Tuesday, August 9, 2016

Top Ten Tuesday: My Favorite Standalone Novels


Today's "Top Ten" topic is to choose a past topic you missed out on. I chose Top Ten Standalone Novels!

Confession: I don't even know if this was a past topic, but if not, it totally should have been and I'm going to do it anyway. So here we go.

I hear a lot of complaints around the blogosphere about how many series and trilogies and duologies, etc. there are, and how little standalones we see getting published. When books that stand alone are such wonderful things! Series are too, of course, but it's nice to sit down with a book and know that you're going to get the full story, with a proper ending and everything--without having to wait for the next book. And the next, and possibly the next one, and so on.

SO. If you're looking for your next great read, but don't want to commit to a series, I highly recommend these titles. :D

My Top Ten Standalone Books


The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater (fantasy) 

This one was so compelling and beautiful. The writing and the characters will stick with you for a long time.

The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern (fantasy)

Complex. Magical. Mysterious. Enchanting. This book's strongest points are its lyrical writing and beautiful imagery.

Tiger Lily by Jodi Lynn Anderson (fantasy)

 If this book doesn't touch your heart, you're probably not even human. This is a spin on Peter Pan, but don't expect a typical fairy tale retelling (and ending). This one's unique.

The Distance Between Us by Kasie West (contemporary)

So, I recently binge read all of Kasie's books that I could my hands on.... and this one is by far my favorite. So. Much. Sarcasm. And a cute romance. :)

The Forgotten Beasts of Eld by Patricia A. McKillip (fantasy)

It's been a looong time since I've read this one, but I just know I would still love it if I read it again. Which I will. Someday!

Made You Up by Francesca Zappia (contemporary)

Another recent read that just blew me away. The pages flew by for me in this book about a girl with schizophrenia, and I was so caught up in Alex's story. I loved how everything came together.

Summers at Castle Auburn by Sharon Shinn (fantasy-ish, coming of age)

This story was definitely character-driven. It was mostly about Coriel's journey as a person, and I
loved it. A light-hearted comfort read!

Whistling Past the Graveyard by Susan Crandall (historical)

This was fun, yet deeply moving. And 9-year-old Starla was a hilarious and likeable narrator.

The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini (historical)

Again, it's been awhile since I've read this. But this is a story that stays with you.

Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys (historical)

During World War II, a girl is forced, under Stalin's orders, to work in a camp in Siberia and suffers from cruel conditions. Beautiful and heartbreaking.




Have you read any of these? What is your favorite standalone novel? Do you prefer standalones or series? Also, leave me a link to your TTT!

27 comments:

  1. I loved The Scorpio Races - it was amazing. And The Night Circus sounds interesting, I've been on the lookout for books with lyrical prose lately. I really enjoyed this post!

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    Replies
    1. The Night Circus definitely fulfills that requirement! I highly recommend it. Thanks for stopping by, Candice!

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  2. For the first two, I really wish we could get some more from those worlds! :)

    Thanks for visiting my blog earlier!

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  3. I've read Ruta Sepetys's other 2 standalones, and they were both excellent. I still need to read Between Shades of Gray, though. Tiger Lily is also on my TBR; my cousin loved it and often reminds me that I need to get around to picking it up, lol.

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  4. Ooh, this is an EPIC list!! I actually have heard people talk about how few standalones there are too...but just tracking the books I've read this year, omg, at least 50% (if not higher!) have actually been standalones! So I do think they are out there *nods* But I also aaaadore your list because of the epic books here. Made You Up, Tiger Lily, The Distance Between Us, THE BEAUTIFUL SCORPIO RACES. <333 So so good.

    Thanks for stopping by @ Paper Fury!

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  5. I haven't read any of these, but the Night Circus. It was gorgeous!

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  6. Loooved the Scorpio Races!! I still need to read Tiger Lily and Night Circus - I own that last one though so hopefully soon :)

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  7. Love this topic, I can always appreciate a standalone in a world with so many series. I've read about half of these and the ones I have read I loved, awesome picks :D

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  8. OMG it's like you read my mind! Tiger Lily was so sad and beautiful, and Between Shades of Gray was absolutely heartbreaking. Glad to see you liked them as much as I did. <3 Thanks for sharing and, as always, fabulous choices! <3

    ~ Zoe @ Stories on Stage

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  9. Standalone books are so much fun. They're also kind of sad, because when they're over...they're over :(
    I LOVED Between Shades of Grey, it tore my heart to prices and I'm pretty sure I cried a few times xD have you read any other books by Ruta Sepetys?

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  10. Between Shades of Grey was wonderful, I'm desperate to read Salt to the Sea! Apart from that, I've only read The Night Circus on this list, but I am buzzing for Scorpio Races and I would love to get my hands on Made You Up! It seems so fascinating -- the title really draws me in -- and the cover is gorgeous ...

    Some of my faves are The Book Thief and The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt. As for your series v standalones question ... that's a tough one! I love a good long series where you can really get invested and know the world (ie A Song of Ice and Fire) or see the characters grow up (Harry Potter of course!), but series are an investment. Quite a big one. These days I have a rule that I only read ten at a time ... to stop myself just starting them left, right and centre!

    Great post, Ally :)

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    Replies
    1. I own The Book Thief and The Goldfinch but I haven't read them yet! I'll have to get on that!

      And yes, series are an investment, but I do love getting to be part of a world for so long. :)

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