Top Ten Tuesday is an original weekly meme created by The Broke and the Bookish. I thought this would be a fun way to share a condensed version of potential rambles and thoughts that I have.
This Week’s Theme:
Top Ten Books I Want To
Read But Don’t Own Yet
Initial Thoughts:
Soooo this might just be a list of upcoming reads that I’m reminding myself to purchase whenever they’re released. I have also provided synopsis excerpts for your enjoyment and as always the images link to their respective Goodreads page. And aside from the last pick, which was done solely based on fanboy reasons, the majority of the choices have been limited to publishing dates with a twenty-fourteen year ending, with a chronological listing.
Ready Player One – Ernest Cline (Published)
It’s the year 2044, and the real world is an ugly place. Like most of humanity, Wade Watts escapes his grim surroundings by spending his waking hours jacked into the OASIS, a sprawling virtual utopia that lets you be anything you want to be, a place where you can live and play and fall in love on any of ten thousand planets. And like most of humanity, Wade dreams of being the one to discover the ultimate lottery ticket that lies concealed within this virtual world. For somewhere inside this giant networked playground, OASIS creator James Halliday has hidden a series of fiendish puzzles that will yield massive fortune — and remarkable power — to whoever can unlock them.
This can pick up the pieces where Sword Art Online has seemed to fail me in terms of how much romance had to become the only plotline in that visual novel/anime. Otherwise, a gamer’s treasure trove and likely nostalgia-bombs than anything else.
The Girl With All The Gifts – M.R. Carey (Published)
Every morning, Melanie waits in her cell to be collected for class. When they come for her, Sergeant Parks keeps his gun pointing at her while two of his people strap her into the wheelchair. She thinks they don’t like her. She jokes that she won’t bite. But they don’t laugh. Melanie is a very special girl.
Yes…this-book-that-I’ve-been-expecting-myself-to-read-for-the-longest-time-but-haven’t-actually-purchased-yet-due-to-reading-slumps-and-other-reasons-that-I-don’t-even-think-are-reasons. But basically, I’m told the less you know about this novel, the better off you are (kind of like We Were Liars—but I haven’t read that either so I can’t vouch for that statement.)
The Infinite Sea – Rick Yancey (9/16/14)
[Excerpt not included because this is a book 2 of The 5th Wave trilogy.]
It certainly didn’t help when excerpts of the first several chapters were posted online to make me any less excited to revisit the perspectives (old and new) this book follows. Hello, Ringer.
Blackbird – Anna Carey (9/16/14)
A girl wakes up on the train tracks, a subway car barreling down on her. With only minutes to react, she hunches down and the train speeds over her. She doesn’t remember her name, where she is, or how she got there. She has a tattoo on the inside of her right wrist of a blackbird inside a box, letters and numbers printed just below: FNV02198. There is only one thing she knows for sure: people are trying to kill her.
A thriller written in second person sounds like a potentially excellent reading experience; one of which I can’t say I’ve actually read much of (if at all?) This is a rather short read, that in a parallel universe, the synopsis sounds like something from a Criminal Minds episode or whatever (at least I thought so).
Messenger of Fear – Michael Grant (9/23/14)
I remembered my name – Mara. But, standing in that ghostly place, faced with the solemn young man in the black coat with silver skulls for buttons, I could recall nothing else about myself. And then the games began. The Messenger sees the darkness in young hearts, and the damage it inflicts upon the world. If they go unpunished, he offers the wicked a game. Win, and they can go free. Lose, and they will live out their greatest fear.
Perhaps this doubles as both a foray into Grant’s works (yes, I haven’t read the Gone series) and the fact that the premise sounds so sadistically fun. Well, don’t judge me for that.
James Frey – Endgame: The Calling (10/7/14)
For ten thousand years the lines have existed in secret. The 12 original lines of humanity. Each had to have a Player prepared at all times. They have trained generation after generation after generation. In weapons, languages, history, tactics, disguise assassination. Together the players are everything: strong, kind, ruthless, loyal, smart, stupid, ugly, lustful, mean, fickle, beautiful, calculating, lazy, exuberant, weak. They are good and evil. Like you. Like all. This is Endgame. When the game starts, the players will have to find three keys. The keys are somewhere on earth. The only rule of their Endgame is that there are no rules. Whoever finds the keys first wins the game.
