Another Year gone. I read 55 books this year. I think I read more last year but I did have a baby this year and that is the excuse I am going with. (Funny how in my analysis I read more books in July (when the baby was 2 months old) than any other month. Go figure.) Among those 55 were some really good ones! Thought I would put together a list of my favorites of the year. I also have a list of my favorites from the previous year to share that I never posted but still kept a list of on my trusty COLORNOTES on my Droid. Without further ado...
In no particular order:
1. Divergent by Veronica Roth
Book #1 in the Divergent Series
In Beatrice Prior's dystopian Chicago, society is divided into five factions, each dedicated to the cultivation of a particular virtue—Candor (the honest), Abnegation (the selfless), Dauntless (the brave), Amity (the peaceful), and Erudite (the intelligent). On an appointed day of every year, all sixteen-year-olds must select the faction to which they will devote the rest of their lives. For Beatrice, the decision is between staying with her family and being who she really is—she can't have both. So she makes a choice that surprises everyone, including herself.
During the highly competitive initiation that follows, Beatrice renames herself Tris and struggles to determine who her friends really are—and where, exactly, a romance with a sometimes fascinating, sometimes infuriating boy fits into the life she's chosen. But Tris also has a secret, one she's kept hidden from everyone because she's been warned it can mean death. And as she discovers a growing conflict that threatens to unravel her seemingly perfect society, she also learns that her secret might help her save those she loves… or it might destroy her.
Why it was a Best: This book was my absolute FAVORITE of the year! Ok I guess that is to say my favorite concept of the year (the end was a bit hard to deal with cuz well, it's the beginning of a series and you never know. However the potential for complete awesomeness is definately there!)This was Matched meets The Hunger Games meets The Color Code! I loved the Color Code and Personality test books so to have a society of people divided based on personality types was utterly fascinating and a completely new but completely believable concept for me! I actually got my hilighter out and marked quotes that I loved! I couldn't help myself. I chatted about it to my husband nostop! I haven't been this excited about a world, heroine, and concept since Hunger Games! The sequel, "Insurgent", will be coming out in May of this year here's hoping it will be spectacular!
2. Starcrossed by Josephine Angellini
Book #1 in the Starcrossed Series
How do you defy destiny?
Helen Hamilton has spent her entire sixteen years trying to hide how different she is—no easy task on an island as small and sheltered as Nantucket. And it's getting harder. Nightmares of a desperate desert journey have Helen waking parched, only to find her sheets damaged by dirt and dust. At school she's haunted by hallucinations of three women weeping tears of blood . . . and when Helen first crosses paths with Lucas Delos, she has no way of knowing they're destined to play the leading roles in a tragedy the Fates insist on repeating throughout history.
As Helen unlocks the secrets of her ancestry, she realizes that some myths are more than just legend. But even demigod powers might not be enough to defy the forces that are both drawing her and Lucas together—and trying to tear them apart.
Why it was a Best: I have found something that I can seriously get on board with: Greek/Roman myth retellings. Always some of my favorite stories in literature and history and to have them modernized and further developed/explained? I am eating this up. Luckily for me there is a whole rash of these out now and I already have several on my list of "to be reads". This is the first one I have actually read so I guess there may be others out there that are better but from the setting (Nantucket) to the love story to the super human powers I fell in love with this. More than anything I think I want to see how the retelling of a story that has always captivated me plays out. The sequel, "Dreamless", will be out May 28th.
3. Illusions by Aprilynn Pike
Book #3 in the Wings Series
Laurel hasn't seen Tamani since she begged him to let her go last year. Though her heart still aches, Laurel is confident that David was the right choice.
But just as life is returning to normal, Laurel discovers that a hidden enemy lies in wait. Once again, Laurel must turn to Tamani to protect and guide her, for the danger that now threatens Avalon is one that no faerie thought would ever be possible. And for the first time, Laurel cannot be sure that her side will prevail.
