Best Debut Author Novels!
This list is for the best break out novels...the book that created buzz and established the author's career.

Note: This list is not for advertising. Please only vote if you are an active Goodreads member and have actually read the book(s) you are voting for.
101 Pulse Of Heroes (The Pulse #1)
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4.29 of 5 stars 4.29 avg rating — 201 ratings
102 Nine Lives
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3.58 of 5 stars 3.58 avg rating — 67 ratings
103 Shatter Me (Shatter Me, #1)
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4.05 of 5 stars 4.05 avg rating — 34,723 ratings
104 Obsidian (Lux, #1)
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4.36 of 5 stars 4.36 avg rating — 31,874 ratings
105 The Perks of Being a Wallfl...
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4.16 of 5 stars 4.16 avg rating — 271,123 ratings
106 The Sacred Oath: Book One o...
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4.46 of 5 stars 4.46 avg rating — 41 ratings
107 Muscle Memory
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4.01 of 5 stars 4.01 avg rating — 127 ratings
108 The Redhead Revealed (Redhe...
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4.34 of 5 stars 4.34 avg rating — 5,719 ratings
109 The Eyre Affair (Thursday N...
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3.92 of 5 stars 3.92 avg rating — 55,180 ratings
110 Soul Protector (Soul Protec...
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3.65 of 5 stars 3.65 avg rating — 314 ratings
111 Twenties Girl
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3.78 of 5 stars 3.78 avg rating — 56,395 ratings
112 Final Justice  (A Lorne Sim...
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3.97 of 5 stars 3.97 avg rating — 69 ratings
113 The Egg Said Nothing
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3.89 of 5 stars 3.89 avg rating — 161 ratings
114 Bound By Blood - Volume 1
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4.62 of 5 stars 4.62 avg rating — 104 ratings
115 Consequences (Consequences,...
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4.18 of 5 stars 4.18 avg rating — 9,391 ratings
116 Bucket of Face
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4.11 of 5 stars 4.11 avg rating — 62 ratings
117 Set the Night on Fire
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4.13 of 5 stars 4.13 avg rating — 82 ratings
118 Felix and the Sacred Thor
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4.21 of 5 stars 4.21 avg rating — 28 ratings
119 Perfect Score
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4.07 of 5 stars 4.07 avg rating — 83 ratings
120 The Silver Mist
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4.56 of 5 stars 4.56 avg rating — 41 ratings
121 Wired
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3.98 of 5 stars 3.98 avg rating — 40 ratings
122 First Grave on the Right (C...
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4.1 of 5 stars 4.10 avg rating — 17,802 ratings
122 Anna Dressed in Blood (Anna...
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4.0 of 5 stars 4.00 avg rating — 24,733 ratings
124 City of Ashes (The Mortal I...
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4.28 of 5 stars 4.28 avg rating — 197,249 ratings
125 Outlander (Outlander, #1)
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4.08 of 5 stars 4.08 avg rating — 197,365 ratings
126 Tiger's Quest (The Tiger Sa...
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4.42 of 5 stars 4.42 avg rating — 12,546 ratings
127 Diavolino
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4.46 of 5 stars 4.46 avg rating — 46 ratings
128 Intrinsical (The Yara Silva...
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3.86 of 5 stars 3.86 avg rating — 1,360 ratings
128 Burning Hearts (Sanctuary P...
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4.43 of 5 stars 4.43 avg rating — 37 ratings
130 The Nanny Diaries (Nanny #1)
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3.31 of 5 stars 3.31 avg rating — 221,634 ratings
131 Here Lies Death
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3.7 of 5 stars 3.70 avg rating — 47 ratings
132 Cassidy Jones and the Secre...
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4.34 of 5 stars 4.34 avg rating — 331 ratings
133 Sin
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4.07 of 5 stars 4.07 avg rating — 86 ratings
134 The Commander And The Den A...
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3.98 of 5 stars 3.98 avg rating — 48 ratings
135 Miss Peregrine's Home for P...
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3.72 of 5 stars 3.72 avg rating — 117,888 ratings
136 Becoming Edward
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3.21 of 5 stars 3.21 avg rating — 224 ratings
137 Tearing Honor
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4.29 of 5 stars 4.29 avg rating — 7 ratings
138 Reflections: A Modern Antho...
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5.0 of 5 stars 5.00 avg rating — 2 ratings
139 For the Love of a Vampire (...
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3.93 of 5 stars 3.93 avg rating — 3,801 ratings
140 The Girl of Fire and Thorns...
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3.86 of 5 stars 3.86 avg rating — 16,058 ratings
141 The Fallen Star (Fallen Sta...
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3.96 of 5 stars 3.96 avg rating — 10,283 ratings
142 One Insular Tahiti
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3.93 of 5 stars 3.93 avg rating — 27 ratings
143 The Assassins' Village
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3.66 of 5 stars 3.66 avg rating — 58 ratings
144 Poison Study (Study, #1)
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4.2 of 5 stars 4.20 avg rating — 45,392 ratings
145 The Angels Are Here (Parado...
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3.78 of 5 stars 3.78 avg rating — 210 ratings
146 Verland: The Transformation
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4.01 of 5 stars 4.01 avg rating — 83 ratings
147 Looking for Alaska
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4.26 of 5 stars 4.26 avg rating — 150,822 ratings
148 Shade (Shade, #1)
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3.94 of 5 stars 3.94 avg rating — 7,581 ratings
149 Tiger's Curse (The Tiger Sa...
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4.18 of 5 stars 4.18 avg rating — 16,344 ratings
150 Every Last Kiss (The Bloods...