Frey’s name usually comes with shifty eyes due to his amazing philanthropist vision and attitude behind Full Fathom Five. But I’m not going to chirp him out on that. Or even the fact that this novel has got Hunger Games fans raging at its originality (coughBattleRoyalecough). Or quite possibly that I’m amused that his co-writer is only just slightly featured (one of the book covers on Goodreads has the other author’s name cut in half; perhaps I’m just nitpicking.) Regardless, this book just sounds like it would be an engaging series to buy into—so if it’s a letdown it’s a letdown—but I’ll reserve judgment until after.
Rain Reign – Ann M. Martin (10/7/14)
Rose Howard has OCD, Asperger’s syndrome, and an obsession with homonyms (even her name is a homonym). She gave her dog Rain a name with two homonyms (Reign, Rein), which, according to Rose’s rules of homonyms, is very special. Rain was a lost dog Rose’s father brought home. Rose and Rain are practically inseparable. And they are often home alone, as Rose’s father spends most evenings at a bar, and doesn’t have much patience for his special-needs daughter. Just as a storm hits town, Rain goes missing. Rose’s father shouldn’t have let Rain out. Now Rose has to find her dog, even if it means leaving her routines and safe places to search. Rose will find Rain, but so will Rain’s original owners.
This. Includes. A. Dog. PET FEELS. (oh, the girl is important, too, I guess.)
In Real Life – Lawrence Tabak (11/11/14)
Fifteen-year-old math prodigy Seth Gordon knows exactly what he wants to do with his life—play video games. Every spare minute is devoted to honing his skills at Starfare, the world’s most popular computer game. His goal: South Korea, where the top pros are rich and famous. But the best players train all day, while Seth has school and a job and divorced parents who agree on only one thing: “Get off that damn computer.” Plus there’s a new distraction named Hannah, an aspiring photographer who actually seems to understand his obsession.
This would be like…the Canadian version of my life if I made it. Like average guys in this crazy world: I’ve been there; I’ve had the same unrealistic dreams of professional gaming. This book sounds like it cannot be any more true to individuals who enjoy gaming to the extent of pursuing a career out of it. I hope it is an excellent representation of the culture and industry behind this eSport that certainly receives television airtime in the East…because I did play/follow the particular game and Korean eSports environment this novel has chosen to dabble in.
Zodiac – Romina Russell (12/8/14)
When a violent blast strikes the moons of Cancer, sending its ocean planet off-kilter and killing thousands of citizens—including its beloved Guardian—Rho is more surprised than anyone when she is named the House’s new leader. But, a true Cancrian who loves her home fiercely and will protect her people no matter what, Rho accepts. Then, when more Houses fall victim to freak weather catastrophes, Rho starts seeing a pattern in the stars. She suspects Ophiuchus—the exiled 13th Guardian of Zodiac legend—has returned to exact his revenge across the Galaxy. Now Rho—along with Hysan Dax, a young envoy from House Libra, and Mathias, her guide and a member of her Royal Guard—must travel through the Zodiac to warn the other Guardians.
Book title alone, I thought it could be related to the Zodiac killer. Nope. It is an interesting take on astrological signs (which reminds me of Lucy’s power in Fairy Tail actually) for which I am praying for my life that it doesn’t result to plot and world-building taking a backseat to insta-love and romance. I am also surprised that this high-concept hasn’t been written before, or if it has, then I’m just really noob at discovering old titles. Anyways, it’s not something I’m crazy to buy into this season but it’s still a notable fantasy addition to this season’s TBR (with the likes of Snow Like Ashes etc.)
The Rest of Us Just Live Here – Patrick Ness (08/25/15)
Not everyone has to be the Chosen One. Not everyone has to be the guy who saves the world. Most people just have to live their lives the best they can … All the while knowing that the world makes no sense but trying to find a way to be happy anyway.
He also added on his tumblr: what if you lived in a world a lot like a YA novel? Where people you know have already battled vampires and zombies and soul-eating ghosts and whatever this new thing turns out to be? What if you just want to go to prom and graduate before someone goes and blows up the high school again?
