Top Ten Tuesday, as always, is hosted at my other blog — The Broke & the Bookish
This week’s topic: Top Ten Hyped Books I’ve Never Read
Being immersed in a bookish community such as this online one that I find myself in there is the tendency for books to get super hyped up here and then sometimes even outside our little bubble. There are a lot of hyped books I plan on reading but just haven’t yet. LET ME KNOW IF YOU THINK THEY ARE WORTH THE HYPE. Here are 10 I haven’t read yet!
The Wrath & the Dawn: This one is a new release but I’ve seen a lot of buzz for it before it was even released and even since then I’ve heard a lot of “favorite book of 2015” declarations. I own it and plan on reading it!
The Girl on the Train: This one is one of those books I first heard hyped in the adult fiction book community and then it spread and now I’m even seeing it on my personal Facebook mentioned by people I didn’t even know read books most recently a girl I went to high school with and haven’t spoken to in like 10 years.
Red Queen: OMG THIS ONE HAD SO MUCH HYPE AND BUZZ EVEN BEFORE IT CAME OUT. I wanted to read it at first but after hearing from some people whose opinions I trust I’m not sure it’s high on my to-do list right now. It’s a maybe.
Dorothy Must Die: Oh man, sooo much hype for this one. Harper was pushing it so hard last year and it seemed to be loved by a lot of people. The package the ARC came in was really cool though. That’s always how I can tell a book is going to be the “one” of the season.
A Darker Shade of Magic: This is a newer release but OH MAN were bloggers going nuts for this one! And I’ve literally only heard good things. I definitely plan on reading it soon!
Insurgent: I know I know. I haven’t read book 2 of this super hyped series. One day maybe.
The Night Circus: This is one of those again that it seems like even my random Facebook friends have even read. I feel like I’m always so behind on the ones that become huge deals outside of this community! Definitely plan on reading it though!
Me Before You: ALL THE HYPE FOR THIS ONE. Even a lot of YA bloggers who don’t read a lot of adult fiction read this one and it’s all praises for it. Plan on rectifying that soon!
The Dream Thieves: I KNOW I KNOW I KNOW. I loved The Raven Boys but I just am awful with series especially when they are hyped and I am behind. Planning on binging Blue Lily Lily Blue along with this one soon!
The Selection: This series has taken the world by storm and is definitely one of the most hyped series in recent years. I’m not sure if it’s my thing but it looks really fun!
So tell me…what hyped books have YOU not read? Which of these do you think is worth the hype??
Nicole @ Nicole's Novel Reads says
Red Queen is not worth the hype. I was excited to read the book before it came out and I was so disappointed when I finally read it. There are mixed opinions so definitely go with opinions you trust.
Meagan says
I definitely agree! I was so stoked for it and then it was just so typical. I was super relieved that the next book I picked up was ACOTAR. Now that did everything that I was hoping Red Queen would. I definitely think it was fun but I don’t think it would be very high on my list if I really knew what to accurately expect.
Rissi says
I’ve heard a LOT about “Red Queen.” (Some good, some bad.) It should have been added to my list, but either way, I plan on reading that soon-ish. 😉 Great list, Jamie.
Zed Amadeo says
I haven’t read any of the Divergent series (nor have I seen the movie), and I probably won’t. I read The Night Circus a few weeks ago and really liked it.
Literary Feline says
Night Circus was soo good. I listened to the audio version and loved it. I want to go back and read the print version someday soon. I am currently listening to Girl on the Train and enjoying it. I’ve been resisting Me Before You. I do want to read one of JoJo Moyes other books though. Great list!
Lauren says
A Darker Shade of Magic, The Girl on the Train, The Dream Thieves, and The Night Circus first!
Check out my TTT and my current giveaway.
Angie says
A DARKER SHADE OF MAGIC AND THE REST OF THE RAVEN CYCLE JAMIE DO IT. DO IT. DO IT…sorry I get really enthusiastic when it comes to anything V.E. Schwab & of course Ronan Lynch & the rest of my OT5. The Night Circus is also VERY good.
I think you’d probably really like The Wrath & The Dawn too and TBQH you’re probably better off not reading The Girl on the Train, Dorothy Must Die, or The Selection.
Anne @HeadFullofBooks says
I just got The Wrath and the Dawn in the mail today. Guess I will get to it before the end of summer.
