(In no real order!)

Cinder by Marissa Meyer - Was one of the first books I read in 2012, and couldn’t get enough of it. I’ve seen and read many different versions of the Cinderella story, but Cinder put a new, and futuristic twist on it. I hope to read more of these types of stories from Marissa Meyer in 2013, including Scarlet!

The Fault in Our Stars by John Green - This one I read during the summer while laying out, tanning. The Fault in Our Stars is one of a few books that brought tears to my eyes in 2012 and really changed the way I think about life, and cancer. This book caused me to feel so many emotions from complete happiness one minute to sadness and tears the next.

Revived by Cat Patrick - Revived is another one of my summer reads that I enjoyed along with a few hours of sun, and one or two cold glasses of lemonade. The story is something I’d usually never pick up (especially during the summer time). It follows a teenage girl, who isn’t what she seems to most people. She has a tendency to die, once due to a accident, a bee sting, and few other different scenarios, but every time she did, her “dad” and “mom” would quickly revive her, pack up their things and move somewhere new. I don’t want too give away too much, so I better stop there…

We’ll Always Have Summer by Jenny Han - I loved this summery trilogy, and I refused to read it during any other season of the year! This book contained a character I could connect so well with, a love triangle I couldn’t get enough of, and a ending I could never foresee.

Shine Light by Marianne de Pierres - This is the most recent book I’ve read, and loved! Starting this series I fell in complete love with the first book, and I admit the second was pretty good, but I still liked the first better. When finally receiving this one in the mail, I was a excited, but yet still determined that Shine Light would never top Burn Bright. To my surprise it did. What I enjoyed most was the characters and the way they developed throughout the third book.

I’m not very sure which books I’m most excited to read in 2013. I haven’t given it much thought. But I do hope to read well over 80 books before this time of year, next year comes around!

-          All These Things I’ve Done by Gabrielle Zevin

A refreshing, spirited narrative style with some truly compelling characters and some family drama resulting in very tense situations. Slight futuristic/dystopian elements, but they were certainly the backdrop to a genuinely moving coming-of-age story.

-          A Corner of White by Jaclyn Moriarty

A marvellous blend of contemporary realism and high fantasy, this novel balanced dual protagonists beautifully and effectively captured some distinct emotional struggles, while at the same time incorporating a surprising amount of tongue-in-cheek humour. Was very impressed by all of the typical YA tropes that this novel avoided also!! That’s always a plus.

-          Spark by Amy Kathleen Ryan

As a huge fan of its predecessor, Glow, I was incredibly excited to see how this second instalment would measure up in terms of emotional resonance, thematic tension and so forth. It did not disappoint! This series is fast proving to be one of the most original, genuine and intelligent I have ever encountered in young adult fiction. High recommended, especially for science fiction and dystopia fans.

-          Cinder by Marissa Meyer

One of the most blatantly enjoyable fairy tale retellings I have encountered in a long time; unapologetically fun at times, while never sacrificing character and story. The Cinderella elements are all present and accounted for, but it’s still very much its own unique story, and Cinder quickly became one of my most cherished heroines in recent reads.

-          The Book of Lost Things by John Connolly

Somewhat defying age distinctions, this is technically an adult novel featuring a 12 year-old protagonist, but could certainly be read and enjoyed easily by young adults.  The fairy tale elements are a strong and constant presence throughout the novel, but can be seen in very different ways than most contemporary readers would be accustomed to. The level of graphic detail and dark thematic content might be a little unsettling to some, but it undeniably makes for a gripping read. The novel also features one of the most despicable, heartless villains ever put to paper.

Diana’s Top 5

1. The Fault In Our Stars – Heartbreaking, funny, tragic and beautifully written.

2. Shadowfell – A wonderful tale of love and self-discovery. Juliet Marillier is amazing yet again.

3. The Girl of Fire and Thorns – Daringly different, with one of the best heroines ever!

4. Bitterblue - Complex plot, great characters and a book I did not want to end.

5. Pandemonium – Love is a disease and Lena is infected. Her growth in this book is remarkable and the romance was lovely. Also, great twist at the end!

Most Anticipated in 2013

1. Raven Flight by Juliet Marillier

2. Requiem by Lauren Oliver

3. Through the Ever Night by Veronica Rossi

4. Asunder by Jodi Meadows

5. Etiquette & Espionage by Gail Carriger

Best books of 2012

Throne of Glass – Sarah J Mass

Falling to Ash – Karen Mahoney

God Save the Queen – Kate Locke

Besieged - Rowena Corey Daniels

Shine Light – Marianne de Pierres

Most Anticipated for 2013

Spirit – Brigid Kemmerer

Mystic – Alyson Noel

The Queen is Dead – Kate Locke

Hot Blooded – Nancy Holder & Debbie Viguie

Last Blood – Kristen Painter

Books that were and are are to be released at the end of 2012 that I am itching to read but don’t fit into either of the other 2 lists

Undeadly – MicheleVail

Speed of Light – Amber Kizer

Darkness Hunts – Keri Arthur

Days of Blood and Starlight – Laini Taylor

Small Shen – Kylie Chan