My Top 5 Favorite YA Novels

1. Kingdom of Ash by Sarah J. Maas. This finale to the Throne of Glass series embodied everything a novel should be - eloquent, suspenseful, emotionally evocative, and thought-provoking. It wrapped up every loose end and encompassed every theme of the series, while raising new and exciting questions the reader had never thought to consider. Long live, Queen Aelin.

2. A Court of Wings and Ruin by Sarah J. Maas. Maybe just maybe I'm a little obsessed with this author, but my obsession is well-founded. This novel in particular, the final book in the A Court of Thorns and Roses series, features a strong woman who enacts revenge on her ex-boyfriend. Just a few things that set this tale apart is she is also part-Fae and High Lady of an opposing Court. The complexity of this novel can't really be grasped without reading it, which I encourage everyone to do.

3. City of Bones by Cassandra Clare. Cassandra Clare has a special gift for wrapping readers up in the world of Shadow Hunters. After reading just the first novel, I felt ready to fight some demons, as did the once fragile but feisty protagonist, Clary. Though I am not immune to the cuteness of Jace and Clary's love story, her growth throughout this single novel is my favorite aspect of the book.

4. Cress by Marissa Meyer. Once again, the world building is immaculate. What sets this third installment of the Lunar Chronicles apart from the rest of the series is it features my favorite slew of characters in some of the most stressful situations. The pacing is perfection. New problems keep arising, but the heart of the story - saving not one, but two worlds - is preserved.

5. Sweet Reckoning by Wendy Higgins. An exciting and dare I say sweet finish to the Sweet series. Seriously, Ann Whitt manages to fully develop into an undeniable badass, rid the earth of demons, and marry her equally badass half-demon boyfriend all in one book. I laughed and I cried - what more could a reader ask for?