Top Ten Most Unique Books I've Read (26)

Top Ten Tuesday is hosted over at The Broke and the Bookish. I missed Top Ten Tuesday when I wasn't blogging so I was really excited to do this week's! The topic this week is:

Top Ten Most Unique Books I've Read

This one was a toughie because most of the books I've read may contain some unusual elements, but they still are inspired by earlier books and/or remind me of books I've read before. Yet I managed to decide on a list though I'm sure there are others I've forgotten.

1. Teeth by Hannah Moskowitz - I may not have particularly liked Teeth or felt a connection to any of the characters, but I still have to admit that the premise was as unique as they come and the characters were downright bizarre, especially Teeth who is half fish and half boy.

2. Ready Player One by Ernest Cline - Ready Player One takes the futuristic novel to an entirely new level. In 2044, the line between the real world and virtual reality has vanished, and most of humanity spends their days in a virtual utopia called the OASIS. By mixing together 80's pop culture and advanced technology, Cline has created a terrifying but convincing world that, in our day and age with Google Glass, doesn't seem that far off.

3. The Monstrumologist by Rick Yancey - I rave about this book on a regular basis and basically tell everyone, even if you're not a fan of horror, to read it. One of the reasons why I love this book and the entire series, except The Final Descent which I still have yet to read, is because I have never read anything quite like it before. It's one of those rare finds I just happened to stumble upon, and I'm so happy I did!

4. Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs - It's been some time since I read this book, but I still remember the unusual setting and the haunting black and white photos scattered throughout the book. The Goodreads synopsis mentions "a mysterious island" and "an abandoned orphanage," but you can trust me when I say there is nothing normal about the island or the orphanage. I hope to read its sequel, Hollow City, sometime in the future!

5. Daughter of Smoke & Bone by Laini Taylor - I had read so many glowing reviews for this book before I picked it up, but even then, I had no idea what I was in for. The scenes in Prague were just as fantastical and out of this world as the ones that took place in Eretz. Taylor created a world like I had never experienced, and I couldn't think of another book it reminded me of while I was reading it.

6. Eon by Alison Goodman - Eon is heavily influenced by Asian culture, but it has some unique characteristics that I have yet to see in any other book. The energy dragons are unlike any other dragons you may see in fantasy. Their presence is felt but they are rarely seen. These differences really made for a refreshing, enjoyable reading experience.

7. White Cat by Holly Black - White Cat became one of my new favorites when I read it last year. The premise is wild, and I knew it had great potential before I even read it. Cassel, the protagonist, is a curse worker, and his family seems like the magical equivalent of the Italian mafia. Black definitely outdid herself with this series. Having the power to affect someone's emotions or change their dreams with a touch of a hand? How does she come up with this?

8. The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood - The Handmaid's Tale tells the story of a futuristic society that has chosen to return to a past lifestyle. Women are no longer allowed to read or have jobs, and the commanders have the control. It's terrifying to even imagine and some scenes were upsetting, but it definitely brought something new to the table.

9. Wither by Lauren DeStefano - I just realized I've been picking a lot of dystopian reads, and Winter is yet another to add to the list because of its unique premise. In The Chemical Garden series, a botched experiment has led to shortened lifespans for both women and men. Women now have a life expectancy of only 20 years, and men take multiple wives at a young age in the hopes of increasing the population by having as many children as possible.

10. The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafon - I read this one over my blogging break, and I unfortunately did not write a review for this one, but I plan to reread it eventually. This book is indescribable. Not only is it amazing, but it tells a story that seems somewhat familiar, but at the same time it is like nothing I've ever read before. Spain comes to life with Zafon's words, and suddenly it feels like it's no longer Spain but an unexplored world hiding countless dark secrets. I definitely enjoyed the mystery in this book!

What about you guys? What are some of the most unique books you have read? I could always use recommendations!