Best of 2012

I know, I know... It seems that I'm a few days late for this one. We're already IN the New  Year, but I decided this year that I wouldn't post this list too early to give myself more of a chance to read as many 2012 releases as I could.

So without further ado... I give you my list of the top reads for the 2012 year!

10. The Dark Unwinding by Sharon Cameron
This book was a surprise I received in the mail from Scholastic, and I wasn't familiar with it at all until I opened up the package in the mail. However, I was so surprised by it - there's some really fascinating steampunk aspects to the story, and turned out to be one of the most touching books and remarkable characters I have ever read about. Plus the writing works so well to give off a distinctly gothic creepy vibe.

9. Falling Kingdoms by Morgan Rhodes
Epic high fantasies are some of the best fun there is when it comes to books. I loved the political intrigue and multiple perspectives which made Falling Kingdoms stand out in my mind from many other stories I've read. It's dark and full of magic and mysteries and has just enough of a mature/grown up feel to it.

8. 172 Hours on the Moon by Johan Harstad
Reviews have been mixed for this book (I recommended it to one friend who turned out to be a bit disappointed) but I was totally freaked. right. out. I loved the suspense and the space setting! And the ending is one that really left me guessing. I'm just dying for a re-read of this one.

7. Shadow & Bone by Leigh Bardugo
Another great fantasy pick. There was a whole lot of hype surrounding Shadow & Bone, and it was definitely well-deserved. Fascinating character dynamics, and magical world building is a great start to a new series.

6. Pushing the Limits by Katie McGarry
Contemporaries have rarely moved me the way Pushing the Limits did; the romance is intoxicating, and Echo's past is mysterious and leaves you guessing and turning the pages as fast as you can to figure out the puzzle. Shocking and so very, very touching.

5. Thief's Covenant by Ari Marmell
The Widdershins books have quickly become some of my new favourites - I love clever, brave heroines and the world created here felt so lively and real with its developed religions and society. Furthermore, the villains in these books are some of the most terrifying I have ever read.

4. Seraphina by Rachel Hartman
I loved the take on magic, dragons, and mystery in Seraphina! The romance is so unlike other YA books (or other books in general, actually) and I loved the depth Rachel gave to her fantasy world. And it has a traditional mystery feel to it, very "whodunnit". Oh, and the musical take to Seraphina's character! So creative and thoughtful.

3. Scarlet by A.C. Gaughen
Re-tellings can be fairly hit-or-miss but Scarlet is one that I would absolutely recommend. It was so much fun, and thoroughly brought Robin and his band of merry men (and one woman) to life. The characterization was phenomenal, and the romance delightful.

2. Grave Mercy by R.L. LaFevers
Historical fiction tends to be a favourite of mine and the assassin nuns found in Grave Mercy make for a thoroughly enjoyable alternate historical story. PLUS: witty banter, I love thee.

1. Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein
I'm really surprised that Code Name Verity made my top spot for the year - why? Because this is the only 4-star book on my list. And I struggled through the first half of the book. But very, very rarely has a story ever left such a mark on my heart and become unforgettable. I cried and my heart breaks every time I think "kiss me, Hardy! Kiss me quick!"

So now I'm curious - have you read any of these? And did you LOVE them as much as I did? What were your top picks for the year  (which was a FANTASTIC year for books. It was so hard to narrow these down, but you can totally tell what types of books I really love).

Must-Read Summer Books

I'm a firm believer that summer is the perfect time for reading- no matter what you're doing, everything just seems to slowww right down. School's out, people go on vacation, the days are longer, and staying up late doesn't sound like such a bad idea.
But there are SO many books out there, and only so much time - which ones are perfect for this lovely summer weather?
I'm sharing just some of my top picks for summer reading today, and while my list is by no means exhaustive or complete, here's a few that I think are totally worth picking up this season. Let me know which ones you've read, want to read, or even ones you think I missed!

My Life Next Door by Huntley Fitzpatrick
Perfect for: devotees of Sarah Dessen. People who need to get their contemporary fix, and enjoy thoughtful books with sweet summer romance. Bonus points for this book actually being set during the summer break.
Read my 5 star review for My Life Next Door here to find out more!

Tiger Lily by Jodi Lynn Anderson
Perfect for: fairy tale enthusiasts. People who grew up with Peter Pan as a child, but want to see the story as a darker, more mature version. Readers who don't mind slow storytelling in exchange for dreamy writing and meaningful prose.
Read my 4 star review for Tiger Lily here to find out more!

Shadow & Bone by Leigh Bardugo
Perfect for: old & new readers to fantasy books; gripping storytelling, a world bursting with creativity at the seems. A different kind of fantasy pick since much of it is inspired by Russian culture/mythology, and a world in the midst of evolution/transformation.
Read my 5 star review for Shaow & Bone here to find out more!

Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein
Perfect for: people who want a book that will change them, and potentially make them cry (or at least tear up). A truly moving story centred around the devoted friendship of two girls during World War II.
Read my 4 star review for Code Name Verity here to find out more!

