In 2012 I read about half the number of books I read in 2011 for a number of reasons, and so creating this list was both easier and harder than last year. Here are ten books that stood out to me as books that I found to be memorable (in a good way. There were a few memorable ones in a not-so-good way but let's not talk about those).
These are in a completely random order. Titles are linked to the print copy in the catalogue. Often there are audio or e-book copies as well.
1. Above by Leah Bobet.
Loved the premise - people develop mutations (ie. wings, scales, that sort of thing) and are institutionalised. Some of them break free and form an underground city (Safe) to protect from Above. Only, Safe is attacked and now they need to survive Above. Really gorgeously written and set in Toronto.
2. Such Wicked Intent by Kenneth Oppel
I liked this second book in the Frankenstein's Apprentice series to be even better than the first. I enjoyed driving home from work at night listening to the super creepy storyline. Oppel does a great job portraying Victor's obsessiveness. A great character-driven story. Even if you're not into historical fiction, give it a try. It's more paranormal than historical.
3. The Calling by Kelley Armstrong
Another Canadian pick! This book really took me aback with how quick it moved, how tight the pacing was and how much fun it was to read. It's not high literature or anything, but it's a great summer read (hence it being a Top Novel pick). It's not as paranormal romance as you might think - if you're not a fan of romance I'd still pick it up. It's more action/adventure than romance.
4. The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater
No one is surprised to see this here. Anyone I've talked to in the past year, even casually, knows how much I enjoyed this book. It combines my favourite things: urban fantasy, boarding school and awesome characters plus excellent writing. It's one downfall: It doesn't have a great ending, in my opinion, but I'm hoping the second book will explain why.
5. Cinder by Marissa Meyer
Maybe my favourite Top Novel book this year. Am I allowed to play favourites? Probably not. Either way, extremely happy you agreed with me on this one. It was predictable, sure, but it was just a lot of fun! I love how readers who don't consider themselves to be science-fiction readers picked up Cinder, a cyborg Cinderella story this year. I really enjoyed the setting, Cinder herself and the romance was quite swoon-worthy. That cliffhanger was brutal but just made me more excited for Scarlet!
6. Ask the Passengers by A. S. King
A. S. King is a phenomenal writer. She always knocks it out of the park and this one was no exception. Ask the Passengers is about a girl who is questioning her sexuality. We don't have enough GLBTQ books out there, and it's rare to find one as poignantly written as Ask the Passengers. It's a good contemporary every day type book that I think a lot of people can relate to, regardless of sexuality.
7. Wonder by R. J. Palacio
I listened to a lot of audiobooks this year, as I acquired an hour-long commute. Wonder made me realize that I shouldn't listen to books that have the potential to move me to tears because it makes driving rather difficult. Wonder is about a boy with a facial deformity who starts public school for the first time (he was homeschooled before). This book is more middle-grade (grades 5-9) than young adult, but it really was a favourite and I wanted to share it. It's one of those well-written character stories that I love so much and find so hard to articulate what I love about it. Please give it a try if you like that sort of thing.
8. Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor
This one is blatently cheating because it was published in 2011, but I read it in 2012 so it makes the list. This is another urban fantasy, in which angels and demons are at war and one girl is stuck in the middle. This book is so absorbing and the world-building is so phenomenal, that you'll want to book a flight to Prague ASAP. If you even have the slightly leaning towards fantasy add this to your to-read list and look for the second book in the catalogue too.
9. Code Name: Verity by Elizabeth Wein
This is on everyone's list because it's so good. It's about a British spy captured by Nazis during World War II and it's intense! It's historical fiction, but it's not straight-forward historical fiction; there's a mystery involved to it - who to trust and what to believe. If you can get it on audiobook, I'd recommend it. The narrator has a lovely Scottish accent and perfect narrative skills.
10. Bitterblue by Kristin Cashore
Bitterblue is the third book in the Graceling trilogy, and it just ripped me apart (okay, which doesn't sound like a good thing but it is! Just really emotionally draining at times). I was in a book coma for days. It's dealing with the aftermath of a genocide, dealing with an evil king who has been killed and the consequences of his actions. The fantasy universe of Graceling really is one of my favourites and while Bitterblue felt long in parts, I was happy to spend time in the universe again. If you're going to start this series, I would go in the order they're written - Graceling, Fire, then Bitterblue. Just have tissues on hand for Bitterblue.
11. Black Heart by Holly Black
I may have miscounted. Here is my eleventh pick. Black Heart wraps up the Curseworkers trilogy which I have thoroughly enjoyed. Illegal magic plus the mob, what's not to love? It was a very decent wrap-up to the series with a perfect ending, which is rare. If you haven't read White Cat yet, highly recommended! Red Glove (the second book) made my list last year. I love these books tons. Great world building, characters, and realistic dialogue which is sometimes hard to nail. Fabulous series.
Honourable Mentions:
Book Thief was probably my favourite non-2012 book I read this year. It's narrated by Death and takes place during World War II when Death was quite busy. Literary and gorgeous.
Now you!! What did you love?
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