Top Ten Tuesday: Best Books I've Read So Far in 2015

Top Ten Tuesday is a meme created by The Broke and the Bookish, and the theme this week is to list the top ten best books that you've read so far in 2015.  In no particular order, here are some truly awesome books you should definitely read.

1.  And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie

Rating:  5 Keys

And Then There Were None is a masterpiece.  It is the Van Gogh of mystery books.  This very may well be the best mystery I have ever had the good fortune to read.  Many thanks to Agatha Christie for blessing this world with her works.

2.  The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman

Rating:  4.5 Keys

Neil Gaiman is a genius.  I cannot fathom what demonic bargain he must have made to possess such skill.  The Ocean at the End of the Lane may be a little book, but it holds entire worlds, just like the lake-sized ocean in the book itself (if you read the book, you'll understand what I meant by that). 

3.  The Darkest Part of the Forest by Holly Black

Rating:  4 Keys

The Darkest Part of the Forest is a truly magical tale about faeries (which aren't as Tinkerbell-like as I thought) and curses.  It is a dark, enchanting story that wisks you away on an adventure you shouldn't miss.

4.  The Dream Thieves by Maggie Stiefvater

Rating:  4.5 Keys

I'll let you in on a little secret:  The Dream Thieves (sequel to The Raven Boys) is a gorgeous book with equally gorgeous writing that you should go read this very second.  Go now!  Seriously, go, I don't want you here.  Why are you still reading this and not that wonderful book?  You need to get your priorities straight, buddy.

5.  The Young Elites by Marie Lu

Rating:  3.5 Keys

I finished this book a few days ago and still cannot contain my excitement.  It is dark and twisted.  The protagonist is an antihero, practically the villain and definitely a Slytherin.  It is a magical world set in a Venice type city with an oppressive monarchy.  Loads of hi-jinks go down and I loved every letter of it.

6.  Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn

Rating:  4 Keys

You know how I just said The Young Elites is twisted?  Well, Sharp Objects takes twisted to a whole new level.  It is disturbing on every level.  But the creepiness is done so well all I can do is sit in awe.  I mean...wow.  What deep dark pit did this creature crawl out of, and does it have friends?

7.  A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas

Rating:  4 Keys

Word of warning:  A Court of Thorns and Roses is a highly addictive drug.  Side effects include:  intense fangirling, crippling episodes of the feels, and death (in extreme cases).  Even as a write all those abysmal conditions, I still completely suggest it.

8.  I'll Give You the Sun by Jandy Nelson

Rating:  4 Keys

Here comes the sun, do do do do!  No...?  Well, fine, I may not be the funniest person around (that was obviously Robin Williams), but I am sure that this is a moving, emotional book that I learned to love, thank you very much.

I have read a lot of okay and pretty good books this year (so far).  But 'pretty good' isn't good enough.  Anything rated below a 3.5 doesn't get a spot on the Best Books shelf, no matter how close they might come.