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17 Best Stories of 2017

12/25/2017

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Wow, it's already almost 2018. How strange. 2017 was both the slowest and fastest year ever, and what an interesting year it was. Anyway, this post is going to describe 17 of the best "stories" I've read/seen this year. Why "stories" instead of books? I don't think I read enough books in 2017 to pick 17 out (of non-rereads) that I could feel good about naming as the BEST, even if they were the best out of what I read. So here's my list of great stories I read/watched this year. I recommend seeing/watching/reading all of them! These are my favorites from the year. 
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One of the best, if not THE BEST, books I read this year has to have been Lord of Shadows by Cassandra Clare. And really, is that even a surprise? I mean, Clare has yet to disappoint, and is one of my all-time favorite authors. Really, her world, plot, character, and relationship building are perfection, I can't think of a single way for her to improve (other than for her to QUIT KILLING OFF CHARACTERS WHO I LOVE). Anyway, this book surprised me, while I did love the first book, Lady Midnight, and I had high expectations for this one, I wasn't over-the-top excited to read it, just regular excited. The characters in this series have to be the ones I feel the least attached to in the Shadowhunter Chronicles (though I do love them, I just have a special emotional connection to the other series' characters), and I was actually more looking forward to another book coming out on the same day as Lord of Shadows, so... Basically what I'm trying to get at is that Lord of Shadows was a FANTASTIC book. I started it and it was like my eyes were superglued to the pages-- I was not able to look away. The pacing was perfect, as was all the other aspects of the novel as mentioned above. 
If you're interested here's my glowing review, but just warning you it's the second book in the series The Dark Artifices-- the first book is called Lady Midnight. If you're interested in the Shadowhunter Chronicles (WHICH YOU SHOULD BE. IT'S THE BEST), I'd suggest you start with one of the other series-- The Infernal Devices or The Mortal Instruments. This series comes after those time-wise and it spoils them. 
Basically the Shadowhunter Chronicles takes place in modern day, or at least, two of the series (Mortal Instruments and Dark Artifices) do. There's a supernatural world inside our own, and the "police" or people in charge of keeping the order in the supernatural world are Shadowhunters. Half-angel half humans. Each of the series takes place in a different time, The Infernal Devices in the Victorian Era, Mortal Instruments in 2006 and Dark Artifices in 2012. They all follow a group of Shadowhunters and various other supernatural beings as they fight... different enemies. Wow, it's hard to write a synopsis for three series at once while not trying to spoil anything. If you enjoy ROMANCE, FANTASY, and ACTION I'd recommend these series. Trust me-- they're some of my all time favorites and I read a lot. Here's the synopsis for book 1 of the Mortal Instruments, The Infernal Devices and The Dark Artifices. Please, please, check these series out. I can't emphasize how good they are. 
10/10 stars. Trust me, I don't give this score out a lot, but this book DESERVES it. 
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I'm going to be honest. I went into this movie with mediocre expectations seeing as all previous DC movies had been a bit of a disappointment (i.e. Suicide Squad, Batman V. Superman & Superman). Then I actually watched this movie, and I was totally blown away. For those of you living under a rock, Wonder Woman follows Diana Prince, an amazonian warrior, as she ventures out of the safety of her home island and into the world of man in order to try and save it. Yeah, that's the big picture idea, at least. If you like action, comic book movies, or just enjoy a good story, Wonder Woman is the movie for you. Don't believe me? This movie also got glowing reviews from basically everyone. It has a 92% on Rotten Tomatoes. 92%! That's really quite good. This has to be one of my favorite movies to come out of 2017, and I really hope you all see it. Another 10/10 stars. 
