Amy: It's the end of 2013 of and it was a great year. I got to do a lot of traveling this year. I went to BEA in New York City. I went to RomCon in Colorado Springs and I even traveled to Austin for the Austin Teen Book Festival. I met a lot of really great authors and made some new friends.
Fry: While I didn't read a lot of books between Mid-August and Mid- December because of my surprise pregnancy, I did read quite a few. Hopefully next year I can break the century barrier. I'm sure I'll have very little sleeping to do. :P
We snagged this survey and the fancy pics from Perpetual Page Turner. Feel free to join in if you'd like or just go visit her original page and see all the unique and fascinating answers.
1. Best book you read in 2013? (If you have to cheat, you can break it down by genre)
Amy: I read so many good books so it is hard to narrow it down to one. A few of my favorites are: Scarlet by Marissa Meyer, Splinterd by A.G. Howard, For Darkness Shows the Stars by Diana Peterfreund, These Broken Stars by Amie Kaufman and Meagan Spooner and How to Run with a Naked Werewolf by Molly Harper. So when I listed these books I realized I love retellings and snarky lead females.
Fry: The three I loved the most were Perdition by Ann Aguirre, Highlander Most Wanted by Maya Banks and Siege and Storm by Leigh Bardugo. I love them all for different reasons, but they were by far my best reads in 2013.
2. Book you were excited about and thought you were going to love, but didn't?
Amy: The Coldest Girl in Coldtown. I was so excited when I scored an ARC at BEA but when I read it I didn't even finish it. In my opinion, it was drawn out and kind of boring.
Fry: The Bone Season by Samantha Shannon. It was hyped up considerably. Toted as the next in line for the Harry Potter throne. As someone married to a wizard rocker and semi-entrenched in the Harry Potter fandom, that gave the book a pretty high bar to reach. Unfortunately, it didn't hold the same whimsy and magic that such a claim demanded and fell flat.
3. Most surprising (in a good way!) book of 2013?
Amy: I am not a big fan of high fantasy but I loved Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo. It was so good I binged Shadow and Bone and the second book Siege and Storm. It was full of action, bad guys, and of course kissing.
Fry: The Collector by Victoria Scott. In no way would I expect a book about a douchebag demon using a disabled girl for her soul to be so heartwarming and hilarious. Seriously.
4. Book you read in 2013 that you recommended to people most in 2013?
Amy: I pushed anything by Marissa Meyer on my friends and family. I loved Cinder and Scarlet so much that I bought copies for my friends and family so they would have their own. I really liked The Collector by Victoria Scott so much I gave away copy on the blog and got signed copies as gifts. I tell everyone how nice Marissa Meyer and Victoria Scott are to their fans.
Fry: Leigh Bardugo's stuff. Or, at least I tried. I gave my signed copy of Shadow and Bone to my husband's librarian aunt to borrow and she loved it. So, hopefully that'll be coming back into my possession soon. Honestly, though, I spent most of 2013 championing Vampire Academy to my friends. I actually want it to do well in the box office. You know, so we can get the hotness that is Adrian on the big screen.
5. Best series you discovered in 2013?
Amy: Wow there were a lot of good series I discovered in 2013. Fry pushed the Grisha series by Leigh Bardugo at me and I loved it. Dante Walker series was a really good discovery too. I discovered the Pushing the Limits series by Katie McGarry, I loved this series so much because it is very romantic and real.
Fry: I have to go with Leigh Bardugo's Grisha again. It was like reading an old friend but also totally new at the same time.
6. Favorite new author you discovered in 2013?
Amy: Do I have to name just one because there were so many? So, not going to chose just one and name a few. Victoria Scott, A.G. Howard, Mindee Arnett, and Demitria Lunetta. All of these author debuted in 2013 and I can not wait to read the sequels in 2014. There were many but I am trying to keep list short.
Fry: Kate Karyus Quinn. Man, you guys. This debut was one of the most fantastic and interesting things I read in 2013. I didn't know where it was going and I didn't care. It was horrific and spellbinding. She's got another book coming out next year and I have all of the grabby hands for it.
7. Best book that was out of your comfort zone or was a new genre for you?
Amy: I didn't read out of my comfort zone this year. I think that needs to be a goal for me in 2014 because my hub keeps trying to get me to read some John Ringo.
Fry: Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell. I don't generally read contemporary young adult novels. I usually can't stand the puppy love and the pages of make out sessions and the over exaggerated drama. This book got under my skin and forced me to love it. I related so well with Cath and her fanatical obsession with Simon Snow, despite being ten years her senior.
