Title: Mockingjay

Author: Suzanne Collins

Genre: Dystopian, Speculative Fiction, Young Adult

Publisher: Scholastic
Publication Date: August 2010
Hardcover: 390 Pages

Against all odds, Katniss Everdeen has survived the Hunger Games twice. But now that she’s made it out of the bloody arena alive, she’s still not safe. The Capitol is angry. The Capitol wants revenge. Who do they think should pay for the unrest? Katniss. And what’s worse, President Snow has made it clear that no one else is safe either. Not Katniss’s family, not her friends, not the people of District 12. Powerful and haunting, this thrilling final installment of Suzanne Collins’s groundbreaking The Hunger Games trilogy promises to be one of the most talked about books of the year.

Stand alone or series: Book 3 in the Hunger Games series

How did I get this book: Review Copy from the Publisher

Why did I read this book: This final novel in the Hunger Games series is THE most buzzed about YA book of 2010 – of COURSE I was going to read it. I enjoyed The Hunger Games (though felt it was an American, toned-down version of Battle Royale) and was more impressed with the original direction of Catching Fire, so I was hoping for big things from Mockingjay…

Review:

**THIS REVIEW CONTAINS SPOILERS FOR THE HUNGER GAMES AND CATCHING FIRE. If you have not read the first two books in this trilogy and want to remain unspoiled, I highly suggest you look away. YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED.**

After the dramatic breakout from the Arena during the Quarter Quell, Katniss and a few other victor tributes were able to escape from the Capitol’s grasp, and have taken refuge in District 13. At the end of Catching Fire, Katniss, injured during the daring escape from the Arena, awakens to discover that District 12 is a smoldering ruin, that her friends, mentors and allies have been in on a larger rebellion scheme all along – and worst of all, she awakens to learn that Peeta has been captured by the Capitol, suffering a horrific fate Katniss cannot even begin to fathom. Taken to the subversive and very-much-alive District 13, Katniss gradually regains her strength and health and decides to make one of the most important decisions of her life. She agrees to become the Mockingjay; the face of the rebellion against the Capitol. But she soon discovers that being the Mockingjay is more treacherous than she could have imagined, as she’s used as a pawn in an incredibly dangerous, high-stakes power game between President Coin (of District 13) and President Snow. Though she believes in the rebellion and fighting back the capitol, Katniss begins to question Coin’s tactics – freedom, but at what cost?

Mockingjay is beyond doubt one of the most talked about, most highly anticipated YA releases of 2010 – and with that buzz comes incredibly high reader expectations. With high expectations comes, inevitably, some disappointment. For me, though? Mockingjay was everything I thought was missing from The Hunger Games and Catching Fire. It wasn’t a perfect book (especially given its tendency towards heavy-handed message-hammering), however, it was a meaningful and resonant one. I don’t think the Hunger Games trilogy could have ended any other way, heartbreaking and cruel though this book may be. I loved it.

First, I do want to take an aside to address something I’ve been seeing in reviews across the blogosphere – that is, the issue of reader expectation versus reality. I cannot grade this book according to what I expected or wished it could have been; I can only analyze what actually has been written. And, as it stands Mockingjay IS a hugely different book than its two predecessors – it is a paradigm shift of the Hunger Games trilogy. For some readers, this shift will be disappointing, but for me, it answered my single biggest problem with the series to date: that is, how The Hunger Games and Catching Fire, while enthralling and action-packed, felt sanitized of true violence, terror or tough decisions. There is “danger” in the arena in these earlier books, but there’s never any question that Katniss or Peeta will make it out of the Arena. Similarly, there was no moral quandary, no meaty ethical questioning that takes place in these two prior books – Katniss and Peeta are time and time again bailed out of actually killing friends or anyone in cold blood (imagine, for example how The Hunger Games would have turned out had Katniss been forced to make a decision to kill Rue or Peeta?). In Mockingjay, Ms. Collins discards this simplistic, lite version of violent dystopian horror and inflicts the most dramatic, traumatizing, heartbreaking stuff she could have possibly done to her characters.

People die (I’m talking MAJOR characters).

People are forced to make hard decisions (A preemptive strike? Inhumane weapons? To punish the Capitol’s children just as those of the Districts have been punished for seventy-five years?).

And I personally have to give kudos to Ms. Collins for this shattering of the picture pretty dystopia-lite facade. In books 1 & 2, Katniss has time to worry about which boy she likes. In Mockingjay? All that has to be pushed aside in order to survive a war in which both sides are equally bloodthirsty and driven to insane, destructive lengths to win. If you were looking for drawn out romantic resolution, Mockingjay will certainly not live up to that expectation. I will say that while I loved this shock of ruthless, cold reality – in which main characters are not protected by some magical author bubble that promises that they will be safe, beautiful and sane forever – I do think that the book will undoubtedly lose some fans that have come to expect the lighter incarnations of THG series (again, this is where reader expectation kicks in).

As for the characters, they go through the grinder in Mockingjay, and understandably, not a one of them comes out unscathed. Katniss, our heroine, is injured so often both physically and emotionally tested, that it’s no surprise that she breaks down in this final book. That doesn’t mean Katniss is weak or a shell of her former self – she is defiant and calculating as ever, but she also is forced to grow into a different person in Mockingjay. Finally, she sees the whole picture and understands her role as a pawn in a larger game – Katniss is a tool, a figurehead to be brandished and thrown away when she gets too dangerous, just as Peeta has been. As this shroud of cluelessness falls from Katniss’s eyes, she finally is able to take control of her life and make her own decisions, right or wrong. This transformation in Mockingjay is a dramatic and painful thing, but one I think Ms. Collins handles perfectly, solidifying Katniss’s place as one of my favorite heroines of current YA. Gale, too, blossoms into a different person, hungry for payback and destruction. But, besides Katniss’s arc, it is Peeta’s that is the most shocking and poignant of the bunch (at least, it is in my opinion). I won’t spoil what exactly happens to these characters, except to say that Peeta finally sees Katniss in a different way, forever altering their relationship. It’s an enormous shift, and one that is unexpected but welcome.

While I did love the gloves coming off, so to speak, and the sharp characterizations, I do think that Mockingjay stumbles in the writing department. Mockingjay is undeniably heavy-handed with it’s very clear Messages – the political metaphor (it’s not even a metaphor; the heinous evilness of war is hammered home into readers’ heads with all the subtlety of a sledgehammer), the reality television critique, how absolute power corrupts absolutely, etc. The writing, too, felt repetitive and needlessly explicit. For example, I loved Katniss’s haunting “Hanging Tree” song, but I hated that Ms. Collins felt the need to explain the song – in Katniss’s voice of course – stanza by stanza. Subtlety. Mockingjay could have used some.

That criticism aside, I think Mockingjay was a fitting, beautifully tragic end to a poignant series. Mockingjay isn’t a book about some girl prancing about amidst a thin veneer of danger – this is a book about brutal, murderous war, and how a girl tries to survive, living with the decisions she has made and the blood on her hands. It is powerful, dark, soul-searching stuff, that though incongruous with the first two books, ultimately is all the more admirable because of its grit and pain. I absolutely recommend Mockingjay – but be aware that this is not a book for the weak of heart. Mockingjay is resonant, powerful, and emotionally exhausting – and I wouldn’t want it any other way.

Notable Quotes/Parts: From Chapter One:

I stare down at my shoes, watching as a fine layer of ash settles on the worn leather. This is where the bed I shared with my sister, Prim, stood. Over there was the kitchen table. The bricks of the chimney, which collapsed in a charred heap, provide a point of reference for the rest of the house. How else could I orient myself in this sea of gray?

Almost nothing remains of District 12. A month ago, the Capitol’s firebombs obliterated the poor coal miners’ houses in the Seam, the shops in the town, even the Justice Building. The only area that escaped incineration was the Victor’s Village. I don’t know why exactly. Perhaps so anyone forced to come here on Capitol business would have somewhere decent to stay. The odd reporter. A committee assessing the condition of the coal mines. A squad of Peacekeepers checking for returning refugees.

But no one is returning except me. And that’s only for a brief visit. The authorities in District 13 were against my coming back. They viewed it as a costly and pointless venture, given that at least a dozen invisible hovercraft are circling overhead for my protection and there’s no intelligence to be gained. I had to see it, though. So much so that I made it a condition of my cooperating with any of their plans.

Finally, Plutarch Heavensbee, the Head Gamemaker who had organized the rebels in the Capitol, threw up his hands. “Let her go. Better to waste a day than another month. Maybe a little tour of Twelve is just what she needs to convince her we’re on the same side.”

The same side. A pain stabs my left temple and I press my hand against it. Right on the spot where Johanna Mason hit me with the coil of wire. The memories swirl as I try to sort out what is true and what is false. What series of events led me to be standing in the ruins of my city? This is hard because the effects of the concussion she gave me haven’t completely subsided and my thoughts still have a tendency to jumble together. Also, the drugs they use to control my pain and mood sometimes make me see things. I guess. I’m still not entirely convinced that I was hallucinating the night the floor of my hospital room transformed into a carpet of writhing snakes.

I use a technique one of the doctors suggested. I start with the simplest things I know to be true and work toward the more complicated. The list begins to roll in my head. . . .

My name is Katniss Everdeen. I am seventeen years old. My home is District 12. I was in the Hunger Games. I escaped. The Capitol hates me. Peeta was taken prisoner. He is thought to be dead. Most likely he is dead. It is probably best if he is dead. . . .

You can read the full chapter online HERE. Also, you can check out author Suzanne Collins reading chapter one aloud below:

(Is anyone a little weirded out that Katniss has a southern accent in Ms. Collins’ reading? Just me? Nevermind.)

Additional Thoughts: Our current Mockingjay 13 District Blog Tour and Giveaway is still up and running – and is ending tonight at 11:59pm (PST).

If you haven’t yet entered for your chance to win a sweet Mockingjay-embossed iSkin, hurry up before it’s too late!

Rating: 8 – Excellent

Reading Next: Dust by Joan Frances Turner

Welcome, ladies and gentlemen, to the penultimate stop on the Official Mockingjay 13 District Blog Tour:

Despite this coal mining district’s status as one of the poorest in all of Panem, District 12 has no shortage of guts or glory. For the first time since Haymitch Abernathy’s win decades earlier in the 50th Games, for the first time since the inception of the annual Games District 12 has had not one, but TWO victors emerge from the Arena – Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark.

And, while other districts have shed light on everything from music to the romantic entanglements of The Hunger Games books, we District 12 Tributes bring you a look at the reason why these books are so resonan. We’re talking about the reason for the revolution, the symbol of defiance against the Capitol, the Mockingjay herself. We give you:

I am the mockingjay, The one that survived the Capitol’s plans. The symbol of the rebellion.

~ Catching Fire

A child of the Seam – one of the most dangerous and poorest areas in one of the country’s poorest districts – Katniss has had to fend for herself and for her loved ones from a young age. Following the death of her father in the coal mines and her mother’s subsequent breakdown, Katniss was forced to provide for her family, or starve. At twelve years old, Katniss started to put her name into the dreaded reaping lottery in exchange for tesserae:

Say you are poor and starving as we were. You can opt to add your name more times in exchange for tesserae. Each tessera is worth a meager year s supply of grain and oil for one person. You may do this for each of your family members as well. So, at the age of twelve, I had my name entered four times. Once, because I had to, and three times for tesserae for grain and oil for myself, Prim, and my mother. In fact, every year I have needed to do this. And the entries are cumulative. So now, at the age of sixteen, my name will be in the reaping twenty times.

