lunar Chronicles by Marissa Meyer: I’m a sucker for a good fairy tale retelling, so of course I enjoyed retellings of fairy tales set in the future and in space. This series is dear to my heart, and I love how Marissa adapted the original fairy tales to fit within the world she had created. Amazing.

Illuminae Files by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff: I wasn’t so sure about this series at first because sometimes the writing of these books felt like the authors were trying too hard to be different. But by the time Obsidio came out, I was itching to finish this series and it definitely pays off. It’s a unique take on a story, and it’s mind-blowing.

Strange the Dreamer by Laini Taylor: I never doubt that Laini Taylor will write something beautiful, but Strange the Dreamer was stunning. The writing, the world, the story… all of it swept me away and I cannot wait to read Muse of Nightmares.

Books by Rick Riordan: If Uncle Rick publishes something, I’ll probably read it. I love his books, and even though I have a soft spot for Percy Jackson and Company, I adore all of the characters and mythologies. The greatest thing about Rick Riordan’s books is that they help teach you about mythologies without being boring.

The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater: I have a love/hate relationship with Maggie Stiefvater’s books. But The Scorpio Races remains one of my all-time favorite books. I don’t see it as hyped as The Raven Cycle, but it’s still up there as one of the more popular YA fantasy books. And it deserves all the recognition.

Shades of Magic trilogy by V.E. Schwab: This series basically kicked me in the head and gut and then did it again and again. It’s not a perfect series, but I adore the characters and all the twists and turns Schwab took with the plot. Plus, her writing is astounding.

Fullmetal Alchemist by Hiromu Arakawa: This is one of the first manga series I ever read, and it definitely deserves all the attention. The characters, the plot, the entire magic system… all of it is so good. If you’re interested in trying a manga series, this is one to pick up because it has such a good story line that it will hook you all the way until the end. And man, that ending is so, so worth it.

Attack on Titan by Hajime Isayama: Attack on Titan rose to popularity in 2013 as the best anime of the year, but the manga series is just as gripping (and there’s more manga chapters than anime episodes right now). The concept is absolutely horrifying and soul-ripping, but if you like dystopians and stories of survival, this is one series to read.

What popular books or series do you love? Don’t forget to join the link-up!

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