I loved my experience read THE NIGHT CIRCUS. I hope you make time to get to it.
YOU BEFORE ME is a several tissue book, Beware!
Chrissi Reads says
I wasn’t a big fan of Red Queen. I am, however, a massive fan of Me Before You. I think it’s an incredible, emotional book. It’s well worth picking up whenever you can!
Alison says
You really should read Me Before You! It’s so good and heartbreaking and you should just do it.
Linda says
I haven’t read any of these as well! lol
Alexia says
The Wrath and the Dawn is GORGEOUS! Read it ASAP. I know you will love it.
Dorothy Must Die was utterly fabulous. I loved, LOVED it!
Red Queen is so not worth the hype. I was so disappointed by it.
The Selection was a fun, fluffy read. It’s not everyone’s cup of tea, but it’s so much fun!
Beth @ Perpetual New Girl says
Dang you have some amazing books to read! I adore The Raven Boys and Darker Shade of Magic. Quite a few of these were not worth the hype but worth the read, if you know what I mean.
My TTT didn’t overlap yours a bit.
Carrie Gelson @There's a Book for That says
I hear you with the series but I am hooked on The Raven Boys titles. Completely! But also on series – if you never pick up Insurgent that will be an okay thing. Really.
Tiffany @ The Bookish Thought says
Insurgent is boring for me. For once, I prefer the movie. The Selection is pretty great, but the second and the third book are boring. But I think it just me since everyone seems to like it!
Emmah says
The Wrath & The Dawn is definitely worth the hype! It’s a bit slow in the beginning, because you have to get used to the names, but I ended up really loving this book.
The Night Circus… I’m torn on this book. While I liked it, it was also pretty confusing, because each chapter was set in a different year in a different place.
Honestly, I wouldn’t even bother with The Selection :/ I’m only going to read “The Heir”, ’cause I’ve already been sucked into the horrible hole that is this series. The book covers are prettier than the insides of the book.
Hyped books I have read:
-The Girl of Fire and Thorns (Rae Carson)
-Scarlet (A.C. Gaughen)
-The Winner’s Curse (Marie Rutkoski)
-The Orphan Queen (Jodi Meadows)
-Reboot (Amy Tintera… I honestly will probably never read this)
-Obsidian (JLA)
-Shadow and Bone (Leigh Bardugo)
Nikoel says
Everyone’s going to yell about The Dream Thieves (and I agree absolutely you should totally read it ASAP) and I’ve been surprised that so many other people know about The Night Circus. I really enjoyed it because it’s a different take on magic, I think. The book is so atmospheric and I loved the characters. You should read it as soon as you’re done with The Raven Cycle.
As for Dorothy Must Die, I liked it. It was interesting and well-written. I felt like the characters were pretty easy to get into. I’ll probably borrow the second one from the library rather than buy it though.
Haven’t really looked at the others…
Jess @ Curiouser and Curiouser says
Great list! A Darker Shade of Magic made my list, too – I definitely plan on reading it soon! The Night Circus is a good book, but in all honesty it took me quite a long time to read which is weird because it’s not exactly a huge book, it’s just very dense. Morgenstern packs in these stunning, intricate descriptions that are delightful, but I sometimes felt like I’d read a chapter when in reality I’d only read about three pages. I do recommend it, but only if you’re in the mood for a slower read. 🙂
Rachel @ Rachel's Reading Corner says
I haven’t The Selection, A Darker Shade of Magic, Red Queen or The Wrath & the Dawn yet either. I’m really eager to read Red Queen but I’m scared it has been over-hyped. I wasn’t a fan of Dorothy Must Die, but Insurgent was a pleasant surprise when I read it last month. I actually enjoyed it more then Divergent – which I didn’t except at all!
Rachel @ Rachel’s Reading Corner
Krystal @ Books Are My Thing says
The Night Circus is great, definitely move that one up your TBR!
Kelly says
I’ve read a few of them. The Girl on the Train – if you need to like and care about the characters, skip it. Red Queen – it was good, but reminded me a lot of Pawn, which I recently read, so that disappointed me. Dorothy Must Die – it was very intro-y instead of feeling like a complete work, it was only after I read it that I found out it was the beginning of a series. The Night Circus – it’s very beautiful, but only read it if you don’t mind a ton of setting and descriptions and not a lot of plot. The Selection – it was kind of a whiney romance novel. I really liked parts of it, there were some really good ideas, but others really annoyed me, and from reviews, the whiney-ness seems to get worse in the rest of the series.