~ The Hunger Games

But even the meager tesserae was not enough to keep Katniss’s family fed and warm. To survive, Katniss learned to become an expert with her bow and arrow, sneaking out beyond the district’s fences to illegally hunt for food (and then to sell or trade some of that food for other goods on District 12’s black market).

For the 74th Hunger Games, when Katniss’s younger sister’s, Prim Everdeen’s, name was called at the Reaping as the female tribute from District 12, a horrified Katniss volunteered to take her younger sister’s place in the Games. Alongside the male tribute, Peeta Mellark, Katniss defied the Capitol by surviving the Arena not once, but twice – managing to stir up a rebellion in her wake.

So, why do we love Katniss so much?

1. Because she’s brave and stubbornly loyal – when her sister is called, Katniss steps in to take her place without a thought in her mind except to protect her family. Throughout the first book, her loyalty to her best friend Gale and her memory of her family is a driving force in the Arena.

2. Because she’s badass – the only Tribute to receive a score of 11 out of a possible 12 using her skills with a bow and arrow, Katniss is has mad skills hunting and trapping. Her survival in the Arena – in the Quarter Quell and the first Games – is testament to that ability to survive, and her determination to fight.

3. Because she is cunning and utterly capable – Badassness only gets one so far, and in order to survive the Games and the Capitol’s machinations, Katniss has not only had to be skilled; she’s also had to be smart, even ruthlessly so, to keep herself and those she cares about alive. Whether that means putting on a girly facade, hiding quietly in the background, or even killing, Katniss does what needs to be done.

4. Because, underneath it all, she has grown from completely clueless, to empowered and in control – in The Hunger Games and to a certain extent in Catching Fire, Katniss was completely clueless of her own worth and effect on people. (See revolution.) But by Mockingjay, she comes full circle – acting for herself, and taking control of a life that has been out of her hands for so long.

Over the course of the two books, Katniss has gone from a girl struggling to keep food on her family’s table to a Hunger Games tribute, victor, celebrity, and leader.

Regardless of where your loyalties lie concerning the romance, at least we can all agree on one thing: Katniss Everdeen is one awesome heroine. In a sea of bland, damsels in distress, existing simply to serve as arm candy for sparkly vampires, the calculating, defiant Katniss, bow and arrow in hand, stands triumphant.

“The question is, what are you going to do?”

It turns out the question that’s been eating away at me has only ever had one possible answer. But it took Peeta’s ploy for me to recognize it.

What am I going to do?

I take a deep breath. My arms raise slightly — as if recalling the black-and-white wings Cinna gave me — the come to rest at my sides.

“I’m going to be the Mockingjay.”

~Mockingjay

About Mockingjay:

The next and final stop on the Official Mockingjay 13 District Blog Tour is at Beth Fish Reads on Monday, August 30th. Make sure to stop by for the chance to enter another awesome giveaway!

Also make sure to check out the official Hunger Games Facebook Page for more HG goodies, and for a list of the other stops on the blog tour to date. You can read our reviews of The Hunger Games HERE and Catching Fire HERE (a review of Mockingjay will be up shortly) – and for those diehard fans looking for what else to read now that the trilogy has come to a close, you can check out our post on Tor.com listing 10 helpful post-Mockingjay recommendations.

Finally, before the giveaway, we’d like to give a gentle reminder to every exuberant Hunger Games fan. Mockingjay officially hit stores on August 24th, and has begun receiving rave reviews. However, in all the excitement we’d like to remind everyone to please be respectful of your fellow readers – please remember to spoiler tag or refrain from spoilers altogether.

Giveaway Details:

For our stop on the tour, we have twenty-five Mockingjay iSkins up for grabs! (Please note, these are just the skins – not the actual iPod/iTouch/iPhones) The contest is open to addresses in the United States only, and will run until September 1 at 11:59 pm (PST). To enter, leave a comment here telling us why YOU think Katniss is an amazing heroine. Only ONE entry per person, please! Multiple comments from the same I.P. address will be automatically disqualified. Good luck!

In order to avoid another site meltdown, we ask that all new entries complete the form below. The same rules apply, and earlier entries will be fed into the same spreadsheet to select a winner. Good luck!

Title: Silver Phoenix

Author: Cindy Pon

Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult

Publisher: Greenwillow Books
Publication Date: April 2009
Hardcover: 352 Pages

No one wanted Ai Ling. And deep down she is relieved—despite the dishonor she has brought upon her family—to be unbetrothed and free, not some stranger’s subservient bride banished to the inner quarters.

But now, something is after her. Something terrifying—a force she cannot comprehend. And as pieces of the puzzle start to fit together, Ai Ling begins to understand that her journey to the Palace of Fragrant Dreams isn’t only a quest to find her beloved father but a venture with stakes larger than she could have imagined.

Bravery, intelligence, the will to fight and fight hard . . . she will need all of these things. Just as she will need the new and mysterious power growing within her. She will also need help.

It is Chen Yong who finds her partly submerged and barely breathing at the edge of a deep lake. There is something of unspeakable evil trying to drag her under. On a quest of his own, Chen Yong offers that help . . . and perhaps more.

Stand alone or series: Can be read as a stand alone, but I believe is the first book in a planned series

How did I get this book: Bought

Why did I read this book: I bought Silver Phoenix quite a while back, ever since I saw the cover and read the outstanding reviews (starred Booklist). I feel like there’s a dearth of people of color in fantasy, especially in the YA arena, so when I learned of Silver Phoenix and its realm of Chinese fantasy, I was immediately interested. Finally, months later, I had a lull in my “required reading” and could pick this one up!

Review:

Ai Ling is the daughter of a strange match in Xia – her father, a former trusted advisor to the Emperor found and married his wife (Ai Ling’s mother) after being dispelled from the palace. Theirs was a marriage of love, and they raised their only child, Ai Ling, in a home of openness and doting indulgence. When Ai Ling reaches a marriageable age, her parents try to set her up with a good, upward match – but after being publicly rejected by a young would-be suitor at the order of his pernicious mother, Ai Ling finds herself without any offers and without any prospects for marriage. This wouldn’t bother her as she didn’t want to be forced into a loveless marriage, but bringing shame to her already tenuously positioned family weighs on Ai Ling. When her father is summoned to the Imperial Palace for an unknown reason, the months pass without word from him and money dwindles. When Ai Ling’s family is threatened by a greedy lord claiming that her father owes him vast sums of money (and looking for another wife in Ai Ling to settle the debt), she decides that she has no choice but to journey to the Imperial City and find her father. The long road is a hard journey for a young girl on her own – but luckily Ai Ling teams up with a strange young man named Chen Young, out on a mission of his own. As the dangers mount, it becomes clear that Ai Ling is the target of all kinds of dangerous creatures, demons and monsters – and that she herself has powers she cannot quite explain. Her destiny leads her to the Imperial City, to a past she cannot remember, and a father she must save from a most dangerous, ageless enemy.

Silver Phoenix is Cindy Pon’s debut novel – a young adult quest fantasy set against a lush, ancient China-inspired backdrop. Easily, the best part of this novel is Ms. Pon’s superb worldbuilding. Ai Ling’s home of Xia is described beautifully, from the delectable smells and texture of fresh pork dumplings, to the cold terror of human-headed serpent demons. I loved every aspect of Xia, from the myths, demons and legends detailed throughout – it’s refreshing to see some variation from the standard western European mold for fantasy. Plus, Ms. Pon clearly has done her research and Ai Ling’s world never feels artificial or forced – Xia is a living, breathing place, with customs and beliefs that feel wholly genuine, if different. While I did love the setting and Ms. Pon’s descriptions, the general plotting and writing did leave something to be desired. Basically, Silver Phoenix is an adventure-quest, in which the protagonists face danger as they make their way to their ultimate destination. There is a hidden villain that is behind all the attacks on Ai Ling and her companions, however, this threat isn’t very focused, the villain barely developed. Everything ties together by the end of the book, but this lack of a pointed cohesion was a definite hinderance; there are almost too many disparate conflicts (Ai Ling’s quest for her father, Chen Yong’s search for his birth parents, a sidetrip to a magical kingdom, a twisted love story, demonic possession, etc). Also, as a matter of personal taste, there was too much of a focus on the minutiae in Silver Phoenix – it seems like Ai Ling is in a constant state of sleeping and eating (or worrying about sleeping and eating).

In terms of characters, I had some mixed emotions. Ai Ling is a suitably believable young heroine, afraid for her family and grappling with new, unreal powers. But…at the same time, there wasn’t anything really new or remarkable about Ai Ling. She’s a seemingly ordinary girl that discovers she has extraordinary powers and a singular destiny – you know, the usual spiel. Chen Yong, as Ai Ling’s partner on the road is also a suitably believable character with his own solemn mission, but again it feels very convenient and well-trod territory. Really – what are the chances that an innocent young girl is saved by a hot, noble young male on the oh-so-dangerous road? (Of course, that’s probably more of my own personal reader fatigue and not everyone will feel this way.) But, while these characters were less-than inspired, I must say that I *loved* the idea of the Silver Phoenix (the titled character of the book), and how I wish I knew more of her story, as opposed to Ai Ling’s. But, perhaps that is fodder for a future story.

And, while we’re on characters and the obligatory romance angle, I should also say that I loved that Ms. Pon isn’t one to rush or force things with her characters. I loved that Silver Phoenix does not end on that predictable, sappy Happily Ever After note – the romance is not yet fulfilled. This, in addition to the outstanding worldbuilding, is more than enough to make me stick around for the next book in the series.

Notable Quotes/Parts: Thanks to Harper Teen’s “Browse Inside” feature, you can read the first SEVENTY pages of Silver Phoenix online HERE.

Additional Thoughts: I’m a sucker for Asian-inspired fantasy novels, both adult and YA. If you liked Silver Phoenix and want more, here are some of my own personal favorites:

Eon: Dragoneye Reborn is similar in setting to Silver Phoenix and one of my notable reads from 2009 – I cannot wait for Eona soon! For an older, Japanese-inspired fantasy, I highly recommend Lian Hearn’s Across the Nightingale Floor – book one in what is now the five-book Tales of the Otori series. **Warning: this is not a series for the weak of heart. By the final book, I was in tears, and I’m not an easy crier.**

And of course, there’s the new Chinese-inspired fantasy novel from the prolific Guy Gavriel Kay, Under Heaven, which I do plan on reviewing very soon:

In his latest innovative novel, the award-winning author evokes the dazzling Tang Dynasty of 8th-century China in a story of honor and power.

Inspired by the glory and power of Tang dynasty China, Guy Gavriel Kay has created a masterpiece.

It begins simply. Shen Tai, son of an illustrious general serving the Emperor of Kitai, has spent two years honoring the memory of his late father by burying the bones of the dead from both armies at the site of one of his father’s last great battles. In recognition of his labors and his filial piety, an unlikely source has sent him a dangerous gift: 250 Sardian horses.

