The Best of 2010
2010 has been an interesting year. It's also been the most productive in terms of reading; I read 141 books so far.
To start off, here are my top five reads published in 2010:
5. Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins
The last book in the Hunger Games trilogy. This book had me on edge even before it was printed. I felt that it was a satisfying ending to one of my favourite series. I wasn't pleased with the resolution to the romance, but oh well. Beggars can't be choosers.
4. Beautiful Malice by Rebecca James
This book is a sort of a thriller. I couldn't put it down, and was pleasantly surpised at the awesomeness. To be honest, I wasn't expecting much from this book when I first picked it up, but it was amazing. The characters are so fleshed out, the relationships seem real, and the tragedies are believable.
It was just one of those reads that feels like a refreshing breath of fresh air.
3. Nine Rules to Break When Romanicing a Rake by Sarah MacLean
Now, I'm not usually a fan of historical romances. Before this, I had never read a historical romance. But afterwards, I was in love. The romance is hot and steamy, the characters are fun and different, and the story is just amazing.
2. Changeless/Blameless by Gail Carriger
Okay, honestly, I had to put these two books together because I love them both equally. In each book, Alexia deals with different problems, but she does it in such a graceful, parasol-weilding manner.
The stories are both hilarious and serious, written in such a witty manner. I can't wait for the other books.
1. Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins
Okay, this book is just too cute. I loved the voice of the main character, Anna, and I love how she reacted to everything. I loved the French experience; it was almost as if I myself were touring France with her. I love Ettiene St. Clair, and I wish he could be mine. I love this book so much. Best book I've read all year.
Now for miscellanious books (in no particular order) that I've read this year that have earned a place on my 'Best Reads of 2010":
The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
The prose in this book is just amazing. By the end of the prologue, I was close to tears. This is something I would reccomend for everyone.
Lord Foul's Bane by Stephen Donaldson (and the rest of the Chronicles of Thomas Covenant)
This is the first book of one of my favourite series. I just started it this year, even though it was published in the 80's. It's high fantasy with a main character who is far from perfect. In fact, he's a leper and a rapist. I hated him throughout the first book for what he did, but he redeems himself, and grows as a character. This, I think is what makes the series as great as it is (as well as the mythical, epic parts :P)
The Enemy by Charlie Higson
Imagine a world where anyone above the age of 14 turns into a zombie. This book is hectic, violent, disgusting and action-packed. Higson is not afraid to kill off his main characters in horrific ways, and that's what I loved most. It taught me that sometimes, a story would benefit from a few zombies dead characters.
The Book of Lost Things by John Connolly
This book is almost like a fairy tale. In fact, it has several fairy tales within its pages, all twisted and dark. It shows the true nature of fairy tales, and doesn't skip the gory details. I was addicted to it from the very first sentence.
So, those are my top reads of 2010. Yay!
Now, off I go to plan out my resolutions for next year.
To start off, here are my top five reads published in 2010:
5. Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins
The last book in the Hunger Games trilogy. This book had me on edge even before it was printed. I felt that it was a satisfying ending to one of my favourite series. I wasn't pleased with the resolution to the romance, but oh well. Beggars can't be choosers.
4. Beautiful Malice by Rebecca James
This book is a sort of a thriller. I couldn't put it down, and was pleasantly surpised at the awesomeness. To be honest, I wasn't expecting much from this book when I first picked it up, but it was amazing. The characters are so fleshed out, the relationships seem real, and the tragedies are believable.
It was just one of those reads that feels like a refreshing breath of fresh air.
3. Nine Rules to Break When Romanicing a Rake by Sarah MacLean
Now, I'm not usually a fan of historical romances. Before this, I had never read a historical romance. But afterwards, I was in love. The romance is hot and steamy, the characters are fun and different, and the story is just amazing.
2. Changeless/Blameless by Gail Carriger
Okay, honestly, I had to put these two books together because I love them both equally. In each book, Alexia deals with different problems, but she does it in such a graceful, parasol-weilding manner.
The stories are both hilarious and serious, written in such a witty manner. I can't wait for the other books.
1. Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins
Okay, this book is just too cute. I loved the voice of the main character, Anna, and I love how she reacted to everything. I loved the French experience; it was almost as if I myself were touring France with her. I love Ettiene St. Clair, and I wish he could be mine. I love this book so much. Best book I've read all year.
Now for miscellanious books (in no particular order) that I've read this year that have earned a place on my 'Best Reads of 2010":
The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
The prose in this book is just amazing. By the end of the prologue, I was close to tears. This is something I would reccomend for everyone.
Lord Foul's Bane by Stephen Donaldson (and the rest of the Chronicles of Thomas Covenant)
This is the first book of one of my favourite series. I just started it this year, even though it was published in the 80's. It's high fantasy with a main character who is far from perfect. In fact, he's a leper and a rapist. I hated him throughout the first book for what he did, but he redeems himself, and grows as a character. This, I think is what makes the series as great as it is (as well as the mythical, epic parts :P)
The Enemy by Charlie Higson
Imagine a world where anyone above the age of 14 turns into a zombie. This book is hectic, violent, disgusting and action-packed. Higson is not afraid to kill off his main characters in horrific ways, and that's what I loved most. It taught me that sometimes, a story would benefit from a few zombies dead characters.
The Book of Lost Things by John Connolly
This book is almost like a fairy tale. In fact, it has several fairy tales within its pages, all twisted and dark. It shows the true nature of fairy tales, and doesn't skip the gory details. I was addicted to it from the very first sentence.
So, those are my top reads of 2010. Yay!
Now, off I go to plan out my resolutions for next year.