Top Ten Tuesday: Worth the Hype

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme created by the Broke and Bookish and hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl where we get a new topic for a top 10 list. 

It would be so easy to write a list of the pros and cons of hyped books, but I’ll save that for another time. Instead, this weeks topic is all about highlighting those books that lived up to the hype. Now, I don’t know about you, but hyped books intimidate me because you go in expecting to be blown away only to be left with a mediocre ‘meh’ moment. However, certain books do live up to those expectations, and here are the books that are worth all the hype.

1. Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo: I had to feature this series. I have a habit of waiting a while before reading hyped up books, but the love that poured for Six of Crows as soon as it was released had me rushing to grab a copy. Guys, if you’ve still not read this duology, I urge you to do so. This ragtag group of characters are complex and have a layer of depth to them.

2. Illuminae by Amie Kaufman & Jay Kristoff: This series is a such a unique reading experience, and the promotional campaign in the lead up to its release was immense. Expectations were sky high and I am so happy that the unique narrative method succeeds in giving us this unique experience whilst also doing a solid job of developing the characters.

3. The Winner’s Trilogy by Marie Rutkoski: So much angst. There were two reasons I waited so long to read this series. One, because the hype terrified me, and two, because I was warned of all the punches this series throws at us. Let me tell you, this series is worth every bit of it. It will put you through the ringer, but at the end of it all you will be left exhausted and very satisfied with the journey our characters go on.

4. A Darker Shade of Magic by V. E. Schwab: The Shades of Magic series has long become one of my favourite series. However, it was not the first V. E. Schwab book that I read. I made a conscious decision to read Vicious before jumping on the Shades of Magic bandwagon. It was the best decision in the long run because Vicious served as an introduction to Schwab’s writing and it helped keep my expectations grounded for when it came to reading the Shades of Magic series.

5. Since You’ve Been Gone by Morgan Matson: For so long I had seen people rave about Morgan Matson’s books. I resisted for a while because I didn’t want to buy into the hype. However, as soon as I picked up this book I knew it would be a hit. Now, I am one of those readers that will urge everyone to read her books, especially if you want a good summer contemporary novel.

6. Mistborn Trilogy by Brandon Sanderson: Not going to lie, the size of this series is intimidating as hell. Each book is around 600 pages long and there is a lot to take in. It took me three months to finish this trilogy, but in the end, it was worth it all. Sanderson’s world building was epic and I loved unraveling the hidden secrets in this world and seeing the characters develop alongside of it.

7. The Book Theif by Markus Zusak: I will always encourage people to read this book. It is such a moving story, it deserves to have the spotlight. Everything about this book is worth the hype.

8. Jellicoe Road by Melina Marchetta: Melina Marchetta was the author that really opened my eyes to the wonders of Australian literature. In the blogging community, I’d heard nothing but praise for Jellicoe Road and I was dubious to start, but by the end, I was floored by how incredible this book is.

9. Red Rising by Pierce Brown: I still feel incredibly guilty for not finishing the series and it’s been so long that I should probably re-read the entire series from the start. Having said that, there is no doubting the brilliance of Red Rising. There are moments in this book that still brings a chill down my spine.

10. I’ll Meet You There by Heather Demetrios: The reason I’m spotlighting this book last is that I think it deserves more hype. This book is one of my all time favourites, and I want it to get the love and appreciation it deserves. I’ll Meet You There has everything. It’s emotional, and it’s messy, but it’s also beautiful, and hopeful and explores the complexity of human nature whilst highlighting the strength and resilience of these two incredible characters.

Those are the books that lived up to the hype.
Which books do you think are worth the hype?

 

 

37 thoughts on “Top Ten Tuesday: Worth the Hype”

  1. Jellicoe is the one that I was the most scared to start. And even when I started, I wasn’t loving it, but then by the end, bam! IN LOVE! It really did sneak up on me. I wasn’t sure Illuminae would be for me either, but picked it up because of the hype. I was pleasantly surprised by that one too, though have yet to pick the other books! I need to change that. And same for Darker Shade of Magic. Loved book 1 and picked it up because of hype, but have yet to finish the series.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Same. When I was reading it I really didn’t understand the hype, but by the end, I was like WOW. Everything came together and it just hit me in the feels. I find it’s easier to read and enjoy the books once the hype dies down a bit.

      Like

  3. This is such a good list, Lois and I nodded along as I read your paragraph on I’ll Meet You There, this book needs and deserves all the hype in the world, it’s so wonderful and heartbreakingly beautiful ❤
    I have read and loved Six of Crows and ADSOM, I agree that they both really deserve all the hype they are getting, they're fantastic! I really need to try to read Jellicoe Road, this book has been recommended to me a few times now and it sounds great 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I will shout my love for I’ll Meet You There all day long. Everyone should read that book. It’s just painfully beautiful.
      I’m still so happy you’ve now read the Six of Crows books. You understand my pain haha.
      Jellicoe Road is one that unexpectedly hits you. It’s one that crept up on me and then crushed me.

      Liked by 1 person

  9. So glad to see “Six of Crows” on so many lists today, and of course, anytime Morgan Matson is featured, I’m excited at the prospect of discovering a new book by her!! Her newest book is one I hope to read soon. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

  16. The Shades of Magic series is also a personal favorite of all times. My heart hurt when I finished A Conjuring of Light. BUT I got to attend V.E. Schwab’s book tour and meet her, so that made it feel better lol

    I’ve been recommended the Red Rising series by a few people but have yet to pick it up. I did purchase the first book when it went on sale for the kindle version… I’m one step closer lol

    Liked by 1 person

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