You give a man one of the famed Sardian horses to reward him greatly. You give him four or five to exalt him above his fellows, propel him towards rank, and earn him jealousy, possibly mortal jealousy. Two hundred and fifty is an unthinkable gift, a gift to overwhelm an emperor.

Wisely, the gift comes with the stipulation that Tai must claim the horses in person. Otherwise he would probably be dead already…

Verdict: Good, but not quite great, the most memorable thing about Silver Phoenix is its titled character and superb worldbuilding. While there is a degree of predictability and a sense of “been there, done that” with regards to the standard plot and tropes, Ms. Pon’s elegant worldbuilding and the surprisingly non-cliched ending has me eager for more. Recommended.

Rating: 6 – Good with potential for so much more

Reading Next: Sapphique by Catherine Fisher

Books Reviewed in 2009

Books Reviewed in 2010

ALL REVIEWS:

Format is as follows: Title, Author, Rating, Genre

* Denotes JOINT REVIEW

** Denotes GUEST DARE

RED denotes favorite of 2009

BLUE denotes honorable mention of 2009

2009:

JANUARY:

Thea:

1. Woman in White by Wilkie Collins, 8, Mystery
2. Desperate Duchesses by Eloisa James, 6, Romance (Historical)
3. The Adoration of Jenna Fox by Mary E. Pearson, 8, YA (SF)
4. Death Note by Tsugumi Ohba, 8, Manga (Horror)
5. Goth by Otsuichi, 9, Horror (Lightbook)
6. The Tarot Café* by Chandra Rooney, 6, Fantasy (Lightbook)
7. The Knife of Never Letting Go by Patrick Ness, 8, YA (SF)
8. Impossible by Nancy Werlin, 7, YA (Fantasy)
9. The Inferior by Peadar O’Guilin, 8, YA (SF)
10. The Briar King** by Greg Keyes, 8, Fantasy
11. Bone Crossed by Patricia Briggs, 8, UF

Ana:

1. The Talisman by Stephen King & Peter Straub, 6, Fantasy (Horror)
2. Daughter of the Forest by Juliet Marillier, 10, Fantasy
3. What a Pirate Desires by Michelle Beattie, 2, Romance (Historical)
4. Vampire Knight by Matsuri Hino, 7, Manga
5. Demon Diary by Kara & Lee Chi Hyong, 1, Manhwa
6. The Tarot Café (series volumes 1-7) by Park Sang-Sun, 8, Manhwa
7. The Tarot Café* by Chandra Rooney, 7, Fantasy (Lightbook)
8. At The Bride Hunt Ball by Olivia Parker, 6, Romance (Historical)
9. Kiss of a Demon King by Kresley Cole, 7, Romance (Paranormal)
10. Caliber by Sam Sarkar & Gary Gastonny, 6, Graphic Novel (Fantasy)
11. Talk Me Down by Victoria Dahl, 7, Romance (Contemporary)
12. The Magic Knot by Helen Scott Taylor, 6, Romance (Paranormal)
13. The Briar King** by Greg Keyes, 8, Fantasy

FEBRUARY:

Thea:

1. Little Brother by Corey Doctorow, 7, YA (SF)
2. Undone by Rachel Caine, 6, UF
3. Lament* by Maggie Stiefvater, 4, YA (Fantasy)
4. In Her Name* by Michael Hicks, 8, Science Fiction
5. Eon: Dragoneye Reborn by Alison Goodman, 8, YA (Fantasy)
6. White Witch, Black Curse by Kim Harrison, 7, UF
7. Melusine** by Sarah Monette, 7, Fantasy
8. The Suicide Collectors by David Oppegaard, 7, Horror
9. Generation Dead by Daniel Waters, 8, YA (Horror)
10. Zombie Haiku* by Ryan Mecum, 7, Horror
11. Happy Hour of the Damned by Mark Henry, 7, UF

Ana:

1. Scandal by Carolyn Jewel, 9, Romance (Historical)
2. Like no Other Lover by Julie Anne Long, 8, Romance (Historical)
3. Lament* by Maggie Stiefvater, 4, YA (Fantasy)
4. In Her Name* by Michael Hicks, 8, Science Fiction
5. The Walking Dead (vol. 1) by Robert Kirkman & Tony Moore, 10, Graphic Novel (Horror)
6. Road Trip of the Living Dead by Mark Henry, 8, UF

MARCH:

Thea:

1. Stone Masters: A Vampire’s Reckoning by VMK Fewings, 6, Horror
2. Angels’ Blood* by Nalini Singh, 8, Romance (Paranormal)
3. Drood by Dan Simmons, 8, Mystery
4. Into the Forest by Jean Hegland, 7, Literature
5. The Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan, 9, YA (SF/Horror)
6. Princess of the Midnight Ball by Jessica Day George, 7, YA (Fantasy)

Ana:

1. Angel’s Blood* by Nalini Singh, 10, Romance (Paranormal)
2. Practice Makes Perfect by Julie James, 8, Romance (Contemporary)
3. Revealed by Kate Noble, 9, Romance (Historical)
4. A Taste of Magic by Tracey Madison, 6, Romance (Paranormal)
5. Smooth Talking Stranger by Lisa Kleypas, 5, Romance (Contemporary)
6. A Perfect Darkness by Jaime Rush, 5, Romance (Paranormal)

APRIL:

Thea:

1. Feast of Souls by C.S. Friedman, 8, Fantasy
2. Blue Diablo* by Ann Aguirre, 6, UF
3. Fragile Eternity* by Melissa Marr, 9, YA (Fantasy)
4. Graceling by Kristin Cashore, 8, YA (Fantasy)
5. Secret Society Girl by Diana Peterfreund, 7, Literature (Contemporary)
6. The Magicians and Mrs. Quent by Galen Beckett, 9, Fantasy
7. Magic Strikes by Ilona Andrews, 9, UF
8. The Trouble With Demons by Lisa Shearin, 7, Fantasy

Ana:

1. Rewriting Monday by Jodi Thomas, 8, Romance (Contemporary/Suspense)
2. Blue Diablo* by Ann Aguirre, 8, UF
3. The Painted Man by Peter V. Brett, 6, Fantasy
4. The Dangerous Book for Demon Slayers by Angie Fox, 7, UF (Paranormal)
5. Fragile Eternity* by Melissa Marr, 9, YA (Fantasy)
6. The Secret Wedding by Jo Beverley, 7, Romance (Historical)
7. Dayhunter by Jocelynn Drake, 7, UF
8. The Laurentine Spy by Emily Gee, 7, Fantasy (Romance)

MAY:

Thea:

1. Keeper of Light and Dust by Natasha Mostert, 7, SF
2. Silent in the Sanctuary by Deanna Raybourn, 7, Mystery
3. Starfinder* by John Marco, 6, YA
4. Diamond Star by Catharine Asaro, 7, Science Fiction
5. Strange Angels* by Lili St. Crow, 5, YA (UF)
6. Pride and Prejudice and Zombies* by Jane Austen & Seth Grahame-Smith, 7, Horror (Comedy)
7. The Black Act by Louise Bohmer, 5, Fantasy
8. Don’t Look Twice by Andrew Gross, 6, Thriller
9. Flood by Stephen Baxter, 8, SF
10. Santa Olivia by Jacqueline Carey, 8, Fantasy (UF)

Ana:

1. The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss, 10, Fantasy
2. Starfinder* by John Marco, 6, YA (Fantasy)
3. To Beguile a Beast by Elizabeth Hoyt, 5, Romance (Historical)
4. Always a Scoundrel by Suzanne Enoch, 7, Romance (Historical)
5. Strange Angels* by Lili St. Crow, 7, YA (UF)
6. Pride & Prejudice & Zombies* by Jane Austen & Seth Grahame-Smith, 5, Horror (Comedy)
7. A Hint of Wicked by Jennifer Haymore, 6, Romance (Historical)
8. The Black Act* by Louise Bohmer, 4, Fantasy
9. Compromised by Kate Noble, 8, Romance (Historical)
10. This Duchess of Mine by Eloisa James, 8, Romance (Historical)
11. Black and White by Jackie Kessler & Caitlin Kittredge, 7, UF
12. Frederica by Georgette Heyer, 7, Romance (Historical)

JUNE:

Thea:

1. Street Magic by Caitlin Kitteredge, 7, UF
2. You Are SO Undead to Me by Stacey Jay, 6, YA
3. Night’s Rose by Annaliese Evans, DNF, Romance (Paranormal)
4. Gone by Michael Grant, 8, YA (SF/Horror)
5. Hunger by Michael Grant, 8, YA (SF/Horror)
6. Jasmyn by Alex Bell, 8, Fantasy
7. Slights by Kaaron Warren, 9, Horror
8. Consorts of Heaven by Jaine Fenn, 6, Science Fiction
9. Naamah’s Kiss by Jacqueline Carey, 9, Fantasy
10. The Once and Future King** by T.H. White, 6, Fantasy

Ana:

1. The Demon’s Lexicon by Sarah Rees Brennan, 8, YA (UF)
2. Darkborn by Alison Sinclair, 6, Fantasy
3. Salt and Silver by Anna Katherine, 7, Romance (Paranormal/UF)
4. The Adamantine Palace by Stephen Deas, 6, Fantasy
5. Night’s Rose* by Annaliese Evans, DNF, Romance (Paranormal)
6. Mark of the Demon by Diana Rowland, 7, UF
7. The Sinful Life of Lucy Burns by Elizabeth Lieknes, 8, Fiction (Paranormal/UF)
8. Don’t Tempt Me by Loretta Chase, 8, Romance (Historical)
9. Bound by Your Touch by Meredith Duran, 8, Romance (Historical)
10. What Happens in London by Julia Quinn, 8, Romance (Historical)
11. Branded by Fire by Nalini Singh, 9, Romance (Paranormal)
12. The Once and Future King** by T.H. White, 6, Fantasy

JULY:

Thea:

1. Strange Brew Anthology: “Seeing Eye” by Patricia Briggs, 8, “Death Warmed Over” by Rachel Caine, 7, UF
2. Darkness Calls by Marjorie M. Liu, 7, UF
3. The French Mistress by Susan Holloway Scott, 7, Literary Fiction (Historical)
4. Apocalypse 2012 by Gary Jennings, Robert Gleason & Julius Podrug, 4, SF (Historical, Thriller)
5. The Awakening by Kelley Armstrong, 8, YA (UF)
6. Wings by Aprilynne Pike, 7, YA (Fantasy)
7. Evernight by Claudia Gray, 7, YA (UF)
8. Stargazer by Claudia Gray, 8, YA (UF)
9. Once Dead, Twice Shy by Kim Harrison, 8, YA (UF)
10. Kiss of Life by Daniel Waters, 8, YA (Horror, SF)
11. Wildwood Dancing by Juliet Marillier, 9, YA (Fantasy)
12. Cybele’s Secret by Juliet Marilleier, 9, YA (Fantasy)
13. Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater, 5, YA (Paranormal Romance)

Ana:

1. Eyes Like Stars by Lisa Mantchev, 8, YA (Fantasy)
2. The Angel’s Game by Carlos Ruiz Zafon, 5, Fiction (Mystery)
3. Warbreaker by Brandon Sanderson, 8, Fantasy

