Thursday 19 January 2012

The books I loved in 2011


I’ve read a lot of books in 2011 – don’t know the exact figure but it’s close to 50. That number is nowhere near how many I wish I had the time to read! So many books, so little time!
So here’s a list of books I loved. Ignore the numbers – they are for illustration purposes only. Enjoy!

I know, I know, I must be the last person to read these amazing books! You’ve probably known about them for ages, but for some reason they just sneaked past me. I’m so glad I read them when all three were published though! I’d have died if I had to wait a year for the next book to come out.
“The Hunger Games” are some of the most amazing books I’ve ever read. All three are fast paced and stripped of any unnecessary words – the story is to the point, all the time. Exactly as I like it.
The idea behind the story is completely innovative and absolutely worth exploring. I gulped every word like it was a cold sip of water. Read them before the movie comes out – they have the habit of destroying every good book out there.

It was one of my most anticipated books this year. I loved the first one – Clockwork Angel and couldn’t wait to see what happens. In this series, Ms Clare has managed to combine some of my favourite themes to read – paranormal, romance and Victorian England. She has also managed to create one of the hottest male characters out there. What do you mean which one? Will, of course. He is right up there with Eric Northman (Sookie Stackhouse novels), Jace (another one of Clare’s) and Patch (Hush Hush). Cassie always creates a world so believable and a story so engaging that you could easily find yourself on the sofa all day without even noticing time flying by.

How she manages to write two amazing series at the same time is beyond me! Cassandra is one of the most talented authors out there and I’ve loved reading all her books. “City of Fallen Angels” is the fourth book of her “The Mortal Instruments” series and one of the most exciting. There is a lot of action, a lot of drama and a lot of pretty hot scenes. Ms Clare creates a sexy scene like nobody else!

Where do I start? I read the first four books after I was already hooked on “True Blood”. I wasn’t disappointed – the books are very different from the TV show, plotwise. I don’t have a lot of time to read during the day but with these books (eleven in total) I was so hooked that I read all day, every day, until I finished them. Fast paced, funny, improvident and absolutely gripping, these books seized my life to a halt until the very last line. So, if I were you, I’d think twice before starting them unless you want to call in sick way too often, miss your bus stop a few times or walk into a lamp post once or twice.

This book has been my drop of cold water, dripping down a pint of beer on a hot summer day.
I loved the first book of the series – Hush Hush, then felt a bit let down by the second – “Crescendo” -  mainly because I was expecting it to be even better. But “Silence” is worth the wait just like that drop of cold water is worth watching sliding down the glass and sweeping it with your finger just before it reaches the surface of the table.
Patch is my absolute favourite male character in a YA novel. Full stop. He has a lot of competition but after “Silence”, he has cemented his lead. The book is very action-driven (again – just as I like it), very steamy, and very memorable.
I envy those who haven’t read the series – they have such good fun to come!

I love Maggie’s style. I’ve read all her books and have been hooked from beginning to end, although they are not written in the usual style I’d go for. Not much happens in terms of action but Maggie’s writing is so engaging that it doesn’t allow the reader’s mind to wonder off to other places. The wolves of Mercy Falls series has been my favourite of all her books and the last one doesn’t disappoint. The perfect book to curl up next to a fireplace with. You might even hear the wolves outside…

I picked up Ms. Angelini’s debut novel because it of its theme – Greek Mythology. I’m an absolute mythology geek so I decided to give it a try on the spur of the moment without any recommendations – very unusual for me. It was totally worth it! The book is amazingly well written, very engaging from beginning to end. There is so much happening, so much conflict and character development that I never felt bored. A great achievement considering I have the attention span of a 3 year old.
Can’t wait for the sequel!

So, these are the books I loved the most. Read them if you can, they are absolutely worth it!
Next, the books I didn't like... Heads will roll people, so prepare.

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