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3.8 of 5 stars 3.80 avg rating — 1,189 ratings
151 The Forest of Hands and Tee...
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3.62 of 5 stars 3.62 avg rating — 40,908 ratings
152 Bridges: A Tale of Niagra
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4.4 of 5 stars 4.40 avg rating — 30 ratings
153 Unwritten Rules
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3.68 of 5 stars 3.68 avg rating — 2,332 ratings
153 Perpetual Night
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3.81 of 5 stars 3.81 avg rating — 31 ratings
155 Starfish Girl
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4.0 of 5 stars 4.00 avg rating — 80 ratings
156 Backstage Pass (Sinners on ...
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4.08 of 5 stars 4.08 avg rating — 23,501 ratings
156 The Iron Knight (Iron Fey, #4)
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4.31 of 5 stars 4.31 avg rating — 23,920 ratings
158 Anathema (Causal Enchantmen...
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4.04 of 5 stars 4.04 avg rating — 1,505 ratings
159 Eternal Eden (Eden Trilogy,...
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3.87 of 5 stars 3.87 avg rating — 6,713 ratings
160 Sweet Seduction
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4.0 of 5 stars 4.00 avg rating — 12 ratings
161 How to Eat Fried Furries
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3.97 of 5 stars 3.97 avg rating — 34 ratings
162 A Game of Thrones (A Song o...
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4.43 of 5 stars 4.43 avg rating — 418,464 ratings
163 Not Magic Enough
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3.39 of 5 stars 3.39 avg rating — 36 ratings
163 Be Careful What You Wish Fo...
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3.98 of 5 stars 3.98 avg rating — 153 ratings
165 A Very Hairy Adventure (Kay...
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3.5 of 5 stars 3.50 avg rating — 10 ratings
166 Raised by Wolves (Raised by...
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3.99 of 5 stars 3.99 avg rating — 13,939 ratings
167 Ursula's Quest (The Witchcr...
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4.06 of 5 stars 4.06 avg rating — 17 ratings
168 Last Sacrifice (Vampire Aca...
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4.5 of 5 stars 4.50 avg rating — 84,972 ratings
169 Beastly
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3.81 of 5 stars 3.81 avg rating — 65,396 ratings
170 Down The Path
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4.0 of 5 stars 4.00 avg rating — 27 ratings
171 Between Balloons
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3.98 of 5 stars 3.98 avg rating — 45 ratings
172 The Portal Between (The Por...
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4.09 of 5 stars 4.09 avg rating — 35 ratings
173 Love in the Time of Dinosaurs
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3.96 of 5 stars 3.96 avg rating — 69 ratings
173 Blue Bloods (Blue Bloods, #1)
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3.69 of 5 stars 3.69 avg rating — 69,992 ratings
175 The Historian
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3.71 of 5 stars 3.71 avg rating — 121,246 ratings
176 The Giver (The Giver, #1)
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4.11 of 5 stars 4.11 avg rating — 533,364 ratings
177 The Sky Is Everywhere
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4.12 of 5 stars 4.12 avg rating — 19,519 ratings
178 This Last Summer
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3.94 of 5 stars 3.94 avg rating — 16 ratings
179 Tangled Tides (The Sea Mons...
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4.08 of 5 stars 4.08 avg rating — 884 ratings
179 The Wayward Gifted - Broken...
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4.38 of 5 stars 4.38 avg rating — 34 ratings
181 Until Forever
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4.15 of 5 stars 4.15 avg rating — 155 ratings
182 Drawing the Circle (Blackst...
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4.0 of 5 stars 4.00 avg rating — 13 ratings
183 Little White Lies (Mimics o...
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3.66 of 5 stars 3.66 avg rating — 126 ratings
183 I'M NOT DEAD: The Journals ...
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4.4 of 5 stars 4.40 avg rating — 15 ratings
185 The Orb of Truth (The Horn ...
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4.44 of 5 stars 4.44 avg rating — 80 ratings
186 Cassidy Jones and Vulcan's ...
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4.45 of 5 stars 4.45 avg rating — 175 ratings
187 Doomed (Ancient Legends, #2)
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4.05 of 5 stars 4.05 avg rating — 1,059 ratings
187 Rush
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4.3 of 5 stars 4.30 avg rating — 33 ratings
189 Never Smile at Strangers
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3.72 of 5 stars 3.72 avg rating — 763 ratings
190 Darkness & Light (Holloway ...
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4.03 of 5 stars 4.03 avg rating — 149 ratings
190 Blood Tithe
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4.65 of 5 stars 4.65 avg rating — 37 ratings
192 Dreamsbane of Tamalor
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4.06 of 5 stars 4.06 avg rating — 49 ratings
192 Hidden (Marchwood Vampires,...
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3.85 of 5 stars 3.85 avg rating — 343 ratings
192 Faithful Danger
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4.11 of 5 stars 4.11 avg rating — 9 ratings
195 The Nightlife: Las Vegas (T...
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4.23 of 5 stars 4.23 avg rating — 122 ratings
196 The DUFF: Designated Ugly F...
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3.95 of 5 stars 3.95 avg rating — 19,214 ratings
197 Demon Kissed (Demon Kissed,...
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3.94 of 5 stars 3.94 avg rating — 2,335 ratings
198 Heart of the Matter
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3.64 of 5 stars 3.64 avg rating — 43,050 ratings
199 Love Unscripted (Love, #1)
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4.14 of 5 stars 4.14 avg rating — 33,293 ratings
200 October Snow
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4.32 of 5 stars 4.32 avg rating — 37 ratings
1,426 books · 3,847 voters · list created June 1st, 2011 by Shawn (votes) .
 · 
Lists are re-scored approximately every 500 seconds.