8. Most thrilling, un-put-downable book in 2013?
Amy: Please, please don't make me chose just one because there were several I stayed up late reading. These Broken Stars by Amie Kaufman and Meagan Spooner, How to Run With a Naked Werewolf by Molly Harper, In the After by Demitria Lunetta, and Scarlet by Marissa Meyer.
Fry: Perdition. There was just something about it that kept me riveted. Once I had a chance to sit down and read it, I didn't stop. The amount of time I had to read was very little at that point in time and the wait between being allowed to sit down and read for lengths of time was excruciating.
9. Book in 2013 you are most likely to re-read next year?
Amy: Splintered by A.G Howard and the Nightmare Affair by Mindee Arnett or any other first books I read in series with sequels coming out in 2014 because I might need a refresher.
Fry: I don't generally reread books. I used to as a child, but unless there's been a significant amount of years in-between the original read and now, I don't bother.
10. Favorite cover of a book you read in 2013?
Amy:
I liked this cover so much I ordered a signed poster of the cover.
Fry:
11. Most memorable character in 2013?
Amy: Dr. Tina Campbell from How to Run With a Naked Werewolf. I love a snarky lead that can make me laugh me so hard while reading in bed, I wake my husband up and he gives me that look :). I also like her transition to healing and learning to love again.
Fry: Tansy from Mira Grant's Parasite. She's deliciously unhinged but has good intentions.
12. Most beautifully written book read in 2013?
Amy: Going to have to agree with Fry on this one because Another Little Piece by Kate Karyus Quinn was beautiful, horrific, and full of poetry.
Fry: Another Little Piece by Kate Karyus Quinn. There's poetry within the prose and without. It might be a horror novel, but it was a really well written and perfectly painted horror novel.
13. Book that had the greatest impact on you in 2013?
Amy: Greatest impact on me in 2013? Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell because I could relate. I loved the since of empowerment I took away from this book. I am a nerdy, socially awkward fangirl myself. I liked that in this book the main character learns she doesn't have to apologize for who she is. I like that she made her dreams come true in the end.
Fry: Greatest impact? Can it be good or bad? I read Beautiful Bastard by Christina Lauren, one of those new 'fanfiction turned erotic literature' books. Now, don't get me wrong, I love fanfiction. I just don't think it has any business being sold as legitimate books, especially what I would refer to back in the ye olde internet days as a 'lemon'. But, I do believe it has some merit. It helps some people hone their craft or discover that they are very good at the craft. It helps some writers just blow off steam, not having to think in their own world. It has it's uses and it's damn fun to read. Just don't try to sell it to me.
Anyway, after reading it I started a 'horrible fanfiction' club with my friends. We read just about the most terrible stuff you can think of. The most epic of badness. We read it out loud over Google Hangouts. Anyone is welcome when we're hosting an event, but keep in mind that we will force you to read the most uncomfortable thing we can find, and you get to read it immediately.
14. Book you can't believe you waited UNTIL 2013 to read?
Amy: Perfect Chemistry series by Simone Elkeles. I had this on my TBR and my friend Amy read it and said it was so good. I decided to binge read the series a couple days when I home sick. Such a good series especially the first two books.
Fry: A Dance with Dragons by George RR Martin. I read it out loud to my husband and it took much longer to start and then subsequently finish than the other books in the series. Perhaps it was the consistent Jon/Dany/Tyrion/Theon perspective changes without the added padding or neccisary respite of other characters. What respite there was was few and far between and contained more ironborn than not (I really hate the ironborn). We made it through to the other side and here's hoping that the next book is prompt and also more interesting.
15. Favorite passage/quote from a book you read in 2013?
Amy: "Right, sorry, there is absolutely nothing funny about this. Squirrel sexuality is a very serious matter." My Bluegrass Baby by Molly Harper. This whole scene is hilarious.
Fry: "A boy may be as disagreeable as he pleases, but when a girl refuses to crap sunshine on command, the world mutters darkly about her moods." Republic of Thieves by Scott Lynch
16. Shortest and longest book you read in 2013?
Amy: The longest book I read was Crash into You at 474 pages. Shortest book was Once Upon a Highland Christmas at 100 pages.
Fry: The longest was Dance with Dragons by George RR Martin at 1,016 pages. The shortest that was not a short story is The New Hunger by Isaac Marion at 105 pages.