For Darkness Shows the Stars by Diana Peterfreund
Perfect for: classics fans, who are interested in trying out something a little bit different. Or, readers who aren't overly familiar with the classics, but want to test out if it's the kind of story that might grab their interest. This one's a retelling of Jane Austen's Persuasion in a futuristic, yet semi-historical, sci fi world.
Read my 5 star review for For Darkness Shows the Stars here to find out more!

Thief's Covenant & False Covenant (Widdershins series) by Ari Marmell
Perfect for: fantasy lovers & those who are curious about trying out fantasy. Witty, clever writing and some of the most terrifying, spine-tingling villains I've EVER read about- definitely something out of a horror novel (without actually BEING a horror novel, but instead more fantasy based).
Read my 5 star review for Thief's Covenant (Widdershins #1) here to find out more!
Read my 5 star review for False Covenant (Widdershins #2) here to find out more!

Storm by Brigid Kemmerer
Perfect for: paranormal fans who want something a little bit different - with FIVE swoonworthy guys. Plus, it's a brilliant blend of paranormal with a distinct contemporary feel to it. Lots of action & kissing that will keep you turning the pages.
Read my 5 star review for Storm (Elementals #1) here to find out more!

172 Hours on the Moon by Johan Harstad
Perfect for: those stormy, dark nights when you need something pretty creepy and scary to keep you up at night :) And I love the creepy science fiction feel to this one about 3 teenagers who discover some disturbing happenings on the moon.
Read my 5 star review for 172  Hours on the Moon here to find out more!

Review: Shadow & Bone

Shadow and Bone (The Grisha Trilogy #1) by Leigh Bardugo
Release Date ~ June 5, 2012
Henry Holt & Co. Books for Young Readers ~ Macmillan
ISBN13: 9780805094596
E-galley received from publisher via Net Galley

Goodreads Synopsis:
Surrounded by enemies, the once-great nation of Ravka has been torn in two by the Shadow Fold, a swath of near impenetrable darkness crawling with monsters who feast on human flesh. Now its fate may rest on the shoulders of one lonely refugee.

Alina Starkov has never been good at anything. But when her regiment is attacked on the Fold and her best friend is brutally injured, Alina reveals a dormant power that saves his life—a power that could be the key to setting her war-ravaged country free. Wrenched from everything she knows, Alina is whisked away to the royal court to be trained as a member of the Grisha, the magical elite led by the mysterious Darkling.

Yet nothing in this lavish world is what it seems. With darkness looming and an entire kingdom depending on her untamed power, Alina will have to confront the secrets of the Grisha…and the secrets of her heart.

It completely makes my day when I discover that there are new fantasy YA books coming out - and then I heard everyone one raving about how amazing Shadow and Bone is, so I had extraordinarily high expectations when I read Leigh Bardugo's debut, Shadow and Bone. And here's the thing: I didn't think it was as awesome as I had hoped, but I think I was also expecting the second coming.
While it's not that, it is an particularly noteworthy new release and one of the strongest debuts I've read in a long time. Plus, it features a strikingly rich and incredible fantasy setting unlike other books I've read within the genre.

1. A GREAT fantasy setting:
   You can kinda pick this up from the cover, but Shadow and Bone features a distinctly Russian influence for its setting - which is pretty sweet, if I do say so myself. You can really tell that Leigh drew some of her inspiration from it, which lends to this sort of magical setting that already exists within the book. And it keeps the characters and place just unfamiliar enough for those of us who aren't familiar with Russian language or names.
2. Dark, sexy villainry:
   I really love it when an author can come up with a really GREAT villain; someone that you both sort of admire and despise, in a twisted sort of way. It's a complex relationship, and I think that's why it's so hard to do. So I treasure these rarities whenever I can find them- but I love it when a villain never seems quite ALL bad or totally evil (kinda like Darth Vader. Completely evil, but we still love him for some reason). Leigh is a master at this. And this is the kind of villain that you can develop a book crush on, easily.
3. Childhood best friends:
   I'm a sucker for these relationships; I love it when two friends grow up together, and then something happens that tries to keep them apart. It's agonizing! But I always find that I feel such a deeper, stronger connection to the characters and I typically end up more emotionally invested in their story, because of their shared history. Mal and Alina are just too adorable; they fight like an old married couple (which sounds better than brother and sister).
4. A plot to care about:
   I love that the plot has clear direction and totally owns the story- the plot keeps the story moving along and we don't lose ourselves in side stories or minor characters. Yes, other things are happening- but the focus stays on the Fold and what can be done about that. And the volcra? Yeah, those are FREAKY. I got really excited about this story and it kinda sucks that I'm now twiddling my thumbs waiting for the next book ALREADY.

Like I hinted at in the beginning of my review, my only complaint about this one is I think it may be a bit overhyped- yes, I definitely think this is a must-read YA of the year and one of the best books released in 2012. But I still felt like I was expecting TOO much from this one. Perhaps because I love and appreciate a good fantasy so much, I tend to put it up on a pedastal and I'm not sure this one is quite as exciting as I had hoped it would be.

But it is utterly magical, with kissing scenes to make you swoon, lovely writing that easily showcases Leigh's talent - why can't we have more books like this one?

Purchase Links

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