Shawn
Shawn
628 books
1291 friends
Shari
Shari
206 books
256 friends
Dannye
Dannye
321 books
403 friends
Lynsey
Lynsey
305 books
269 friends
Valerie
Valerie
374 books
706 friends
Haley ~ YA-Aholic
Haley ~ YA-Aholic
1202 books
2024 friends
Ottilie
Ottilie
562 books
354 friends

More voters…


Comments (showing 1-35 of 35) (35 new)

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message 2: by Jerome (new)

Jerome Peterson Who decides on the books that get posted on this list and why?


message 3: by Shawn (new)

Shawn Jerome wrote: "Who decides on the books that get posted on this list and why?"

Anyone can add books or vote for one already on the list. If you go to the "add books to this list" tab you can add which ever books you think fit the description. That way it's open for all goodreads members to voice their opinion. :)


message 4: by Tanja (new)

Tanja Interesting to see that some books are on the list more than once and that books made it that are obviously not the authors first book and therefore shouldn't be on a list called "Break Out Author Novels"


message 5: by Sherry (new)

Sherry Actually, the term "Break Out Novel" doesn't usually apply to debut novels, but to the book -- usually the third or fourth -- that breaks a novelist out to a big readership.


message 6: by Sherry (new)

Sherry But I am nevertheless honored to be included on this list. :)


message 7: by Jerome (new)

Jerome Peterson You hit the nail on its head, Sherry.


message 8: by Kim (new)

Kim De Lair SR & EL (Icy to her fans) are two of my favorite authors who took it to the next level! They are beloved on the fandom and will always be beloved as they make their mark in the mainstream. Love you guys and your stories. KimiD


message 9: by Chris (new)

Chris Hackett I just added my book to this list since I am actually a breakout Author. Hopefully someone sees it at some point.


message 10: by Cheryl (last edited Jul 13, 2011 06:57am) (new)

Cheryl Bit confused about this list since the description says: "This list is for new authors and their books." And yet Stephen King is on the list? Is this list for Break Out Authors (which would be a new or old -- not age -- author with a book that is finally a hit? Is it for "new authors"? And "new" as of when? Which is it? Does it matter? Probably not but it's still confusing.... ha-ha..


message 11: by Breanne (new)

Breanne This vote was for Colleen Houck. Tiger saga all the way :)


message 12: by Anna (new)

Anna I was excited to see Crushed on here. I just finished reading it, and the writer is addictive. I love her style. The characters are very cool. Can't wait for the next book.


message 13: by Dana (new)

Dana Pratola By mistake there are two of my book on here - one with a cover one without. Will the votes from each be combined?


message 14: by Tammy (new)

Tammy Doherty Sherry wrote: "Actually, the term "Break Out Novel" doesn't usually apply to debut novels, but to the book -- usually the third or fourth -- that breaks a novelist out to a big readership."