Cait @ Paper Fury says
*flails because Maggie Stiefvater* OKAY BUT I’M A SERIES MAGGIE STEIFVATER FANGIRL AND FJADKL YOU MUST CONTINUE WITH THAT SERIES!! hehe. Okay, not must, but it’s seriously so epic and wonderful and the characters are just so real they’re bopping off the page! Red Queen really didn’t do anything for me sadly. 🙁 And I got sucked into the hype of Wrath & Dawn totally, and am not unhappy with that. 😉 My copy hasn’t arrived yet but I’m freakishly excited!! Here’s my TTT!
Jennifer @ YA Book Nerd says
I LOVED The Selection series 🙂
Heather says
I loved Night Circus. I’m actually going to start relistening to it today. I thought the The Red Queen was a good idea but very predictable.
Bookworm Inkorporated says
I feel like the Divergent series is almost better ended at the end of Book 1. I wouldn’t rush to much to read Insurgent or Allegiant. It just leads to broken hears!
Heather H says
I liked the Selection series, but it was pretty fluffy. It was kind of like The Bachelor meets The Princess Diaries. Easy read though, and cute love story, IMO. Insurgent was my favourite book in the Divergent series. I just read Me Before You a few weeks ago and it was an emotional read, but I loved it. Absolutely great writing. The Girl on the Train is a suspenseful book, but I didn’t love it. I did have to read to the end to find out what happened, and it definitely kept my interest but I didn’t “feel good” after finishing it and I wouldn’t read it again, but I would recommend it if you’re in the mood for something like that! People compare it to Gone Girl but it wraps up better than Gone Girl does!
Kaley @ Books Etc says
The Night Circus is awesome. Don’t bother with Dorothy Must Die (There’s some drama surrounding it)…and I just didn’t really see the big deal with it. And Insurgent is Insurgent, lol I enjoyed the series but I know it’s not for everyone 🙂
Leah says
You’re not missing anything with The Girl on the Train. …actually, you’re better off NOT having read it. Earlier in the year I picked it up after hearing nothing but the highest of praise from two friends who basically echo my reading taste. I don’t know if, because of them, I expected way too much from this book or what, but I had to force myself to finish. I didn’t care about any of the characters, nothing what thrilling or exciting…I was simply bored.
You know how I feel about Jojo, so I’ll just leave it at that ♥
Buddy read for The Dream Thieves? I devoured TRB a few years ago and never got around to reading the sequel, despite LOVING the first.
Daisy says
A Darker Shade of Magic is DEFINITELY worth the hype in my opinion. I read it last month and it was AMAZING. But yeah, lots of hype.
I have to admit that I haven’t read any of the others on your list either 😉 The hype-monster is a scary thing.
Kristin @ Simply Bookish Things says
I’M NOT ALONE, I haven’t read any of these books on your list except Red Queen, Red Queen was awesome, so you should definitely bump that to the top of your TBR! 😀
Holly says
I love the graphic in this post- it’s adorable!
The Night Circus is amazing! It’s such a strange, enigmatic book, but the atmosphere in it is incredibly cool. The author must have a terrific imagination, because everything in it is very detailed and really fascinating to read!
Great list! 🙂
Melissa says
OMG! Yes, you have to read Me Before You. It’s incredible – so many feels about that book. It’s a great time to read it because the sequel is coming out in September.
Stormy says
I did not think The Girl on the Train was worth the hype–it wasn’t bad, but I didn’t understand why THIS was the thriller to get the big marketing and publicity push? I thought that was odd. But I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE The Night Circus! I think it might be my second favorite book I’ve read this year, after Atonement. Also, I definitely think The Dream Thieves is worth the hype. It’s not my favorite book of the series, like it is for so many people, but it’s necessary so that you can get to Blue Lily, Lily Blue, which is so unique and wonderful.
Kate @ Mom's Radius says
Me Before You is definitely worth it. I also enjoyed The Night Circus, Insurgent, and The Selection series. I just got Red Queen from Overdrive. I will likely start it today.
