1. Harry Potter, J.K. Rowling - Whatever anyone says about Harry Potter, they really are the best books ever. J.K. Rowling's attention to detail is incredible, she's actually created a completely different world. Personally, I think the best kind of fictional book is the kind you can totally and utterly believe. When you're reading these books, you get sucked in, and every word you take for gospel. You fall in love with the characters; and fantasize about being apart of the Harry Potter world. Every summer, I have a Harry Potter ritual that I read these books before the holidays are over. It's honestly the best part of the summer.
2. Skulduggery Pleasant, Derek Landy - Fire-throwing skeleton detective on a mission to save the world... Need I say more? In minutes your catapulted into a creepy world of magic. The reason I love these books is because you can never guess what's going to happen next; the sarcastic and funny characters become your friends; and your always rooting for your side to win. I can get lost in this story for hours and not get bored.
3. H.I.V.E, Mark Walden - H.I.V.E. is a school for young villans, and very hard to explain. It's all about a boy named Otto, who's brought to H.I.V.E. from his orphanage after he tricks the Prime Minister into resigning using a bizarre electronic spider... It gets pretty confusing, with all the scientific talk. But it's incredible. One minute Otto is trying to escape...Then he finds out he's strangely connected to an organic supercomputer... Read H.I.V.E. Mark Walden is incredible - I met him at the Book Festival and he was hilarious.
4. Percy Jackson, Rick Riordan - Percy Jackson is so different to everything else out there. I've always loved history, so all of the Greek mythology is really interesting and strangely addictive for me. The best part, for me, is the way Rick Riordan can take these ancient stories and mordanize them and make them relevant for the 21st century. Plus, even if you've seen the film, I urge you to read these - the film misses A LOT out and (although Logan Lerman is incredibly hot) is no way as good as the books.
5. Gallagher Girls, Ally Carter - The first book in this series is called "I'd Tell You I Love You, But Then I'd Have To Kill You". It's all about a private school for girls which is really a school for the spies of the future. It's sounds a little cliche but they are really great. The reason I enjoyed them so much is because they put together the woes of being a teenage girl, and the excitement of being a top-secret-spy, together.
6. The Cry of the Icemark, Stuart Hill - I've only ever read the first of this series, and I really enjoyed it. It's all about this different world where the Princess has to take her father's crown after he was killed in battle, and then this enemy army from a neighbouring country tries to take over her kingdom. The first time I read it, I didn't enjoy the book as much, because it didn't have a very exciting beginning; but the second time? I couldn't put it down, and I stayed up all night waiting for the end. Expect lots of magical creatures and battle scenes...
7. The Hobbit, J.R.R. Tolkien - This. Is. A. Classic. My Uncle Mark bought me this a few years ago, and I loved it. J.R.R. Tolkien really is an amazing, dedicated author...He wrote a whole new language for the Lord of the Rings series for Goodness sake! I've not read the others books, but I loved The Hobbit, and I assure you it's a really great read.
8. Hush, Hush, Becca Fitzpatrick - OK. I am not usually a fan of fantasy romance novels - I feel they're all carbon copies of Twilight, which I find kinda draining. But Hush Hush is INCREDIBLE. Please, please, please read it. Patch is undoubtedly the hottest fictional character EVER - I think I'm in love with him...Yes, I know, that's odd, but hey ho... Anyways, there's a murder plot, creepy stalker, fallen angel... The more the mystery unravels, the more it sucks you in!
9. Perfect Chemistry, Simone Elkeles - I love this series. It's totally addictive, and if you fancy a romance novel (without the fantasy, but just as much drama) you'll love this one. First, there's Brittany, who lives a picture perfect life - but with secrets. And then there's Alex - a boy who wants to succeed but has been sucked into a life of crime in the Latino Blood gang, just to keep his family safe. Perfect for snuggling up with a hot chocolate on a rainy day:)
10. Pretty Little Liars, Sara Shepard - Lovelovelovelove. Got the next two ordered from Amazon and flying my way as I write! These books are so addictive. I hate books where you can guess the ending - and this sure as hell ain't one of them! It's all about this group of girls who - years ago - where best friends. Until one of them, Ali, disappeared. You soon discover though that Ali had a lot of secrets and enemies: and a great deal of these girls do too. All of them are even a teensy-tiny bit glad that Ali's gone - now nobody can share their secrets with the world. Or so they think. Until a mysterious "A" starts contacting them, saying things they confided in only one person...Ali.