That still doesn't explain "Wicked Appetite" by Janet Evanovich...she broke out long before that novel was published!!!


message 15: by Tanya (new)

Tanya Hanson My book Faithful Danger is on here (I didn't even know LOL) and it is as romantic suspense, it is break out for me. I write sensual Western historicals and inspirational Western contemporaries.


message 16: by Katherine (new)

Katherine Owen My book, Seeing Julia, is my debut novel and is now listed. It's contemporary fiction and has been well received by readers. I voted for a few of my absolute favorite novels. It's a great list!


message 17: by Terri (new)

Terri I added my book Forget Me Not to the list because it's new and I don't think anyone knows about it here. =) It's my first novel, I have a novella published as well. Thank you, if you choose to vote for me. =D


message 18: by [deleted user] (new)

Check out "The Ballad of Young Tam Lin." (You can read the first 3 chapters free on Amazon's Kindle sneak peek.) Historical fantasy romance. Great characters, compelling plot, wit and seriousness. I've laughed out loud many times, and had to hold back tears.


message 19: by Luse (new)

Luse Blood Red Road is a debut novel, c'mon people and read it. It deserves at least being Top 5 !!!! Blood Red Road by Moira Young to the end.


message 20: by Marina (new)

Marina ANGELFALL should be higher! it's fantastic!:)


message 21: by Tom Bombadil (new)

Tom Bombadil The Hunger Games wasn't Suzanne Collins's first book. She wrote the Gregor the Overlander series before it. I know I'm nitpicking but this detail annoys me a little (especially because I read those books as a kid and they were really good)


message 22: by Triv (new)

Triv S. Tom Bombadil wrote: "The Hunger Games wasn't Suzanne Collins's first book. She wrote the Gregor the Overlander series before it. I know I'm nitpicking but this detail annoys me a little (especially because I read those..."

I was about to say that--so I second it.


message 23: by Jonathan (new)

Jonathan Tom Bombadil wrote: "The Hunger Games wasn't Suzanne Collins's first book. She wrote the Gregor the Overlander series before it. I know I'm nitpicking but this detail annoys me a little (especially because I read those..."

They were excellent I agree. I love how I read her books before her work became super popular.


message 24: by Triv (new)

Triv S. Jonathan wrote: "Tom Bombadil wrote: "The Hunger Games wasn't Suzanne Collins's first book. She wrote the Gregor the Overlander series before it. I know I'm nitpicking but this detail annoys me a little (especially..."

I never read the Gregor series but I read the Hunger Games years and years before it was famous--before the second one was even out. The Gregor series is for under 10s, right?


message 25: by Jonathan (new)

Jonathan The Gregor series is aimed at younger audiences yes. But they're still good reading now I've found.

I read the Hunger Games when a friend recommended them - which was just before the surge of popularity. Right after I read them everyone else was reading them as the next big thing. I probably would have bypassed them otherwise because I tend to avoid hyped up books.


message 26: by Triv (new)

Triv S. Yeah same, I always seem to read books just before they get popular. I prefer to read books that aren't well known but are amazing.


message 27: by Talyn (new)

Talyn I really hate the fact that people are gaga over Suzanne Collins's 'Hunger Games' when she wrote a kick-ass series a few years before -- Gregor the Overlander. I loved that series.. For some reason I hated Boots, though .__. But I liked Gregor's other little sister, and the huge rat.. what was his name? I don't remember.. been awhile.. 2007 to be exact x__X .. I don't mean to sound 'hipster', but I get a little angry when people celebrate someone for a book or song or movie when they did awesome work before and the public just seems to ignore their past and only focus on the present-future.. It's not fair D:


message 28: by Pexoo (new)

Pexoo Congratulations to JK Rowling! #29 Breakout author of the year!


message 29: by Kellie (new)

Kellie I don't like how The Hunger Games are on here. It wasn't Suzanne Collins first series.


message 30: by Tom (new)

Tom I added my first novel, A Once Crowded Sky (out from Simon & Schuster this July). It's a literary take on super heroes, and it's a lot of fun. Thanks in advance to anyone who votes for it. I really appreciate the support.


message 31: by Nasra (new)

Nasra Why is clockwork angel on there?! That's like her 4th book!!!!!!


message 32: by Hannah (new)

Hannah The Hunger Games isn't Suzanne Collins break out novel. She wrote another whole series before she wrote the Hunger Games.


message 33: by Anusha (new)

Anusha Suzanne Collins was pretty well known in the fantasy world for Gregor the Overlander before the Hunger Games


message 34: by Christian (new)

Christian C. Thank god I'm not the only one bothered by The Hunger Games' presence on here.


message 35: by Allan (new)

Allan Chinn Hunger Games is a good book, but hardly fits the category.


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