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I know, I know, I'm a little late, but this year I got into Hamilton. My obsession began in late May and has only been growing since. I avoided this musical for so long because I told myself I wouldn't like it-- I don't like rap. Yeah, well, I don't like it. I LOVE it. I'm obsessed with it. Over the summer I think I listened to the entire album TWICE a day. That's how great my obsession is. I know every word by heart and know a ton of real random facts about the musical. Seriously, if you have yet to listen to the soundtrack and get into the musical, you're missing out. The music is insanely catchy, the plot intriguing, and the characters are ones that are easy to grow attached to. Here's a link to the entire soundtrack, if you're interested. Of course, I can't actually link you to the show because that would be illegal ;), but if you're interested in seeing the show-- either do some pretty deep digging into the internet (you'll find it, I promise), or pay your life's worth to go see it on Broadway. (Or you could also pay a cheaper amount to see it in Chicago or London, and also there's a touring cast!) It's kind of harder to get than the other things on this list, but it's so worth it if you can see it. 9/10 stars. (seriously anything above a 7 is impressive in my rating scale). 
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Another book I wasn't expecting much out of. Book 5.5 out of the Throne of Glass series (one of my favorite book series),Tower of Dawn follows Chaol Westfall as he ventures into the South looking for a cure for his damaged spine. Seeing as I'm not Chaol's biggest fan, I got the book and would read it because of my devotion to the series and the author, but I wasn't expecting to fall in love with the story and be up until the early hours reading... And yet that's exactly what happened. I really shouldn't have doubted Maas. The Throne of Glass series is another book series I would seriously recommend. Maybe if the first book doesn't hook you, try the next (even though the first book is FANTASTIC). This series is one that just gets better and better by the book and as the world expands. Throne of Glass is the perfect series for anyone who likes any of the following: a badass female protagonist, an exciting novel, action, romance, YA, fantasy, Game of Thrones, etc. 
Here's the synopsis for Throne of Glass, if you are interested. If you haven't read it, I encourage that you try the series because really, it's a fantastic story with compelling characters, intricate world building and an intriguing plot. 
I'm giving Tower of Dawn 10/10 stars. It was that good. If you've read Throne of Glass through Empire of Storms and are hesitant to start Tower of Dawn-- trust me and try it! You won't regret it. Need more convincing? Here's another glowing review. 
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It wasn't released in 2017, but I was introduced to it this year. Rent, an iconic musical following several broke artists as they struggle to make a living. Bad description, great musical. Also a great movie containing most of the original Broadway cast. Here's the IMDB description of the movie: This is the film version of the Pulitzer and Tony Award winning musical about Bohemians in the East Village of New York City struggling with life, love and AIDS, and the impacts they have on America. I don't really know how else to sell this musical other than saying it's a very moving story, and also has great actors with strong vocals. This is the show that began Idina Menzel's career, as well as one of the first musicals to introduce more edgy themes like AIDS, drag, gays etc. to the Broadway stage. 10/10 stars for both the musical and the movie. I can't link the movie here, but there is a live recording of a Broadway show, not with the original cast, but still talented. 
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I think there's a theme with the stories on this list-- they're all things wasn't expecting to love. And yet here I am, loving all of theme. The Lunar Chronicles, I've been avoiding this series for a LONG LONG LONG time. I knew it was insanely popular and everyone who read it loved it, but... I just couldn't bring myself to read Cinder because Cinder is a cyborg. Then, ironically as I was reading the book, I was getting mad at everyone for disliking Cinder because she was a cyborg. Don't let the sci-fi element throw you off like it did me. The Lunar Chronicles are a sci-fi retelling of different fairytales. For example, Cinder is a loose retelling of Cinderella. But it's not like companion novels in the same world, no all these stories are connected, just introducing new characters in each book that help along the main plot. Seriously, it's a very fun series to read. Sci-fi, romance, action and adventure-- what's not to love? Still need more convincing? Here's my synopsis for book 1. 
Also here's the book synopsis: 

