10 Best Reads of 2010

2010 has been a rather awesome year for me, book-wise.  I managed to read 71 books - perhaps not as impressive as some lists out there, but certainly a record for me.  The past few months have made it hard for me to read and review as much as I used to, new job, new course and - basically - a whole new life in a new area. But what hadn't changed is my love for reading - so don't expect me to be going anywhere!

So, my ten favourite reads of 2010.  I list these with lots of love, as I have discovered some fantastic new authors this year (Ann Aguirre, Jaye Wells) and read some fantastic reads from old favourites (The Reckoning!).

Top Ten Reads of 2010

 

1. Red-headed Stepchild by Jaye Wells

2. The Mage in Black by Jaye Wells

OMG this series.  The first book in this series was such a surprising read.  I can't even remember buying this book, and I only picked up as part of the New Authors Challenge.  But reading it was practically transformative.  I hadn't felt this way about a book since The Summoning by Kelley Armstrong!  As soon as I got my copy of The Mage in Black, I started reading it and didn't stop till I had finished it.  It was just as good as the first!

 

3. The Reckoning by Kelley Armstrong

4. Firespell by Chloe Neill

I was worried that The Reckoning wouldn't live up to all my expectations for the Darkest Powers series - I needn't have.  It was beyond amazing!  If I could only recognise one YA series, it would be this one.

Firespell stood out from the other YA debuts of 2010.  Chloe Neill is a fun and funny writer, with a very different twist on the whole paranormal YA scene.  Her adult series is also fantastic - so give her a shot!

 

5. Graceling by Kristin Cashore

6. Grimspace by Ann Aguirre

Graceling was my Poison Study of 2010 - high fantasy that made me want to just sink into the novel and never return.  I adored every word and am nervous/excited about reading Cashore's second book, Fire.

Grimspace.  Grim-OMFG-space.  I adored this book.  Aguirre set my heart a flutter and just... yeah. OMG this book.  And what's even more astounding is that she keeps up the quality in the second novel of the series, Wanderlust. I can't wait to review that one!

 

7. Rules of Attraction by Simone Elkeles

8. Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead

Rules of Attraction was fantastic.  Everything you could possibly want from a Contemporary YA romance - if you want a fab, Romeo-and-Juliet-esque romance, read this!

I am so very glad I finally read the Vampire Academy series!  I knew everybody loved it, but I had no idea why until I read it.  I haven't finished the series yet, but it is certainly one of my favourite YA series... ever.

 

9. Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater

10. Linger by Maggie Stiefvater

I haven't written a review for Shiver or Linger, because I really don't know what to add to the conversation.  These books are stunning.  Seriously, beautiful beautiful books which I highly recommend to ALL readers.  It was hard to choose between Shiver and Linger for the Top Ten of 2010 - so both made the list!

So, that's all for 2010.  I am super excited about this new year, and I want to thank all DBD followers for sticking it out with me this year.  It's been great reading your comments and following your blogs - so thank you!