17. Book that had a scene in it that had you reeling and dying to talk to somebody about it?
Amy: When I did the Lux readathon I was very happy because I could not wait to talk about the ending of Opal with other Lux fangirls.
Fry: Considering my lack of up to date bookish people to confide in, I tend to stifle that notion. Maybe I'll be able to freak out about it next year after networking a bit.
18. Favorite relationship from a book you read in 2013?
Amy: Cath and Levi from Fangril because I loved that Levi pushes Cath to try new things and doesn't let her lack of social skills scare him away.
Fry: Genevive McInnes and Bowen Montgomery from Highlander Most Wanted by Maya Banks. Maya Banks usually writes fantastic romances between characters. However unlikely and ridiculous they may seem they still have a lot of heart. Her new highlander romance series holds no prisoners. She pits emotionally scarred or physically scarred women against strong men and the women come out on top. Absolutely wonderful.
19. Favorite book you read in 2013 from an author that you've read previously?
Amy: How to Run With a Naked Werewolf by Molly Harper and Opal by Jennifer L. Armentrout. I love these authors.
Fry: Both Perdition by Ann Aguirre and Highlander Most Wanted by Maya Banks fall into this category. They are both authors that I love as well. I may be a little biased.
20. Best book you read in 2013 that you read based solely on a recommendation from someone else?
Amy: Perfect Chemistry by Simone Elkeles. My friend binge read the entire series and loved it. I trust her when it comes to books so I binge read it too, I couldn't resist.
Fry: No one recommends me things. No one loves me. People should change this. Recommend me all the things!
21. Genre you read the most from in 2013?
Amy: Romance is my thing, it has always been my go to genre and always will be. I am sucker for happy endings. Scifi, Fantasy, YA, Realistic Fiction, I read anything as long as there is kissing.
Fry: YA? Mostly dystopian and science fiction. That's my jam. Fantasy is my bread.
22. Newest fictional crush from a book you read in 2013?
Amy: I love Mal from Firefly. He just does it for me so I tend develop crushes on book boys that remind of him. I love Throne from Scarlet because he such a scoundrel and so much like Mal.
Fry: Man, I hate to be the weird one, but I don't develop book crushes very often, if ever. I certainly didn't find the right man for the job this year.
23. Best debut 2013 debut you read?
Amy: Sorry, I can't just name one. I loved Splintered, In the After, and These Broken Stars.
Fry: Another Little Piece, again. Lol. Sorry, not sorry.
24. Most vivid world/imagery in a book you read in 2013?
Amy: These Broken Stars, Another Little Piece, and Splintered.
Fry: Another Little Piece get's this category as well.
25. Book that was the most fun to read in 2013?
Amy: Know I am sounding redundant but How to Run With a Naked Werewolf.
Fry: The Collector by Victoria Scott
26. Book that made you cry or nearly cry in 2013?
Amy: If a book is really sweet tears will fall and For Darkness Shows the Stars made the tears fall.
Fry: Nope. I rarely do that. I think the only time that happened was the time I tried to read The Notebook while pregnant. Definitely hasn't happened this year.
27. Book you read in 2013 that you think got overlooked this year or when it came out?
Amy: I don't know I think the books I read and loved that got overlooked are getting love now. Example, The Nightmare Affair by Mindee Arnett. More and more bookish people I talk to can't wait for the next book in 2014.
Fry: Perdition definitely felt like it didn't have the love that it needed. Sirantha Jax was a great series and Ann Aguirre has proven time and time again that she's able to build lush landscapes and fantastic characters. I was surprised to be the first review, even though I reviewed close to the release date. It was one of my more highly anticipated books for this year but it didn't have the hype I expected.
1. New favorite book blog you discovered in 2013?
Amy: I am new to the book blogging world and I have discovered a lot book blogs this year but some my favorites are: Adventures of a Book Junkie and Stuck in Books.
Fry: Cuddlebuggery. I have to admit, I'm pretty new on the blogging scene and I don't just frivolously read blogs for the heck of it. Their combinations of wit and whimsy keeps me coming back to read more. They, like The Midnight Garden, seem to rate books very close to where I rate them. It's easier to pick new books when there's a plethora of information to choose from.
2. Favorite review you wrote in 2013?
Amy: I really enjoyed writing my review for Fangirl because the book touched me so much.
Fry: The one that was the most fun to write was for Republic of Thieves. Unfortunately, you won't see that until after the New Year.
