Bookishsmaug’s 5 All-Time Favorite Reads

Illuminae by Jay Kristof and Amie Kaufman

I loved this book. It's true what the people say – it's like titanic in space! The story is told through a series of Instant messages, maps, blueprints, countdown systems, emails, interviews, and more! The characters were absolutely hilarious as well! very sarcastic and sassy. I'm not the biggest fan of sci-fi but illuminae was exceptional. Very unique and thrilling indeed.

The story starts off with an interview regarding an invasion that happened just this after on earth, the year 2575. One of our main characters, Ezra, talks about evacuating to one of the spaceships, leaving behind his ex girl friend Kady who is now on board a different evacuating ship. Of course, being ex couples things should work out, right? Well, the problem's just getting started.

A deadly plague broke out, resulting in mutation and disastrous outcomes, and with the whole fleet being under the command of the computer system AIDEN, only two passengers on board can work this out.

Then again, these two swore to never speak a word to each other ever again, that is until they found out their lives depend on one another.

Cinder by Marissa Meyer

WOW this book was amazing. So heartbreaking but amazing. I've only read the first three books but I can tell this series is going to be one of my favourites! Prince Kai is one of my faves as well, I feel so sorry for him and I just want to hug him and never let him go *weeps*

So this story follows a sixteen year old teenage girl who's a mechanic. Totally normal, perfectly safe, but guess what? She's a cyborg living under the commands of her evil stepmother.  But that's the least of her problems – a deadly disease is slowly killing her village, not to mention her step sister Pearl. So when Cinder meets prince Kai, she finds herself in a position that'll threaten not only herself but the whole kingdom.

If you're a fan of retellings, this series is perfect for you. A collection of stories inspired by Cinderella, Little red riding hood, Rapunzel, and Snow White, you're bound to fall for this series.

The Wrath and The Dawn by Renee Ahdieh

This book made the top of my ‘fave book of 2015′ list and it was so amazing and charming and all the good things in life <3

So this story follows a king named Khalid who brings in a new wife each day and kills them by dawn. One day a girl named Shazi volunteers to be his next bride and plans a way to seek vengeance after she's heard what the king has done to her best friend, Shiva. Shazi does so by telling the king stories each day to prevent her death, but then the improbable happens. She starts falling for the king *dramatic music* but after all the king's done? All the lives he took? How can Shazi find a way to end this once and for all?

A tale inspired by A Thousand and One Nights comes a story so heart wrenching it's sure to have you guys hooked!

Isla and The Happily Ever After by Stephanie Perkins

My fave contemporary ever! The author's whole series is amazing, really. It flutters your heart and makes you sob and laugh and swoon over the characters <3

Meet Isla, your average straight A student whose life is an absolute bore. Meet Josh, an insanely talented tattoo artist who's just as passionate about travelling. For the longest time, Isla's had a crush on this mysterious artist, so what happens when Josh breaks up with his girlfriend and the two meets at a small little cafe?

With Josh, Isla's life has taken a turn for the better, but of course, drama gets in the way. So what happens when the two are constantly separated from the possibility of bringing their futures together?

This story's all about taking a leap of faith and trusting in yourself. Like Isla, everyone has insecurities. Like Josh, we all have dreams. It's such a warm story – very realistic and original. Stephanie Perkins' stories remind us that not all happily ever afters are fairytales.

November 9  by Colleen Hoover

I finished this book in well about one night *breathes heavily* so much feels. Literally. Every flick of that page evokes a different emotion every time.

So this story follows a girl named Fallonwhose dreams are well about shattered due to what happened to her six years ago. Half her skin is covered in scars and because of that her ambition of becoming an actress is over.

One day Fallon meets an aspiring writer named Ben in a small restaurant. With their timing being stretched thin, the two agrees to meet every year for five years on the same date, same place, and same time. Of course, five years is a long time. And a lot happens.

This book is bewitching, seriously. So much happened over the course of 300 pages. I've got no words, i'm truly in awe. I love everything about this book, even the drama. Colleen Hoover wears your soul until you fall on your knees weeping. I swear, read. this. book.”