I'm noticing a descending trend in the number of books I'm reading but thankfully that's not the same with the number of books I'm enjoying. 2013 wasn't the best reading year but it was a year in which I read some of my all time favourite books.

5th: Champion - Marie Lu

I'm a big fan of this series. It's fast paced, action packed and contains two of my favourite characters, Day and June. It's not everyday that one reads about characters as intelligent and compatible as them. In my whole reading career, I've only read one other so it's a treat when books like this come along!

4th: Crown of Midnight - Sarah J. Maas

Something I've come to notice about myself is that I have a fascination with assassins. Crown of Midnight is a perfect example of the kind of assassins stories I like. I love this series.

3rd: Scarlet - A.C. Gaughan

Retellings! To be honest, I tend to ignore retelling despite their reappearance in popular reads. The only one I remember reading is one of Mulan and that's because Mulan is irresistible!

Scarlet on the other hand, is a retelling of Robin Hood with a twist. Robin's band includes a spunky crossdressing girl named Scarlet! Now that I think about it the resemblance to Mulan is probably why I enjoyed it so much :)

2nd: Clockwork Princess - Cassandra Clare

The stunning finale to Cassandra's Infernal Devices literally left me reeling. I'm still a little scarred by this one. Nonetheless, it was fantastic.

1st: The Bronze Horseman - Paullina Simons

Eek! I've talked about this one quite a lot these past few months. It's different, set in Russia which was automatically a whiff of fresh air after the never ending supply of books set in North America. This one really opened my eyes to the fact that I could enjoy books outside of YA, I haven't found any besides this one but I think it's fun to branch out every now and again :)

P.S. Think man in army suit, now think perfect 20th century gentleman. Do you have the image in your head? Now go read this book!

Conclusion:

It's been an interesting reading year. I've read more fantasy and historical fiction, which are quite like me. I read to escape and to travel and these books are the best at doing that!

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

Lady Thief

A.C. Gaughen
  February 11, 2014

Scarlet’s true identity has been revealed, but her future is uncertain. Her forced marriage to Lord Gisbourne threatens Robin and Scarlet’s love, and as the royal court descends upon Nottingham for the appointment of a new Sheriff, the people of Nottingham hope that Prince John will appoint their beloved Robin Hood. But Prince John has different plans for Nottingham that revolve around a fateful secret from Scarlet’s past even she isn’t yet aware of. Forced to participate at court alongside her ruthless husband, Scarlet must bide her time and act the part of a noblewoman—a worthy sacrifice if it means helping Robin’s cause and a chance at a future with the man she loves. With a fresh line of intrigue and as much passion as ever, the next chapter in Scarlet’s tale will have readers talking once again.

Goodreads

I am floundering for this book to be released. I think I've raved enough but I'm still not satisfied. Scarlet is one of my favourite books of the year and all time favourite retellings. Therefore, it is a given that I'm shocked at the lack of people who have read it. I've talked more about it's amazingness in my Spotlight post. Overall, it's a phenomenal action, adventure, retelling of the beloved Robin Hood. I obviously loved it immensely and now I'm dying for the sequel. I have high expectations for this one although I'm not sure where Ms. Gaughen is going to take the story.

 

What Are You Waiting On?

-MARI

Scarlet - A.C Gaughen (Scarlet #1)

Release Date: February 14, 2012

Publisher: Walker Children's 

Age Group: Young Adult

Pages: 292

Buy the Book: Amazon

Many readers know the tale of Robin Hood, but they will be swept away by this new version full of action, secrets, and romance. 

Posing as one of Robin Hood’s thieves to avoid the wrath of the evil Thief Taker Lord Gisbourne, Scarlet has kept her identity secret from all of Nottinghamshire. Only the Hood and his band know the truth: the agile thief posing as a whip of a boy is actually a fearless young woman with a secret past. Helping the people of Nottingham outwit the corrupt Sheriff of Nottingham could cost Scarlet her life as Gisbourne closes in.

It’s only her fierce loyalty to Robin—whose quick smiles and sharp temper have the rare power to unsettle her—that keeps Scarlet going and makes this fight worth dying for.

Synopsis and cover taken from Goodreads.  

Why It's Awesome:

- An epic Robin Hood retelling! 

- Strong female protagonist who cross dresses!

- Tree climbing and action packed adventure.

- A honourable band of thieves!

- A past that has come to haunt her. 

- A ticking timer, will they be able to save the people of Nottinghamshire?

Similar Titles:
Eon/Eona - Allison Goodmen
Grave Mercy/Dark Triumph - Robin LaFevers
Poison Study - Maria V. Snyder

Book Trailer:

-MARI