Humans and androids crowd the raucous streets of New Beijing. A deadly plague ravages the population. From space, a ruthless lunar people watch, waiting to make their move. No one knows that Earth’s fate hinges on one girl.

Cinder, a gifted mechanic, is a cyborg. She’s a second-class citizen with a mysterious past, reviled by her stepmother and blamed for her stepsister’s illness. But when her life becomes intertwined with the handsome Prince Kai’s, she suddenly finds herself at the center of an intergalactic struggle, and a forbidden attraction. Caught between duty and freedom, loyalty and betrayal, she must uncover secrets about her past in order to protect her world’s future.
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I'd give the series a 8.8/10 overall. (Yes, that is a VERY good score for me). It was a great read, that I reread as soon as I finished it! Please! Try this series out, you [probably] won't regret it. (Then again, I can't see inside you're head, so I can't make an official promise!) 
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If you couldn't tell, I really love my comic book stories. And this isn't the last comic book movie on this list. I also love me some Chris Hemsworth so... Thor: Ragnarok had a VERY different tone from all the previous Marvel movies. It was light, not a serious story-telling. Poking fun at itself and everything around it, and I loved it. This movie is the perfect combination of action and comedy. It makes use of its talented-cast and was filmed mostly on improv. Interesting fact-- Matt Damon has a cameo in it. If you have yet to watch this movie, what are you waiting for?! It's a blast, I promise you. 8.5/10 stars. 
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Another musical, yeah, I'm a bit of a musical addict. Here's another musical I was introduced to this year, thanks to my friend Rachael. I loved this musical so much that I saw it TWICE within the span of like three months. RIGHT NOW on Broadway the original cast leads are back, Stark Stands and Billy Porter, only through January 7, so yeah, I know it's a short time, but if you can make it to the show GO. Sands and Porter are by far the best performers I have yet to see. Their on-stage presence is so compelling-- I couldn't tear my eyes away from them. They have the best on-stage chemistry I've ever seen, and the voices of angels. Please, please, please, see them if you can. 
You may be wondering, what is Kinky Boots about? Well. Here's the official Broadway synopsis! Based on a true story and the indie film of the same name, Kinky Boots follows young Brit Charlie Price, who abandons his family’s shoe factory to live with his demanding girlfriend in London. After the unexpected death of his father, Charlie returns to the struggling factory and finds it’s up to him to figure out a way to keep the business alive. Enter Lola, a fabulous drag queen, who gives Charlie the idea to create ladies’ shoes for men. Soon, the factory is turning out “kinky boots” under the supervision of Charlie and Lola, but can this harebrained scheme actually work? And can these two extremely different men find a common ground and become real friends?
The show is great in every aspect, which, I suppose, is not surprising for a Broadway show. Kinky Boots is a fun kind of production that will have you in absolute stitches, while also have you tapping your foot along to its infectious tunes. 10/10 stars. Sands and Porter are ​everything. (Still, the show on its own is good, too. Seriously recommend seeing it, even if you can't get in before January 7)
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Here's another story I went into thinking I'd feel meh about and ended up loving. Actually, here's a story-telling platform I wasn't expecting to get into, either. Webtoon. Online comics. I think the sale is called Manga? I'm not sure though, so don't quote me. You can quote me on saying this is absolutely one the best stories I've ever had the pleasure of reading. I'm completely obsessed with Tower of God by Siu. Sure, the start of the story is a little slow and the art isn't AMAZING to start out with either, but let me tell you both improve drastically. Soon enough you'll be sucked into the story and not able to quit clicking "next episode" (episodes are chapters). If you're like me, you'll be staying up till 1AM on every day-- even weekdays-- because the story is just that good. The further you get into the world, the harder it is to leave it. The world, character, plot and relationship building in this comic are far better than plenty of published books I've read. If you like stories and are hesitant about reading a comic kind of story, don't be! This is an experience I promise you won't regret. And it's free! You can either download the free app or read it online! 
Now that I'm done ranting about how GOOD Tower of God is, shall I explain what it's about?
Well... This is actually pretty difficult. Tower of God takes place inside a tower where, if you can get to the top, you'll be granted with any of your greatest desires. The only thing is? Barely anyone makes it to the top. There are floors that you have to pass, and on each floor you have to take a "test." It's  kind of like a game, except the games can turn out to be deadly. Tower of God starts off following an innocent character as he accidentally enters the tower while following a friend... and as he ventures up the tower... Well, I want to tell you what happens, but that'd spoil the fun! Just trust me on this and try out this webtoon. Seriously, you don't know what your'e missing out on. This story has a mysterious and compelling plot line with a very lovable ensemble of characters. You won't be able to stop reading. Trust me, I'd know. 10/10 stars. This has to be one of my favorite stories of all time at this point. (Oh, also I should mention it's kind of an action/adventure/fantasy with plenty of humor)
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This was the book I was most looking forward to coming out this year. The final book in the A Court of Thorns and Roses trilogy by Sarah J. Maas-- A Court of Wings and Ruin. And while, I'll admit, I was a  little disappointed with the novel, it was still a FANTASTIC book. My biggest issue was that it didn't seem like a finale, it didn't tie up any loose ends, it actually made more things open than anything else. If you're interested in my thoughts on it here's my review. Still, it was a great novel. 9/10 stars. 
If any of you don't know what this series is about... Please, please, please read it! The second book in the series , A curt of Mist and Fury is my favorite book of all time. Seriously, it's the best book in the world. The first book starts off a bit slowly, but as it goes on you get into it. What is it about? The first book is an extremely loose retelling of Beauty and the Beast. Very loose. The "Beasts" in the story are Faeries. And not like ones with cute little wings, but really attractive, immortal beings with extraordinary powers. Here's the synopsis for the first book: 
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Feyre's survival rests upon her ability to hunt and kill – the forest where she lives is a cold, bleak place in the long winter months. So when she spots a deer in the forest being pursued by a wolf, she cannot resist fighting it for the flesh. But to do so, she must kill the predator and killing something so precious comes at a price ...

