Welcome to the “Top 10 of 2016”! “Top 10 of 2016” is a fun-filled week where we look back at some of the best of all things books of 2016 and look ahead to what we can’t wait for in 2017. This event is hosted by Rachel of Fiktshun, Jaime of Two Chicks on Books, Nancy of Tales of a Ravenous Reader, and Bridget of Dark Faerie Tales!
Each day this week there will be a new Top 10 list, today’s being “Best Couples of 2016”. Some of these are not books that have come out this year, but rather from the books I’ve read this year–old and new! And these are, also, in no particular order. I hope you enjoy!
And, if you’d like to catch my Top 10 lists from the earlier this week, check out Best Books I’ve Read in 2016 and Best Book Covers of 2016.
Claire and Jamie
Outlander by Diana GabaldonThe year is 1945. Claire Randall, a former combat nurse, is just back from the war and reunited with her husband on a second honeymoon when she walks through a standing stone in one of the ancient circles that dot the British Isles. Suddenly she is a Sassenach—an “outlander”—in a Scotland torn by war and raiding border clans in the year of Our Lord…1743.
Hurled back in time by forces she cannot understand, Claire is catapulted into the intrigues of lairds and spies that may threaten her life, and shatter her heart. For here James Fraser, a gallant young Scots warrior, shows her a love so absolute that Claire becomes a woman torn between fidelity and desire—and between two vastly different men in two irreconcilable lives.
Kady and Ezra
Illuminae by Amie Kaufman and Jay KristoffThis morning, Kady thought breaking up with Ezra was the hardest thing she’d have to do.
This afternoon, her planet was invaded.
The year is 2575, and two rival megacorporations are at war over a planet that’s little more than an ice-covered speck at the edge of the universe. Too bad nobody thought to warn the people living on it. With enemy fire raining down on them, Kady and Ezra—who are barely even talking to each other—are forced to fight their way onto an evacuating fleet, with an enemy warship in hot pursuit.
But their problems are just getting started. A deadly plague has broken out and is mutating, with terrifying results; the fleet’s AI, which should be protecting them, may actually be their enemy; and nobody in charge will say what’s really going on. As Kady hacks into a tangled web of data to find the truth, it’s clear only one person can help her bring it all to light: the ex-boyfriend she swore she’d never speak to again.
Told through a fascinating dossier of hacked documents—including emails, schematics, military files, IMs, medical reports, interviews, and more—Illuminae is the first book in a heart-stopping, high-octane trilogy about lives interrupted, the price of truth, and the courage of everyday heroes.
Eleanor and Park
Eleanor and Park by Rainbow RowellTwo misfits.
One extraordinary love.Eleanor… Red hair, wrong clothes. Standing behind him until he turns his head. Lying beside him until he wakes up. Making everyone else seem drabber and flatter and never good enough…Eleanor.
Park… He knows she’ll love a song before he plays it for her. He laughs at her jokes before she ever gets to the punch line. There’s a place on his chest, just below his throat, that makes her want to keep promises…Park.
Set over the course of one school year, this is the story of two star-crossed sixteen-year-olds—smart enough to know that first love almost never lasts, but brave and desperate enough to try.
Celaena and Chaol
Throne of Glass by Sarah J. MaasAfter serving out a year of hard labor in the salt mines of Endovier for her crimes, 18-year-old assassin Celaena Sardothien is dragged before the Crown Prince. Prince Dorian offers her her freedom on one condition: she must act as his champion in a competition to find a new royal assassin.
Her opponents are men-thieves and assassins and warriors from across the empire, each sponsored by a member of the king’s council. If she beats her opponents in a series of eliminations, she’ll serve the kingdom for four years and then be granted her freedom. Celaena finds her training sessions with the captain of the guard, Westfall, challenging and exhilarating. But she’s bored stiff by court life. Things get a little more interesting when the prince starts to show interest in her … but it’s the gruff Captain Westfall who seems to understand her best.