4. Echoes from the Dead by Johan Theorin, 6, Crime
5. Written on Your Skin by Meredith Duran, 8, Romance (historical)
6. One Week As Lovers by Victoria Dahl, 7, Romance (historical)
7. Wicked Lovely, Desert Tales vol.1 by Melissa Marr, 7, Manga (Young Adult)
8. Suite Scarlett by Maureen Johnson, 7, Young Adult (Contemporary)
9. The Queen’s Thief series (The Thief, Queen of Attolia, King of Attolia) by Megan Whalen Turner, 10, YA (Fantasy)
10. The Eternal Kiss Anthology, 7, YA

AUGUST:

Thea:

1. Prophecy of the Sisters* by Michelle Zink, 5, YA (Horror, Gothic)
2. The Goose Girl by Shannon Hale, 9, YA (Fantasy)
3. Enna Burning by Shannon Hale, 8, YA (Fantasy)
4. River Secrets by Shannon Hale, 7, YA (Fantasy)
5. Zombie Blondes by Brian James, 8, YA (Horror)
6. Uglies by Scott Westerfeld, 7, YA (SF)
7. Pretties by Scott Westerfeld, 7, YA (SF)
8. Specials by Scott Westerfeld, 8, YA (SF)
9. Exodus by Julie Bertagna, 8, YA (SF)
10. Genesis by Bernard Beckett, 8, YA (SF)
11. Tomorrow, When the War Began by John Marsden, 8, YA (SF)
12. Dull Boy by Sarah Cross, 8, YA (SF)
13. Tender Morsels by Margo Lanagan, 4/8, YA (Fantasy)
14. The Devouring by Simon Holt, 7, YA (Horror)
15. Soulstice by Simon Holt, 6, YA (Horror)
16. Rampant* by Diana Peterfreund, 8, YA (Fantasy)
17. A Countess Below Stairs* by Eva Ibbotson, 7, YA (Romance)
18. Newes From the Dead by Mary Hooper, 6, YA (Historical)
19. Libyrinth by Pearl North, 6, YA (SF)
20. Feed by M.T. Anderson, 9, YA (SF)
21. Obernewtyn by Isobelle Carmody, 8, YA (Fantasy/SF)
22. Gathering Blue by Lois Lowry, 8, YA (Fantasy/SF)
23. Ruined by Paula Morris, 7, YA (Horror)
24. A Certain Slant of Lightb y Laura Whitcomb, 8, YA (Horror)
25. Wake* by Lisa McMann, 6, YA (SF/Horror)
26. Rapunzel’s Revenge* by Shannon Hale, Dean Hale & Nathan Hale, 8, YA (Graphic Novel)
27. Skinned by Robin Wasserman, 7, YA (SF)
28. The Strain by Guillermo del Toro & Chuck Hogan, 5, Horror (Thriller)

Ana:

1. Prophecy of the Sisters* by Michelle Zink, 5, YA (Horror, Gothic)
2. Everything Beautiful by Simone Howell, 8, YA (Contemporary)
3. Furnace: Lockdown by Alexander Gordon Smith, 8, YA (Horror)
4. Intertwined by Gena Showalter, 8, YA (Paranormal Romance)
5. Monster by Christopher Pike, 7, YA (Horror)
6. Going Too Far by Jennifer Echols, 9, YA (Romance)
7. The Poison Garden by Sarah Singleton, 6, YA (Fantasy)
8. My Soul To Take by Rachel Vincent, 7, YA (Paranormal Romance)
9. Rampant* by Diana Peterfreund, 8, YA (Fantasy)
10. A Countess Below Stairs* by Eva Ibbotson, 8, YA (Romance)
11. The Giver by Lois Lowry, 8, YA (SF)
12. Everlost by Neal Shusterman, 8, YA (Horror)
13. Wake* by Lisa McMann, 7, YA (SF/Horror)
14. Rapunzel’s Revenge* by Shannon Hale, Dean Hale and Nathan Hale, 8, YA (Graphic Novel)
15. The Strangely Beautiful Tale of Ms. Percy Parker by Leanna Renee Hieber, 6, Romance (Paranormal/Gothic)
16. The Corinthian by Georgette Heyer, 5, Romance (Historical)
17. Surrender of a Siren by Tessa Dare, 7, Romance (Historical)

SEPTEMBER:

Thea:

1. Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins, 8, YA (SF)
2. The Demon’s Lexicon by Sarah Rees Brennan, 7, YA (UF)
3. Succubus Heat by Richelle Mead, 7, UF
4. Mistborn: The Final Empire* by Brandon Sanderson, 8, Fantasy
5. Heroes at Risk by Moira J. Moore, 7, Fantasy
6. Rosemary and Rue* by Seanan McGuire, 7, UF
7. Hunting Ground by Patricia Briggs, 8, UF
8. The Orphan’s Tales: In the Night Garden* by Catherynne Valente, 9, Fantasy
9. Give Up the Ghost* by Megan Crewe, 7, YA (UF)
10. Forest Born by Shannon Hale, 8, YA (Fantasy)
11. Murder Mysteries* by Neil Gaiman & P. Craig Russell, 8, Graphic Novel
12. Cape Storm by Rachel Caine, 8, UF
13. Perfume by Patrick Suskind, 8, Fiction
14. A Northern Light by Jennifer Donnelly, 9, YA (Historical)
15. Ariel by Stephen Boyett, 7, SF (Fantasy)
16. The Declaration* by Gemma Malley, 7, YA (SF)
17. Fire by Kristin Cashore, 9, YA (Fantasy)

Ana:

1. Jasmyn by Alex Bell, 8, Fantasy
2. The Hollow by Jessica Verday, 5, YA (UF)
3. Mistborn: The Final Empire* by Brandon Sanderson, 9, Fantasy
4. The Infinite Instant by Danielle L. Parker, 6, Science Fiction (Thriller)
5. Rosemary and Rue* by Seanan McGuire, 8, UF
6. The Orphan’s Tales: In the Night Garden* by Catherynne Valente, NA, Fantasy
7. Give Up the Ghost* by Megan Crewe, 7, YA (UF)
8. Murder Mysteries* by Neil Gaiman, 8, Graphic Novel (Fantasy)
9. Liar by Justine Larbalestier, 9, YA (Thriller)
10. The Drawing of the Three by Stephen King, 7, Fantasy

11. Tempt Me at Twilight by Lisa Kleypas, 7, Romance (Historical)
12. The Declaration* by Gemma Malley, 6, YA (SF)
13. Demon Forged by Meljean Brook, 10, Romance (Paranormal)
14. Leviathan by Scott Westerfeld, 9, YA (SF)

OCTOBER:

Thea:

1. Ark by Stephen Baxter, 10, Science Fiction
2. Soulless* by Gail Carriger, 4/6, Romance (Paranormal)
3. The Ask and the Answer by Patrick Ness, 8, YA (SF)
4. Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro, 10, Science Fiction
5. On the Edge by Ilona Andrews, 7, Paranormal Romance/Urban Fantasy
6. The Well of Ascension* by Brandon Sanderson, 7, Fantasy
7. The Bell at Sealey Head by Patricia A. McKillip, 8, Fantasy
8. Prospero Lost* by L. Jagi Lamplighter, 8, Fantasy (Contemporary)
9. According to Jane by Marilyn Brant, 6, Chick Lit
10. Firethorn by Sarah Micklem, 5/8, Fantasy
11. Heart’s Blood by Juliet Marillier, 9, Fantasy
12. The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss, 9, Fantasy
13. The Monstrumologist by Rick Yancey, 8, YA (Horror)
14. The Harrowing by Alexandra Sokoloff, 6, Horror
15. Hater by David Moody, 7, Horror
16. Dying to Live: Life Sentence by Kim Paffenroth, 8, Horror
17. Malpractice, Anthology, 7, Horror
18. Fifty-Two Stitches, Anthology, 7, Horror

Ana:

1. Soulless* by Gail Carriger, DNF, Romance (Paranormal)
2. Triumff by Dan Abnett, 6, Fantasy
3. Ash by Malinda Lo, 9, YA (Fantasy)
4. Pastworld by Ian Beck, 7, YA (Fantasy)
5. The Well of Ascension* by Brandon Sanderson, 8, Fantasy
6. Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick, 2, YA (UF)
7. Prospero Lost* by L. Jagi Lamplighter, 8, Fantasy (Contemporary)
8. Austenland by Shannon Hale, 1, Chick Lit
9. Perfect Chemistry by Simone Elkeles, 7, YA (Romance)
10. Heir to Sevenwaters by Juliet Marillier, 10, Fantasy
11. Little Black Lies by Tish Cohen, 6, YA (Contemporary)
12. Never Slow Dance With A Zombie by E. Van Lowe, 4, YA (Horror)

NOVEMBER:

Thea:

1. Elegy Beach by Steven R. Boyett, 8, Fantasy
2. Unclean Spirits by M.L.N. Hanover, 7, UF
3. Unconventional* by Matt Springer, 6, Fiction
4. One Con Glory* by Sarah Kuhn, 8, Chick-lit
5. Blood Promise by Richelle Mead, 8, YA (UF)
6. The Maze Runner by James Dashner, 8, YA (SF)
7. The Hero of Ages* by Brandon Sanderson, 8, Fantasy
8. The Road Home * by Ellen Emerson Whie, 8, YA (Fiction)
9. Darker Angels by M.L.N. Hanover, 7, UF
10. Warbreaker by Brandon Sanderon, 8, Fantasy
11. The Devil’s Alphabet by Daryl Gregory, 6, Horror
12. Ice by Sarah Beth Durst, 7, YA
13. Tainted by Julie Kenner, 7, UF

Ana:

1. Blaze of Memory by Nalini Singh, 8, Romance (Paranormal)
2. The Dragon Book anthology, 8, Fantasy
3. Unconventional* by Matt Springer, 6, Fiction
4. One Con Glory* by Sarah Kuhn, 8, Chick-lit
5. “Blind Spot” in Must Love Hellhounds by Meljean Brook, 8, Romance (Paranormal, Anthology)
6. The Hero of Ages* by Brandon Sanderson, 8, Fantasy
7. The Road Home by Ellen Emerson White *, 9, YA (Fiction)
8. The Last Will of Moira Healy by Therese Walsh, 7, Fiction (Fantasy)
9. Resenting the Hero by Moira J. Moore, 7, Fantasy
10. The Stepsister Scheme by Jim C. Hines, 7, Fantasy
11. The Mermaid’s Madness by Jim C. Hines, 7, Fantasy
12. Madame Xanadu by Matt Wagner, 8, Graphic Novel
13. The Magicians by Lev Grossman, 4, Fantasy

DECEMBER:

Thea:

