May very well end up in my number one spot for book of 2016.
348854
I received a free copy of Dark Matter from the publisher in return for an honest review and enjoyed it so much that I instantly pre-ordered myself a hardback copy for my shelves.

Dark Matter is the easiest 5 stars I have given this year. In fact I would go as far as to say that it may very well end up in my number one spot for book of 2016.

It's not very often that a book surprises me in the way that Dark Matter did. Just when I thought I knew where the story was heading and had prepared myself for what was ahead, I was totally blind sided and catapulted down an expertly crafted, extremely clever and mind blowing path. I found myself thrown by how quickly and cleverly things changed and I had to put the book down for a minute to digest just how excellent and unexpected the turn of events were. I have to admit, I was totally mind blown and  fangirling at that point, something that very rarely happens and I haven't done since reading The Martian.

Dark Matter is packed full of action, tension, suspense, and has twists and turns that will pull the rug from under your feet. Highly recommended! I have already recommended it to all my family and friends who love to read.
4031805
I'm very excited about this book. I will be taking a class from the author the first quarter of 2016 so I want to be ready for the class.
1921990
From opening to the very end the book takes you on a ride.  It's an adventure through time, literature, technology and typography.  Yes I am only three weeks into the new year (2016) but this might be my favorite book of the year.  It's a wonderful mystery tinged with a currentness and insider knowledge that is exciting and enticing.  This was a joy to read.
2607888
My favorite new sci-fi book of the past few years and up there with Ender's Game in my list of favorite books.
1777633
Possibly one of the best books I have ever read and certainly going to be anxious to read the rest of the series
1120675
One of the highest compliments I can pay book; when I finished it I said, "I wish that book wasn't over."
1742244
If you like books that hook you into a good story, this is the right pick for your book list
2176786
OMFG if you have not read this yet go and one-click it NOW.
I wish I could put my feeling into words just how amazing it was, I was blown away with all of it. This in my top 5 best books I read this year. I won't give any spoilers away as I just think you read for sure and you will love it just as much as me.
2351589
One of the best books of 2016!

I've been a fan of RS Grey for awhile now and have read all of her books.  I love witnessing her growth as a writer.  "A place in the sun" is definitely my favorite.  I loved Georgie and Gianluca.  What a wonderful, feisty, funny heroine!  And everything about Gianluca made me swoon.  He was different from all of the book boyfriends I've spent time with this year which made him absolutely memorable!  The location was so romantic and perfect that I was a bit jealous of them!  I'm so ready to make a trip to Vernazza!  I started the book late last night and could not put it down until I finished it.  I'm extremely tired today but spending the night with Georgie and Gianluca was totally worth it!  Thank you RS Grey for writing one of my favorite books this year.  And even though I just read it via KU, I'm going to purchase it!
2439358
Just finished this book and WOW!! It was stunning! A definite favorite of 2016! I fell in love with this book for three different reasons. First, the writing. It was amazing, no other words for it. You can tell the author spent a lot of time researching Victorian era finishing schools and the etiquette. The intricate way she wove those small but significant details was perfect. Second, the world. I love different cultures and cultural anthropology is my passion. So I was so happy when there where different countries with vastly different cultures in this book. It was so great to read about them all as the main character learned more about them. The differences between the "New World" and the "Old World" where really well done. Third, the romance. My favorite romances in books are ones that unfold throughout the whole book, and this romance hit the target with that. It was slow but beautifully done at the same time. Each interaction built upon the other to create something realistic and something you can really root for. 5 out of 5 stars. Highly recommend this book to anyone!
3171672
Terrific read - will definitely make my top ten favourite books for 2016! Great historical fiction about the world's oldest profession in the San Francisco gold rush.
3082609
I picked the digital copy sometime last year. I couldn't put it down.
582401
I think this is going to be one of my favorite books of 2015. This book was always on my mind, even when I wasn't reading and doing other things. It kept drawing me back to see how Jack was doing, or Vivian, or Isaak.
I normally shy away from books that change between past and present, but the author did an amazing job here and I was never confused.

