End of Year Survey – 2016

2016 is finally over and what a year it was! About halfway through last year, I decided to start this blog and have had the most amazing time getting to read, write reviews and talk to some amazing people and bloggers.

This survey was created by the awesome Jaime @ The Perpetual Page Turner in 2010 – it has become a massive end of year event that many bloggers enjoy doing, so I thought I should jump on the bandwagon! To join in on the fun, check out Jaime’s blog for a blank copy of the survey.

Number Of Books You Read: 112, according to Goodreads
Number of Re-Reads: 14 – I reread the Captive Prince trilogy, The Mortal Instruments series, and the first 5 books in The Confessions of Georgia Nicholson series. 
Genre You Read The Most From: Fantasy, but I did read quite a lot of Contemporary novels which I don’t usually do.

1. Best Book You Read In 2016?

Not content with just one favourite book, I have three! Kings Rising was the conclusion to the amazing Captive Prince series and I don’t think I’ve smiled or cried as much due to a book before. ACOMAF was just perfection – truly Sarah J. Maas at her finest. Carry On was the sweetest and most hilarious Harry Potter (sort-of) rip-off ever. I can’t rave enough about these books.

2. Book You Were Excited About & Thought You Were Going To Love More But Didn’t?

I was so excited for Empire of Storms – I binge-read the book in a few days, but the novel was lacklustre, forced, and a near plagiarism of Sarah J. Maas’ own work. It was, perhaps, the biggest disappointment of 2016 for me. Half Lost was the conclusion of Sally Green’s Half Bad trilogy; the novel was progressing wonderfully until the final quarter of the book which almost ruined the entire series for me.

 3. Most surprising (in a good way or bad way) book you read?  

I love books that you don’t expect to fall in love with and that was certainly the case with these three. The novels were surprisingly amazing and the only way people will understand how awesome they are is by reading them. Can’t wait to read more from these authors in 2017!

 4. Book You “Pushed” The Most People To Read (And They Did)?

I pushed two of my cousins to read this book and they fell in love with it. Both of them have actually finished the series while I haven’t had the chance to start the second book yet (oops). I call that successfully pushing someone to read a book – especially when they overtake you.

 5. Best series you started in 2016? Best Sequel of 2016? Best Series Ender of 2016?

Although the Percy Jackson series came out years ago, I only read and devoured it this year and it was truly amazing. Crooked Kingdom was an incredible sequel/series ender. I really wish Leigh Bardugo continues to expand her incredible Grisha universe. While The King’s Men did not come out in 2016, I did read it last year and realised it was a conclusion like none other. It was by far Sakavic’s best novel.

 6. Favorite new author you discovered in 2016?

Rick Riordan, Leigh Bardugo and Sarah J. Maas. These authors are all very well established within the Young Adult community, but I only discovered the gloriousness of their novels this year.

7. Best book from a genre you don’t typically read/was out of your comfort zone?

I don’t usually read contemporary novels, except for the odd book after reading 8-10 fantasy novels. Towards the end of 2016, I read almost 10 contemporary novels in a row – something which is unheard of for me. Anything Could Happen and The Female of the Species were my two favourite novels from this genre that I adored.

8. Most action-packed/thrilling/unputdownable book of the year?

This book had me on a rollercoaster ride from start to finish. There was not one moment where the plot dwindled – every scene was suspenseful and infused with tension.

9. Book You Read In 2016 That You Are Most Likely To Re-Read Next Year?

I’ve actually been thinking about rereading this book recently. I read it in one day and didn’t get the chance to adequately absorb as much as I would have if I had read it over a few days. I still loved the book, but I want to relive this amazing world properly.

10. Favorite cover of a book you read in 2016?

Just look at it.

11. Most memorable character of 2016?

Adelina Amouteru from The Young Elites trilogy. The most engaging, complex and fascinating anti-hero in Young Adult fiction.

 12. Most beautifully written book read in 2016?

Susann Cokal is a beautiful writer. There were many sentences in this novel that almost brought me to tears.

13. Most Thought-Provoking/ Life-Changing Book of 2016?

This novel touched me in so many ways, I am even tearing up while thinking about it. I formed an emotional bond with the protagonist Cath quite strongly, which is why it impacted me so much. It was definitely a life-changing novel for me.

14. Book you can’t believe you waited UNTIL 2016 to finally read? 

These novels are the first books in their subsequent series, all of which were published years ago. I didn’t read Young Adult novels for a few many years, until I finally picked the genre back up again this year, which is why I have missed out on so many important and popular novels. So glad I rediscovered how amazing YA books are!

15. Favorite Passage/Quote From A Book You Read In 2016?

– from Coraline.

16.Shortest & Longest Book You Read In 2016?

Green but for a Season is a short story set in the Captive Prince universe and is a measly 24 pages long (come on, Pacat). City of Heavenly Fire was a reread and came to 725 pages (thank you, Clare).

 17. Book That Shocked You The Most

Both of these novels feature major plot twists that left me reeling. Lady Midnight‘s twist was incredible, as it was something that had been developed within the other series’ and short stories for years. Cassandra Clare is a bonafide genius. More Happy Than Not‘s twist made me cry. You will need tissues reading this book. Silvera is a master storyteller.