Why it was a Best: Love these characters! I loved that this put all of these guys together in a new setting! SCHOOL! Can I tell you how much I love Tamani? This world and story has me seriously eating it up with a spoon. HOWEVER...Along with everybody else I thought it was the last until you get to the last pages and you realize there is no way they can make it...Come on Aprilynne you are killing me here! I LOVE this story! I cannot get enough of it and I will be really sad when it does end but this not knowing is TORTURE! "Destined" will be out in April. Goodreads says it is the conclusion we have been waiting for with a twist that will leave us breathless. If that twist means it will be a 5 book series please let me know now!
4. Glimmerglass by Jenna Black
Book #1 of the Faerie Walker Series
It's all she's ever wanted to be, but it couldn't be further from her grasp...
Dana Hathaway doesnt know it yet, but shes in big trouble. When her alcoholic mom shows up at her voice recital drunk, again, Dana decides shes had enough and runs away to find her mysterious father in Avalon: the only place on Earth where the regular, everyday world and the captivating, magical world of Faerie intersect. But from the moment Dana sets foot in Avalon, everything goes wrong, for it turns out she isn't just an ordinary teenage girl, she's a Faeriewalker, a rare individual who can travel between both worlds, and the only person who can bring magic into the human world and technology into Faerie.
Dana finds herself tangled up in a cutthroat game of Fae politics. Someone's trying to kill her, and everyone seems to want something from her, from her newfound friends and family to Ethan, the hot Fae guy Dana figures she'll never have a chance with...until she does. Caught between two worlds, Dana isn't sure where she'll ever fit in and who can be trusted, not to mention if her world will ever be normal again.
Why it was a Best: This was a fun new world and a WAY COOL concept. Avalon as an actual place you can get a visa to and visit with it's own ploitics and everything! I also really liked the heroine in this story. Dana is pretty down to earth despite the deperate flight she takes at the beginning. Plus I really liked the love story, or beginning of one, anyway. Jenna Black knows how to write a swoonworthy kissing scene! Ethan was pretty bad, in an oh so good way! Luckily all three of these stories are out. "Shadowspell" and "Sirensong" and a little enovella called "Remedial Magic" (between the 1st and 2nd) all sound amazing and are on my "to be read" list already.
5. Darkest Mercy by Melissa Marr
Book #5 (final book) of the Wicked Lovely Series
The Summer King is missing; the Dark Court is bleeding; and a stranger walks the streets of Huntsdale, his presence signifying the deaths of powerful fey.
Aislinn tends to the Summer Court, searching for her absent king and yearning for Seth. Torn between his new queen and his old love, Keenan works from afar to strengthen his court against the coming war. Donia longs for fiery passion even as she coolly readies the Winter Court for battle. And Seth, sworn brother of the Dark King and heir to the High Queen, is about to make a mistake that could cost his life.
Love, despair, and betrayal ignite the Faery Courts, and in the final conflict, some will win . . . and some will lose everything.
Why it was a Best: This is really the first wrap up to a series that I felt completely satisfied with. It wasn't just a wrap up but a great story in and of itself with new Courts and players. Massive amounts of action and drama but it all fit in to the climax and conclusion. True to Melissa Marr's fashion I thought there would be no way this could end in a satisfying manner but it sure did. I felt a wrap up for ALL the characters that I had grown to know and care for. But I especially love Donia. She is my favorite and I am so glad she got her ending too. Satisfying and that makes me happy!
6. The Iron Queen by Julie Kagawa
Book #3 of the Iron Fey Series
My name is Meghan Chase.
I thought it was over. That my time with the fey, the impossible choices I had to make, the sacrifices of those I loved, was behind me. But a storm is approaching, an army of Iron fey that will drag me back, kicking and screaming. Drag me away from the banished prince who's sworn to stand by my side. Drag me into the core of conflict so powerful, I'm not sure anyone can survive it.
This time, there will be no turning back.
Why it was a Best: Yeah, yeah. I know "Iron Knight" is out and the whole series wrapped up this year but I haven't read it yet. (Book Freeze at our house.)But these books are some of my favorites ever! I wait for so long to get these sequels hoping that the magic I felt in the last book isn't lost and Julie Kagawa never dissappoints! Always magical. Always something creative. And always funny amidst the action. Not to mention that the characters grow and change but I never love them any less. Though it was an incredible story I was so sad at the ending. Thank goodness "Iron Knight" is still to come. And thank you Julie for providing "Summers Crossing" (enovella between "Iron Queen" and "Iron Knight") so I could have a little interum adventure with Puck and Ash together! I downloaded it from Audible for free and listened to it twice. I love these stories!