1. Gateway by Sharon Shinn, 6, YA (Fantasy)
2. Spellspam by Alma Alexander, 6, YA (SF)
3. Cybermage by Alma Alexander, 7, YA (SF)
4. Girl in the Arena by Lise Haines, 9, YA (SF)
5. The Demon King by Cinda Williams Chima, 8, YA (Fantasy)
6. Going Bovine* by Libba Bray, 9, YA (SF)
7. Vampire Haiku by Ryan Mecum, 6, Humor (Horror)
8. I am Scrooge by Adam Roberts, 6, Humor (Horror)
9. Beautiful Creatures* by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl, 6, YA (SF)
10. Raiders’ Ransom by Emily Diamand, 8, YA (SF)
11. Witch & Wizard by James Patterson & Gabrielle Charbonnet, 5, YA (Fantasy)
12. A Rush of Wings by Adrian Phoenix, 6, UF
13. In the Blood by Adrian Phoenix, 7, UF
14. Deadtown by Nancy Holzner, 7, UF

Ana:

1. The Red Wolf Conspiracy by Robert V.S. Redick, 7, Fantasy
2. Going Bovine* by Libba Bray, 8, YA (SF)
3. Beautiful Creatures* by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl, 6, YA (SF)

2010

JANUARY:

Thea:

1. Practice Makes Perfect by Julie James, 7, Romance (Contemporary)
2. Titan by Stephen Baxter, 8, Science Fiction
3. Moonseed by Stephen Baxter, 8, Science Fiction
4. The Left Hand of Darkness by Ursula K. LeGuin, 10, Science Fiction (Fantasy)
5. Three Days to Dead by Kelley Meding, 7, Urban Fantasy
6. Nice Girls Don’t Have Fangs* by Molly Harper, 7, Chick lit (PNR)
7. Mr. Shivers by Robert Jackson Bennett, 6, Horror
8. Need* by Carrie Jones, 6, YA (Fantasy)
9. Captivate by Carrie Jones, 7, YA (Fantasy)
10. Archangel’s Kiss by Nalini Singh, 7, Romance (Paranormal)

Ana:

1. Naamah’s Kiss by Jacqueline Carey, 7, Fantasy
2. The Lonely Hearts Club by Elizabeth Eulberg, 7, YA (Chick-lit)
3. An Abundance of Katherines by John Greene, 8, YA
4. Irredeemable by Mark Waid, 9, Graphic Novel
5. Nice Girls Don’t Have Fangs* by Molly Harper, 7, Chick lit (PNR)
6. Nice Girls Don’t Date Dead Men by Molly Harper, 7, Chick lit (PNR)
7. Nice Girls Don’t Live Forever by Molly Harper, 7, Chick lit (PNR)
8. Need* by Carrie Jones, 6, YA (Fantasy)
9. Bleeding Violet by Dia Reeves, 10, YA (UF)
10. Archangel’s Kiss* by Nalini Singh, 8, Romance (Paranormal)

FEBRUARY:

Thea:

1. Veracity by Laura Bynum, 8, Speculative Fiction (Dystopian)
2. Impact by Douglas Preston, 6, Science Fiction
3. Faeries of Dreamdark: Blackbringer* by Laini Taylor, 8, YA (Fantasy)
4. Fade by Lisa McMann, 7, YA (Speculative Fiction)
5. Gone by Lisa McMann, 8, YA (Speculative Fiction)
6. A Dark Matter by Peter Straub, 7, Horror
7. Except the Queen by Jane Yolen & Midori Snyder, 8, Fantasy (Contemporary)
8. The Mark by Jen Nadol, 7, YA (Speculative Fiction)
9. Unknown by Rachel Caine, 8, UF
10. The Girl with the Mermaid Hair* by Delia Ephron, 9, YA (Contemporary)

Ana:

1. The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms by N K Jemisin, 9, Fantasy
2. The Bride and the Buccaneer by Darlene Marshall, 6, Romance (Historical)
3. Faeries of Dreamdark: Blackbringer* by Laini Taylor, 8, YA (Fantasy)
4. A Tale of Two Demon Slayers by Angie Fox, 7, Romance (Paranormal)
5. Lex Trent Versus the Gods by Alex Bell, 8, YA (Fantasy)
6. The Girl with the Mermaid Hair* by Delia Ephron, 8, YA (Contemporary)
7. Blood of the Demon by Diana Rowland, 7, UF
8. In for a Penny by Rose Lerner, 8, Romance (Historical)

MARCH:

Thea:

1. NUM8ERS by Rachel Ward, 7, YA, Speculative Fiction
2. Incarceron by Catherine Fisher, 8, YA, Speculative Fiction (Dystopia)
3. Shades of Grey by Jasper Fforde, 9, Speculative Fiction (Dystopia)
4. The Windup Girl by Paolo Bacigalupi, 7, Speculative Fiction (Dystopia)
5. Airborn by Kenneth Oppel, 8, YA (Steampunk)
6. Arcadia Snips and the Steamwork Consortium by Robert C. Rodgers, 7, YA (Steampunk)
7. Boneshaker* by Cherie Priest, 7, Speculative Fiction
8. Black Magic Sanction by Kim Harrison, 8, UF
9. The Dead-Tossed Waves by Carrie Ryan, 8, YA (Horror/Apocalypse)
10. A Local Habitation* by Seanan McGuire, 7, UF
11. Hourglass by Claudia Gray, 7, YA (UF)
12. Mind Games* by Carolyn Crane, 8, UF
13. The New Brighton Archeological Society by Mark Andrew Smith, 8, Graphic Novel (YA)
14. Tome of the Undergates* by Sam Sykes, 5, Fantasy
15. This World We Live In by Susan Beth Pfeffer, 8, YA (SF)

Ana:

1. Something About You by Julie James, 7, Romance, Contemporary
2. The Sky is Everywhere by Jandy Nelson, 8, YA, Contemporary
3. New Blood by Gail Dayton, 4, Romance (Paranormal)
4. The Warlord of the Air by Michael Moorcock, 7, Steampunk
5. The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen by Alan Moore, 8, Graphic Novel
6. The Difference Engine by William Gibson & Bruce Sterling, 8/6, Science Fiction (Steampunk)
7. Boneshaker* by Cherie Priest, 7, Speculative Fiction
8. The Unwritten Rule by Elizabeth Scott, 6, YA (Romance)
9. Scarlett Fever by Maureen Johnson, 8, YA (Contemporary)
10. A Local Habitation* by Seanan McGuire, 8, UF
11. Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins, 7, YA (Fantasy)
12. Brightly Woven by Alexandra Bracken, 8, YA (Romance)
13. Mind Games* by Carolyn Crane, 8, UF
14. Tome of the Undergates* by Sam Sykes, 6, Fantasy
15. A Conspiracy of Kings by Megan Whalen Turner, 9, YA (Fantasy)

APRIL:

Thea:

1. Silver Borne by Patricia Briggs, 8, UF
2. Guardian of the Dead* by Karen Healey, 8, YA (Fantasy)
3. The Reckoning by Kelley Armstrong, 8, YA (UF)
4. The Poison Throne** by Celine Kiernan, 6, Fantasy
5. The Returners by Gemma Malley, 7, YA (SF)
6. The Year of the Horse* by Justin Allen, 5, YA (Western/Fantasy)
7. Heart of Veridon by Tim Akers, 9, Steampunk
8. The Affinity Bridge by George Mann, 7, Steampunk
9. Girl Genius by Phil and Kaja Foglio, 8, Steampunk (Comics)
10. Anti-Ice by Stephen Baxter, 8, Steampunk
11. The Alchemy of Stone by Ekaterina Sedia, 8, Steampunk
12. Master of None by Sonya Bateman, 6, UF
13. Radiant Shadows by Melissa Marr, 7, YA (UF)
14. Epitaph Road by David Patneaude, 6, YA (Dystopia)
15. Spellwright by Blake Charlton, 7, Fantasy
16. The World Inside by Robert Silverberg, 7, Sci Fi (Dystopia)
17. White Cat by Holly Black, 7, YA (UF)

Ana:

1. Guardian of the Dead* by Karen Healey, 8, YA (Fantasy)
2. Kick-Ass by Mark Millar, 8, Graphic Novel (Superhero)
3. The Poison Throne** by Celine Kiernan, 8, Fantasy
4. Will Grayson, Will Grayson by John Green & David Levithan, 7, YA (Contemporary)
5. The Year of the Horse* by Justin Allen, 4, YA (Western/Fantasy)
6. The Summer of You by Kate Noble, 8, Romance (Historical)
7. The Anubis Gates by Tim Powers, 8, Fantasy
8. Steampunk by Jeff and Ann Vandermeer, 5, Steampunk
9. Girl Genius by Phil and Kaja Foglio, 8, Steampunk (Comics)
10. Here There Be Monsters by Meljean Brook, 8, Steampunk (novella)
11. Irredeemable vol.2 by Mark Waid and Peter Krause, 9, Graphic Novel
12. Radiant Shadows by Melissa Marr, 7, YA (UF)
13. The King of the Crags by Stephen Deas, 6, Fantasy
14. Wicked Becomes You by Meredith Duran, 5, Romance (Historical)
15. White Cat by Holly Black, 8, YA (UF)

MAY:

Thea:

1. Lies by Michael Grant, 8, YA (SF)
2. Feed by MIra Grant, 7, YA (Horror)
3. First Contact by Michael Hicks, 6, Sci Fi
4. Mistwood by Leah Cypess, 7, YA (Fantasy)
5. Ship Breaker by Paolo Bacigalupi, 8, YA (Dystopia/SF)
6. God Stalk & Dark of the Moon by P.C. Hodgell, 6 & 7, Fantasy
7. The Iron King by Julie Kagawa, 6, YA (Fantasy)
8. Hero by Perry Moore, 10, YA (Superheroes/SF)

Ana:

1. The Prince of Mist by Carlos Ruiz Zafon, 7, YA (Horror)
2. Shade by Jeri Smith-Ready, 8, YA (SF)
3. First Contact by Michael Hicks, 6, Sci Fi
4. Paper Towns by John Green, 8, YA (Contemporary)
5. Claire de Lune by Christine Johnson, 4, YA (UF)
6. The Demon’s Covenant by Sarah Rees Brennan, 9, YA (UF)
7. Spider’s Bite by Jennifer Estep, 6, UF/PNR
8. Ten Things I Love About You by Julia Quinn, 6, Romance (Historical)

JUNE:

Thea:

1. Silver Phoenix by Cindy Pon, 6, YA (Fantasy)
2. Sapphique by Catherine Fisher, 8, YA (SF/Dystopia)
3. The Enemy by Charlie Higson, 7, YA (SF/Horror/Dystopia)
4. Go, Mutants!* by Larry Doyle, 7, YA (SF)
5. Naamah’s Curse by Jacqueline Carey, 8, Fantasy
6. The Line by Teri Hall, 4, YA (SF/Dystopia)
7. Crossing Over* by Anna Kendall, 5, YA (Fantasy)
8. The End League Vol. 1 by Rick Remender & Mat Broome, 5, Graphic Novel (Superheroes)
9. The Passage by Justin Cronin, 9, SF/Horror (Post-Apocalypse)
10. The Magician’s Apprentice by Trudi Canavan, 6, Fantasy

Ana:

