Coolest Concepts of 2016: Book Princess Edition

It’s Day Two of me counting down books! Are you excited? No? Well, um, I think that’s still okay.

Anyway, one of the other categories that I created was the delightful category of Coolest Concepts! This category is dedicated to some of the most creative and coolest worlds that people built in the books I read in 2016 (and perhaps ever in book world). Let’s count down some worlds you may want to dive into in 2017, since they were so creative…and cool. That term is about to become un-cool with how many times I’m about to say it.

5…

And the Trees Crept In by Dawn Kurtagich

Credits to Little Brown Books

This book was original, creepy, and totally creative. It was beautifully done and had one of the most unique formats that I’ve ever read. The whole infusing of a creepy legend/folklore like feeling along with scattered journal entries, poems, and prose was a haunting and addictive style that had me questioning what was real and what wasn’t. The Creeper Man definitely creeped me out, and the originality (except for that crazy ending) definitely deserves a spot on this countdown.

4…

Illuminae by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff

Okay, this book definitely wins all the awards for most creative book format, and although it definitely is up there with unique book plots, it only makes it as number four on this list. *waits to be pelted with tomatoes* Don’t get me wrong, this book was super good, and it was so creative. Who would have ever thought that you could make an interesting book out of chats, diagrams, and logs? This book managed to do it, and this space opera definitely deserves its spot.

3…

In The Shadow of Blackbirds by Cat Winters

Credits to Amulet Books

This was the book that sold me on Cat Winters being the queen of mood and atmosphere. This wasn’t anything super, super original, but it was unique. This book combined the haunting atmosphere of the Spanish Influenza pandemic, the supernatural elements, and the building tension of the mystifying – literally – mystery. I loved this world, and the concept was beautifully executed. Definitely a must read!

2…

Fear the Drowning Deep by Sarah Glenn Marsh

When I first started reading this book, I totally thought that it was going to be about witch trials and the main character being a witch. Instead, it turned out to be a book about a town being plagued by sea creatures, destroying and maiming the townspeople. I mean, there is a drastic difference here, but the sea creatures and the lush, haunting atmosphere of the Isle of Man really created a very unique and beautiful read. I loved the setting of this novel and combined together with the very interesting and creative plot, this definitely became a great read and worthy of its rating here on our countdown.

1…

Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo

Ugh, this world. It is just so beautifully done. I mean, clearly this concept isn’t really new. It was compared to Ocean’s 11 so many times. However, Bardugo setting the plot in Fantasyland Russia made this book so intriguing. Each element of this concept was crafted wonderfully, and it all set up to one wonderful read. I will forever recommend this book, and if you haven’t read this book already, just read it!! You won’t regret looking like you’re cooking up some witch’s spells while you’re reading it with its all black pages.

So, what was your coolest concept book of 2016? Have you read any of these? Did you agree or disagree? What coolest concept book are you waiting for 2017? Let me know!