Top Ten Books I Read in 2012 (12)

Top Ten Tuesday is hosted over at The Broke and the Bookish. This meme has you post a top ten list with a bookish theme. I'm particularly excited about this one because I get to reminisce on this year's top books. Plus, how awesome is it that the top books of 2012 is my 12th top ten tuesday? Almost makes me want to do a top twelve instead of a top ten.

Top Ten Books I Read in 2012

The winners of 2012 are...drumroll please. And these are in no specific order of awesomeness.

1. This is Not a Test by Courtney Summers - First off, the author's name is beautiful. ;) Secondly, this book was fantastic. I'm not a huge zombie fan, but this book was more about the humans than the zombies. It was such a wonderfully emotional book that left me craving more. Definitely a new favorite.

2. Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo - This Russian inspired fantasy literally took my breath away. I loved the Grisha and the Shadow Fold, and I cannot wait to read Siege and Storm so I can revisit Ravka. Bardugo excels in her storytelling and world building, and I was very impressed.

3. 11/22/63 by Stephen King - With 11/22/63, King has proven that he is skilled not only in writing horror but historical fiction as well. Every one of these 800 pages was worth the sacrifice of trees. It was wonderfully done, and my eyes were glued to the pages from start to finish.

4. The Sky is Everywhere by Jandy Nelson - I LOVED, LOVED, LOVED this book, and I'm not usually a fan of contemporary YA. I'd much rather pick
up a fantasy or horror book. But The Sky is Everywhere was so beautifully written and well-done, I wanted to reread it right after finishing. It was an emotional, gripping read!

5. Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor - A favorite of almost everyone who reads it, Daughter of Smoke and Bone is truly a masterpiece of fantasy and the supernatural. With Taylor's skill, Prague comes alive with magic and paranormal forces. I didn't have a single complaint.

6. The Crown of Embers by Rae Carson - I enjoyed this book even more than Girl of Fire and Thorns. The world building was wonderfully done, and I absolutely adored Elisa. She has to be one of my favorite heroines of all time. I raced through this book to the finish, and I immediately wanted The Bitter Kingdom.

7-8. Eon & Eona by Alison Goodman - After reading this series, I have had all the dragons I will ever need. Goodman excels in writing fantasy, and I thoroughly enjoyed this Asian inspired series. The breathtaking descriptions and excellent character development left me more than satisfied.

9. The Knife of Never Letting Go by Patrick Ness - What a horrific, shocking book! It left me reeling even after I finished, and I immediately purchased the rest of the series. I cannot wait to devour those books as well. Ness's writing has definitely left a lasting impression on me.

10. The Passage by Justin Cronin - I rave about this book far too much, but I can't help myself. Cronin has made a fan out of me with this truly terrifying vampire thriller. If you want horror and substance, The Passage offers both. There were 800 pages and I enjoyed every single one. I cannot wait to read The Twelve.

Of course there were many honorable mentions (Blood Red Road, Angelfall, The Scorpio Races, and Jellicoe Road) and it was hard to select just ten, but I finally did!

What are your top books of the year?

Review: Page by Tamora Pierce

Title: Page
Author: Tamora Pierce
Published: May 23, 2000
Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers
Series: Protector of the Small #2
Genre: Young Adult Fantasy
Pages: 288
Source: Gift
Rating: 5 stars
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

*Warning: This book review contains spoilers for First Test*

“Neal had a gift for making someone want to punch him just for saying hello”
― Tamora Pierce, Page

Synopsis
Kel fights to maintain the rigorous regimen of a page while confronting the prejudices that come with being a female in a man’s world and coping with a crush on her closest friend, Neal. (Goodreads)

My Thoughts
Let me begin by saying the synopses for this series are not the best. The longest one I found on Goodreads was ridden with spoilers (at least what I consider spoilers), so I decided to avoid that one.

In Page, Book 2 of the Protector of the Small series, Kel is no longer under probation. She has returned for her second year of training as a page, and has taken many of the people in court by surprise, including her training master and fellow pages. They had expected her to give up the previous year under the pressure of bullying and rigorous training, but Kel finished with flying colors. Now, she finds herself feeling differently about her friend and fellow page Neal, noticing his good looks while she wishes he could feel the same way. She also finds her gender brings some unwelcome changes. While new challenges present themselves, Kel discovers that Joren and his crew are not finished with their bullying, and Kel feels honor bound to defend first year pages from their unfair hazing. She makes new friends, but she still has to prove that a female can hold her own as a page. An opportunity to show her leadership skills presents itself when a group of bandits attacks some of the pages during a summer trip. Kel must take charge in order to save their lives.

