My Top 5 YA Books for 2010 - Mandy Wrangles

1. Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins.

A thrilling, violent and emotional ride that will have you on the edge of your seat, flawlessly winding up The Hunger Games trilogy.

2. Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare.

The first in a prequel trilogy to Clare’s Mortal Instruments series; this time, an earlier generation of  Shadowhunters are at war with the Downworlders in a Steampunked London.

3. Eon (aka The Two Pearls of Wisdom) by Alison Goodman.

The stunning, visual tale of Eon and her struggle to hide her true nature as Eona while training to become a powerful Dragoneye, mastering wind, water and protecting the land in an alternative ancient China.

4. Tallow by Karen Brooks.

In the first book of The Curse of The Bond Riders series, Brooks introduces Tallow, a candlemaking apprentice whose special talents make her a target for the evil lurking around every corner (or canal, as is the case in this beautiful Venetianesque world).

5. The Gathering by Isobelle Carmody.

First published in 1993, I admit I was slow getting my hands on multi-award winning The Gathering – but wow, just WOW – no-one can create a heart-thumping, sinister atmosphere like Isobelle Carmody.

Honourable mention:

6. Radiant Shadows by Melissa Marr.

The fourth book in the gritty urban fantasy world of Marr’s Wicked Lovely Series deals less with the political upheavals in the Summer Court, and more with the life of Ani, daughter of The Gabriel as she struggles with her own emerging power.

Top 5 Most Anticipated for 2011

1) Burn Bright – Marianne de Pierres (of course!)

2)  City of Fallen Angels – Cassandra Clare (4th in the Mortal Instruments series, due May)

3)  Eona – Alison Goodman (sequel to Eon, due April)

4)  Darkest Mercy – Melissa Marr (4th and final book in the Wicked Lovely series, due February)

5)  Clockwork Prince – Cassandra Clare (2nd in the Infernal Devices series, due August)

Honourable Mentions:

The Spider Goddess – Tara Moss

The Sending – Isobelle Carmody