1) Something Strange and Deadly - Susan Dennard
This is the only zombie book I like so far. Eleanor is not your standard kick-ass heroine - certainly not at the beginning of the book - but she turns into one! This book has interesting characters (Daniel Sheridan *swoons*) and an intriguing plotline. As a bonus, this is set in 1876 in Philadelphia and the historic setting felt very authentic to me. Great world building!
2) A Court of Thorns and Roses - Sarah J Maas
If you've read the Throne of Glass series, it probably won't take much convincing from my side to read ACOTAR - the first in a new series. Though I had to get used to Feyre a bit after sticking with Celaena (Throne of Glass series) for four books, Feyre grew on me as I read more of the story. Leave it up to Sarah J Maas to throw in an incredible world, hot men and fairytale elements.
3) Only Ever Yours - Louise O'Neill
Different from what I normally read, and boy, was I in for a surprise. This book had me hooked from the beginning, especially the mindset of the girls featured in this book. It's so far away... yet it isn't... the end of this book blew me away and had me staring in horror at the last page for at least ten minutes.
4) The Name of the Wind - Patrick Rothfuss
This book was recommended to me by my cousin and when I spotted it in the bookstore, I decided to buy it and see what my cousin's enthusiasm was all about. It took me a few chapters to get used to the writing style, but I was hooked. I kept reading almost non-stop. By now, I've bought the second book as well. A shame we'll have to wait for the third... Highly recommended for fantasy-lovers!
5) Since You've Been Gone - Morgan Matson
I first picked up this book just because it shares its title with an amazing Kelly Clarkson song, then decided to buy it and see where it would take me. As it was, the story of shy teenager Emily, determined to find out why her friend Sloane suddenly disappeared, intrigued me from the start. The ending was just wonderful and I find this book a must-read for any teen. A wonderful book about great friendships - everyone should have a friend like this, especially during their teens.