Today's books have come from what are probably two of the genres that I have especially enjoyed this year. Fairy tale retellings, and retellings in general, are some of my favorite reads and so I found some wonderful ones this year. However, I stumbled across a few fantasy reads that were excellent as well, and since fantasy is a genre that I normally don't read as often, I was thrilled to have read some great books from it.
It's day four so let me know what your picks are and let me know your thoughts! I'm so excited to share my picks for this list, these books were really wonderful!
no. 1 - Unhinged by A.G. Howard
Are you surprised? Of course this Alice in Wonderland retelling trilogy is among my favorite book series ever, and Unhinged was absolutely incredible. I was kept in suspense the entire time, and I loved returning to this world and characters (especially my beloved Morpheus!) and this is a sequel that's thrilling, an excellent continuation, and leaves you ready for Ensnared!
no. 2 - Cress by Marissa Meyer
This is by far my favorite book in The Lunar Chronicles thus far. While each is great, Cress's storyline was fast paced, filled with action and incredible characters. I loved the witty banter and group that we see in this book, and Cress is an awesome addition to the leading ladies of The Lunar Chronicles. This was a book I couldn't put down, and it has made an already awesome series become one of my favorites. While we won't be getting Winter until November 2015, I'm definitely excited for more of this series with the prequel Fairest that's coming out in January.
I really loved this second book in Jackson Pearce's retellings series. The characters were really wonderful- each was unique, well developed, and their personalities complemented each other well. I loved the sibling dynamic and bond between Ansel and Gretchen, and the mystery that fills the story as well. I found the characters to be memorable and engaging, and the story was well written and fast paced without dragging. I found myself immersed in the world of this small town and Gretchen's quest for answers.
This was the 2014 debut I was looking forward to the most, and Stolen Songbird was really wonderful. I had, for some reason, thought it was a paranormal instead of a fantasy before I'd picked the book up, but this is an incredible fantasy that shines. The world that Danielle L. Jensen has created is intricate, beautiful, and riddled with mystery. I loved seeing Celine's character grow, and how her and Tristan got to know each other. This book is one that has me very excited to read its sequel as well, Hidden Huntress, which comes out in 2015.
Incarnate is a book that I discovered through a readalong, and I'm so happy I did. The world in this fantasy is absolutely incredible- it's truly unlike any concept I've read. This book has elements that are unusual in YA and Ana is a great lead. I fell in love with the world building and the characters.
From the paper world,
V
Sweetly by Jackson Pearce - While this is technically the sequel to Sisters Red, I had to include it separately because it's my favorite. Sweetly's characters are ones I connected to, and the story was unpredictable despite it being a retelling. 
East by Edith Pattou - This is a retelling of East of the Sun, West of the Moon, which is one of my favorite fairy tales. I think it's very easy to depict the protagonist in the wrong light, and make the second half of the story drag, but East does neither. Instead, it creates a beautiful and enchanting story that I loved reading, and even pick up to reread on occassion.
Splintered by A.G. Howard - Well, I had to mention my favorite Alice in Wonderland retelling. This series captures the whimsy and complexity of Wonderland while being a unique, fresh take on the world and original story. More than a retelling, this retells what happened in Alice in Wonderland in the form of Alice's descendants.
The Storyteller's Daughter by Cameron Dokey - This story is truly rich and intricate, much like the tapestries in the story. The writing and tone of this novel is magical, enchanting. It's a story that I couldn't put down. The characters go through struggles and development as the story itself builds, and for a short novel this is one of my all time favorites.
The Lunar Chronicles by Marissa Meyer - I first picked up Cinder two or three years ago when a friend lent her copy to me. I was struck by how unique of a retelling this series is- science fiction and futuristic. Now, it's one of my favorite series, with Cress being one of my favorite 2014 reads thus far. 
Strands of Bronze and Gold by Jane Nickerson - Bluebeard's Wives is definitely one of the darker, grim fairy tales. This retelling captures the eerie, spooky vibe of it perfectly. I was held in suspense the entire time as we follow the narrator's plight and intense story.
Goose Girl by Shannon Hale- The Goose Girl is a fairy tale retelling, although until recently I had been unaware of the original story. Shannon Hale is an author I've discussed before in a Top Ten Tuesday, and this was perhaps one of the first books I read by her. It's unique, beautifully written, and a well told story.