Review: First Test by Tamora Pierce

Title: First Test 
Author: Tamora Pierce
Published: June 7, 1999
Publisher: Laurel Leaf
Series: Protector of the Small #1
Genre: Children's Fantasy
Pages: 256
Source: Gift
Rating: 5 stars
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

“You know, ogres only sound stupid. Most are pretty smart."
"And it's a shallow person who judges anyone by the way they sound. I'm so shallow I'm surprised I don't reflect myself.”
― Tamora Pierce, First Test

Synopsis
When Alanna became the King's Champion, it was decided that girls would henceforth be allowed to train for the knighthood. But ten years have passed, and no girls have come forward. Now, however, someone is about to change all that. Her name is Kel. In this first book in a new series from popular children's fantasy writer Tamora Pierce, we are introduced to a strong, adventurous new heroine who will win the hearts and minds of fantasy fans. (Goodreads)

My Thoughts
Tamora Pierce has to be one of my favorite fantasy authors. Time and again, she has transported me to the magical realm of Tortall and it's always difficult to return to reality after finishing one of her books. I'm ashamed to admit that I've had the Protector of the Small series sitting on my bookshelf for years, and I'm just reading it now. I loved Pierce's Song of the Lioness and Daughter of the Lioness series, and so far, I'm loving the Protector of the Small series.

Review: The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater

Title: The Raven Boys 
Author: Maggie Stiefvater
Published: September 18, 2012
Publisher: Scholastic Press
Series: The Raven Cycle #1
Genre: Young Adult Paranormal
Pages: 408
Source: Purchased
Rating: 3.5 stars
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

“She recognized the strange happiness that came from loving something without knowing why you did, that strange happiness that was sometimes so big that it felt like sadness.”
―Maggie Stiefvater, The Raven Boys

Synopsis
“There are only two reasons a non-seer would see a spirit on St. Mark’s Eve,” Neeve said. “Either you’re his true love . . . or you killed him.”

It is freezing in the churchyard, even before the dead arrive.

Every year, Blue Sargent stands next to her clairvoyant mother as the soon-to-be dead walk past. Blue herself never sees them—not until this year, when a boy emerges from the dark and speaks directly to her.

His name is Gansey, and Blue soon discovers that he is a rich student at Aglionby, the local private school. Blue has a policy of staying away from Aglionby boys. Known as Raven Boys, they can only mean trouble.

But Blue is drawn to Gansey, in a way she can’t entirely explain. He has it all—family money, good looks, devoted friends—but he’s looking for much more than that. He is on a quest that has encompassed three other Raven Boys: Adam, the scholarship student who resents all the privilege around him; Ronan, the fierce soul who ranges from anger to despair; and Noah, the taciturn watcher of the four, who notices many things but says very little.

For as long as she can remember, Blue has been warned that she will cause her true love to die. She never thought this would be a problem. But now, as her life becomes caught up in the strange and sinister world of the Raven Boys, she’s not so sure anymore.

From Maggie Stiefvater, the bestselling and acclaimed author of the Shiver trilogy and The Scorpio Races, comes a spellbinding new series where the inevitability of death and the nature of love lead us to a place we’ve never been before. (Goodreads)

My Thoughts
As with every other Maggie Stiefvater book, The Raven Boys starts off slow. Stiefvater loves to ease into the story, allowing the characters and the setting to settle before the plot advances considerably. Despite the slow beginning, I really enjoyed the first half of the book. The characters were richly developed, as Stiefvater detailed all of their quirks and oddities. While I found some of the names a little over the top and somewhat distracting, (Blue? seriously? my fish is named Blue) the premise and magical elements were insanely wild. The characters kept me guessing and I found them endlessly entertaining, especially the raven boys.

Review: The Running Man by Richard Bachman

Title: The Running Man
Author: Richard Bachman (Stephen King)
Published: 1982
Genre: Adult Thriller, Dystopian
Pages: 241
Rating: 5 stars
Source: Borrowed
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

“In the year 2025, the best men don't run for president, they run for their lives. . . .”
― Stephen King, The Running Man

Synopsis
It's not just a game when you're running for your life.

Every night they tuned in to the nation's favorite prime-time TV game show.

They all watched, from the sprawling polluted slums to the security-obsessed enclaves of the rich. They all watched the ultimate live death game as the contestants tried to beat not the clock, but annihilation at the hands of the Hunters. Survive thirty days and win a billion dollar jackpot - that was the promise. But the odds were brutal and the game rigged. Best score so far was eight days.

And now there was a new contestant, the latest Running Man, staking his life while a nation watched. (Goodreads)

My Thoughts
Once again, Stephen King has blown me away with his writing. The Running Man was a fast-paced, action-packed thrill of a ride! As you can imagine, seeing as the book is a run for your life scenario, there is not a single dull moment. From beginning to finish, I was fascinated with the world King so grimly portrays - a world that enjoys watching a man get hunted down by the entire population. And that premise! So creative! So wild! The Running Man reality show makes Survivor look like a walk in the park. I'd rather be sitting on some island eating white rice with lice in my hair than ever be in Ben's position.

