Allison: Top Ten New-To-Me Authors I Read In 2013

Top Ten New-To-Me Authors I Read In 2013

Lenore Appelhans (Level 2) – I already knew Lenore was kind of an awesome person after following her blog and meeting her at BEA in 2012 but did you know she’s also an awesome writer too? I devoured Level 2 (now titled The Memory of After) and am so very much excited to read Chasing Before.

Sophia Bennett (The Look) – I picked up The Look at random while attending a signing at Oblong Books. I didn’t really know what to expect but I really liked the sound of the premise. Honestly, I’m really glad I took a chance on it because it introduced me to a lovely new author who also personally contacted me to ask if I wanted a signed card to go with the ARC giveaway I was hosting. How cool is that?

Kristen Callihan (Firelight) – From the moment I read the back of Firelight I was hooked and knew I had to check this book out. In the process I found a new series to fall in love with as well as an author who knows how to write fiery women who are not damsels in distress and men who are not just looking for another woman to rescue.

Kimberly Sabatini (Touching the Surface)  – As someone who had gotten a bit of a behind the scenes take on watching as Kimberly Sabatini prepared to release her debut novel, I couldn’t be more happy to add her to this list. Not only is she such a nice genuine person but her book really is one of my favorites of this year.

Stephanie Perkins (Anna and the French Kiss) – I had heard a lot about Stephanie Perkins since I started co-blogging with April (perhaps even before then) and this was the year I finally broke down to check her out and see what the buzz was about. I’m so glad that I did because in the process I found another author who made me swoon and smile like nobody’s business.

Megan McCafferty (Sloppy Firsts) – I was introduced to Jessica Darling this year, and now my life has been forever changed. Seriously, how did I go so long without knowing who she was and how much Megan McCafferty could make me laugh? I have no idea.

Jason Reynolds (When I Was The Greatest) – I seriously cannot praise Jason Reynolds enough. Hearing him speak at the Simon Teen party at BEA this year was honestly one of my favorite parts of BEA, and it was because of that that I couldn’t resist starting his book When I Was The Greatest even though it wasn’t scheduled to be published until January 2014. I was that enthralled by what he was saying, and the story behind his truly diverse book and I can’t wait for more people to be able to get their hands on it because it is so worth the read.

Rainbow Rowell (Eleanor & Park) – Rainbow Rowell writes about real teens in real life situations and I can’t thank her enough for that. I’m so glad I stumbled upon her, and listened to the hype that is surrounding her, and gave her a chance. She is someone I will be keeping on my radar for a very long time.

Rae Carson (Girl of Fire and Thorns) – This is a perfect example of why I should always listen to April when she tells me to read a book. For a really long time now, April had been nagging me to read Girl of Fire and Thorns and I kept saying I would … eventually. Well, this year I finally caved, and I can’t say I’m ungrateful for that because I was introduced to a writer who truly knows how to craft a beautiful fantasy world.

George R.R Martin (A Game of Thrones) – What can I say about George R.R. Martin that probably hasn’t already been said? He’s full of surprises that is for sure. I learned very quickly in my reading of the Song of Ice and Fire series not to get too attached to too many characters because something bad is probably going to happen to them.  Still, I’ve enjoyed reading his stories, and cannot wait to continue.

Who are some of your favorite new-to-me authors of this year?

As always Top Ten Tuesday is hosted by The Broke And The Bookish.