Then one of the other contestants turns up dead … quickly followed by another. Can Celaena figure out who the killer is before she becomes a victim? As the young assassin investigates, her search leads her to discover a greater destiny than she could possibly have imagined.
Katsa and Po
Graceling by Kristin CashoreKatsa has been able to kill a man with her bare hands since she was eight – she’s a Graceling, one of the rare people in her land born with an extreme skill. As niece of the king, she should be able to live a life of privilege, but Graced as she is with killing, she is forced to work as the king’s thug.
When she first meets Prince Po, Graced with combat skills, Katsa has no hint of how her life is about to change.
She never expects to become Po’s friend.
She never expects to learn a new truth about her own Grace – or about a terrible secret that lies hidden far away.
Feyre and Rhysand
A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. MaasFeyre survived Amarantha’s clutches to return to the Spring Court—but at a steep cost. Though she now has the powers of the High Fae, her heart remains human, and it can’t forget the terrible deeds she performed to save Tamlin’s people.
Nor has Feyre forgotten her bargain with Rhysand, High Lord of the feared Night Court. As Feyre navigates its dark web of politics, passion, and dazzling power, a greater evil looms—and she might be key to stopping it. But only if she can harness her harrowing gifts, heal her fractured soul, and decide how she wishes to shape her future—and the future of a world cleaved in two.
With more than a million copies sold of her beloved Throne of Glass series, Sarah J. Maas’s masterful storytelling brings this second book in her seductive and action-packed series to new heights.
Lily and ??
P.S. I Like You by Kasie WestSigned, sealed, delivered…
While spacing out in chemistry class, Lily scribbles some of her favorite song lyrics onto her desk. The next day, she finds that someone has continued the lyrics on the desk and added a message to her. Intrigue!
Soon, Lily and her anonymous pen pal are exchanging full-on letters—sharing secrets, recommending bands, and opening up to each other. Lily realizes she’s kind of falling for this letter writer. Only, who is he? As Lily attempts to unravel the mystery and juggle school, friends, crushes, and her crazy family, she discovers that matters of the heart can’t always be spelled out…
Abbey and Tarak
Dark Planet Warriors by Anna CarvenAbbey
Some scary looking aliens have just boarded Fortuna Tau, our little asteroid mining station. Kordolians, by the looks of things. What the hell do they want with this floating rust bucket? What are they even doing here?
In the grand scheme of things, Earth is a total backwater, and the Solar System is the galactic equivalent of Hicksville. That’s why aliens rarely bother to come to this corner of the universe. And Kordolians are usually too busy conquering the important parts of the nine galaxies to bother with us.
But it looks as if their battle cruiser is broken. Probably shot up in a firefight. They’re going to use every means necessary to fix it, even if it means putting Fortuna Tau on lockdown. I just hope they don’t decide to enslave us and ship us off to some remote alien planet.
Come to think of it, I’ve never seen a Kordolian up close before. They’re huge, with strange silver skin and pointed ears. They have freaky nano-armor. And they’re packing a serious arsenal. Our human technology has no chance against their weapons.
When I encounter their General, I find him insufferable. Arrogant. Domineering. He won’t tell me anything.
I guess that’s what happens when your race is kicking ass across the nine galaxies. You get pigheaded.
So why do I keep running into him? Why is he looking at me funny? And what’s with this weird feeling I get when he’s around?
I really hope these guys fix their ship and go away soon, because I get the feeling they could be major trouble.Tarak
Sucked into a wormhole during a fierce skirmish with an enemy ship. Spat out near a human mining station in a remote corner of the nine galaxies. Stuck with weak humans who operate with inferior metals and technology.
This mission couldn’t get any worse.
We need to fix our craft before the wormhole collapses.
We need to hunt the cursed Xargek monsters that have infiltrated this human rust-bucket.
And these infernal headaches of mine are getting worse.
I don’t really care about these humans. Their existence makes no sense to me. All I care about is killing Xargek and getting back to my home planet, Kythia.