Kristin says
I you had to choose only one book to read from your list I would definitely recommend The Night Circus! It’s so beautifully written and I think you would really enjoy it!
April @ Between the Pages says
I enjoyed the Red Queen, to me it was a great read. The Wrath and the Dawn made my list as well. I have it, just haven’t read it yet. I enjoyed the Selection series as well.
Kristen says
don’t read insurgent – it was okay, but then you’ll have to read allegiant and it was TERRIBLE.
I was not a fan of the girl on the train. meh.
i loved the selection series (the last one not so much but you can read the first 3 alone really) and me before you (i like to cry though) and really, really, really disliked the night circus. but i know i’m in the minority on that one!
Katherine says
I’m pretty split on Red Queen like you are too…I’ve been so many mixed things and I’m thinking it might not be for me. I liked Insurgent the best out of the series, but Allegiant went downhill from there – so I think you’re okay stopping with Divergent. I like the Selection series because it is a super quick read that’s fun and light, like the perfect thing to get out of a reading slump or a non-contemporary beach read.
Sue @ Crushingcinders says
I’d like to read Girl on the Train and Red Queen so I hope they are going to be good. Insurgent wasn’t as good as Divergent, but the Selection wasn’t too bad. Night Circus I tried and gave up. I did enjoy Me Before You though. MyTTT
Lizzie the Sarcastic Blonde says
Red Queen was pretty good, but nothing I fangirled over. I haven’t read The Wrath and the Dawn, The Night Circus, or The Dream Thieves yet either. Maybe soon. The Selection was meh. Not enough substance for me. Didn’t help that it was pretty much The Bachelor with teens. Bleh.
Alexa S. says
I’m just going to say that you should most definitely read Me Before You. It’s a beautiful book, and I think you’d enjoy it.
Michelle @ Michelle's Minions says
I STILL haven’t read The Night Circus yet. I should have put it on my list, but it always seems to be there, taunting me. I do want to read it, though. I’ve heard such great things about The Wrath and the Dawn and Red Queen, I just need to make time to read them. Oh, love the Selection series! I was hesitant to read them at first, but I got sucked in pretty quickly. I’ll eventually read The Girl on the Train. Eventually…
Michelle @ Michelle’s Minions
My TTT
Annie says
oh man, the wrath and the dawn is a book i’m DYING to read. it just sounds like such a GOOD book. i’m hoping to buy it before i leave on vacation so i can have it with me to read. i haven’t read red queen but my friend did and didn’t like it so..? it’s a book i’ve heard some mixed opinions about as well so i’m not sure if it’s a book that’s high on my list either. insurgent, i should read also but tbh i’ve kinda stopped caring about the divergent series. i liked the first one enough but its novelty has worn off of me.
the dream thieves, me before you and the night circus are all really good! so they’re books i def recommend 🙂
Grace @ Rebel Mommy Book Blog says
I LOVED The Girl on the Train and Me Before You. So worth the hype. Night Circus was really good too. I just started Red Queen so we will see!! I also really want to read The Wrath and the Dawn. Really great list!!
Angie F. says
I’ve only read three of these. Four if you count The Selection twice, since it was so nice I read it twice! Seriously, I love that series!
I didn’t enjoy The Dream Thieves that much. I only loved the chapters with Ronan. Everything else was disappointing or boring.
The Night Circus didn’t do much for me either. It’s a very subtle novel, which I found slow and not engaging. I think it’s more visual. Like the imagery is AMAZING, so the actual story paled in comparison.
Jordin @ A Bottomless Book Bag says
The Selection kind of became a guilty pleasure sort of read for me. Still it’s a lot of fun! I just read the Heir and really enjoyed it!
Rosie says
The Selection IS fun. It’s not amazing or groundbreaking, but it is a really fun series.
I’ve not read The Throne of Glass series, and I hear so many people raving about that. I haven’t read Fangirl, or To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before either.
Jessica @ a GREAT read says
I’ve only read Insurgent and liked that! I loved the whole trilogy despite what others think of the final book. I still need to read The Wrath and the Dawn and Red Queen too! Dorothy Must Die was an amazing one! I still need to read one more novella and the most recent book in that series!
Hope you get to read whichever ones you want to soon and enjoy them!