Top Ten Most Anticipated Books for 2013 (11)

Top Ten Tuesday is hosted by The Broke and The Bookish. Every week, bloggers post a top ten list based on a bookish theme. This week's Top Ten Tuesday was a fun topic!

Top Ten Most Anticipated Books for 2013

1. Doctor Sleep by Stephen King - The sequel to The Shining! In Doctor Sleep, Dan Torrance, the little boy from The Shining (RED RUM RED RUM), is all grown up. I have yet to read The Shining, but I have seen the movie directed by Stanley Kubrick (Here's Johnny!). I will definitely have to read the first one before this sequel comes out. 

2. Clockwork Princess (The Infernal Devices #3) by Cassandra Clare - I love this series (even more than The Mortal Instruments series). It's my guilty pleasure because I usually don't go all fangirl on a series. But that changed with two words: Will Herondale. This is supposed to be the final installment in The Infernal Devices series, but Clare has already changed her mind before. I honestly would love to see this series continue. 

3. Siege and Storm (The Grisha #2) by Leigh Bardugo - First, of all Leigh Bardugo is wicked cool. And her first name is my middle name with the same spelling (completely irrelevant)! I loved Shadow and Bone, and I cannot wait for the second installment (mainly for some more Darkling). June?!? It could be centuries away. 

4. Jim Henson's Labyrinth by Ted Naifeh, Adrianne Ambrose, and Cory Godbey - A prequel to Jim Henson's masterpiece Labyrinth? Count me in! Labyrinth remains one of my favorite movies to this day. I had a Labyrinth poster in my dorm room for years with David Bowie just staring me down. I have to admit I had a huge crush on him in that movie. Why? Who knows? The hair? The tights? For a children's movie, they didn't leave much to the imagination with those tights of his (just saying). And now a prequel about Jareth? As a graphic novel?!? I love pictures! I have to read this now! 

5. The Bitter Kingdom (Fire and Thorns #3) by Rae Carson - This series started off slow for me but then I fell in love with the world Carson has created. The Fire and Thorns series has one of the best heroines of all time: Elisa. She is such a strong main character. And the plot never fails. Can't wait for The Bitter Kingdom! 

6. Clariel (Abhorsen #4) by Garth Nix - The Abhorsen series is easily one of my favorite series of all time, and I think I might have screamed for joy or did a little dance when I heard another book was coming out. Clariel takes place roughly 300 years before the events of Sabriel. I cannot wait to reenter this world, and I will definitely be rereading the others before this one is released.

7. Cold Spell (Fairytale Retellings #4) by Jackson Pearce - I am in love with Hans Christian Anderson's fairy tales. They are just as dark as the Grimm fairytales, and I have an illustrated copy I love to look through. I was ecstatic when I heard Pearce is writing a retelling of The Snow Queen. That is fantastic! That tale needs more retellings. I hope to finish Sweetly and Fathomless by then since I have only read her Sisters Red. 

8. Raven Flight (Shadowfell #2) by Juliet Marillier - There's no synopsis as of yet, but there is no doubt that I will read this sequel. I enjoyed Shadowfell so much, and I cannot wait to read more Marillier. I also look forward to reading her Sevenwaters series.

9. Strands of Bronze and Gold by Jane Nickerson - I've already featured this book in a Waiting on Wednesday, and I am more than ready for it to be March so this book is out. It's a Bluebeard retelling, and I cannot wait!

10.  City of a Thousand Dolls by Miriam Foster - High fantasy? Asian mythology? And a stunning cover and fascinating premise? This is definitely my cup of tea.

Honorable Mentions

Scarlet (Lunar Chronicles #2) by Marissa Meyer 

Unravel Me (Shatter Me #2) by Tahereh Mafi

The Shadowhunter's Codex by Cassandra Clare

The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman

What's your Top Ten this week? 

Review: The Knife of Never Letting Go by Patrick Ness

Title: The Knife of Never Letting Go
Author: Patrick Ness
Published: May 5, 2008
Publisher: Candlewick Press
Series: Chaos Walking #1
Genre: Young Adult Dystopian, Science Fiction
Pages: 479
Source: Purchased
Rating: 5 stars
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

“Without a filter, a man is just chaos walking.”
― Patrick Ness, The Knife of Never Letting Go 

Synopsis
Prentisstown isn't like other towns. Everyone can hear everyone else's thoughts in an overwhelming, never-ending stream of Noise. Just a month away from the birthday that will make him a man, Todd and his dog, Manchee -- whose thoughts Todd can hear too, whether he wants to or not -- stumble upon an area of complete silence. They find that in a town where privacy is impossible, something terrible has been hidden -- a secret so awful that Todd and Manchee must run for their lives.