7. The Dark and Hollow Places by Carrie Ryan
Book #3 (final book) of the Forest of Hands and Teeth Series
There are many things that Annah would like to forget: the look on her sister's face before Annah left her behind in the Forest of Hands and Teeth, her first glimpse of the Horde as they swarmed the Dark City, the sear of the barbed wire that would scar her for life. But most of all, Annah would like to forget the morning Elias left her for the Recruiters.
Annah's world stopped that day, and she's been waiting for Elias to come home ever since. Somehow, without him, her life doesn't feel much different than the dead that roam the wasted city around her. Until she meets Catcher, and everything feels alive again.
But Catcher has his own secrets. Dark, terrifying truths that link him to a past Annah has longed to forget, and to a future too deadly to consider. And now it's up to Annah: can she continue to live in a world covered in the blood of the living? Or is death the only escape from the Return's destruction?
Why it was a Best: Series rapup on this one too. I was absolutely captivated by these books dispite never having read a zombie book and still saying I really don't like zombie books but these books were more about people and hope and hopelessness and courage and oh yeah they have all of these things with zombies taking over everything. It was quite special to me that this book was about Annah and Catcher with the rest of those guys in there too. I really liked their story and am so glad that Catcher could find someone. I really liked his character. Even though this series didn't end with a solution to the "zombie" problem like my happy ending mind craved it still ended with hope. even though part of me says "I can't take any more zombie scariness!" I wish there would be more so I could see where they go and who they meet. Maybe give me a little more hope for the solution? No? Ok. Still loved it.
8. The Lost Saint by Bree Despain
Book #2 of the Dark Divine Series
A family destroyed. A love threatened. An enemy returns.
Grace Divine made the ultimate sacrifice to cure Daniel Kalbi. She was infected with the werewolf curse while trying to save him, and lost her beloved brother in the process.
Desperate to find Jude, Grace befriends Talbot, a newcomer to town. But as the two grow closer, Grace's relationship with Daniel is put in danger - in more ways than one.
Unaware of the dark path she is walking, Grace begins to give into the wolf inside of her - not realizing that an enemy has returned and a deadly trap is about to be sprung.
Why it was a Best: Yeah when I first started reading this I was bugged. I hate the angsty teen choices. Even if I can identify with them on a level and understand why they were made I hate the whole, somebody is not telling me something and instead of asking them why I am going to hide this from them and then it all escalates out of control merely because noone chooses to just jump off the train and be honest with the person they love. Needless to say this occured in this book and I literally was mad at all characters through most of the book saying, "Yeah after this book I don't think I need to finish this series. Pros are not outweighing the cons here." And then the climax hit and BAM! Just like that Bree (the author) brought me around 180 degrees and I understood that what I had just experienced was the trick of a masterful writer who needed me to feel those things so I could hit the end with all the force that the characters did. Still THE END WAS AMAZING and soooo satisfying for me! And now I LOVE all the characters again and need to see how the rest of the story will play out. (Still don't know how she did that!) Book 3, "The Savage Grace", is out in March. I am so there!
9. Matched by Ally Condie
Book #1 of the Matched Series
Cassia has always trusted the Society to make the right choices for her: what to read, what to watch, what to believe. So when Xander's face appears on-screen at her Matching ceremony, Cassia knows with complete certainty that he is her ideal mate... until she sees Ky Markham's face flash for an instant before the screen fades to black.
The Society tells her it's a glitch, a rare malfunction, and that she should focus on the happy life she's destined to lead with Xander. But Cassia can't stop thinking about Ky, and as they slowly fall in love, Cassia begins to doubt the Society's infallibility and is faced with an impossible choice: between Xander and Ky, between the only life she's known and a path that no one else has dared to follow.