This situation is tiresome. The light of the star humans call the Sun burns my eyes. I crave Kythia’s darkness.
So why has this crazy human female captured my attention? She’s messy, awkward and she babbles nonsense half the time.
These humans are crazy. I don’t understand them at all. Especially this female. Why do I keep coming back to her?
I need to leave this place before I go insane.
Aria and Braith
Captured by Erica StevensBlood Slave.
Captured, taken from her beloved family and woods, Aria’s biggest fear is not the imminent death facing her, but that she will be chosen as a blood slave for a member of the ruling vampire race. No matter what becomes of her though, Aria knows that she must keep her identity hidden from the monsters imprisoning her. She has already been branded a member of the rebellion, but the vampires do not know the true depth of her involvement with it, and they must never know. Though hoping for death, Aria’s world is turned upside down when a vampire named Braith steps forward to claim her. He delays her execution, but Aria knows it’s only a matter of time before he drains her, and destroys her. Especially once she learns his true identity as a prince within the royal family; the same royal family that started the war that ultimately brought down humankind, reducing them to nothing more than servants and slaves. Aria is determined to hate the prince, determined not to give into him in anyway, but his strange kindness, and surprising gentleness astonish her. Torn between her loyalties to the rebellion, and her growing love for her greatest enemy, Aria struggles to decide between everything she has ever known, and a love she never dreamed of finding.
Elizabeth and Ehd
Transcendence by Shay SavageIt’s said that women and men are from two different planets when it comes to communication, but how can they overcome the obstacles of prehistoric times when one of them simply doesn’t have the ability to comprehend language?
Ehd’s a caveman living on his own in a harsh wilderness. He’s strong and intelligent, but completely alone. When he finds a beautiful young woman in his pit trap, it’s obvious to him that she is meant to be his mate. He doesn’t know where she came from; she’s wearing some pretty odd clothing, and she makes a lot of noises with her mouth that give him a headache. Still, he’s determined to fulfill his purpose in life – provide for her, protect her, and put a baby in her.
Elizabeth doesn’t know where she is or exactly how she got there. She’s confused and distressed by her predicament, and there’s a caveman hauling her back to his cavehome. She’s not at all interested in Ehd’s primitive advances, and she just can’t seem to get him to listen. No matter what she tries, getting her point across to this primitive, but beautiful, man is a constant – and often hilarious – struggle.
With only each other for company, they must rely on one another to fight the dangers of the wild and prepare for the winter months. As they struggle to coexist, theirs becomes a love story that transcends language and time.
Thanks for stopping by and if you have a second, let me know what you think of my list. Are you a fan of any of these couples, too? And leave me a link to your list if you have one!
Feyre and Rhysand, Katsa and Po… these are definitely some of my favourite couples ever. You've also added about five more books to my wishlist lol. I keep hearing so many good things about Rainbow Rowell – going to have to try one of her books.
Feyre and Rhysand, Katsa and Po… these are definitely some of my favourite couples ever. You've also added about five more books to my wishlist lol. I keep hearing so many good things about Rainbow Rowell – going to have to try one of her books.
Great post. I love Fayre and Rhysand and Caelena and Chaol too. I need to read some more of the books on this list.
I absolutely loved Kady & Ezra. That book destroyed me. Have you read Gemina yet? And Feyre and Rhys! Those two are everything!
I absolutely loved Kady & Ezra. That book destroyed me. Have you read Gemina yet? And Feyre and Rhys! Those two are everything!
I've only read ACOMAF and P.S. I Like You, but both of them made it to my OTPs list! I ship Feyre/Rhysand and Lily/?? so hard. Haven't read the other, but I'm hoping to read Illuminae next year.
I've only read ACOMAF and P.S. I Like You, but both of them made it to my OTPs list! I ship Feyre/Rhysand and Lily/?? so hard. Haven't read the other, but I'm hoping to read Illuminae next year.
Ah…Eleanor & Park ♥
I really need to read Outlander and Ps I like you so bad.
Megan @ reading away the days
I really need to read Outlander and Ps I like you so bad.