Dragged to a magical kingdom for the murder of a faerie, Feyre discovers that her captor, his face obscured by a jewelled mask, is hiding far more than his piercing green eyes would suggest. Feyre's presence at the court is closely guarded, and as she begins to learn why, her feelings for him turn from hostility to passion and the faerie lands become an even more dangerous place. Feyre must fight to break an ancient curse, or she will lose him forever.
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Another superhero movie, surprise surprise. Spiderman: Homecoming is the most recent reboot in the many different Spiderman variations. Finally, Spiderman is able to join his fellow Marvel Avengers, thanks to a new deal between Sony and Disney/Marvel. And they finally got a Spiderman movie to be just right. Toby Maguire was a good Peter Parker, not Spiderman, while Andrew Garfield was a great Spiderman, not Peter Parker. Tom Hollands plays both roles perfectly. He also pulls off being a cute, awkward teenager, unlike both Maguire and Garfield who clearly felt older than their parts. Spiderman: Homecoming is a fun, energetic, action-packed movie that will be sure to hold your attention for the entirety of its run time. 8/10 stars. 
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Another Webtoon? Yep. I'm kind of obsessed with these. And they're free! So you can read them anytime on your phone for no cost at all. It's a really good deal. This is another fantasy webtoon. It takes place in a world where it's common to have some sort of superpower. So it's unordinary to have no powers like the protagonist, John... Yeah, it's really hard to explain more, but let me promise you-- it's good. Like Tower of God, it has excellent character, relationship and plot building. The plot is super intriguing, and the characters are very likable (well not all of them, but like, different people will like different characters. My favorite is Arlo.) If you like fantasy, action or young adult stories, try this one out! (Also the art is FLAWLESS) Oh yeah, here's the official synopsis:
The world is not perfect. Learning to deal with its flaws is just a normal part of life. But there comes a point where these imperfections spawn a crushing realization... that something needs to change...
Here's a link to the story. 10/10 stars. (Oh, also the comics aren't actually moving. That would be a show. This is just a trailer.) 
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For anyone who's been following my blog for a while, this shouldn't be a surprise. To All The Boys I've Loved Before has to be my favorite contemporary romance series. It's so realistic, to the point where sometimes I have to avert my eyes for a minute from secondhand embarrassment. It's so easy to emphasize with the protagonist and fall in love with the adorably of the story. Honestly, if you enjoy cute romances THIS IS THE SERIES FOR YOU.
Anyway, Always and Forever Lara Jean was the perfect ending to this perfect series. Unlike so many final books, this novel kept the tone and feel of its predecessors. It was good. No, it was great. 10/10 stars. Interested? Check out my review. 
If you're interested in the series as a whole, here's the synopsis for book 1. 
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What if all the crushes you ever had found out how you felt about them… all at once? 

