First, not in any special "count down" order, is An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir. This book has the world living under martial law. If you resist, you are killed. There are no trials and no second chances. But, human nature does not like to be controlled and there is a resistance movement. The resistance is trying to infiltrate the training grounds of the military school and is willing to use any means, and anyone willing, to accomplish that. I would love it if this book had a sequel.
Second, The Glass Arrow by Kristen Simmons. Set in a time when women have no value beyond their ability to bear children; our protagonist is fighting for her freedom. Women are bought and sold for their ability to have children. When a young girl becomes less able to carry a child to term, her usefulness goes down. If a girl is found in the wild, they are considered even more valuable. That is the case with our main character and she is not willing to give up her freedom. This book illustrates the value of freedom and human life in a memorable way.
My final choice for this week is Mechanica by Betsy Cornwell. This is Steampunk Cinderella with a twist. Mechanica is the nick name that was given Nicolette by her stepsisters. She has developed some of the mechanical skills of her mother and dreams of using those skills to free herself from her stepmother's tyranny. As in every Cinderella story, there is a prince and a ball and hidden identities and a happily ever after ending. A very fun read.
Well, next week I will continue my count down of some of my favorite books of 2015.