1. Looking for Alaska by John Green, 8, YA (Contemporary)
2. Seth Baumgartner’s Love Manifesto by Eric Luper, 6, YA (Contemporary)
3. Friend Is Not A Verb by Daniel Ehrenhaft
4. Go, Mutants!* by Larry Doyle, 7, YA (SF)
5. The Rise of Renegade X by Chelsea M. Campbell, 7, YA (Superheroes/SF)
6. A Blue So Dark by Holly Schindler, 6, YA (Contemporary)
7. Crossing Over* by Anna Kendall, 5, YA (Fantasy)
8. Shades of Gray by Jackie Kessler and Caitlin Kittredge, 8, UF (Superheroes)
9. Retribution Falls by Chris Wooding, 4, SF

JULY:

Thea:

1. Monsters of Men by Patrick Ness, 8, YA (SF)
2. I Am Not A Serial Killer by Dan Wells, 7, SF
3. Kraken by China Mieville, 5, Fantasy (New Weird)
4. Peter and Max* by Bill Willingham, 7, Fantasy
5. Lord of the Changing Winds by Rachel Neumeier, 7, Fantasy
6. Birthmarked by Caragh O’Brien, 5, YA (dystopian)
7. POD by Stephen Wallenfels, 8, YA (dystopian)
8. Fat Vampire* by Adam Rex, 6, YA (Horror)
9. For the Win by Cory Doctorow, 7, YA
10. Early to Death, Early to Rise by Kim Harrison, 7, YA
11. Passing Strange by Daniel Waters, 8, YA
12. East by Edith Pattou, 7, YA (Fantasy)
13. Sisters Red* by Jackson Pearce, DNF, YA (Fantasy)
14. A Wish After Midnight* by Zetta Elliott, 8, YA (SF)

Ana:

1. Demon Blood by Meljean Brook, 8, Paranormal Romance
2. Bonds of Justice by Nalini Singh, 7, Paranormal Romance
3. Behold the Man by Michael Moorcock, 10, SF
4. Peter and Max* by Bill Willingham, 7, Fantasy
5. City of Ruin by Mark Charan Newton, 5, Fantasy
6. Irredeemable Vol 3 by Mark Waid, 7, Graphic Novel
7. Incorruptible vol. 1 by Mark Waid, 7, Graphic Novel
8. Beastly by Alex Flinn, 6, YA (Romance)
9. Forget You by Jennifer Echols, 6, YA (Romance)
10. Kiss me Deadly edited by Trisha Telep, 7, YA (Fantasy)
11. Fat Vampire* by Adam Rex, 6, YA (Horror)
12. Dark Goddess by Sarwat Chadda, 7, YA (Fantasy/Horror)
13. 8th Grade Super Zero by Olugbemisola Rhuday-Perkovich, 8, YA (Contemporary/PoC)
14. The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie, 8, YA (Contemporary/PoC)
15. Sisters Red* by Jackson Pearce, No rate, YA (Fantasy)
16. A Wish After Midnight* by Zetta Elliott, 8, YA (SF)

August:

Thea:

1. Salt by Maurice Gee, 7, YA (Dystopian)
2. The Other Side of the Island by Allegra Goodman, 6, YA (Dystopian)
3. Bleeding Violet by Dia Reeves, 8, YA (UF)
4. Inside Out by Maria V. Snyder, 6, YA (Dystopian)

Ana:

1. The Ghosts of Ashbury High by Jaclyn Moriarty, 10, YA
2. My Most Excellent Year by Steve Kluger, 8, YA (Contemporary/LGBT)
3. How I Live Now by Meg Rosoff, 8, YA (Dystopian)
4. Hero by Perry Moore, 8, YA (UF/LGBT)
5. I’ll Get There. It Better Be Worth the Trip by John Donovan, 8, YA (Contemporary/LGBT)
6. Freak Show by James St James, 8, YA (Contemporary/LGBT)

Title: NUM8ERS

Author: Rachel Ward

Genre: Speculative Fiction, Young Adult

Publisher: Chicken House/Scholastic (US & UK)
Publication Date: January 2009 (UK) / February 2010 (US)
Hardcover: 336 pages (US)

Ever since she was child, Jem has kept a secret: Whenever she meets someone new, no matter who, as soon as she looks into their eyes, a number pops into her head. That number is a date: the date they will die. Burdened with such awful awareness, Jem avoids relationships. Until she meets Spider, another outsider, and takes a chance. The two plan a trip to the city. But while waiting to ride the Eye ferris wheel, Jem is terrified to see that all the other tourists in line flash the same number. Today’s number. Today’s date. Terrorists are going to attack London. Jem’s world is about to explode!

Stand alone or series: Stand alone novel

How did I read this book: Review Copy from the publisher

Why did I read this book: The cover completely caught my eye, and despite the immense cheesiness of the blurb, I was hooked by the premise of the book. Plus, I really loved the last Chicken House title I read (the supremely excellent Raiders’ Ransom by Emily Diamant), and Numbers was a similar competition-winning novella that was turned into a book. I’m a sucker for this kind of thing.

Review:

NUM8ERS is Rachel Ward’s debut novel about a young girl named Jem, and a unique ability. When Jem looks into peoples’ eyes, she can see their number; that is, Jem can see the date of any person’s death. It’s a realization that Jem has made when she was seven after discovering her own mother dead of a heroin overdose. Now, at fifteen years old, Jem has been shuffled to different foster homes, labeled as a problem child for her taciturn behavior and disinterest in school and lack of direction. After cutting class from her latest school, she comes across one of her peers – a lanky, exuberant boy named Spider. And Jem notices immediately that Spider only has a few short weeks left to live. Against her instincts and her own strict rules, Jem begins to spend time with Spider, and the two become friends quickly, bonding in their shared differences. One afternoon on an attempt to impress Jem, Spider takes her on a trip to the London Eye – but Jem soon notices something bizarre and unsettling; everyone at the Eye has the same death date. Freaked out, she drags Spider running from the site, only to see the Eye get blown up a few minutes later. The police hear reports of the two teens fleeing the scene before the blast, and a nationwide search is on for them – and both Jem and Spider fear that they will be thrown into prison forever as scapegoats for the terrorist attack. Both of them know that no one could possibly believe that a screw-up foster kid and stereotyped black, drug dealing teen could have predicted the impossible. Together, Jem and Spider make their way across the English countryside, sleeping in the cold and avoiding towns at all costs. But as the authorities close in on them – and with Spider’s own death date looming – Jem must face a harsh reality.

NUM8ERS is author Rachel Ward’s first novel, which made it to publication after catching the eye of a Chicken House editor at the Frome Festival. And, as a debut novel, NUM8ERS has a lot of good to recommend it, but is not without its unevenness and weaknesses. The strongest thing about Ms. Ward’s debut is in the strength of her characters. As a character study, NUM8ERS soars. I absolutely freaking *loved* how the characters were DIFFERENT from the suburbanite white kids one always reads about in YA novels. Jem is screwed up. Like, really screwed up in the head. But it’s incredibly believable, and compelling. If you saw your mother overdose on heroin and were shipped around from home to home, and could see the impending deaths of everyone around you once you made eye contact with them, you’d be screwed up too. Jem’s not likeable, nor is she “cute” or perky or smart or anything like that – she’s simply Jem. Quiet, sullen, overwhelmingly (yet understandably) negative Jem. And, in spite of her curmudgeonly exterior and at times vitriolic thoughts, she’s an eminently relatable, genuine character. A lot of the time, mainstream YA novels tend to stick with characterizations that safely fall around the same median – though there are variations, most heroines fall under the “safe and normal” category, i.e. pretty white girl, decent home life (besides the odd misunderstanding with family members/daddy or mommy issues), smart in school (or talented in some related arena), etc. Jem and her friend and love interest Spider (who is black, lanky, stinky, energetic and contagiously exuberant) are so real and different. They aren’t cliched – there’s no “outsiders with hearts of gold beneath jagged exterior” blandness here. Both characters have their own issues, and I loved that Ms. Ward doesn’t attempt to romanticize or idealize them in any way. They simply…are. The relationship between these two “misfits” is very distinct from anything I’ve read on the YA market at present; refreshingly so. Take for example this exchange in the classroom between Jem, Spider, and her teacher:

We put our things in our bags or stuffed them into pockets, and waited for the standard bollocking: “Unacceptable behavior…Letting yourselves down…Lack of respect…” But it didn’t happen.

Instead, he waked up and down between the desks, stopping and saying something to each of us before going on to the next one. “Unemployed.” “Checkout girl.” “Garbageman.” When he got to me, he didn’t even pause. “Cleaning lady,” he said and carried on walking. He worked his way back to the front, turned and faced us. “OK, how did that make you feel?”

We stared at our desks or out the window. It had made us feel exactly how he wanted us to feel. Like shit. We all knew what sort of futures were waiting for us after school, didn’t need a puffed-up little tit like him to remind us.

Then Spider blurted out, “I feel fine, sir. It’s just your opinion, isn’t it? It don’t mean shit. I can do anything I want, can’t I? [...] Five years’ time, I’m gonna be cruising the streets in my black BMW, got some vibes on the sound system, got money in my pocket.” The other boys jeered.

McNulty looked at him witheringly. “And how, Dawson, are you going to do that?”

“Bit of this, bit of that, sir. Buying and selling.”

McNulty’s face changed. “Theft, Dawson? Drug dealing?” he said coldly. He shook his head. “I’m almost speechless, Dawson. Breaking the law, peddling in misery. Is that all you can aspire to?”

“It’s the only way any of us are going to get any cash, man. What do you drive, sir? That little red Astra in the parking lot? Teaching? Working for twenty years? I’m tellin’ you, I ain’t driving no Astra.”

“Sit down on your chair, Dawson, and shut up. Someone else, please. Jem, what about you?”

How could I possibly know what was going to happen to me? I didn’t even know where I was going to be living in a year’s time. Why was this man torturing us, making us squirm like this? I took a deep breath and said, as sweet as I could manage, “Me, sir? I know what I want.”

“Oh, good. Carry on.”

I made myself look him right in the eye. 12252023. How old was he now? Forty-eight? Forty-nine? He’d go just around the time he retired, then. On Christmas Day, too. Life’s cruel, isn’t it? Christmas spoiled for his family for the rest of their lives. Serve him right, the cruel bastard.

“Sir,” I said, “I want to be exactly…like…you.”

He brightened for a second, a half smile forming, then realized I was taking the mick. His face shut down, and he shook his head.

Jem’s voice as a narrator, and Spider’s too, are the strongest parts of this book. Also, stylistically, I loved that Jem would “break the fourth wall” – that is, directly address the reader.

But characters aside, on the plotting side, things were unfortunately weaker. The main conflict in the story, revolving around Spider and Jem’s fleeing from the police and taking refuge wherever they can makes NUM8ERS a thriller and a love story. While both of these genre elements are well written, it also meant there was little time (actually, no time) to explore the actually SF elements of the story. While I loved the premise and concept of seeing someone’s deathdate (which totally reminds me of Shinigami eyes from the epic Death Note manga. I love Death Note. Seriously.), NUM8ERS felt significantly lacking in the development of Jem’s particular “gift.” In contrast to another debut YA novelist, Jen Nadol, Ms. Ward does not explore the more interesting, philosophical implications of Jem’s capability – whereas in The Mark, Cassie’s ability to see a person’s impending death is explored to varying degrees (can you change someone’s death date, the ages-old question of fate versus free will, etc).