Here’s my Tuesday Post
Have a GREAT day!
Old Follower 🙂
Mallory @ The Leaning Tower of Tomes says
Oooh, I seriously need to read A Darker Shade of Magic and the Raven Boys Cycle… I highly recommend The Night Circus. It’s one of the most unique, whimsical, enchanting stories I’ve ever read.
Hazel says
I read ‘The Night Circus’ and really loved it. I read ‘Me Before You’ too, though I didn’t finish it properly as the ending was so sad.
Emily Seals says
I also stopped after Divergent. It wasn’t bad, really, I just wasn’t that into it. Not for me.
Dorothy Must Die DID NOT live up to my expectations or the hype surrounding it. I was more than disappointed. I hated the book. But I feel like I’m the only one!
Here’s my TTT
Trina says
The Wrath and the Dawn would also be on my list! I want that book SO BAD but just haven’t picked it up yet! I would say the same for PS I Still Love You. WHAT IS WRONG WITH ME. It’s just staring at me from my shelf but I have so many books… *cries* (I’m sure you understand this all too well!)
I’ve read 7 books on your list and would say A Darker Shade of Magic should be high up on your TBR, and also The Selection. It has such divided reviews, but I think it’s good to see what all the fuss (good and bad) is about. Plus, it reads really quickly and you can knock the whole series out in a few days. Good, addictive summer reading.
Megan says
I read the girl on the train last week at the insistence of my MIL. It was okay. I don’t get all the hype. Me Before You made me ugly cry. I absolutely loved the two main characters and understand that the book ended exactly the right way but it slayed me.
Lindsay says
I think you would enjoy “Me Before You.” Did you know the movie version comes out next year? The casting is perfect and I’m really looking forward to it!
I read “A Darker Shade of Magic” a couple months ago and liked it pretty well! I had a lot of unanswered questions so I’m looking forward to the next book in the series. I tried “The Red Queen” and just couldn’t get into it. I’m pretty sure I’m in the vast minority on that one, though.
Kelsey Gulick says
You’re not alone. . . I haven’t read Insurgent yet either. Which results in my sister screaming at me, but oh well. I will get around to it eventually. Maybe. I just don’t feel inspired to pick it up anymore, especially after all the Alleigent spoilers that were posted everywhere.
Niamh says
I liked Divergent and quite enjoyed Insurgent and was waiting for Allegiant then was rather disappointed by it. The series just wasn’t as good as some others of a similar nature and definately went down hill after Divergent!
Monica says
How did I forget to put The Night Circus on my list!? The Raven Boys is on my list as well as V.E. Schwab’s other book, Vicious. The Girl on the Train is such a fun read, and I hope you get to read it!
-Monica @ Tomes Project
Sana // artsy musings of a bibliophile says
OMG, READ THE DREAM THIEVES, JAMIE. IT’S ONLY MY FAVORITE BOOK EVER.
Red Queen was a no-go for me and I’m actually planning to read Insurgent and Allegiant soon just to get it over with and put the trilogy out of my mind. I reread Divergent and didn’t love it as much as the first time around.
Yes, highly recommend A Darker Shade of Magic and The Wrath and the Dawn. Good to know you plan on reading those.
I’m finally going to read The Night Circus! Excited.
Ashley M says
If I had to choose one book on your list to read it would be Night Circus. I loved it. If you like audiobooks it is narrated by Jim Dale. Its a little slow at first but then picks up. You get to learn all about the parts of the circus.
Ashley
Shelumiel @ Bookish and Awesome says
We share 3 titles, Jamie! Namely, The Girl on the Train, Red Queen and ADSOM. I highly suspect I’d like TGOTT since the people from Book Riot raved about it when it first came out and I’ve books before because of them that I ended up really enjoying (hello, Gone Girl). I have Stiefvater, too, but a different series. And I think you haven’t read the HP books as well? WE’RE IN THIS TOGETHER, JAMIE.
PS. I love The Night Circus. It’s bittersweet and beautifully written (like the words are a wonder in the mouth?) and, just, the magic element is A-FREAKING-MAZING.
Kathy says
I enjoyed The Girl on the Train, but it wasn’t 5 star worthy to me. Insurgent was as good as Divergent, but I won’t read the third in that series. I have Red Queen…I guess it should have made my list because I’ll probably never read it. lol
Betti says
Your list is the second one with The Night Circus on it. I had totally forgotten about that book even though at one point it was everywhere. I need to add it to my TBR list.
