I know this list seems oddly specific but I have noticed that many of my favorite books over the past few years have been exactly this: a contemporary story that is seamlessly interwoven with a paranormal element. I love it when authors blend the real with the fantastic in such a way that I really believe it could happen and all of these authors have done that!


1 The Raven Boys and The Dream Thieves by Maggie Stiefvater
It was actually Maggie that got me thinking about this topic. While I was reading The Curiosities this topic of the supernatural hidden in the normal world kept coming up and now it is something I actively look for.
2 In Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea by April Genevieve Tucholke
I wasn't entirely sure there was a supernatural element in this story until the end-ish. The story is of the twisty variety and I can't wait to see what happens in the next book.


3 Mistwalker by Saundra Mitchell
Part ghost story, part contemporary. A beautiful read.
4 In the Shadow of Blackbirds by Cat Winters
This is great because the supernatural is right in front of you but you're not sure if it's real or faked.
5 White Cat by Holly Black
This novel stuck with me long after I finished it. I was immersed in this world that was so like our own, only with the hint of magic.

6 The Madman's Daughter by Megan Shepherd
This novel has the best kind of supernatural the kind that might actually happen with science. Also it gets tons of extra points for creepiness.
7 The Naturals by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
Okay, so there was never really a truly supernatural element to this story but it was implied and I think the sequel will discuss it even more.


8 Grave Mercy by Robin LaFevers
This is another one that I debated putting on the list because I wasn't really sure it fit the bill. In the end I included it because there is just something special about nun assassins.
9 The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin
I was confused and dazzled throughout this entire story. I'm still not sure what their powers are or mean but I can't wait to continue and finish this series.
10 Pivot Point by Kasie West
This story reads more like a contemporary then anything else. The element was so seamlessly interwoven. I really need to get my hands on the sequel soon!



It was actually Maggie that got me thinking about this topic. While I was reading The Curiosities this topic of the supernatural hidden in the normal world kept coming up and now it is something I actively look for.
2 In Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea by April Genevieve Tucholke
I wasn't entirely sure there was a supernatural element in this story until the end-ish. The story is of the twisty variety and I can't wait to see what happens in the next book.



3 Mistwalker by Saundra Mitchell
Part ghost story, part contemporary. A beautiful read.
4 In the Shadow of Blackbirds by Cat Winters
This is great because the supernatural is right in front of you but you're not sure if it's real or faked.
5 White Cat by Holly Black
This novel stuck with me long after I finished it. I was immersed in this world that was so like our own, only with the hint of magic.


This novel has the best kind of supernatural the kind that might actually happen with science. Also it gets tons of extra points for creepiness.
7 The Naturals by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
Okay, so there was never really a truly supernatural element to this story but it was implied and I think the sequel will discuss it even more.



This is another one that I debated putting on the list because I wasn't really sure it fit the bill. In the end I included it because there is just something special about nun assassins.
9 The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin
I was confused and dazzled throughout this entire story. I'm still not sure what their powers are or mean but I can't wait to continue and finish this series.
10 Pivot Point by Kasie West
This story reads more like a contemporary then anything else. The element was so seamlessly interwoven. I really need to get my hands on the sequel soon!
Pivot Point and Marar Dyer are the first that came to mind when I read this post title. Love those!
ReplyDeleteI've heard lots of goody goodness about these books you've listed Emily and I'm excited! I own Pivot Point and The Devil and the Deep Blue Sea and I'm excited to get to them soon, so here's hoping they're as good as you say :D Great list hun :)
ReplyDeleteI like the topic you selected :) I've only read two of these, so you just gave me some good recommendations.
ReplyDeleteAnother Little Piece by Kate Karyus Quinn was like that too. I thought it was going to be a murder mystery and then there is talk of the devil... Sometimes it's a great surprise, and sometimes, when you aren't expecting it, the story gets all wtf just happened.
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