Smugglivus 2010 Guest Blogger: Chachic of Chachic’s Book Nook

Welcome to Smugglivus 2010: Day 8

Throughout this month, we will have daily guests – authors, bloggers and publishers alike – looking back at their favorite reads of 2010, and looking forward to events and upcoming books in 2011.

Who: Chachic, of the Philippines-based Chachic’s Book Nook. Chachic reviews YA and Fantasy and runs wonderful features such as We Love Ya and the Want Books meme.

Please give it up for Chachic!

Greetings from the Philippines! I’m so happy to be a part of the Smugglivus festivities. I’ve been following The Book Smugglers even before I started my own blog and I’m a huge fan. I was thrilled when I saw Ana and Thea’s email, inviting me to talk about my favorite books in 2010 and my anticipated books in 2011. This is the year when I started my own blog and because I became active in the blogosphere, I was exposed to a lot of awesome recommendations. I’m so thankful for my fellow book bloggers because I gained so many new favorites this year. On to the list!

The Kate Daniels series by Ilona Andrews – I used to think I was more into epic fantasy rather than urban fantasy because most of my favorites fall under the former. Turns out, I just wasn’t reading the right kind of UF. Good thing I listened to all the recommendations and read this series because it’s amazing! I’ve already read several other urban fantasy books after reading this and it’s still my favorite. I’m on a quest to find another series that’s just as good.

The Sevenwaters series by Juliet Marillier – I’m a huge fan of fairy tale retellings so when I heard that Daughter of the Forest is a retelling of The Six Swans, I decided to give it a try and the rest, as they say, is history. I fell in love with Juliet Marillier’s lyrical writing. I love how each book deals with a different set of main characters, all of them complex and admirable in their own way.

The Samaria series by Sharon Shinn – I haven’t even finished reading the entire series (I’ve only read the three pictured above) and I can already say that this series is my favorite when it comes to angels. Each book is set generations apart and you could see how the world develops as time passes by.

Jellicoe Road by Melina Marchetta, Going Too Far by Jennifer Echols, Honey, Baby, Sweetheart by Deb Caletti – Lest you think I’m all about series books, here are some lovely contemporary YA books that I fell in love with this year. All three have conflicted teenage girls as main protagonists and the books focus on their struggles to understand their selves better. It doesn’t hurt that both Jellicoe Road and Going Too Far have hunky male protagonists as well.

Pegasus by Robin McKinley – I’m a huge Robin McKinley fan and I was ecstatic that she came out with a new YA fantasy novel this year. I love this one because it has a fairy tale feel to it. Just a warning though, this is only the first half of the story and it ends on a cliffhanger.

Just the Sexiest Man Alive, Practice Makes Perfect and Something About You by Julie James – I’m not even sure if these books fall under chick lit or contemporary romance but I am sure that I thoroughly enjoyed reading them. I recommend these books whenever girlfriends ask for feel good reads. Full of humor and witty banter, these books are the literary equivalent of romantic comedy movies for me.

So, so, so. That’s it for 2010. I’ve enjoyed reading so many books this year and I plan to read more good ones in the remaining days of 2010. Here are some of the books that I can’t wait to get my hands on next year:

Magic Slays by Ilona Andrews – No surprise here. Of course I’m excited to read the next installment in my favorite urban fantasy series. Yes to more Kate and Curran!

The Piper’s Son by Melina Marchetta – This book is a companion novel to Saving Francesca, which I really enjoyed reading. It has already been released in Australia but won’t be released in the US (and therefore here in the Philippines) until next year. Ever since I finished reading Jellicoe Road, Melina Marchetta has been in my auto-buy list.

I believe Juliet Marillier is coming out with the first installment of a new YA fantasy series called Shadowfell next year. She’s also going to release the next book in the Sevenwaters series and I can’t wait to read both those books.

Bitterblue by Kristin Cashore – I loved both Graceling and Fire and I’m really looking forward to this companion novel to those two books. I want to see Bitterblue all grown up and I’d love to know how the other characters (like Katsa and Po) are doing.

Wise Man’s Fear by Patrick Rothfuss – The long awaited sequel to the amazing debut novel, The Name of the Wind. I believe Ana is a huge fan of that book so I’m sure she understands why this one is in my list. (Ana’s note: HELL YES)

A Lot Like Love by Julie James – I’ve seen the cover, the synopsis and even read an excerpt of this book and it looks like it’s going to be just as fun as Julie James’ other books. I’ve also heard that some characters from her previous books are going to make an appearance in this one.

I hope some of you loved the same books that I did in 2010 and are also looking forward to my anticipated books in 2011. Thank you so much for inviting me, Ana and Thea! ? Happy Smugglivus, everyone!

And a happy Smugglivus to you, Chachic!