3. Best discussion you had on your blog?
Amy: Have to agree with Fry on this, no discussions for me this year. I feel lonely and unloved as well.
Fry: Gosh, no one discusses stuff with me. *mopes in a corner*
4. Most thought providing review or discussion you read on someone else's blog?
Amy: Hate to admit this but I don't have an answer for this question. Didn't read a lot of reviews in 2013.
Fry: My friend Bryanne, although a fitness model and not a book blogger, does have a goodreads and we tend to discuss her love of historical figures and vampires on a consistent basis. She's one of my favorites to discuss books with, even though her tastes range outside of my comfort zone.
5. Best event that you participated in?
Amy: Best blogging event was the Lux readathon because that fun and I loved hanging out online with other Lux fangirls. I loved all the book events I was able to attend this year. I met a lot really cool people and made some new friends. I loved getting to meet all the authors in 2013.
Fry: Uh. I don't participate in many bookish events or go to many bookish events (read: any). I'm too shy. Seriously, people are scary. If someone is in the Western suburbs of Chicago and wants to steal me from my home and force me to attend one, please feel free.
6. Best moment of your blogging/book life in 2013?
Amy: All of it, starting the blog, having Fry join(without her blog posts would still look a mess), pushing books on my friends(I love getting signed books for others), going to book events, of course meeting other bookish people.
Fry: Amy spoils me and sends me sexy boxes full of books.
7. Most popular post this year on your blog (whether by views or comments)?
Amy: Fry's review and our giveaway of a signed copy of Siege and Storm.
Fry: Looks like it's my review and our giveaway of a signed copy of Siege and Storm.
8. Post you wished got a little more love?
Amy: Don't have one because I am just glad when people stop by our blog.
Fry: All the ones that aren't full of giveaways. Srsly.
9. Best bookish discovery?
Amy: That there is whole community of book nerds like myself.
Fry: That the free ipad my husband's boss gave us has Beyond Print which is way more accessible for digital arcs that can't be sent over the Kindle than say, Adobe Reader on the computer.
10. Did you set any reading challenges or goals that you had set for yourself at the beginning of the year?
Amy: I set a goal to read and/or listen 130 books in 2013 and I didn't meet it. I missed it by a hair. I read and listened 123 books in 2014. I realized I did most of my audio book listening at work and when that privilege was taken away I didn't listen to very many books after that. My commute to work is only 30 minutes so I was finding it faster to read the books. I plan to let nothing stop from my goals in 2014.
Fry: I tried to do a number of books challenge and I would have blown by it, if it wasn't for morning sickness and overall lethargy. Next time, Gadget. Next time.
1. One book that you didn't get to in 2013, but will be your number one priority in 2014?
Amy: Something Strange and Deadly by Susan Dennard. I will be making this book a priority because Victorian mystery with zombies is right up my alley.
Fry: Splintered by A G Howard. I've only heard good things about this book. But the mixed reviews on Goodreads have me a little skeptical. Still curious.
2. Book you are most anticipating for 2014 (non-debut)?
Amy: I can't just chose one so: Unhinged by A.G. Howard, Cress by Marissa Meyer and Ruin and Rising by Leigh Bardugo. There are more but trying to keep list short.
Fry: It's a tossup between Ruin and Rising and The Winner's Curse. Oh, and the new Montgomery and Armstrong book by Maya Banks, but that keeps getting pushed back.
3. 2014 debut you are most anticipating?
Amy: I love retellings and I can not wait for Dorothy Must Die. I can not wait to read Side Effects May Vary by Julie Murphy. I am dying to read White Hot Kiss by Jennifer Armentrout and Fire and Flood by Victoria Scott.
Fry: Not entirely sure. I haven't been paying that much attention to debuts for next year.
4. Series ending you are most anticipating in 2014?
Amy: Like Fry, I too am looking forward to Ruin and Rising. I will be sad to this story end. Opposition the last Lux book because I will be sad to goodbye to the Lux series.
Fry: Ruin and Rising. Grisha better end with a bang and a bunch of tears and some elation, you betcha.
5. One thing you hope to accomplish or do in your reading/blogging in 2014?
Amy: Go to RT Booklovers Con. Go to more book events. Get better at getting my reviews up. I like coreveiwing with Fry so want to do more of that. It is fun to read books together. This may be unrealistic, but my reading goal for 2014 is to read 150 and I hope to make it happen.
Fry: Network more. Read more. Just overall MORE.
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