18. OTP OF THE YEAR (you will go down with this ship!)

I will go down with Damen and Laurent from Captive Prince, Annabeth and Percy from The Percy Jackson series, Ronan and Adam from The Raven Cycle, and Andrew and Neil from All for the Game. I am trash and I am proud of all my children.
Oh, and also: Matthias and Nina from Six of Crows, Alec and Magnus from TMI, Mal and Alina from Grisha, as well as Alina and the Darkling (can’t choose), Rhys and Feyre from ACOTAR, and Simon and Baz from Carry On. 
I have too many OTPS. There is no such thing as a one true pairing for me.

19. Favorite Non-Romantic Relationship Of The Year

David and Silas from A Gentleman’s Position. Their platonic friendship is both hilarious and supportive. They both know what it is like to be in love with men far above them in British society and bond over that. I also loved the friendship between Albus and Scorpius in Harry Potter. I, personally, would have loved for their relationship to be more than platonic, but you have to admit their friendship is loving and incredibly supportive. Love them.

20. Favorite Book You Read in 2016 From An Author You’ve Read Previously

I love Maggie Stiefvater’s books. She is such a different breed of storyteller – she draws the reader into the incredible world she has created through verbose descriptions. It’s wonderful to experience. I read her Raven Cycle books last year, and the first book in her Shiver series years ago. In 2016, I read and loved The Scorpio Races. It’s such a strange and interesting concept.

21. Best Book You Read In 2016 That You Read Based SOLELY On A Recommendation From Somebody Else/Peer Pressure:

I was peer pressured into reading this series by almost everyone. I’m so glad they bullied me.

22. Newest fictional crush from a book you read in 2016?

Percy from Rick Riordan’s Percy Jackson series and Manon from the Throne of Glass series. These two have captured and stolen by heart.

23. Best 2016 debut you read?

I had so much fun reading this book. It’s like Pride and Prejudice but with spies!

24. Best Worldbuilding/Most Vivid Setting You Read This Year?

These three unique universes made me fall head over heels in love with the book. Carry On‘s fascinating magical world stole my heart; Rick Riordan’s modern take on Grecian myth was almost nostalgic; and Six of Crows was a great expansion into the Grisha world.

25. Book That Put A Smile On Your Face/Was The Most FUN To Read?

I don’t know what it is about this book, but I just had so much fun reading it. I really hope Walton writes a sequel.

26. Book That Made You Cry Or Nearly Cry in 2016?

Both of these books feature strong and difficult topics to read. They are well worth it, though.

27. Hidden Gem Of The Year?

This book came out of nowhere. It killed me and then revived me. Truly a beautiful novel.

28. Book That Crushed Your Soul?

It Ends With Us is simply perfect. It was the first Colleen Hoover book I read and I’m so glad that was the case. My soul was crushed – in a good way.

29. Most Unique Book You Read In 2016?

The Foxhole Court was so unique in that Sakavic created her very own sport – and made me like it. Confess had a unique plot, but the inclusion of paintings within the novel was ingenious.

30. Book That Made You The Most Mad (doesn’t necessarily mean you didn’t like it)?

I don’t understand how so many people loved this book. To me, it was like getting a thousand paper cuts at once. It was so frustrating and made me ridiculously mad.

1. New favorite book blog you discovered in 2016?

That would definitely be Teacher of YA’s blog! Steph is awesome and so sweet. Check out her incredible blog!!

2. Favorite review that you wrote in 2016?

That would be my five-part mini reviews for the Percy Jackson series. It took me days to write the reviews and I loved going through the books to find awesome quotes.
Check out the reviews here: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5.

3. Best discussion/non-review post you had on your blog?

The Lightning Thief post.

4. Best event that you participated in (author signings, festivals, virtual events, memes, etc.)?

The Sunshine Blogger Award! Not really an event, but it was so much fun being nominated.

5. Best moment of bookish/blogging life in 2016?

Gaining more followers! And just generally talking to people.

6. Most challenging thing about blogging or your reading life this year?

Staying motivated. I love reading and writing, but when I get too tired from real life commitments, sometimes that takes a toll on my blog.

7. Most Popular Post This Year On Your Blog (whether it be by comments or views)?

My review of Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life based by views.

8. Post You Wished Got A Little More Love?

Probably some of my early work, like the review for Kings Rising and a post I did on The Importance of LGBT fiction.

9. Best bookish discover (book related sites, book stores, etc.)?

Netgalley! (I am slow).

10.  Did you complete any reading challenges or goals that you had set for yourself at the beginning of this year?

Every year with Goodreads, I set myself a goal of reading 50 books. I always complete it, but this year I really surpassed it by reading 112 books! That’s 2 books a week! I also had a few unofficial goals like reading old, but popular YA novels, like Percy Jackson and Throne of Glass. Bring on the 2017 challenge!

1. One Book You Didn’t Get To In 2016 But Will Be Your Number 1 Priority in 2017?

I am ashamed.

2. Book You Are Most Anticipating For 2017 (non-debut)?

The Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue by Mackenzi Lee. This book has everything I want and need in a book. Please be June already?
Also, ACOWAR needs to be amazing or I’ll cry.  

3. 2017 Debut You Are Most Anticipating?

 4. Series Ending/A Sequel You Are Most Anticipating in 2017?

Look how beautiful the cover is!

5. One Thing You Hope To Accomplish Or Do In Your Reading/Blogging Life In 2017?

I hope to read more inclusive novels, like LGBT or POC books. I also hope to update my blog regularly, especially as I am going into my first year of Masters and have no idea what the workload will be like.

6. A 2017 Release You’ve Already Read & Recommend To Everyone:

I haven’t finished it yet, but I am really enjoying this unique novel.

This was such a great idea for an end of year wrap up. Let me know your answers in the comments and get involved in the End of Year Survey!