I just couldn’t let this year pass without picking my Top 10 books of 2012! I wanted to recap a fabulous year in book reading and spend one last moment urging everyone to pick up these books. Seriously, they are incredible!
 

10. Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo (UK title: The Gathering Dark)
An enchanting tale about a young girl Alina discovering her unique powers. This book brought tsar-punk into our lexicon and has one of the most intriguingly mysterious villains (or is he…?) I’ve read in a long time in The Darkling.
 

9. Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas
YA high fantasy at its best. Set in an amazing castle of glass, it features an assassin contest and so many cool mysteries that I’m aching for book 2. Has a great cast of endearing characters and a love triangle to root for. I love Celaena’s blend of prissy and tough, one of the many great kick-ass characters this year.
 

8. The Immortal Rules by Julie Kagawa
A new series from an old favourite I’m glad to have discovered this year. Completely fresh take on vampires, with flesh-eating zombies thrown in for good measure. Allie with her katanas is amazing and Zeke was a refreshing break from the bad boy monotony. I want more of this broken world!
 

7. Pushing the Limits by Katie McGarry
Best contemporary book by far I’ve read this year. The chemistry between Noah and Echo was absolutely sizzling. I can guarantee, you will fall in love with them both and root for them from start to finish.
 

6. The Lost Prince by Julie Kagawa
Julie never fails to impress, and I think it’s the hint of old magic that made me love this just a bit more than her other top 10 book. A really strong tale where Ethan, Queen Meghan’s little human brother, has grown up and finds his own adventure. Plus, it’s got cameos from Grim, Ash and most importantly, Puck. How could you not love it?
 

5. Mark of Athena by Rick Riordan
Each new Heroes of Olympus book always comes out around my birthday, and what an absolute treat they normally turn out to be. The first two were great, but this one takes it one notch better by bringing all 7 demigods of prophecy together on the quest for the first time. Best part of the book is Annabeth, hands down. Loved finally getting a narrative from her point of view.
 

4. Pantomime by Laura Lam
A book not out until next year, but I’m so grateful to have read early. The most unique book I’ve read this year by far, it’s really unlike anything out on the market today. You will fall in love with this beautifully written story about a boy in a circus and a privileged girl as they struggle to find their place in the world. Fantasy with heart.
 

3. Defiance by C.J. Redwine
I thought I had read it all, but this dystopian fantasy exceeded all my expectations. The story was engaging and unpredictable and I loved the many layered world that the author developed. But the best thing about this book was Logan. It’s true, I’ve flirted, but I haven’t really considered another book boyfriend since Peeta. It was the alternating Logan/Rachel point of view that gave me an insight into his lovely, logical brain, that I think I might consider switching. Or at least developing some sort of book boy harem.
 

2. The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater
Oh, a quest! And what a quest it is! The back hints at a supernatural romance, however it is so much more. It follows Blue and the Raven Boys (Gansey, Ronan, Adam and Noah) and their search for the long lost Welsh king, Owen Glendower. Delicious prose and exceptional detail (ley lines and psychics and ravens, oh my), the book weaves you on a magical journey. I cannot wait for the next three books!
 

1. Daughter of Smoke and Bone and Days of Blood and Starlight by Laini Taylor
Ok, I admit I cheated by putting these two together in the top spot, but they are part of the same series, so I figured I could get away with it. I am both kicking myself and thankful that I only read Daughter of Smoke and Bone this year. It was so incredible I wish I had it in my life sooner, but at the same time, I was thankful that I didn’t have to wait long to read the sequel, which was equally amazing. The writing is gorgeous. I am so invested and in love with this series that if you haven’t read it yet, I can only urge you to do so. I promise you’ll love them.
 

For a bit of self publicity, the wonderful Faye from A Daydreamer’s Thoughts has also interviewed me for her Blogger Spotlight all this month, so please check out the post on her wonderful blog here.

Thanks for reading this and please leave your top 10 posts in the comments below! I love reading them and I for sure will be looking for a few great recommendations to start 2013 with. Happy New Year everyone!