Katrina says
So I’ve read a few of these! And those I haven’t (specifically The Wrath and the Dawn and Girl on the train) are on my TBR
I really enjoyed Red Queen- it may not be the best book ever but it pulled me out of the reading slump I was in and I found it entertaining
I’ve also read The selection, Dorothy must die and Insergent and enjoyed them all but none of them were at the top of my favorites list
Grace @ She Reads Things says
I just read Red Queen, and OH MY, IT IS AMAZING. Highly recommend.
I think Divergent is the best of the series, but I really liked Insurgent and Allegiant, too. For me, level of awesomeness went from first to third book, high to low. Sort of disappointing ending, but I guess closure to a series is bittersweet in its own way.
I haven’t read any of the others, but…. RED QUEEN IS A NEW FAVE!
-Grace 🙂
shannan says
I’ve only read a couple of these myself. I really liked Red Queen, but until the rest of the story comes out, I hate to commit to whether it worth it or not. The Divergent Series is a perfect example: loved the first one, was ok with the second and was so board with the third I almost gave up half way through. I think the first three selection books are great, and quick reads. Again, we’ll have to see what happens with the last two books.
lisa says
I read The Girl on the train, it appears people either love it or loathe it. I read it quickly but loathed the characters I gave it 4 out of 5 stars because the story grabbed me and held me,
I also read Me Before you, adored it and there is a sequel coming out. I highly recommend this one.
Elle @ Erratic Project Junkie says
Of the ones on your list, I can comment on three. Insurgent: If you’re planning on reading Allegiant, then go for it. I assume you know of the issues with Allegiant though, so if that is an issue, ship it. If I had it to do all over again, I can’t say that I would have read all three. Red Queen: I was a fan. It’s got elements of several of the big dystopians, but that didn’t bother me — I actually enjoyed finding the similarities. I like the world she created though and I look forward to the next one. The Night Circus: This one gets a big YES from me. It’s one that I will read over and over again. It’s magical. Great list as usual Jamie!
Mel@thedailyprophecy says
A darker shade of magic and The dream thieves: I highly recommend both of them! ADSOM has such a wonderful world-building and a girl crossed dressed as a guy who wants to become a pirate. What more do I need to say? 😀
Sue @ Crushingcinders says
I couldn’t get into Night Circus and Insurgent was disappointing. I really want to theThe Girl on the Train although thrillers are not my usual genre. MyTTT
Angelica @ Paperback Princess says
Jamie you won’t regret reading The Night Circus 🙂 I love how you did your list btw, oh what am I saying, I love how you do ALL your posts LOL
My #TTT
Have a great week!
threegoodrats says
The Night Circus is on my list too, so I’m in the same boat as you on that one. I tried to read The Girl on the Train and after about 50 pages I just had to stop because I couldn’t stand the main character and just did not care about the story. I loved The Selection and all the other books in that series. Loved them!
Katy says
I read Night Circus with my book club… We were pretty split on it, actually. Because it is a really interesting, atmospheric book with a cool slanted take on magic… But it’s kind of hard to read (bouncing back and forth in times and between characters) and honestly *we* felt (totally personal opinions here) that the romance was… Distracting and unnecessary.
Cynthia @ Bingeing On Books says
I have not read most of these either. Me Before You was such a GREAT book though. Loved that one. The Girl on the Train was also very good.
Devon says
In all the time I’ve followed your blog (and haven’t commented…sorry ’bout that….), I haven’t seen you talk about Jojo Moyes at all until now. You generally read more contemporary fiction, yeah? I would HIGHLY recommend Jojo Moyes to you, though she also strings in some historical storylines in some of her books. More than Me Before You, I recommend The Last Letter from Your Lover. I’m one of “those” who generally prefers YA to adult lit and even I fell in love with Moyes after reading that book — my first of hers! I loved Me Before You as well, but it’s not my favorite of hers.
Chrissie says
Has Me Before You really gotten that much hype? I flipped through it and it looked well written, but it has a pretty horrible message. It’s attitude towards disabilities is awful. I’ve seen a little written about it, but I’m always surprised not to hear more said about it.