Boom. Sold.
(Not sure if that’s the actual synopsis…but it’s what’s listed on Goodreads. There is also no cover released yet…so you can click here for a link to Goodreads.)
Other Honorable 2015 Mentions (just titles that come to mind):
Firefight – Brandon Sanderson
The Prey – Tom Isbell
The Fifth Season – N.K. Jemisin
Afterthoughts:
This list was so easy with things like Netgalley, Edelweiss, and ARC Party to push me in some directions.
Cheers,
Joey
thoughts and afterthoughts. 
Ready Player One is a brilliant, brilliant read. I whizzed through it. Enjoy!
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Great to hear. I’d like to think I’d zip through it as well since it’s content that’s been in my wheelhouse for ages, but I guess we’ll have to see!
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Ooh great choices. In Real Life, the Patrick Ness, and Blackbird caught my eye. I hope all these books move from your want pile to your own pile soon!
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Thanks Lucy, glad to hear I’m of assistance in sparking some interest to add to your pile!
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I haven’t heard of most of these before but I just added The Girl …to my TBR 🙂
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I guess the power of Top Ten lists have done it again with increasing your TBR pile! I hope you do enjoy it when you get the chance.
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Maggie Stiefvater recommended The Girl with all the Gifts too. I should probably read The Chaos Walking Trilogy and More than This. So many books to read. In Real Life is one that I saw and I thought sounded interesting too! Oh and stop being lazy and come with me tomorrow :P.
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Yo–stop chirping me.
Okay well if I ever get around to buying it, you can borrow that one, too. I WILL LEND YOU CW TRILOGY (unless you’re completely against reading the old issue).
I’ve never read a fiction synopsis so parallel to my life before (well, maybe) annnnd I’m hoping I get approved for the ARC actually LOL.
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Patrick Ness!! I didn’t know he was writing a new book. Now I’m super excited. Thanks!
– Kritika @ Snowflakes & Spider Silk
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So I may or may not have fanboy’d a bit when i heard the confirmation of his new novel (I wasn’t even actively looking for his stuff either, I just somehow came across it!) It is pretty exciting and I’m so stoked to see his writing evolve (even though I’m still reading his CW trilogy)
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I keep seeing The Girl with all the Gifts and though people keep raving about it, I have no idea what it is about. This new Patrick Ness book is now on my radar.
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I initially thought it was a coincidence that the authors name (Carey) plus the limited detail in the synopsis was hinting at Stephen King’s Carrie. Well, I guess I also can’t justify that the truth to that statement as I’m also quite blind to what it’s about (even though I kind of got spoiled by Goodreads category listing it’s subgenre, damnit).
Glad to hear your interest in Ness’ new novel though.
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Ha. Now I’m tempted to go check and see what I can find out about it. Carrie? Really? Well, I’m sold.
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That was definitely just my first impressions, haha! I don’t think it’s related at all.You can potentially get a glimpse of what it is via. what Goodreads users categorized the genre to be–though I’m unaware if that’s super spoiler-y or not (I kind of think it is, maybe. But who knows!)
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I do love Patrick Ness, so can’t wait to read what he comes out with next too! 🙂 It looks like you’ve got a nice varied selection this week, as per usual!
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Thanks Chrissi! I’m also super excited to see how he tackles writing (I think he’s writing at least) the screenplay for his A Monster Calls; which basically has a stellar cast already!
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The Girl with all the Gifts sounds so interesting, and this is actually the first time I’ve heard of it (the wonderful byproduct of these memes- finding new, recommended books). I too immediately assumed the last title was based on the zodiac killer…I guess it goes to show how influenced I was by the media storm around the movie!
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I’d honestly be completely down with reading a YA version of The Zodiac Killer… (I’m not even going to judge the potential of it also including the astrological signs and making it all fantastical…this sounds like an excellent idea already. Well, maybe in my head only.)
I’m glad the hype train of Girl with Gifts didn’t reach you when it was blowing up over lists a few months back (I’ve seen it more than a dozen times way back when).
