Wednesday, January 1, 2014

Favorite Books Read in 2013

As usual, I read many books this year, some old favorites and others brand new. Of the new books I read in 2013, here are my top ten favorites.

#1 Dragonwitch by Anne Elisabeth Stengl

Completely mesmerizing and overwhelming. Anne Elisabeth's work continues to inspire and encourage me, while presenting a story that holds me breathless.






#2 -?- Ah, this a very mysterious choice, because I don't think I can reveal the title of the book yet. You see, it's not even out yet. But I will say that it is a YA dystopian novel and it's pure genius!

#3 Moccasin Trail by Eloise Jarvis McGraw

A great historical fiction novel that tells a compelling story of a very complicated family.








#4 The Chronicles of Prydain by Lloyd Alexander

This fantasy classic is full of delightful characters, thrilling action, and inspiring messages. Definitely not a series to pass up!






#5 The Mistmantle Chronicles by M. I. McAllister

Since I was a big fan of Redwall, I was delighted to discover this simaler, yet refreshingly different, series about good and evil, animal-style!







#6 Dark Lord of Derkholm by Diana Wynne Jones

 Now here's an original story! This book is pure genius, and though I wasn't happy with everything that happened in it, all turned well in the end.







#7 Goddess Tithe by Anne Elisabeth Stengl

The first novella of Goldstone Wood stole my heart away and carried over a savage sea! This sweet, intense tale is a must-read.

#8 Isle of Swords and Isle of Fire by Wayne Thomas Batson

This a rip-roaring sea adventure, full of pirates and...a Christian message? Yes, the combination is actually possible. :)




#9 Forest Born by Shannon Hale

This was definitely my favorite of The Books of Bayern. I loved seeing all the characters I'd come to know team together in a heroic quest. The humor was great, and the message was deep and thought-provoking.




#10 The Ryn and The Remedy
 by Serena Chase

I'll include both books as one. This epic fairytale was full of beauty and light! :)

8 comments:

Grace said...

Such lovely books you looked to have read. I hope I'll be able to get to one of Shannon Hale's and Serena Chase's this year.

Happy New Year, Hannah!

Meredith said...

Happy New Year. Your book recommendations sound excellent, and I totally agree about Dragonwitch and Goddess Tithe. Lloyd Alexander's books are outstanding, too. I'd read your thoughts on Moccasin Trail some time back and actually located a Braille copy at the Library for the Blind. Will definitely check it out. I love Shannon Hale's books, particularly The Books of Byrn and the one about the two maidens in a tower, (can't think of the title).

Some of my favorite books I read this year are: Madman, by Tracey Groot, Good Masters! Sweet Ladies! Voices from a Medieval Village, by Laura Amy Schlitz, The Silver Bowl, by Diane Stanley, and Three Times Lucky, by Sheila Turnage.

I hope that you read some more excellent books in the upcoming year. Congratulations once again on the completion of the first draft of Moonscript. God bless you.

Anonymous said...

I remember reading the Mistmantle series, those were good books

Sarah Faulkner said...

I haven't read any of these. :( I normally read all of Dianna Wynne Jones's and Shannon Hale's books, but I guess I missed these.
~Sarah Faulkner

inklinedwriters.blogspot.com

Hannah said...

All these books are real good, so if you haven't read them, you should definitely give them a shot!

Thanks for the recommendations, Meredith!

Unknown said...

My favorite book this year might be "Fire and Hemlock," by Dianna Wynne Jones. It's a great book; I really loved it.

Hannah said...

Oooo, I've heard great things about Fire and Hemlock. I'll have to read it someday. :)

Serena Chase said...

Thank you so much for including The Ryn and The Remedy in your list! I am honored to have them listed among these great books! Thanks so much! *hugs*