Top 10 of 2012: Monday

Top 10 of 2012 is a great event which is co-hosted by some awesome bloggers (Rachel from Fiktshun, Lisa from A Life Bound By Books, Jessica from Confessions of a Bookaholic, Jaime from Two Chicks on Books and Mindy from Magical Urban Fantasy Reads). It's a week-long event where you can look back at the best books of 2012 and forward to the awesome books coming out in 2013 :)

I'm thrilled to be back blogging and this seems like a great way to celebrate the best books of 2012! Today's topic is Best Books I've Read in 2012, although this is more of a "so far" kind of list as I'll be reading some more before the end of the year.

1. Enclave by Ann Aguirre
I saw Enclave around the web a lot and always hesitated over it as I really don't like when a book is sold as "for fans of..." but when I saw the trailer I was sucked in and picked up a copy, despite the fact I'm not a fan of zombies. As soon as I started reading I wanted to know more about Deuce and I'm now eagerly anticipating Horde. (My review)

2. Possess by Gretchen McNeil
Possess caught me from the first page as it heaps on the mystery and tension before cutting across to one of the most atmospheric mist-filled scenes I've ever read. I really enjoyed the unique take on demons, loved Bridget and Matt and was thoroughly creeped out by the doll shop scene.

3. White Cat by Holly Black
White Cat blew me away. Holly Black has created a really unique world and filled it with fascinating characters and so many plot twists my jaw ached from dropping open so much. A great example of young adult urban fantasy, I fell in love with the world.

4. Brownies and Broomsticks by Bailey Cates
Usually cozy mysteries get overlooked by me when I'm doing lists like this because they are gentler reads. This one really stands out for me. I adored the Savannah setting, thought Katie was great, loved her family and swooned over hunky fireman Declan. The magic and the food descriptions made this a stand out read for me, as did the scrummy peanut butter brownies recipe!

5. Archangel's Consort by Nalini Singh
The Guild Hunter series was new-to-me this year and so far the stand out book has been Archangel's Consort. The storyline built up from the first two books and made this installment brilliant. I loved how Elena has changed so much and how she and Raphael find a new balance in their lives, and the supporting characters are incredible.

6. 13 by Kelley Armstrong
13 is probably the most bittersweet book I've read all year. It was epic but it was also the end of the Otherworld series. I loved Savannah and Adam and it was incredible how Kelley Armstrong tied everything together. There were plot lines tied back to hints from books near the start of the series and all the previous narrators were given at least a chapter or two from their perspective. (My review)

7. Across the Universe by Beth Revis
Across the Universe blew me away. I picked up a copy after hearing loads of great reviews and then put off reading it because I don't like sci-fi in my books. I picked it up on a dull Friday afternoon and didn't move again until I'd finished the entire book. It was an amazing read :) (My review)

8. The Name of the Star by Maureen Johnson
Usually I see a book set in London, put it back on the shelf and back away. As a Londoner, nothing bugs me more than people not researching and screwing up the city. This only got picked up for the Jack the Ripper connection but blew me away on how accurate the city portrayal is. Besides that, this is really great read. (My review)

9. First Grave on the Right by Darynda Jones
This was a gift from my step-mother and I was expecting a standard urban fantasy style story. My favourite part of this book is the humour (I spent ages giggling while reading) mixed in with the action and mystery, and this quickly became a favourite book of mine. I can't wait to read further in the series.

10. The Demon's Lexicon by Sarah Rees Brennan
I got the Demon's Lexicon as part of a set of books and promptly forgot about it until Sarah Rees Brennan appeared at a Cassandra Clare signing. After chatting with her I knew I had to read the book so I tracked down my copy and as soon as I started I fell in love with her world and her characters. Nick blew me away and the world-building is really unique. (My review)


Honourable mentions: The Gathering by Kelley Armstrong (review), Blue-Blooded Vamp by Jaye Wells (review) and Curses! by J.A. Kazimer (review).