Sunday, January 2, 2011

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!  

6 comments:

  1. Its horrible I know but I haven't read one book on your top 10. LOL Though they all look like good books and I have Vampire Acadamy, Graceling and Firespell in my TBR pile. I have got to get with it..lol Going to put the others on my wishlist. :)

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  2. I love so many of these! Graceling is just epic-- I've reread it twice, and that's saying a lot. Red-Headed Stepchild I've never heard of, but it looks and sounds fab. Vampire Academy is one of my favorite new series-- hope you enjoy the next few books as well! :)

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  3. I really love the covers for the Jaye Wells books! But I haven't read any of these books, either, haha! I started reading Graceling last spring, I think, but put it down for something else. Hm.

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  4. @ladystorm - OMG, you need to read them all! If you are a YA fan, I'd especially recommend The Summoning (the first book in the Darkest Powers series which The Reckoning is part of).

    @Kat - Epic. What a great way of describing Graceling! Give Red-headed Stepchild a try - it is funny and full of action-packed goodness.

    @Anastasia - Graceling takes a while to get going, but it might not be your cup of tea. Nevertheless, everything else on this list is a must. Go forth and read!

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  5. I loved reading VA, Simone Elkeles, and Darkest Powers this year too! Excellent year.
    Megan @Read It, See It

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  6. I've only read 4 of these. How bad is that? I think I need to sort that out. Your #1/#2 series sounds fab!

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