Sixteen-year-old Lara Jean Song keeps her love letters in a hatbox her mother gave her. They aren’t love letters that anyone else wrote for her; these are ones she’s written. One for every boy she’s ever loved—five in all. When she writes, she pours out her heart and soul and says all the things she would never say in real life, because her letters are for her eyes only. Until the day her secret letters are mailed, and suddenly, Lara Jean’s love life goes from imaginary to out of control.
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This was one of those movies that I was expecting to be a flop. And that I did not intend to watch. Story behind that: every Christmas my fam goes to see a movie. My cousin made me promise not to watch Star Wars: The Last Jedi without him, so we had to watch something else. (Yes, I have seen the Last Jedi by now.) I was expecting this to be pretty bad.. And yet I ended up really enjoying the experience. It wasn't the BEST plot, but it was a fun movie. Seriously, I don't remember the last time a movie had me in stitches this many times. 8/10 stars. 
Basically what Jumanji is about is four teens get sucked into a game to play as different characters. They've got to complete the game if they want to get out and survive. 
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Another old thing that I just got around to seeing/reading this year. 27 Dresses, quite possibly my favorite rom com now. Yeah, I don't really like Katherine Heigl either, but it's a really good rom com. And I'm a sucker for a good romance story. 
This basically follows a girl who loves weddings. She loves them so much so that she's been in 27 weddings, and basically planned the entire thing for each of her friends. She's also been pining after her boss... Who starts to fall in love with her lying sister, and she may just have to plan their wedding. Throw in a James Marsden writer character and you get a great rom com. 8/10 stars.  

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Another Webtoon. Seriously, this app/website is the best. Super Secret is a super adorable story about next door neighbors and best friends Emma and Ryan. It's a perfectly normal story minus the part where Ryan is a werewolf and his entire family are magical beings and Emma doesn't know. This has to be one of the cutest stories I had the pleasure of seeing/reading this year. Not only is the art absolutely adorable, but the story is as well. While being a cute story (sorry, cute and adorable are going to be used a lot here.), it also has an interesting plot. It's not just all about romance, in fact, there are a lot of subplots as well as some intrigue going on with the main romance interests. If you like cute stories, try this one out. 10/10 stars. Link here. 
(Yeah, the trailer sells the story WAY too short. There's so much more going on...) 
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And last but not least we have the only TV show on this list, the worldwide phenomenon, Game of Thrones. To be completely honest season 7 was not my favorite season due to numerous plot holes and a sense of feeling rushed due to the short amount of episodes left (ONLY 6), but it was still a GREAT season. While I did have my issues with season 7, I still sat down at 9 every Sunday night and proceeded to have my eyes glued to the screen for the next hour. Visually Game of Thrones is stunning, it has a marvelous cast and about $10 million to spend on each episode, how could it not be? Also the plot is intriguing, which is why so many people love the show. This show might have the most intricate plot on TV, one word said in the first season can come into play in later seasons. It's all very well thought out (well, this last season was a little scattered but...) I highly recommend this show to anyone who hasn't actually seen it (are there people who haven't seen Game of Thrones? At this point it seems like everyone has.) Game of Thrones is not one of those shows that you just play in the background while doing something else, no this show demands attention and it's worth every second of it. It's not too late to jump on the Game of Thrones bandwagon! You have until 2019 when the new and last season comes out! If you like fantasy, action, and intrigue this is the show for you. I promise, once you get into the show, you'll be on the edge of your seat until the very end. 
There's a reason Game of Thrones is (probably, I don't know the actual statistic, it's at least one of) the most popular television shows. 9.5/10 stars for the overall series and 8/10 stars for the last season. 
Anyway, thanks for reading this extremely long post! Hope y'all had a great 2017 and happy new year! 
​-Anj
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    Anji Cooper

    Sushi Obsessed. Internet Geek. Aspiring Author. Avid Reader. Occasional Blogger. 

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