The Selection by Kiera Cass
SYNOPSIS (From Goodreads):
For thirty-five girls, the Selection is the chance of a lifetime. The opportunity to escape the life laid out for them since birth. To be swept up in a world of glittering gowns and priceless jewels. To live in a palace and compete for the heart of gorgeous Prince Maxon.
But for America Singer, being Selected is a nightmare. It means turning her back on her secret love with Aspen, who is a caste below her. Leaving her
home to enter a fierce competition for a crown she doesn't want. Living in a palace that is constantly threatened by violent rebel attacks. Then America meets Prince Maxon. Gradually, she starts to question all the plans she's made for herself—and realizes that the life she's always dreamed of may not compare to a future she never imagined.
Why I Recommend It:
I can completely understand why people hate it. You have no idea. America is actually one of the brattiest heroines I have ever read, and she is on my list of characters who is always pissing me off with her stupid decisions. But here's my tip: instead of being so critical, just enjoy it. Focus on the cute scenes between America and Maxton, and allow yourself to fall in love alongside them as the book progresses. If you really think it's that bad, just remember: it's popular for a reason.
Twilight by Stephenie Meyer
SYNOPSIS (From Goodreads):
About three things I was absolutely positive. First, Edward was a vampire. Second, there was a part of him—and I didn't know how dominant that part might be—that thirsted for my blood. And third, I was unconditionally and irrevocably in love with him. In the first book of the Twilight Saga, internationally bestselling author Stephenie Meyer introduces Bella Swan and Edward Cullen, a pair of star-crossed lovers whose forbidden relationship ripens against the backdrop of small-town suspicion and a mysterious coven of vampires. This is a love story with bite.
Why I Recommend It:
Unlike The Selection, this book is totally overrated. But it is different (kind of), and it kind of makes sense why it's so popular. Is it because the cover is actually pretty, and looks less like a standard paranormal romance book and more like a actually published book? We would never know. So why am I suggesting it?
I know that the moment any viewer saw this title on my list, this would already be happening to me if I'm in any form of show with an audience:
But I don't really understand the hate! I've genuinely read books much worst than this, but didn't get half the hate (probably they're not even half as popular).
I'll be working on an article on this soon, so be on the look-out for that. But overall, this book is a pretty good guilty read for paranormal fans (or YA readers in general), and if it's popularity isn't enough to get you to read it...just read it when you're out of books to read.
Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead
SYNOPSIS (From Goodreads):
Only a true best friend can protect you from your immortal enemies . . . Lissa Dragomir is a Moroi princess: a mortal vampire with a rare gift for harnessing the earth's magic. She must be protected at all times from Strigoi; the fiercest vampires - the ones who never die. The powerful blend of human and vampire blood that flows through Rose Hathaway, Lissa's best friend, makes her a dhampir. Rose is dedicated to a dangerous life of protecting Lissa from the Strigoi, who are hell-bent on making Lissa one of them. After two years of freedom, Rose and Lissa are caught and dragged back to St. Vladimir's Academy, a school for vampire royalty and their guardians-to-be, hidden in the deep forests of Montana. But inside the iron gates, life is even more fraught with danger . . . and the Strigoi are always close by. Rose and Lissa must navigate their dangerous world, confront the temptations of forbidden love, and never once let their guard down, lest the evil undead make Lissa one of them forever . . .
Why I Recommend It:
Beside from the fact that Rose is one of the best kick-ass heroine I've ever seen *squeals*? Um, it's set in a school, there's an amazing hate-love relationship with your teacher, and vampires? Hello?
Many people think this series is overrated, but I still think it's a very fun and great read. So I suggest it.
Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick
SYNOPSIS (From Goodreads):
A SACRED OATH
A FALLEN ANGEL
A FORBIDDEN LOVE
Romance was not part of Nora Grey's plan. She's never been particularly attracted to the boys at her school, no matter how hard her best friend, Vee, pushes them at her. Not until Patch comes along. With his easy smile and eyes
that seem to see inside her, Patch draws Nora to him against her better judgment. But after a series of terrifying encounters, Nora's not sure whom to trust. Patch seems to be everywhere she is and seems to know more about her than her closest friends. She can't decide whether she should fall into his arms or run and hide. And when she tries to seek some answers, she finds herself near a truth that is way more unsettling than anything Patch makes her feel. For she is right in the middle of an ancient battle between the immortal and those that have fallen - and, when it comes to choosing sides, the wrong choice will cost Nora her life.
Why I Recommend It:
THIS IS AN OVERRATED BOOK. SERIOUSLY. IT'S WORST THAN TWILIGHT. And it's another example that proves my theory no matter how normal (or bad) your book is, as long as it's actually published (not indie or self published) with a descent cover, it sells. And it sells really good.
This is more like the 'oh-usual-paranormal-romance' than Twilight. Even Twilight is more unqiue than this. But I still suggest it as a guilty read for fans of fallen angels out there who are tyring to get out of a book slump. But here's a million dollar tip:
Don't. Buy. This.Book
Read it online illegally. Borrow it from someone. Steal it from someone. But do not buy it, or else you will regret it, and half your life would be you wondering why in the hell did you waste your money on this when you could've read it for free.
Divergent by Veronica Roth
SYNOPSIS (From Goodreads):
In Beatrice Prior's dystopian Chicago world, society is divided into five factions, each dedicated to the cultivation of a particular virtue—Candor (the honest), Abnegation (the selfless), Dauntless (the brave), Amity (the peaceful), and Erudite (the intelligent). On an appointed day of every year, all sixteen-year-olds must select the faction to which they will devote the rest of their lives. For Beatrice, the decision is between staying with her family and being who she really is—she can't have both. So she makes a choice that surprises everyone, including herself. During the highly competitive initiation that follows, Beatrice renames herself Tris and struggles alongside her fellow initiates to live out the choice they have made. Together they must undergo extreme physical tests of endurance and intense psychological simulations, some with devastating consequences. As initiation transforms them all, Tris must determine who her friends really are—and where, exactly, a romance with a sometimes fascinating, sometimes exasperating boy fits into the life she's chosen. But Tris also has a secret, one she's kept hidden from everyone because she's been warned it can mean death. And as she discovers unrest and growing conflict that threaten to unravel her seemingly perfect society, she also learns that her secret might help her save those she loves . . . or it might destroy her.
Why I Recommend It:
You'll be surprised how many people deemed this book as an overrated. I personally don't think so, because I think the whole idea of 'Divergent' is a genius idea, and the world building is unique, fun, and amazing. Either way, I suggest this to all dystopian fans, and a tip: don't watch the movie beforehand if you want to read the book.
Fallen Series by Lauren Kate
SYNOPSIS (From Goodreads):
What if the person you were meant to be with could never be yours? 17-year-old Lucinda falls in love with a gorgeous, intelligent boy, Daniel, at her new school, the grim, foreboding Sword & Cross . . . only to find out that Daniel is a fallen angel, and that they have spent lifetimes finding and losing one another as good & evil forces plot to keep them apart. Get ready to fall . . .
Why I Recommend It:
I can understand why people think this book is underrated, but I think that there are many factors in this book that were extremely unique, and it had many original ideas that definitelyinspired many other paranormal books that were later released.