Why it was a Best: Ahhhh, "Matched". I read it at the beginning of the year and could not stop thinking about it. Here was another dystopian book that was making me think. I guess I get caught up in dystopian because I "liken the story to myself "and wonder in a society that seems so perfect if I would have the courage, when I saw the flaws (which are inevitable in a society based on Satan's plan),to do something about it. Especially when they then turn it around on you (as Satan always will) and try to convince you that you are still doing just as they had intended for you to do. This was beautifully written first of all. I was torn with Cassia between the two guys in the story And I just couldn't detach myself from making each decision and watching with baited breath to see how it would impact these characters and ultimately this world. I liked it so much I suggested it for book club and was shocked by the polarizing effect it had on my club. People HATED it with a passion because of the controlling society or they enjoyed it but not on the level I did. Go figure. Makes me wonder if those who so passionately hated this were going to hate all dystopians for the same reason or if it was just this society in particular. Interesting and a question for another day. "Crossed", the sequel came out in November and I have yet to read it but you better believe it will be on my shelf.
10. Nightshade by Andrea Cremer
Book #1 of the Nightshade Series
Calla Tor has always known her destiny: After graduating from the Mountain School, she'll be the mate of sexy alpha wolf Ren Laroche and fight with him, side by side, ruling their pack and guarding sacred sites for the Keepers. But when she violates her masters' laws by saving a beautiful human boy out for a hike, Calla begins to question her fate, her existence, and the very essence of the world she has known. By following her heart, she might lose everything- including her own life. Is forbidden love worth the ultimate sacrifice?
Why it was a Best: WAYYYYYY COOL CONCEPT! This book was engrossing and the world sucks you in! It is so cool! Andrea Cremer is a lover of Buffy the Vampire Slayer and she suscribes to the same idea of really cool world with tons of real danger and intrigue but humor is there too. Not to mention a whole lot of "sexiness". (As I blush.) I was nervous to even tell people about this because there is just alot of get your motor reving sparks in this story but I could not get it out of my head because it was such an amazing world! I ran out and grabbed "Wolfsbane" as soon as it was out and had them both signed in California by the author and shipped to me cuz I was loving them so much. You will notice "Wolfsbane" is not on here as a best but don't let it detour you from reading these! The beginning of it just annoyed me enough (just because the end of #1 ended in such a holy cow we have to hurry because people's lives are at stake and #2 picks right up there -where people's lives are at stake-but in true "Buffy" fashion the new characters are trying so hard to "out snark" each other that I wanted to strangle the lot of them!)to exclude it from this list. The story is still amazing though and "Bloodrose", the conclusion just came out a week ago.
11. Magic Study and Fire Study by Maria V. Snyder
Books #2 & #3 in the Poison Study Series
You know your life is bad when you miss your days as a poison taster...
With her greatest enemy dead, and on her way to be reunited with the family she'd been stolen from long ago, Yelena should be pleased. But though she has gained her freedom, she can't help feeling isolated in Sitia. Her Ixian background has changed her in many ways—and her newfound friends and relatives don't think it's for the better....
Despite the turmoil, she's eager to start her magic training—especially as she's been given one year to harness her power or be put to death. But her plans take a radical turn when she becomes involved with a plot to reclaim Ixia's throne for a lost prince—and gets entangled in powerful rivalries with her fellow magicians.
If that wasn't bad enough, it appears her brother would love to see her dead. Luckily, Yelena has some old friends to help her with all her new enemies....
The apprenticeship is over—now the real test has begun.
When word that Yelena is a Soulfinder—able to capture and release souls—spreads like wildfire, people grow uneasy. Already Yelena's unusual abilities and past have set her apart. As the Council debates Yelena's fate, she receives a disturbing message: a plot is rising against her homeland, led by a murderous sorcerer she has defeated before....
Honor sets Yelena on a path that will test the limits of her skills, and the hope of reuniting with her beloved spurs her onward. Her journey is fraught with allies, enemies, lovers and would-be assassins, each of questionable loyalty. Yelena will have but one chance to prove herself—and save the land she holds dear.