This should be on everyone's "to-read" list!
1004020
In terms of the factors above best book of the year!
1907903
This book easily made my top 5 favorite reads for 2016. The writing, the characterization, and the world-building were all exquisite. From the moment I started the book, I couldn't put it down. I read it during my breaks at work, while in line at the post office, and pretty much everywhere else I went. The only bad thing about this book is the fact that, since it was just released, I can't immediately pick up the sequel and continue reading about Elinor's adventures.

When the book opens, Elinor has just discovered her powers. Through this momentous event, the author explores shifts in family dynamics and Elinor's suitability as a bride. Setting this novel in Regency England allowed the author to explore the role of women in society during that time period, which she did in a masterful way. The book is peppered with references to Elinor's respectability and how public perception mattered more than truth. Her life was dominated by her father until she found the determination to escape and choose a path different those those he offered her.
Elinor herself is a marvelous character. She is strong-willed, independent, and gutsy (not to mention incredibly powerful). We see her on a journey of discovery, both of herself and of her powers. What I liked the most about this book is that Elinor experiences consequences for her actions. She goes to war against the pirates, does gruesome things, and has to find a way to live with her choices. At one point, she must struggle to survive on her own and she uses her intelligence and grit to make it through.

The romance in this book was exquisitely done, as was the dialogue. As a matter of fact, both were almost Austen-esque in their execution. The banter was witty and highly engaging and the softer, quieter moments were done just as skillfully. Elinor's immersion into the crew was handled incredibly well and the reader came to care just as much for the secondary characters as she did. Regarding her romantic love interest, the slow burn of their romance was handled perfectly. Before there was any romantic interest, they developed a very solid friendship (Although I will admit to rooting for the pair of them the entire novel). Additionally, the concept of a romance is not introduced (except for a few sleazy men who end up burned), until Elinor has decided who she will be and the path she will take.

Overall, this was a highly enjoyable, engaging read. I already know that I will be buying a copy of this book and pre-ordering the entire rest of the series. I would recommend this to anybody who enjoys a strong female character, adventure, and magic.

*I received a copy of this book for free from the publisher in exchange for my honest review*
2158447
Wow. What a fabulous read. Easily in my top 3 for 2017. I thrive on angst, on flawed characters, on heartbreak and true love. And this book? This book delivers. I could have highlighted every word on every page. Im about to go on a Kate Stewart binge.......
959988
This was one of my most anticipated reads of 2012 and wow, it definitely didn't disappoint. It's one of those books that you expect to be good, but that turn out to be amazing. I fell in love with Ann Redisch Stampler's style of writing, her witty and slightly obsessive main character and the story she created. I think I can already say that Where It Began is one of my favorite books of 2012.

Where It Began is everything I expected to be, and more. Don't let the pretty cover fool you and let me tell you that it's definitely not as light-hearted as it might seem to be. This novel deals with more than just one heavy topic - teen insecurities, alcoholism, crime and betrayal. And while I usually prefer to steer clear of heavy reads, I completely fell in love with this one.

One of the reasons for this is probably the amazing style of writing. The story is told from Gabby's point of view and she has a very unique and refreshing voice: she's witty, humorous and amazingly sarcastic. The mixture of this almost light-hearted narration and the serious subject matter creates a wonderful contrast that made it impossible to stop reading Where It Began.

Gabby has to endure a lot of awful things. Quite soon I was afraid that certain people, who seem to be helpful, are actually having their own agenda, which makes the whole situation even more complicated than it already is. I wanted to slap many characters and, at times, I wanted to shake Gabby and tell her to wake up and see the obvious, which turned Where It Began into a very emotional read for me.

I was told that certain things will be different in the finished version and I can't wait to find out how that will turn out. Even though I would have ordered a finished copy of Where It Began even without any changes, I'm really looking forward to re-read it, hopefully soon, and see what's different.

All in all, Where It Began is an amazing contemporary debut novel that you should at least add to your to-read lists or even pre-order immediately. Even though I already expected it to be a good novel, I was completely surprised by its awesomeness, which makes it deserve a place on my list of favorite books.

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I received an eGalley of this novel from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.