7 Contemporary Novels That WIll Blow Your Mind ...

1. Falling Kingdoms

For Kindle at: amazon.com
Any "Game of Thrones" fanatic out there needs to check out this first installment in an epic fantasy series of contemporary novels. Don’t tell George R. R. Martin, but I actually like this series more! The characters are accessible and will make your head spin as this tale of dying magic and a looming war unfolds. Morgan Rhodes crafts an epic story with high stakes for every side of the struggle—so, choose your allies wisely.

2. Before I Go to Sleep

For Kindle at: amazon.com
If you want a creepy tale to infect your mind, then look no further. Imagine losing you memories every time you go to bed. In "Before I Go to Sleep," Christine uses a hidden diary to help her keep track of her life and why she is suffering from amnesia. One morning, she finds that she scribbled “Don’t Trust Ben” in her diary—Ben is her husband (cue thunder crash).

3. The Looking Glass Wars

For Kindle at: amazon.com
With "Alice in Wonderland" adaptations and re-imaginings popping up on the shelves and theaters, let me add another to the list. This is a creative spin on "Alice in Wonderland" much in the likeness of Winnie Holzmann’s "Wicked." It tells the true story of “Alyss” and her journey to reclaim Wonderland. With a story completely filled with magical, sci-fi, and historical elements, it’s hard to not be pleased.

4. I Thought We Agreed to Pee in the Ocean

For Kindle at: amazon.com
It’s a funny story how I discovered this book—turns out, one of my old math professors is married to the author! I couldn’t resist giving it a try, and I’m so grateful I did. This unique work is a collection of humorous essays featuring the life and times of Alena Dillon. Just by reading how she handles life’s “are you serious” moments, you can tell the author isn’t fudging these experiences—they are certainly relatable and made me laugh out loud several times.

5. Deception Point

For Kindle at: amazon.com
Everyone has heard of "The Da Vinci Code" and "Angels and Demons," but have you tried Dan Brown’s other works? In my opinion, "Deception Point" was the best of Brown’s works and sorely under-promoted. Fans of politics, aliens, and a thrilling adventure to the Arctic and back will find themselves lost in this chilling tale of conspiracies and just how deep they can run.

6. Fifty Shames of Earl Gray

For Kindle at: amazon.com
Okay, I admit, I’m a sucker for parodies. It’s a far cry from the descriptor “literary,” but silly books like these never disappoint me. This fast read is by far the funniest parody book I’ve ever read, and I’m sure it will please both "50 Shades" fans and unfamiliars alike.

7. Starters

For Kindle at: amazon.com
"Hunger Games" fans, this is a must. Lissa Price’s debut work dominates the Dystopian genre. Imagine a society where the young need to rent their bodies, literally, to the elderly just to get by as a twisted form of vacation. Now imagine your body is rented to be used for murder instead—I won’t say more, just read it because this is definitely my favorite non-Harry Potter novel ever!

I could list my favorite books all day, but I’d hate to overload the server. I hope one of these books is unfamiliar to you and tickles your fancy. I’m curious—what are some of your favorite contemporary novels?