Why they were a Best: These were written a while back so it was nice to have all 3 out at once and have the luxury of reading to the end of the whole story. I just plain like this world! I like the kick booty heroine. I LOVE Valek and I found each of these stories to be unique, action packed, and with just enough love and humor in them. Completely intruiging and now that the series is done I want to read more by her. :)
In no particular order:
1. Fire by Kristen Cashore
Companion Book to Graceling
It is not a peaceful time in the Dells. The young King Nash clings to his throne while rebel lords in the north and south build armies to unseat him. The mountains and forests are filled with spies and thieves and lawless men.
This is where Fire lives. With a wild, irresistible appearance and hair the color of flame, Fire is the last remaining human monster. Equally hated and adored, she has the unique ability to control minds, but she guards her power, unwilling to steal the secrets of innocent people. Especially when she has so many of her own.
Then Prince Brigan comes to bring her to King City. The royal family needs her help to uncover the plot against the king. Far away from home, Fire begins to realize there's more to her power than she ever dreamed. Her power could save the kingdom.
If only she weren't afraid of becoming the monster her father was.
Why it was Best: I really liked Graceling so when I picked this up I had high hopes. Blew the first one away for me. I love the concept, I love the characters. I love the way she writes. I had issue with a decision that the main character made at the end. I had a bit of the same issue at the end of Graceling and feel that Cashore has a bit of a need to push feminism a little far for my taste. Doesn't mean I wont be picking up the 3rd book in this series, Bitterblue which comes out in August of this year.
2. Iron Daughter by Julie Kagawa
Book #2 of Iron Fey Series
Half Summer faery princess, half human, Meghan has never fit in anywhere. Deserted by the Winter prince she thought loved her, she is prisoner to the Winter faery queen. As war looms between Summer and Winter, Meghan knows that the real danger comes from the Iron fey—ironbound faeries that only she and her absent prince have seen. But no one believes her.
Worse, Meghan's own fey powers have been cut off. She's stuck in Faery with only her wits for help. Trusting anyone would be foolish. Trusting a seeming traitor could be deadly. But even as she grows a backbone of iron, Meghan can't help but hear the whispers of longing in her all-too-human heart.
Why it was Best: Ok I have rapsodized enough about this series but I love that this book starts out at Tir Na Nog! Also love the dance that they go to and that Puck gets a chance! This book =love from me!
3. Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins
Book #3 (final book) in Hunger Games Series
Young Katniss Everdeen has survived the dreaded Hunger Games not once, but twice, but even now she can find no relief. In fact, the dangers seem to be escalating: President Snow has declared an all-out war on Katniss, her family, her friends, and all the oppressed people of District 12. The thrill-packed final installment of Suzanne Collins' Hunger Games trilogy will keep young hearts pounding.
Why it was Best: That's right I thought it was a best, People! Just because it wasn't an all happy ending doesn't mean I wasn't blown away by this book and didn't appreciate all that it took me thru. Anything Suzanne Collins puts out there in the future I will be picking up immediately. Like her writing that much. And can't wait for the movie in March! (Insert Happy Dance!)
4. Paranormalcy by Kiersten White
Book #1 in the Paranormalcy Series
Weird as it is working for the International Paranormal Containment Agency, Evie’s always thought of herself as normal. Sure, her best friend is a mermaid, her ex-boyfriend is a faerie, she's falling for a shape-shifter, and she's the only person who can see through paranormals' glamours, but still. Normal.
Only now paranormals are dying, and Evie's dreams are filled with haunting voices and mysterious prophecies. She soon realizes that there may be a link between her abilities and the sudden rash of deaths. Not only that, but she may very well be at the center of a dark faerie prophecy promising destruction to all paranormal creatures.