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You have a lot of great choices! I have been going back and forth with Ready Player One, My bookstore has it autographed and I want it so bad, im a sucker for autographed books, but I have no idea if I have an interest in it
My TTT
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THAT WOULD BE SUCH AN INSTANT BUY OH MY GOODNESSSSS.
I’m a sucker for them too, especially if it’s a book I’d want to read. Easy. Done deal. Let me just throw my wallet at the cash.
I’m jealous. 😦
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Interesting list. I really liked Ready Player One, it was a fun easy read.
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Thanks–and great to hear that you enjoyed the read! Nothing like positive praise to reinforce potentially moving a novel up a TBR pile.
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I hope you give Endgame a go! I really liked it!
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I hope so too! I wonder how much help I’ll need figuring out the deets of the actual in-real-life prize. Or is that all a marketing gimmick? I guess I’ll find out whenever I have the book in my possession.
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A couple of these look interesting! Happy reading when you get your hands on them! 🙂
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Great to see some of these titles sparking interest!
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I think signing up for Netgalley is going to be…interesting at best and insane at worst, lol. Zodiac and Endgame would probably end up on my to-read list at some point.
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Are you speaking generally or of your own to-be experience?
Yeah, I definitely flubbed and just went trigger happy and requested everything, got rejected for some , proceeded to get sad, and then cycled through the process again (but then got accepted by some of the initial round of click-frenzy requests) and then bam: backlog. What a bummer.
There’s apparently a $500,000 prize for some contest thing per Endgame that has to do with the content of the novel. That’s pretty exciting (but I wonder how much of it is actually true).
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From experience, since I realized I now also have a bit of a backlog for reviewing purposes.
And I think the ARC party tea time I’d watched last week mentioned the Endgame contest. Apparently there are puzzles hidden in the book that you’re supposed to solve for entry into the contest. It’s worth a shot!
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Backlogs are kind of painful alright. haha.
Yeah! I think they mentioned it with a companion video (or post) but I never followed up. I should see what the rules are before I plan some massive group-think brainstorming session online with everyone…
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HOW are you already planning your 2015 reads?! Lol
I’m definitely with you on the first three, after that it gets a little hazy, there are some I’ve heard of and I’m curious about. I haven’t read any Michael Grant either but for some reason I want to start with the Gone series, heard great things. I’m not sure what to make of Frey’s latest endeavour, but I do feel a bit meh toward FFF so I’ll likely be giving it a miss (though I do want to read Battle Royale). Rain Reign is one I’ve heard good things about, Middle Grade though, right? As for B Sanderson I want to start with Mistborn, and for ONCE the UK covers totally win 😉
R x
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Yo. Have you SEEN ARC party? That shit is bad for any reader (instant additions to a TBR pile FOR SURE).
I just think with Grant’s Gone series, I’m not that interested in it (but Messenger strikes me as something i’d instantly read once it comes out).
I can definitely understand your feels for FFF so it’s okay. Perhaps I’m more interested in seeing how he tackles his $500,000 contest he has for the puzzles or whatever in the book than anything else (but I did find the premise neat, if not comparable to others).
Annnnd I have no idea if Rain Reign is MG or not. I just saw it as a Galley (and sadly rejected) but it seemed like a pretty powerful read.
Are UK covers that bad? I guess I’ve never seen much of them because I’m so used to seeing the NA ones in stores and online.
ANNND. I will tweet you deets on googledocs later when I have a chance to work on it.
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ARC party?? That’d be a noooo.
See, I wasn’t interested in Gone, but then I had it pushed on me multiple times, so now I’m torn.
I think RR is MG, but I have feels for you and your rejection. I’ve heard good things about it.
UK Covers are definitely not that bad, but sometimes we lose out. I love seeing the cover comparison posts some bloggers do. Just, in this case in particular, we so won lol
Sounds good. I’ll probably get to it tomorrow to check it out, it’s 23.41 here… lol
R x
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Okay, when I speak to you in GoogleDocs eventually…we will go through a change-my-life for you. You will watch it. You will then proceed to (maybe) TBR everything. No guarantees (but also all the guarantees).