Megan @ reading away the days
Claire and Jamie are one of my favorite book couples too! <3
My List
I adore Kady and Erza soooo much! And I'm happy to see you're a Celaena and Chaol shipper, too haha. I've got P.S. I Love You on my tbr, excited to get to it!
Great list, Christine!
I adore Kady and Erza soooo much! And I'm happy to see you're a Celaena and Chaol shipper, too haha. I've got P.S. I Love You on my tbr, excited to get to it!
Great list, Christine!
Whoops, my first comment never posted for whatever reason. *shakes fist at Blogger*
I see you've read Graceling! I adored Katsa and Po, but Fire and Brigan are my all-time favorite couple. That romance was so swoony. I loved Lily and [ ]! That was a fun romance, and so adorable. Fantastic list, Christine! =)
Check out my Top Ten post!
Whoops, my first comment never posted for whatever reason. *shakes fist at Blogger*
I see you've read Graceling! I adored Katsa and Po, but Fire and Brigan are my all-time favorite couple. That romance was so swoony. I loved Lily and [ ]! That was a fun romance, and so adorable. Fantastic list, Christine! =)
Check out my Top Ten post!
You should definitely read Eleanor & Park! It's wonderful!
You should definitely read Eleanor & Park! It's wonderful!
Thanks, Kayleigh! Fayre and Rhys—I can't get enough!
No, I haven't read Gemina yet! I'm SOOOO eager! I got some Amazon money for Christmas from my son, so I think it'll be one of my next reads. 🙂 And, yes, Feyre and Rhys…Just talking about them makes me want to read the books again.
No, I haven't read Gemina yet! I'm SOOOO eager! I got some Amazon money for Christmas from my son, so I think it'll be one of my next reads. 🙂 And, yes, Feyre and Rhys…Just talking about them makes me want to read the books again.
Illuminae was fabulous! And, yes, I can't stop singing the praises of Feyre and Rhys. 🙂
Illuminae was fabulous! And, yes, I can't stop singing the praises of Feyre and Rhys. 🙂
Yes! I love them!
Yes! I love them!
Outlander will FOREVER be one of my favorites!
Aren't they amazing?!
Aren't they amazing?!
Celaena and Chaol–yup. I don't know how many of us are out there! 🙂
Celaena and Chaol–yup. I don't know how many of us are out there! 🙂
Thank you, Alyssa!! And I agree about P.S. I Like You. It was so sweet. 🙂
Thank you, Alyssa!! And I agree about P.S. I Like You. It was so sweet. 🙂
Kady and Ezra- I totally agree. And I need to read Eleanor & Park since I LOVED Cath and Levi in Fangirl- so I'll probably love her other stuff too. 🙂
That cover of Captured is amazing!
Oh, I LOVE Eleanor & Park. They are just adorable. That ending….*sigh*
I really need to read Graceling & P.S. I Like You.
Oh, I LOVE Eleanor & Park. They are just adorable. That ending….*sigh*
I really need to read Graceling & P.S. I Like You.
Awesome list you have! I really need to get back into reading Sarah J. Maas' works!
Here’s my Best Debut Authors!
Ronyell @ Rabbit Ears Book Blog
Awesome list you have! I really need to get back into reading Sarah J. Maas' works!
Here’s my Best Debut Authors!
Ronyell @ Rabbit Ears Book Blog
I ship Katsa and Po, as well as Feyre and Rhysand, SO HARD. They have incredible chemistry ♥♥♥
Yes to this list! I love these couples, too! I still need to read some of these books, but I love your picks!
Yes to this list! I love these couples, too! I still need to read some of these books, but I love your picks!
Eleanor and Park was great! I need to read Fangirl!
Eleanor and Park was great! I need to read Fangirl!
Yes! These are both wonderful reads!
Yes! These are both wonderful reads!
She's really one of my favorites!
She's really one of my favorites!
I agree so much! <3
I agree so much! <3
Thank you, Lis!