Top 10 of 2011: Best books read in 2011

Happy Boxing Day to those who celebrate it! Whilst I actually wrote this a while ago, today I will be indulging in our traditional Boxing Day lunch of more cheese than the average human consumes in a month, crackers and excessive pickles. Then I'll be going to my grandma and grandad's to eat my second (!) Christmas dinner in 2 days. mmmmm. Hope you all had a fantastic Christmas day and I'm looking forward to seeing everyone's top 10's all week!

Today's top 10 is 'Top 10 books read in 2011'

Now, I've sort of cheated a *bit*, as because I read SO many good series in 2011, the majority of my list is an entire series rather than 10 individual books...but still, I think this is acceptable. ...right?

Anyway, in reverse order, my top ten list is:

10. The Restorer by Amanda Stevens. 

I LOVED this book seriously, I WORSHIP IT. It's got such a fantastic atmosphere, it's so spooky and haunting. The ghost concept is a really intriguing one and I loved the murder mystery aspect.All the information about gravestones and cemeteries and graveyard restoration was really interesting and the deep south setting was perfect.  Technically an adult novel, it's still suitable for mature YA readers and actually, I didn't really FEEL like I was reading an adult novel. Everyone should be reading this.


9. Ultraviolet by R.J Anderson

Such an interesting concept and beautifully, beautifully written. I loved the sci-fi ending and the 'One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest' feel.



8. The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern 

So imaginative and whimsical. A perfect mix of literary and commercial, Adult and Young Adult, this book will literally appeal to everyone. With wonderful descriptions of magical circuses and non-chronological storytelling it's a perfect read. A book you really want to savour.

7. The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater

Almost literary in it's prose I adored this latest offering from Maggie Stiefvater. The plot is very creative and the characters very real. It embodies desperation, isolation, hope and love in such a heartbreaking yet endearing way.



6. The Mortal Instruments series by Cassandra Clare

This was the first series I could sit and read non-stop (first 3 were released when I eventually got round to them). So fast-paced, well written funny and imaginative, they HAVE to make my top 10 list. City of Bones was actually my first ever review!

5. Defiance&Reckoning (The Strange Angels books 4& 5) by Lili. St.Crow.

I love how action packed this urban fantasy series is. Massively underrated in my opinion, my heart is consistently in my mouth when I read them and I can't turn pages fast enough! Doesn't hurt that Christophe is one of my favourite male characters! I loved the ending for this series.


4. The Hunger Games trilogy by Suzanne Collins


I know I should've read this series before this year! But I finally have and yeah, wow. I love Katniss as a narrator; she's someone I can really identify with. The concept is fantastic, the writing is poignant and the president downright scary! THG trilogy earns its place in my top 5 for 2011.

3. The Infernal Devices by Cassandra Clare

Both Cassandra Clare series made my top 10, but it is this, the prequel series, that I love the most. The characterisation feels richer, the plot is deeper, more mysterious and the Victorian London setting really appeals to me. I can't believe we have to wait nearly a year for the final book in the trilogy, but you can bet Clockwork Princess will be making my 2012 favourites list ;)

2. The Demon's Lexicon trilogy by Sarah Rees Brennan

Another series I should've read a long time ago! Perfect YA urban fantasy and based in England to boot! The plots are so complex; full of twists and turns and you never know anyone's motivations/leanings/intentions until the very last moment! Full of hilarious, realistic and raw characters and with some of the funniest one liners I've ever read, everyone should be raving about this trilogy. I can't wait to see what SRB has to offer in 2012.

1. Divergent by Veronica Roth.

Yep, Divergent is my top book of 2011. The first dystopian I'd read in a long time, I feverishly finished it in 4 short hours and then proceeded to force the novel on everyone I've ever met, and some strangers to boot. Who didn't fall in love with Tris and her fierce bravery despite her physical shortcomings? Who didn't swoon over Four and his strong, silent presence? Whose heart wasn't in their mouths throughout this entire book? With intriguing and thought-provoking premise, and language beautiful in its simplicity, Divergent is totally deserving of a number 1 spot.


So there's my list! What do you think? Do you agree/disagree with any of the placements? Is there something I missed off and you cannot believe it wasn't included? Let me know in the comments and leave me links to your own round up posts!