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I desperately want to read Ready Player One as well, but for some reason I keep forgetting to add it to be TBR list. I’ll go do that now, so thank you for the indirect reminder!
Rain Reign’s synopsis actually made me a little emotional and A DOG. That’s all that matters.
Happy reading if you manage to get your hands on any of these!
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TBR is half the battle. I know the feels too well of having the book in my possession in store but then bee-lining for something else (and inadvertently putting RPO back down).
I love any inclusions of pets in novels. I usually care more for them than the human-counterpart of a protagonist (oops). I am still trying to find a pet (likely a dog) that matches up to Manchee (of Patrick Ness’ Chaos Walking Trilogy) in just utter amazingness.
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Most definitely, it’s one of the many struggles of being someone who enjoys reading a lot. There’s always too many and never enough books to read, way too many OTPs and even more feels you have to deal with and THEN … then there’s the TBR pile and forgetting books in your reading enthusiasm.
I read a book that I wasn’t enjoying to begin with, only to read about dogs dying about 70% in. I’ll leave it up to you to guess what rating that book got.
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[uncontrollable pet feels goes here]
I mean if it fits the commentary of the novel…okay…maybe it can get away with it. But it’s a pretty big stretch and definitely needs substance to support it.
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Basically there was a flood and no one saved the dogs.
So instead, the main character was like, “Oh my gosh the dogs are dead”, mentioned it once and then moved on.
The dogs died for nothing. That’s not how we roll.
[insert hurt dog feels here]
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I’d chirp that segment so much if I was writing a review–it sounds so questionable! (I can’t say that it’s terrible writing as I’ve never read it though.)
[dog feels have been relayed]
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Wow! I’ve just added In Real Life to my TBR list! Are you a console gamer or a PC gamer? My hubby is in the process of building me a new gaming PC; EeeEeE! Super excited 🙂
And yeah, who wouldn’t want to play video games for the rest of their lives; I sure would. Although I am thankful for the time I am able to squeeze into my day for at least a good 2 hours of gameplay 😛
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Historically: both. But the upkeep for console games slowly died away for me as I got into more MMORPG’s and RTS. But even then I’m slowly straying away from that as well and playing less (or maybe I’m just waiting for Blade and Soul to get a North American release…)
That’s definitely exciting! I’ve promised myself to build one myself one day but my gaming laptop still does it’s job so I’m sticking by it.
Gaming is definitely a good consolation to reading; and vice-versa!
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Ooo…. The Prey looks very interesting. Definitely something I might be into.
Also, I am kind of surprised you haven’t read Ready Player One yet. It seems like something you’d like. It makes perfect sense that I haven’t read it yet because I’m a slacker that never seems to find the time to read.
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I’m surprised at myself too. I’m actually more wondering if it’s a taboo that I haven’t read it being an old console and more recently computer gaming aficionado. I think you’re right: I feel like I’d be engrossed in it but I definitely haven’t had the time to read it myself. I’ve been recently really bad at concentrating with my reads haha. Even 50 pages a week would be a success for me!
Glad you found something that might interest you! I saw it on the latest ARC Party (among other books like Victoria Aveyard’s Red Queen, that I didn’t mention here).
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Ready Player One has been on my TBR list for awhile! Cannot wait to read it!
Happy reading!
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Ha, me too! It definitely sounds like a fast novel that can be whizzed through.
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You definitely need to read the Gone series! Simple as that. 🙂
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Perhaps one day, after I get my feet wet with Grant’s Messenger of Fear. A six-book series commitment sounds pretty deadly (even if it’s really good!) and there are so many great books coming out this fall that are calling to me too. Errghgh the choices!
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When I saw Zodiac’s title I immediately thought of the Zodiac killer as well. I’m just hoping the book isn’t full of love triangles; it has such a great concept.
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Right? Now if there was really a Zodiac Killer reflected in it somehow–boom, I’d be so sold! I only mentioned romance being an angle because the synopsis did include two particular guys and I skimmed the reviews and there was a lot of talk on romance (re: Goodreads). Which is what made me a bit skeptical (but never less interested in the premise!)
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Yes, yes, and yes to Zodiac, In Real Life, Rain Reign, and Ready Player One! Seriously, so much love for this list!
