Best Books Read in 2012

Here it is, my list of favourite 2012 reads. This year was a good year for books for me, I discovered lots of series/authors I hadn't previously read, and indulged in some all time favourite authors and was pleasantly surprised and blown away by books I never saw coming. The books below are the ones that really stood out for various reasons

 Chime by Franny Billingsley

I read this early on in the year and it definitely deserves its spot on my top ten. I bought this book cause it was 3 quid for a hardback copy which is insanely cheap, and spontaneously took it on a long train journey with me. From the first page I was absolutely enchanted by Briony's character, by the whimsical, unusual but utterly perfect writing style and the intriguing story. Briony is so witty, so sharp and so full of self-loathing that it is impossible not to love her. Her sister Rose would probably be diagnosed with Asperger's if she lived in this age and is so unintentionally funny it's almost tragic. The world building is fantastic, set in a small village in what I assume is around 1910/20.  It's not a book for everyone, I will admit that, but for me it was by far one of the most unique and mesmerizing books I have ever read.


 Heroes of Olympus (The Lost Hero, The Son of Neptune, The Mark of Athena) by Rick Riordan

I am a massive Percy Jackson fan, but for some reason I never read this sequel series. I think because I was worried it wouldn't be as good? Anyway, I read it this year and loved it. It took me a while to warm to the new characters in this series, but I devoured all 3 books fairly quickly and can't wait for the 4th. The Son of Neptune was my favourite!

 Gallagher Girls & Heist Society by Ally Carter

Another cheat, picking a series instead of an actual book. I only discovered Ally Carter this year, but I have thoroughly enjoyed all her books. I have been aware of them for a while, but I always thought I wouldn't enjoy them, which is a lesson to me to give things a go without too much prejudice.

Unspoken by Sarah Rees Brennan

Sarah Rees Brennan is pretty much one of my favourite ever authors. The Demon's Lexicon trilogy was one of the best things I read last year, and Unspoken did not disappoint. Hilarious, spooky and heart-breaking, it definitely earned its place on my list and I loved it so much I'm currently re-reading it!

All These Things I've Done by Gabrielle Zevin

I actually received a proof of this back in 2011 and was so excited as I love Gabrielle Zevin, I didn't read it until this year though, with some urging from Raimy who had really enjoyed it. I absolutely loved it. It looks really dystopian, but actually it's more of a contemporary coming of age story set in a mildly dystopian future. The main character Anya is so strong and wonderful and I loved her unusual and dysfunctional family. She definitely went through the ringer in this book and I really cannot wait for the sequel. 


 I Capture the Castle by Dodie Smith

I really didn't think this book would be my thing, but it really was! I absolutely loved everything about it from the characters to the narrative style and the setting. Whilst written in the 1940s this novel would definitely be classed as YA nowadays and is a beautifully written story of Cassandra and her eccentric family living in a bizarre type of poverty in England in the 1930s. It is charming and wonderful and a classic for a reason!

The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater

Ahhh this woman can do no wrong in my eyes. I will read anything she writes because it is always beautiful, imaginative, creative and unpredictable. This doesn't quite top The Scorpio Races for me, but seeing as it is the first of a series I have high hopes.

Jellicoe Road by Melina Marchetta

Why did I put this one off? I was scared I wouldn't like it, because Saving Francesca is my absolute favourite book ever, but I will never doubt this woman again because this was utterly fantastic. The characters were as diverse and colourful and realistic as I have come to expect from Ms Marchetta and the storyline so heartbreaking and uplifting and full of hope. If you haven't read anything by this author I suggest you make it a 2013 priority!

Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins

Ohhh Anna. Everyone loved you and I thought "totes not my thing" but then I bought you for my sister, who loved you, so I read you and OMG YOU ARE THE  MOST PERFECT BOOK EVER.  Cute and funny and sweet, Anna and the French Kiss makes you feel all warm and happy inside, but isn't so gooey that it has no substance, nor so saccharine that it gives you cavities. I'm so glad I stepped out of my comfort zone to read this, and now I am back loving contemps again! I also love how you don't see St.Clair on the cover, cause no model could ever portray his hotness.

The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer

This book, omg this book. I had to wait for it to be released in the UK, which meant I had to endure months of rave reviews from America, but it was so worth the wait. So beautifully written and so snarly and twisty, I still don't know what was real and what wasn't. With an absolutely swoon-inducing love interest, and so many quotable passages, The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer is undoubtedly the best book I read this year!



Honorable mentions:

I read many fantastic books this year that, whilst not quite making my top ten list, deserve a mention. 

The Black Magician Trilogy by Trudi Canavan
The Study Trilogy by Maria V. Snyder
The Forbidden Game Trilogy by LJ Smith

What were your favourite reads of 2012?