Why it was Best: Evie's is AWESOME! I laughed out loud several times at the snarky things she says. And this book is so completely different from anything else- An agency for paranormals to protect them and us from them and she is an agent! It was "Fablehaven", meets, the SYFY channel's Sanctuary (yeah I went there. I've watched it through 3 seasons now and NOT on Netflicks!)This book was the complete package for me, innovative, funny, love triangle, and just plain fun! Highly Recommend. (Book #2 "Supernaturally" is still on my shelf. I figure if I read it closer to the time the 3rd comes out in July)
5. Dead Tossed Waves by Carrie Ryan
Book #2 in the Forest of Hands and Teeth Series
Gabry lives a quiet life. As safe a life as is possible in a town trapped between a forest and the ocean, in a world teeming with the dead, who constantly hunger for those still living. She’s content on her side of the Barrier, happy to let her friends dream of the Dark City up the coast while she watches from the top of her lighthouse. But there are threats the Barrier cannot hold back. Threats like the secrets Gabry’s mother thought she left behind when she escaped from the Sisterhood and the Forest of Hands and Teeth. Like the cult of religious zealots who worship the dead. Like the stranger from the forest who seems to know Gabry. And suddenly, everything is changing. One reckless moment, and half of Gabry’s generation is dead, the other half imprisoned. Now Gabry only knows one thing: she must face the forest of her mother’s past in order to save herself and the one she loves.
Why it was Best: Also sung the praises of this series enough. You know how I feel. I think this book was my favorite of the 3 though.
6. Spells by Aprilynn Pike
Book #2 in the Wings Series
Six months have passed since Laurel saved the gateway to the faerie realm of Avalon. Now she must spend her summer there, honing her skills as a Fall faerie. But her human family and friends are still in mortal danger--and the gateway to Avalon is more compromised than ever.
When it comes time to protect those she loves, will she depend on David, her human boyfriend, for help? Or will she turn to Tamani, the electrifying faerie with whom her connection is undeniable?
Why it was Best: You know how I love these too. This transported me to Avalon! It was utterly fascinating. How Aprilynne came up with the whole idea for that caste system blew me away. I also got a nice helping of Tamani! Love that boy/faerie!
7. Coraline by Neil Gaimon
Stand Alone Novel (Shocking I know!)
Coraline's often wondered what's behind the locked door in the drawing room. It reveals only a brick wall when she finally opens it, but when she tries again later, a passageway mysteriously appears. Coraline is surprised to find a flat decorated exactly like her own, but strangely different. And when she finds her "other" parents in this alternate world, they are much more interesting despite their creepy black button eyes. When they make it clear, however, that they want to make her theirs forever, Coraline begins a nightmarish game to rescue her real parents and three children imprisoned in a mirror. With only a bored-through stone and an aloof cat to help, Coraline confronts this harrowing task of escaping these monstrous creatures.
Gaiman has delivered a wonderfully chilling novel, subtle yet intense on many levels. The line between pleasant and horrible is often blurred until what's what becomes suddenly clear, and like Coraline, we resist leaving this strange world until we're hooked. Unnerving drawings also cast a dark shadow over the book's eerie atmosphere, which is only heightened by simple, hair-raising text. Coraline is otherworldly storytelling at its best.
Why it was a Best: I'd seen the movie at it was fascinating all-be-it a little creepy. (Ok alot creepy!) But I listened to this book read by the author and it was great! Still creepy but that was to be expected and to my surprise I found wonderful nuggets of truth and 2 quotes that have now become my favorites. I was pleasantly surprised!
8. Reckless by Cornelia Funke
Book #1 in a series???
Ever since Jacob Reckless was a child, he has been escaping to a hidden world through a portal in his father's abandoned study. Over the years, he has made a name for himself as a finder of enchanted items and buried secrets. He's also made many enemies and allies--most important, Fox, a beautiful shape-shifting vixen whom Jacob cares for more than he lets on.
But life in this other world is about to change. Tragedy strikes when Jacob's younger brother, Will, follows him through the portal. Brutally attacked, Will is infected with a curse that is quickly transforming him into a Goyl--a ruthless killing machine, with skin made of stone.
Jacob is prepared to fight to save his brother, but in a land built on trickery and lies, Jacob will need all the wit, courage, and reckless spirit he can summon to reverse the dark spell--before it's too late.
Why it was Best: Can I tell you that I love Cornelia Funke! I pick up everything she writes! How do so many completely entrancing stories come out of one person? Her Inkheart series is one of my favorites so when I got this it has all of the wonder of the world building that I loved from "The Ink World" and the story was magical. I can not wait to hear more but haven't heard when the next might come out. Pure Entertainment!
So there you have it! What were some of your favorite reads of 2011?
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