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Thanks Christine! Glad there are some choices here that you’d be interested in reading into as well–and definitely a great mix of genres too!
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I was really intrigued with The Rest of Us Live Here. I haven’t read any from Patrick Ness yet so I don’t know if I’ll enjoy his writing style. But yeah, this idea for his book sounds really intriguing. I was going to say I hope you get to read this one soon and then I say the date and the release day is a year away. That is some serious waiting.. 🙂 Thanks for sharing and for stopping by my TTT 🙂
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I personally found Ness’ writing had me thinking more than other novels. The takeaway is what I appreciated most from his works!
Haha, yeah, one year is indeed such a long time away but writing takes time so I’d be happy to wait–especially for auto-buy authors!
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I’m so excited for The Infinite Sea! It looks really good, although I think I’ll have to reread the first book to remind myself about a few things. The Rest of Us Just Live Here looks amazing. I haven’t actually read any Patrick Ness yet (I really need to), but this one looks great.
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The new perspectives! Vosch plans! What happened to Evan! Hopefully not an unnecessary love-triangle! So many answers! Less than 3 weeks! — much excites for all of these (and more!)
I don’t think I’ll have time to reread it for me (so many other things to read up on (i.e. maze runner before the movie comes out!) so I’ll probably just skim through reviews myself haha.
I’m not going to push Ness onto you but you should take a skim through his works and see if anything interests you premise wise. They’re all thinkers–I can tell you that much!
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Ooo I have yet to pick up the 5th Wave… I think I should get going on that huh? Zodiac, In Real Life (Ha!) , The Rest of Us Just Lives Here sounds pretty awesome! Oh and that Micheal grant book sounds pretty awesome too (too lazy to scroll up >.<) Have you read his Gone series?
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Get onto that only if you’re interested in the series–don’t want you to read something you won’t enjoy, right?
Nope. Haven’t read that series. Perhaps one day…but I’ve seen that particular premise before annnnd I’m not entirely enthralled by it. It’s okay. But maybe I’ll enjoy it more if I like Grant’s writing in Messenger (which is one I’m super stoked to read!)
I am glad to share the Ness love–easily one of my favourite authors now!
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We share more than one TBR title! I can’t wait for Zodiac to be published in Dec! Awesome list!
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Despite seeing some comments (regarding Zodiacs romance) that make me question how it might be played out, the world sounds pretty cool that I’d probably still be interested in it! Great to hear we share the same titles though!
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I haven’t heard of most of these books but I saw The Girl With All The Gifts on another list recently, I’m gonna try and read it. The Rest of Us Just Live Here and Zodiac are also interesting and I am waiting for Snow Like Ashes too. Thank you for stopping by my TTT!
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Hope you enjoy All The Gifts when you get the chance! I do hope that Snow Like Ashes lives up to all the hype surrounding it haha.
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Ready Player One is fun, I liked it. I need to read The Girl with all the Gifts too!
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Great to hear more praise for Player One! Ahhh, I hope you enjoy Girl with All The Gifts whenever you get the chance. Hopefully next time when I hold it in my possession at the store, I don’t put it back down for a different purchase!
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I would recommend Gone over Messenger of Fear. I have only read the Gone series, but from what I have heard MoF is pretty well awful 😦
Ready Player One is good, but I love SAO too (are you watching the new anime?)
The Infinite Sea! Firefight!! CANT WAIT!
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I think I’d opt for MoF only because I’ve come across similar story-lines to Gone, so it’s not as “cool” to me. But then again, perhaps MoF isn’t extremely original either and I just can’t think of the novel that it relates to.
I gave up on SAO. My gaming friends who watch it tell me it’s getting better (with more cliffhangers and the like) but after the first season (ALO?) I was like…nope, too much romance. I felt it was pretty downhill after S01E01 though…like, the part where he was leveling up and fighting monsters to gain experience (BEFORE HE GOT ALL OVERPOWERED) was pretty throwback realness to my gaming endeavours.
And yes The Infinite Sea is such excites. Too bad it also comes out at the same week as The Maze Runner movie–which I’m trying to read asap to give myself time to binge read TIS when it’s out.
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