I’ve already read at least fifty books this year. No, I’m serious. I just counted 43 on my blog and I know there are at least ten I haven’t mentioned yet. Then again, I’ve always been a fast reader.
I’ve decided to highlight my top ten books so far this year, 1/5 of what I’ve read. Narrowing it down was so hard. There are so many books I loved that didn’t make this list! Also, the list really isn’t in any particular order because I love a lot of them equally!
(Huh, doing this just made me realize that I've put aside a LOT of my adult novels this year for the latest and greatest teen reads!)
DELIRIUM by Lauren Oliver: Okay, this one is my favorite book so far this year. I’m obsessed with it. Oliver has a beautiful way about making you care about her characters. I’m dying for books two and three! (Book Review)
THE NEAR WITCH by Victoria Schwab: My other favorite book of 2011. The descriptions are STUNNING. They give me goosebumps. I can’t wait to buy a finished copy when this novel comes out in August and read it again! (You’re Gonna Love Me post; interview with Schwab)
WARPED by Maurissa Guibord: This high fantasy novel swept me away to new heights. It’s one of the best teen fantasy debuts since Kristin Cashore hit the scene with GRACELING. Plus, there’s a unicorn. And a hot guy. And an awesome romance! *swoon* (You're Gonna Love Me; interview with Schwab)
UNEARTHLY by Cynthia Hand: The book I didn’t think I’d *like* is one of my favorites of the year. I’m not a big angel person, but Hand made me care deeply for all of her characters, even minor ones such as the mother and brother. OMG, and I’m totally Team Tucker. Why is there no Tucker in my life? I’m ashamed for judging this amazing book before I read it! (Book Review)
WITHER by Lauren DeStefano: This and DELIRIUM are, hands down, two of the best Dystopian entries since THE HUNGER GAMES. WITHER is one of the grittier novels in this genre, full of harsh realities and horrible circumstances. The topics aren’t for everyone, but the book is so.good! (Book Review; Break-Down)
GODMOTHER by Carolyn Turgeon: I loved both this and MERMAID, but chose GODMOTHER for a Top Ten of the year because of the psychological impact and the way it tossed me around. It was dark and gritty like the original tales tend to be, and not at all the sort of re-telling I was expecting. (Book Review; interview with Turgeon)
LOST VOICES by Sarah Porter: Can I just say: MERMAIDS!!! Do you need another reason to read this book? Okay, okay. I love the way this isn’t a re-telling of THE LITTLE MERMAID, but a world out of Porter’s own imagination. It’s deceptively beautiful; beneath the surface of these mermaids lurk dangerous secrets. I also was taken in by the way mermaids come into being. Porter brought so much of her own, unique mythology to this novel. I can’t wait to buy a finished copy in July! (You’re Gonna Love Me, Interview with Porter)
HEX HALL/DEMONGLASS by Rachel Hawkins: Another series I didn’t think I would like. I’m not huge on paranormals focusing on vampires/witches/werewolves/fairies/etc., so the concept of all these supernatural creatures together at a boarding school made me raise my eyebrows. But the books are SO GOOD! Like, insanely good. Like, laugh-out-loud funny good. They’re not dripping with crazy angst like so many paranormals these days. It’s more focused on a mystery, and Hawkins has an amazing writing style. Plus, DEMONGLASS totally killed me: I need TRIPLE XXX right NOW, please! (HH Book Review; DG Book Review)
THE FALSE PRINCESS by Eilis O’Neal: A sleeper hit! I was expecting to enjoy this book, but didn’t think I’d love it quite as much as I did. It reminds me of Shannon Hale’s THE GOOSE GIRL in reverse. While there are fairy tale-like elements at play, the story is original and breath-taking, full of unique ideas and an amazing sense of girl power. I can’t wait to read O’Neal’s next novel! (Book Review; interview with O’Neal)
SILVER PHOENIX/FURY OF THE PHOENIX by Cindy Pon: Okay, SP was a re-read right before FURY came out, but it reminded me of how much I love and miss Pon’s amazing characters. It was like coming home and reuniting with an old friend. While I didn’t like FURY quite as much, I still enjoyed it and was happy to see the storylines come to a natural conclusion. I can’t wait to read Pon’s next novel. If you’re a fan of high fantasy and well-written epic adventures, this is one duo you don’t want to miss! (Book Review; interview with Pon)
THE UNBECOMING OF MARA DYER by Michelle Hodkin
ALL THESE THINGS I'VE DONE by Gabrielle Zevin
LEGEND by Marie Lu
CROSSED by Ally Condie
THE PLEDGE by Kimberly Derting
AUDITION by Stasia Ward Kehoe
LIESL & PO by Lauren Oliver
BREADCRUMBS by Anne Ursu
VIRTUOSITY by Jessica Martinez
WITCHSONG by Amber Argyle
(Choosing just ten? Also hard!!)