Standalones Reading List

Recently I've been a little lost when it comes to choosing my next read. With all the books being a part of series I've been really wary of what I'm picking up especially because I don't have time to start any more series. So I compiled a list of standalone books that I've read and enjoyed and also a list that I would like to read. It's the best of both worlds: recommend and receive recommendations!

I Recommend:

Night Circus - Erin Morgenstern
Genre: Paranormal
This one had me confused for a good 75% of the book but again that's probably just me. Even after saying that, it is probably one of the most interesting books I've read. It was beautifully written and described and, although slow at parts, everything came together masterfully in the end. A real treat of a read.

Epic Fail - Claire LaZebnik
Genre: Contemporary, Classic Retelling
This one is more on the lighter side with it being a Pride and Prejudice modernized retelling. It's a real treat of a read; a great sunny afternoon happy read. I also recommend this one to those looking for an introduction to Pride and Prejudice, I read this before I read the real works and I'm grateful as it allowed me more insight into the series in a way that I can relate to and understand easily.

Between Shades of Gray - Ruta Sepetys
Genre: Historical Fiction
I usually don't pick up stories that are based around the holocaust but this one really intrigued me and for good reason. It's a great story that highlights events that took place in the Baltic under Hitler and Stalin's reign therefore reminding us of a forgotten people while making us fall in love with some new and dynamic characters. It makes you cry, it makes you laugh, but most of all it makes you take a step back and be thankful for all that you have in life. It also makes you look back in history and understand that we are the future and we should learn from the decisions of those before us.

You Against Me - Jenny Downham
Genre: Contemporary
This one is another heart-wrenching tale of family loyalty, love and honour. Reading the synopsis gave me chills, because of the situation the characters are placed in. Anything could have gone wrong, the romance could have gone horribly weary, blowing the whole plot and story out in the water but Downham managed to crack some amazing characters and give them life. They were confused, honourable and loving but also righteous. It made me questions what I would do if I were placed in there situations and I still don't know.

Faithful - Claudia Gray
Genre: Paranormal Romance
I will never be able to write a proper critical review of this one because of its setting; the Titanic. Ever since I can remember, I've been a history nerd. I find old things fascinating and old stories even more. Titanic has been among my all time favourite historic things so when I heard there was going to be a book set on it, you can probably predict my reaction. I ended up really enjoying the book though it didn't blow me away, it did have me involved and interested and the author's decision to make it a standalone increased my enjoyment even more. It was fun, thrilling with all the werewolf action plus 20th century chivalry and the ghosts of Rose and Jack in the background.

On the TBR





 I've been meaning to read each and everyone of these for a while now. They are all very well received novels and their authors are also well loved.

In conclusion:

How do you feel about the never ending series in YA. I used to not mind it but recently, it's started to bug me. I remember the day when I could pick up a book become engrossed in it and finish it with a feeling of satisfaction. Now a days I'm finishing a book and then moaning for 3 days afterwards because the sequel will be out in a year's time.

How Do You Feel About Standalones? Any Recommendations?


-MARI

6 comments:

  1. I tend to read a lot of series, and I know what you mean about feeling frustrated after finishing a book only to have to wait months and months for the sequel, especially when the ending has a killer cliffhanger. I like to read stand-alones occasionally to take a break from all the series. Jellicoe Road is amazing; some readers have found that the structure of the novel takes some getting used to, but having patience with it truly, truly pays off in the end.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That's what I've been told about Jellicoe Road. No matter how many times I read the synopsis I still don't understand what it's about. But, in the end that's what all the fun is about, to read and find out :)

      -Mari

      Delete
  2. We're with you: we're fatigued of long dragged out series. Trilogies are about all we can handle, and even that does get tough (with the waiting) sometimes. If they're worth it, it's all good though! ;P

    We DEFINITELY recommend JELLICOE ROAD, and CODE NAME VERITY if you're a patient reader. It's worth the wait. Have you read BOOK THIEF (soon to be a gorgeous movie?!)? Also worth it.

    Sara Zarr does good standalones, if you like contemporary. Ditto Rainbow Rowell.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Exactly, I understand that it has a lot to do with publishers and they want to make more money etc. In the end though, the story should be more important.

      I'm planning on borrowing P.E.'s copy of Code Name Verity, so I'm hoping to get that one under my belt soon. Oh yes, The Book Thief I'm ashamed to say that I was not planning on read that one until I saw the movie trailer, WOW!

      Thanks for the comment and recommendations, I'll be adding them all to my tbr (the one I'm actually going read :P)

      -Mari

      Delete
  3. I love standalones-they seem to be most prevalent in contemporaries but if you want something more SF, you could try Anne Osterlund's Academy 7. Fantastic otherworldly with a dash of romance that does not seem to be scheduled to have a sequel.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh good one. I've read that one already and I completely agree, it is phenomenal! I would love to find more books similar to it.

      -Mari

      Delete

What do you think?