And, most egregiously, the ending of NUM8ERS was melodramatic, rushed, and contrived. Not a fan. BUT, that said, NUM8ERS has enough to recommend it, based on its characters alone. Ms. Ward has a forthcoming sequel next year, and I’m hoping that it will improve on the regretful low-note the first book left me with.

Notable Quotes/Parts: You can read the first chapter of NUM8ERS online via its Scholastic website HERE.

Additional Thoughts: Make sure to check out the official NUM8ERS website HERE. Also, you can see the book trailer below:

Rating: 7 – Very Good. In spite of its disappointing ending and lack of SF development, NUM8ERS has a lot going for it, especially if you’re looking for well-rounded characters outside the norm.

THE GIVEAWAY:

As promised, we have a giveaway! Up for grabs we have one GRAND PRIZE and two RUNNER-UP prizes!

The contest is open to addresses in the U.S. ONLY, and will run until Saturday, March 20th at 11:59 PM (PST). To enter, simply leave a comment here. Only ONE comment per person! Multiple entries will be automatically disqualified. Good luck!

Cover Matters is a new monthly feature in which we examine the medium that is first contact between a reader and a book: the cover. This feature will dedicate more separate space to a topic that has always intrigued, irked, and befuddled us. We will be talking about issues such as whitewashing practices, covers in poor taste, misleading or completely inaccurate covers, clichéd covers and, of course, covers that manage to get it right. We plan on having guests (bloggers, authors, cover artists, and publishers if possible) join us for these monthly pieces, with the following question in mind: Do covers matter?

In this first issue, we will be examining the practice of whitewashing of covers. We begin by taking a look at a few examples of Whitewashing over the ages, following up with an examination of the rationales justifying this practice. We proceed to talk about problems of whitewashing, as this form of discrimination has much broader implications in not only the publishing and book world, but in the real world as well. We finally conclude the post with a call for awareness and a guest article by the eloquent and passionate Ari from Reading in Color.

Introduction:

In books, to whitewash is to use a white representation for a character that is not white. If you have been anywhere near the wonderful world of book blog internetting for the past few months you are probably aware of two major cover fiascos, in which publishing house Bloomsbury used white models on covers to represent non-white protagonists. After the huge online outcry the covers of Liar by Justine Larbalestier and of Magic Under Glass by Jaclyn Dolamore were retreated and replaced:

As much as we, and probably the rest of the world (as some of the comments we have seen point to), would like to think that these are only but sporadic, isolated incidents, unfortunately this is not so. The practice has been going on for a long, long time, and it is not confined to one genre or one race, nor is it solely an American issue, either:

Example 1: Octavia Butler’s Dawn

Dawn is the first book in Octavia Butler’s Xenogenesis series and her protagonist Lilith Iyapo (the standing woman in the cover to your left), is described as “an imposing black woman” (quote from NK Jemisin’s article). The first cover published in 1987 was replaced with the cover on the right in the 1997 edition, 10 years later.

Example 2: Ursula Le Guin’s Earthsea Quartet and Powers

Ursula Le Guin is a Fantasy author known for writing multiracial characters. Her Earthsea quartet for example features dark-skinned characters, however early books depict white-skinned ones on the covers.

Similarly, the arc of her 2007 release Powers, which features a POC as the main character, was distributed with the cover on the left. Thankfully, the publishers fixed the mistake in time for the release.

Example 3: LA Banks’ Crimson Moon Books

The Crimson Moon books features a protagonist who is half-creole, half African-American and the four covers in the series are completely all over the place in portraying said protagonist. The latest cover is the only one that comes close to Sasha’s honey, darker skin tone.

Example 4: Cherry Cheva’s She’s So Money

The protagonist of this 2008 book is Asian (Thai to be more precise).

Example 5: Esther Friesner’s Sphinx’s Princess

This 2009 novel and 2010 sequel, about Nefertiti, the Egyptian Queen has a very white, European looking model on its covers.

Example 6: The Dragon and The Stars Anthology

This anthology edited by Derwin Mak and Eric Choi, and featuring fantasy, myth, and science fiction stories by and about ethnic Chinese writers from around the world – including Hong Kong, the Philippines, Singapore, Canada and the United States….and it has a European Dragon on the cover. (Never mind the fact that the book isn’t even about dragons)

Example 7: German cover of NK Jemisin’s The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms

The protagonist of this fantastic novel is thus described:

I am short and flat and brown as forestwood, and my hair is a black-curled mess. Because I find it unmanageable otherwise, I wear it short. I am sometimes mistaken for a boy.

So who is the person depicted in the cover of the German version?

According to the author, the German editor has declared that the woman in the cover is not meant to depict anyone in the book. It is a random person. She has been advised:

by other pro authors that this sort of thing — art that’s got nothing to do with the book — is common among foreign publishers, who go in more for “symbolic” rather than “representative”/”realistic” like us USians prefer.

We remain baffled as to how a blonde, random woman in lieu of a dark-skinned woman could “symbolise” anything other than racism. This is a choice and a choice that brings us to the point of this post.

“Explaining” Whitewashing

The most dominant rationale we have seen for justifying whitewashing of covers (and movies, etc) is the simplistic argument:

We have a few problems with this argument. First, we should disclose that we do NOT have any hard data (although if anyone does have access to sales figures, we’d love to hear from you), and as such, we must deal with largely anecdotal and other secondary evidence.

That said, it seems to us that the argument that the statement, “PoC Covers Don’t Sell” seems more than a little disingenuous. First off, there aren’t very many books with PoC representation on the covers out in the market to begin with! Check out one informal survey done by a blogger cited at Racebending.com, in which a paltry 2% of 775 YA books looked at had PoC on the covers. This is a small sample, but from our experience, it feels pretty representative. Go into the YA or SF/F section of your book store and take a look at the covers. We’re betting about 2% of those covers depict a PoC (if that). In this sense, yes, PoC covers don’t sell…but that probably has something to do with the fact that there aren’t any significant number of them out there. And while we’re on the argument that covers with PoC on them do not sell, take a look at the July issue of Italian Vogue. The issue, in the midst of a huge slump in advertising and sales for fashion magazines, sold out completely in the USA and UK, causing a rush second printing of 40,000 copies. This hot-selling, record breaking issue was the “Black Issue” and only featured black models. For a relatively small circulation magazine, this is huge news. While we know that matching book publishing to magazine publishing is an apples to oranges comparison, we do think it’s an interesting trend to at least note.

Following and related to the argument that POC-cover books will not sell, the second major argument we have seen in the rationale for whitewashing covers is:

There’s a whole lot wrong with this argument. First, it assumes that the majority of “readers” are white. We live in a very diverse world – in the United States alone, over 38% of the population is a race other than white (according to the American Community Survey Demographic & Housing Estimates from 2006-2008, and separating “Hispanic/Latino” from the “white” classification). Demographics aside, this argument is also flawed as it assumes that readers can only relate to books about characters that are similar to themselves. What does that say about books with vampires or werewolves or blue aliens on the covers? Is the message, then, that readers can eagerly relate to these covers and these different species’ of characters – but cannot relate to something so removed as another human of a different race? What does this say of PoC audiences that read books with predominantly white protagonists? This argument implies that they either have more mental fortitude and adaptive prowess than their white brothers and sisters, or that their being able to relate to white characters simply isn’t as important than whites being able to relate to non-whites. Any way you cut it, it’s insulting to all those involved.

Besides the Young Adult category/genre, we’ve seen this argument of non-relatability applied especially in the romance field – in particular, with African-American Romance. Attempts at “Crossover Marketing” (Marketing African-American Romance in the Romance section as opposed to segregating it to the A-A Section) were met with this brand of criticism, for example from the Arlington Morning News (from aalbc.com):

In an Arlington Morning News story about crossover marketing of African-American romances, a magazine publisher indicated that the covers, which show Blacks in Afrocentric styles, might make white readers uncomfortable.

“There are many people who might see the covers of the books, which often feature women with braids or short kinky cuts and men with clean-shaven heads and dark skin, as being too black and in-your-face” She went on to suggest covers without people.

As we’ve said before, this is a problem that pervades the publishing industry, across genres. Again, the same assumption presupposes this reporter’s argument (a white person is not too white for PoC readers, but PoC characters are too “colored” and “in-your-face” for white readers). The point is, these sorts of assumptions about white and PoC readers are insulting to ALL involved – to both persons of color, and white readers alike.

Problems & Implications of Whitewashing

The problems inherent in whitewashing of covers extends much further than a mere book. The practice is indicative of a larger problem that is prevalent in the publishing world, and in our own world, as readers and humans. Even before a cover is placed on a book and may be whitewashed, there are numerous obstacles and problems that face PoC writers. You may have noticed that many books with PoC protagonists are written by white authors, especially in the YA arena. In fact, the whole impetus for our “Cover Matters” posts were two such books – both Liar and Magic Under Glass are books with PoC protagonists, and are written by white authors. According to statistics taken from the Children’s Cooperative Book Center at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, this trend is the norm:

We want to make it very clear that we think that it is TOTALLY awesome that white authors write about POC. We want diversity! We live in a diverse world, we want diverse characters that represent the real world! Justine Larbalestier has written a great article about why her protagonists aren’t white, that we encourage everyone to read.

However, the discrepancy between books written about PoC and by PoC is interesting, and also worthy of note. Take, for example, Mary Anne Mohanraj’s experience with “The Red Sari” phenomenon for her Bodies In Motion cover. Ms. Mohanraj explains:

My original cover was an ‘artsy, literary’ cover, but under market pressure, the cover was changed to an image of a brown-skinned woman with wet skin, wrapped in a red sari. I had heard that this was common for the covers of S. Asian books, so I eventually decided to do some research and see if that was actually the case.

Ms. Mohanraj put together a presentation of her findings for the 2008 SALA Conference in San Francisco, which you can read about online here: South Asian & Diaspora Book Covers.

For another perspective, we’d also like to call your attention to a post by POC author Neesha Meminger, “Who Gets to Represent”. Of her experiences, Ms. Meminger says:

When white authors write characters of colour, their careers are not hindered. In fact, they may get the traditional pat-on-the-back response whenever the privileged represent those they have privilege over. When authors of colour write books featuring white protagonists and all-white casts, their careers are not negatively impacted. I am not applauded or thanked when I write white characters in my books because I am expected to.

Certainly a valid point. She then goes on to say:

When authors of colour dare to feature protagonists of colour, or people their books primarily with characters of colour, our challenges to getting published are vast. If we do somehow manage to get published, our books are “educational,” or about race and “other”-ness — and we are almost never lead titles. Many of us struggle to get a second book published (Mitali Perkins waited over ten years to have her second book published), and to get the marketing and publicity support we need to reach our audience. (This last bit is probably true for the majority of authors, regardless of race or background, but it is definitely compounded for PoC).

So, What Can We Do?

Whitewashing of covers is a problem. It is a concrete, visual representation that can be held in our hands, of a much larger moral and social problem, namely: Racism. If you think that we are exaggerating, that covers don’t matter, that what matter are the stories inside a book, that this is the 21st century after all and we all have come a long way, perhaps you should consider the following:

- Most of the examples given above happened in the past 5 years, some of them are happening right now.

Whitewashing is not something that is relegated to the book industry either to wit:

- In 2008, L’Oréal was accused of Whitewashing Beyonce on their advertisement on an issue of Elle Magazine.

