1. Partials by Dan Wells

Most memorable book I read all year. It kept me on the edge of my seat; couldn’t turn the pages fast enough!

2. Covet by Melissa Darnell

I enjoy the mixture of several supernatural creatures; Vampires, Witches and Shifters. With a main character that I respected and a love interest that is a true born leader, both caring and strong.

3. Cinder by Marissa Meyer

Cyborg, Cinderella retelling, funnest read all year, it was an amazing ride

4. Defiance by CJ Redwine

An amazingly evil villain with a kick ass female lead. Made me want to shout ” you go girl”

5. Hemlock by Kathleen Peacock

First read this year that made me exclaim ” OMG she took it there!” Kathleen Peacock’s book made me seriously consider switching from team Vampire to team Werewolf.
Most of the titles I am looking forward to next year are part of a series that I love and highly anticipate. Which also brings me to say that it’s hard to exactly say why I want to read it so bad without spoiling others, but here goes!

Top 10 anticipated in 2013

Sever by Lauren Destefano

– Last book in the trilogy. I love these books because as a girl it took me out of my comfort zone. Teens that die young because of a disease and the urgency of having children and carrying on humanity knowing you only get a few precious years full of turmoil, then sickness. And the abuse that comes along with such things in this society.

Fragments by Dan Wells

– The first book had me turning pages so fast that I had to go back and listen to the audiobook and enjoyed each so much. The
Partials—(engineered organic beings identical to humans) always one step ahead, really kept me on the edge of my seat.

Unravel Me by Tahereh Mafi

-although I have read several reviews that had conflicting ideas about the writing style of book 1, Shatter Me. It was an absolute eye opener for me. Very poetic and full of imagery that blew my mind. Also fun super human powers and an impending war… I love that energy. 

Scarlet by Marissa Meyer

-Also a sequel. Cinder is a retelling of Cinderella, but as a cyborg. It ended with so many questions and I’m excited to see where this one goes next.

The Archived by Victoria Schwab

– I haven’t heard too much about this one, but all I needed to hear was “Imagine a place where the dead rest on shelves like books” (from the authors website)  as both a fan of ghosts, and books, this one sounds like a really interesting read. 

Clockwork Princess by Cassandra Clare

-Possibly my most shallow pick, but OMG that cover! I love the artwork on all of her books. As I have not even started the Infernal Devices series it’s crazy to nominate this one, but I have read all of the Mortal Instruments series and I know I’m gonna love these as well. 

Shades of Earth by Beth Revis-

The last book in the series, a fantastic science fiction story that is fun and other-worldly.

Through the Ever Night by Veronica Rossi-

Sequel to Under the Never Sky but this time told from different characters perspective. The first book was intense and had great visual imagery.

Splintered by AG Howard

-In a darker twist to Alice in Wonderland. Alice was one of Alyssa’s ancestors and a curse has caused all the women to end up in mental hospitals. But it’s time for Alyssa to go to wonderland and finally break the curse.

Ink by Amanda Sun

-This was actually put on my radar by The Book Probe himself. I know very little about it but what caught my eye is part of the summary on the book: “Tomo has a connection to the ancient gods of Japan, and being near Katie is causing his abilities to spiral out of control.”

–          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.

Joelene’s Top Five of 2012

1. Anna Dressed in Blood by Kendare Blake – The beautiful cover is what drew me to this exquisitely haunting story of ghosts, friendships and love. The writing kept me hooked.

2. Unspoken by Sarah Rees Brennan – While Sarah Rees Brennan is an author that I will visit again and again and again, she has surpassed all expectations with this magnificent beginning of the Lynburn trilogy. The ending leaves me desperate for more and, yes, a little angry that I have to wait for a year.

3. Unidentified by Rae Mariz – An unexpected pleasure. This Young Adult read has more emotional and moral integrity than almost everything I’ve read in 2012, while still keeping with the issues affecting teens.

4. Museum of Thieves trilogy by Lian Tanner – The entire trilogy is worth reading a dozen times over. The charm of this series adds to its appeal as an adventure novel that is as exciting as it is thought-provoking.

5. White Cat by Holly Black – Holly Black; need I say more? I doubt that anything she writes will ever let me down and thus far, these beliefs have been well-founded. I’m loving the Curse-Workers series.

Joelene’s Five Most Anticipated of 2013

1. Girl of Nightmares by Kendare Blake – With how amazing the first in the series was; I’m anticipating great things from the sequel to Anna Dressed in Blood.

2. Untold by Sarah Rees Brennan –  Unspoken left me craving more. Come August I will devour Untold. Until then I will endure the cruelty of an author who teases her readers with excerpts as though it’s some sort of a game.

3. Beauty Queens by Libba Bray – Beauty pageants crash land on a desert island. It’s Lord of the Flies meets America’s Next Top Model. How can this not be made of win? I shall procure chocolate and watch them cry.

4. The Interrogation of Ashala Wolf by Ambelin Kwaymullina – This novel looks amazing. I held off buying it for a while as I was worried that it would have an unhappy ending. Since then my sister has read and loved it; so it’s on the list for summer reads.

5. Stiff: the Curious Lives of Human Cadavers by Mary Roach – I’m not morbid; I’ve heard amazing things about this book. And really, curiosity is a human condition.

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