But how do you escape when your pursuers can hear your every thought? (Goodreads)

My Thoughts
This book was phenomenal. Superb! Epic! You get the idea. With that vague premise, I wasn't sure what to expect. Of course, I was loving the idea of Noise and everyone being able to hear each other's thoughts, but I never anticipated how awesome this book was going to be. I was expecting Todd would just go on some journey with his dog, finding himself, and there would be a few surprises along the way. But The Knife of Never Letting Go was so much more than a coming of age novel.

Waiting on Wednesday (14) - Falling Kingdoms by Morgan Rhodes

Waiting on Wednesday is hosted by Breaking the Spine. Every Wednesday, bloggers post books they cannot wait to have on their bookshelf! 

Falling Kingdoms by Morgan Rhodes
Hits Shelves on December 11, 2012
Add to Goodreads

Synopsis
In a land where magic has been forgotten but peace has reigned for centuries, a deadly unrest is simmering. Three kingdoms grapple for power—brutally transforming their subjects’ lives in the process. Amidst betrayals, bargains, and battles, four young people find their fates forever intertwined:

Cleo: A princess raised in luxury must embark on a rough and treacherous journey into enemy territory in search of a magic long thought extinct.
Jonas: Enraged at injustice, a rebel lashes out against the forces of oppression that have kept his country impoverished—and finds himself the leader of a people’s revolution centuries in the making.

Lucia: A girl adopted at birth into a royal family discovers the truth about her past—and the supernatural legacy she is destined to wield.

Magnus: Bred for aggression and trained to conquer, a firstborn son begins to realize that the heart can be more lethal than the sword...

The only outcome that’s certain is that kingdoms will fall. Who will emerge triumphant when all they know has collapsed? (Goodreads)

Why I'm Waiting
I am so excited for this book! And the release date is almost here! I've heard such good things from people who received ARC's. Plus, that cover! It just looks like my kind of read.

What is everyone waiting for this week?

Review: Sisters Red by Jackson Pearce

Title: Sisters Red
Author: Jackson Pearce
Published: June 7, 2010
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Series: Fairytale Retellings #1
Genre: Young Adult Fantasy, Retelling
Pages: 352
Source: Purchased
Rating: 4 stars
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

“I am confident, I am capable, and I will not wait to be rescued by a woodsman or a hunter.”
― Jackson Pearce, Sisters Red

Synopsis
Scarlett March lives to hunt the Fenris--the werewolves that took her eye when she was defending her sister Rosie from a brutal attack. Armed with a razor-sharp hatchet and blood-red cloak, Scarlett is an expert at luring and slaying the wolves. She's determined to protect other young girls from a grisly death, and her raging heart will not rest until every single wolf is dead.

Rosie March once felt her bond with her sister was unbreakable. Owing Scarlett her life, Rosie hunts ferociously alongside her. But even as more girls' bodies pile up in the city and the Fenris seem to be gaining power, Rosie dreams of a life beyond the wolves. She finds herself drawn to Silas, a young woodsman who is deadly with an ax and Scarlett's only friend--but does loving him mean betraying her sister and all that they've worked for? (Goodreads)

My Thoughts
Sisters Red is a darker retelling of Red Riding Hood, somewhat reminiscent of the Grimm tale. From the moment I first set eyes on this cover, I knew I had to read it. It is such a unique version of the beloved Red Riding Hood tale. Instead of one girl, there are actually two: Rosie and Scarlett March. Both of them wear red cloaks when hunting, and they are fierce. These two sisters don't just sit back and let the woodsman take care of things; they fight themselves. Scarlett is vicious with her hatchet, and Rosie is deadly with her knives. Of course, there is Silas, a son of a woodsman and an old family friend, and he joins in the hunting, but the two girls are in the spotlight when fighting. Plus, Scarlett is missing an eye, and she is physically and emotionally scarred.

In My Mailbox (6)

In My Mailbox is hosted at The Story Siren. It's a weekly meme where you can showcase everything you've bought, borrowed, and maybe even sold your soul for over the last week.

I'm cheating this week because I haven't done In My Mailbox in a few weeks. These books are actually from the past couple of weeks. Shhhh...don't tell.

Bought:

-Black City by Elizabeth Richards

-Rebel Heart (Dust Lands #2) by Moira Young

-The Twelve (The Passage #2) by Justin Cronin (squeal! My mom's reading this right now...can't wait!)

-Days of Blood and Starlight (Daughter of Smoke and Bone #2) by Laini Taylor

-The Knife of Never Letting Go (Chaos Walking #1) by Patrick Ness (reading this now!)

Borrowed: 

-The Bachman Books by Stephen King, Richard Bachman

My boyfriend and I are both huge Stephen King fans, and he lent me this collection of Bachman books. There's Rage, Roadwork, The Running Man, and The Long Walk. I've already read The Long Walk, and I do plan on reading The Running Man.

What have you bought, received, etc this week?