- The 2010 movie Avatar: The Last Airbender, which is based on a Nickelodeon’s cartoon and is “set in a fantastical Asian world,” depicting a multicultural world and multicultural characters. However, the casting of the movie is largely Caucasian – for the heroes, that is. The villains, however, are represented by PoC.

- Last Friday it hit the news that Gerard Depardieu will be playing the role of Alexandre Dumas in a new movie about the writer who was of mixed race and suffered racism when he was alive. Gerard Depardieu had to “darken his skin and wear a curly wig” to play the role.

And the list goes on.

So, the question we need to ask ourselves is this: what can we do about all of this mess? There is no easy solution for this of course – you can’t make a racist, not racist. You can’t make people who think they won’t relate to a PoC in a cover of book or a magazine, or in the lead role of a movie change their minds.

Where to start?

Awareness is important. Be aware of cover issues, for example, and don’t deny that there is a problem (i.e. “marketing departments are so busy, maybe this is not a racist issue at all”). Be aware that there is such a thing as White Privilege, and what exactly it means (check out this article from The Story Siren on her experience with White Privilege). There will a whole bunch of links at the end of this article as well, and we highly recommend you read them.

If you want to actively do something, you can start by reading more books by PoC, about PoC and with PoC on the covers – and the numbers will start to change. Check out the PoC Reading Challenge or join the Readers Against Whitewashing Facebook Page.

Publishers: if you are publishing a book about a PoC, OWN IT. Like for example, Simon and Schuster and Angry Robot are two publishers that are publishing great books about and by PoC with great covers too.

The truth is this: if we just sit back and let it pass, we will still be seeing whitewashing in the 22nd century and beyond.

And this is what we have to say on the subject; we admit we got carried away. The more we read, the more interested we became, and the post ended being more of an essay than anything else. We have learnt a lot in the process, we might even have shed a tear or two reading articles and watching videos at Racebending ( a site we highly recommend you all to check it out, it is eye-opening).

To finalise, we would like to give the floor to Ari, from Reading in Color. She is the teenager who wrote that amazing letter to Bloomsbury when the Magic Under Glass cover debacle occurred, and her words have inspired several articles and blogs about the subject. We asked Ari: Do Covers Matter?

Covers Matter

A huge thank you to Ana and Thea for inviting me to express my opinions here at The Book Smugglers. Like most bloggers I love to talk, rant, discuss and listen so I’m excited for this new feature they will be having called Cover Matters because it’s an important topic and one that we need to talk about.

I think YA book covers (I mostly read YA so I can’t compare my thoughts on this subject to adult fiction book covers) have lots of problems (skinny models vs. overweigh models, boys vs. girls, headless people, etc.) However, in this post I want to focus solely on whitewashed covers because they are the most distressing of all covers.

If you follow the book blogging world, especially the YA blogosphere then you have undoubtedly heard all about the Liar and Magic Under Glass cover controversy. A brief refresher: Bloomsbury USA whitewashed both covers of these books. That means that, although the books were about African American (in Liar the main character, Micah is biracial) or “dark-skinned” (the main character, Nimira in Magic Under Glass is described as such) girls, the covers had white models on them. This is wrong, pure and simple. The whitewashing of covers has been an eye opener to many in the blogging community.

The message a whitewashed cover sends is that POC are worthless, that we mean so little that even if a book is written about us, we can’t be on the cover because the image of a POC won’t sell. Even if a book is about a certain topic, the cover can be completely different from the story as long as it sells. Now I want everyone to step back and think about this. Are you back? Is that not completely ridiculous? For all the “color blind “folks, let’s take color out of the equation. It would be like having a vampire on the cover of a book about a witch or a dog on the cover of a book about a horse, etc (except it’s 100x worse to whitewash a cover). Wouldn’t you be mad or at the very least puzzled? POC can read about white people, that’s “normal” and expected. But ask some white people to read about a POC and it’s a problem, “there aren’t many books about POC in my favorite genre” or “I don’t see color so I shouldn’t have to alter my reading habits.” I admit that I always thought it obvious as to why whitewashed covers are wrong, but I received a rude awakening when I started reading comments on other blogs that said things like “so?” or “I don’t really care because I don’t see color. I just read the story if it sounds good.” This is troubling for a few reasons.

First, the idea of “not seeing color” is ridiculous and sad. It’s sad because we live in a colorful world, with people who are all different shades. If you don’t “see color” then to me, you are saying I don’t recognize the beauty of all people who are of different hues. People come in all different colors and we should see this beauty and appreciate, not ignore it. If you’re white, you are colorless to a certain degree but that’s not bad! I certainly don’t think white people should feel bad for being white or pale (ugh don’t get me started on tanning! Tanning beds are one of the creepiest things in this world), everyone should be accepting of their own skin color as well as others.

I understand the intention behind “not seeing color”. This mindset states that you only judge a book based on the story within the pages, not on the cover. The idea being that you will read any book that appeals to you and that therefore you are not narrow-minded because you would read a book about a person of color (POC) it just hasn’t been written yet. As if, once a book is written in your favorite genre and it’s about a POC, it will magically appear in your local bookstore or library and you will pick it up. Naturally, this is completely ridiculous. I’m willing to bet that those who claim to be color blind own books with mostly white faces on the cover. This may not be intentional on their part, but since they don’t see color, they limit themselves from searching for books that have color in them and they don’t protest the lack of color and cultural diversity in books.

There are not many YA books out there about people of color so you have to make a conscious effort to look for them. When I was a young reader, I just read the most popular books, the ones everyone was reading (Beverly Cleary, Harry Potter, etc.) but I realized something really fast: the popular books rarely involved people who looked like me, or who came from different cultural backgrounds than the white norm. It wasn’t fair. I wanted to see more books about POC, but when I wandered the shelves of my local bookstores, I didn’t see very many, maybe one or two. This bothered me for a while, but I didn’t decide to do anything till I was older, getting ready to start high school. I started to do research. I looked up titles and authors who were/wrote about POC and armed with this knowledge, I headed back into bookstores. If the books weren’t there, I asked for them to be ordered. Oftentimes these books were in obscure locations that I wouldn’t have thought to look, more often than not though, my bookstore just didn’t carry them but they were always happy to order them for me. If I was color blind, I never would have done this. I would have kept reading the books that I saw prominently on display in my bookstores and libraries, books that did not have POC on them and/or were not about POC.

POC do not get on covers. I suppose this is because somewhere publishing companies have statistics (or have at least noticed trends) that show that people are more likely to read about white people than POC and that covers with white people sell better than covers with POC. This places the blame of the lack of POC on covers solely on the consumers. If we start buying more books with POC on the covers, publishing companies will put more of them on the cover and publish more books about POC. Also, why do some white people not want to read about POC? It’s important for families and teachers to talk about the importance of having tolerance for other cultures. Tolerance is developed from reading about cultures different from your own. BUT if we consumers don’t see many books with POC on the cover, we will continue to buy books with white people on the cover (and if we don’t see color, we won’t give this a second thought) and a whole generation of leaders will have grown up without reading about and respecting other cultures and then it’s the publishing companies fault. It’s a vicious cycle and instead of pointing fingers and blaming the publishing companies or the readers, let’s talk about how we can change the minds of both publishing companies AND readers. We can do this by buying books with POC on the cover and books that are about/by POC. This will send a message to publishing companies, that we don’t care who is on the cover, as long as the story is good, therefore, publish more books about people of color. If your book blog is dedicated to a certain genre, then start making an effort to read and review books in that genre that feature POC. We can send messages to our fellow readers by talking up the books about/by people of color, if you have a blog, you have a computer, so there are no excuses for not being able to find books about POC (Google anyone?) Reviewing books about POX does not mean we praise every single book about/by a POC. There is no free pass just for writing about a diverse group of characters (especially if they aren’t authentic), we should hold all books to the same standards; are they well written? Entertaining? Meaningful? It’s just an added bonus when the cast is multicultural.

Covers matter because they are the first thing (or one of the first things) that attracts us to a book. When you see a cover that is so unique, so breathtaking, laugh out loud funny or just plain weird, that gets your attention and draws you to the book. As a POC, seeing a cover with a POC on it, draws me in. I will pick up ANY book with a POC on it (and then read the summary to see if I actually want to read it) because sometimes I get tired of reading about blondes, brunettes,and feisty redheads (*eye roll* Why can’t you be a feisty blonde? or black-haired girl?) with blue, green or hazel eyes. People of color deserve to see images of themselves reflected on book covers, especially young readers. As children and teens of color grow we need to see ourselves reflected on book covers and in books to re-affirm that we are special and valuable because we don’t always get that reassurance from TV/movies, magazines or those around us which provides a crushing blow to self-esteem. I am one of many young people of color who at one point or antoher wanted to be white and cursed the fact that not only do I look different from everyone else, but I rarely see images of people who look like me in the media. That is a sad reality and conclusion to come to and I sincerely hope that in a small way, my blog along with others will help promote the works of POC enough that the next generation (regardless of skin color) will grow up with POC on book covers and will pick up the book without giving it a second thought except being excited about the story on the pages. When young readers (including myself) see POC on book covers, we get a boost of self-esteem and feel triumphant, happy in the knowledge that people will be walking around with a POC on a book cover (for a little while at least). They are seeing in color and will come to realize (if they haven’t already), that we all have some common experiences and trials regardless of skin color. It’s an eye-catching cover indeed that can convey all that with just one image of a POC.

People have already stepped up and begun working to promote books by/about POC. Check out Color Online, theHappyNappyBookseller, Crazy Quilts, Multiculturalism Rocks!, Gal Novelty, Asia on the Heart,World on the Mind, Bookish Blather, Good Books & Good Wine and the POC Reading Challenge. Oh and if you stop by my blog that would be pretty cool too and maybe, just maybe, it would be a great resource

Thank you, Ari!

Referenced Articles/Links for Further Reading:

N.K. Jemisin’s take on her German Cover

Justine Larbalestier’s article on the creation of book covers

Racebending.com’s take on whitewashing in YA novels

The Guardian UK’s article, “Fashion world stunned by Vogue for black” by Sarah Mower

American Community Survey Demographic & Housing Estimates (2006-2008)

aalbc.com’s article on African American Romance: “It’s All About Love: Romance Readers Speak Out” by Gwendolyn E. Osborne

Children’s Books by and about People of Color Published in the United States; Statistics Gathered by the Cooperative Children’s Book Center School of Education, University of Wisconsin-Madison

Justine Larbalestier’s article on why her protagonists aren’t white

An Analysis of South Asian & Diaspora Book Covers by Mary Anne Mohanraj

Neesha Meminger’s article on writing and publishing as a POC author, “Who Gets to Represent”

The Happy Nappy Booksellet thank you to Simon and Schuster’s POC covers

A Centralised article about Avatar: The Last Airbender from Racebending

Ursula LeGuin’s article on Slate.com about Whitewashing Earthsea

BBC News’ article about Alexander Dumas biopic and ensuing outcry

A Bit of Background:

The Internets are full of rage again as Bloomsbury Publishing finds itself at the center of yet another book cover controversy. Remember the furore surrounding the cover of Liar by Justine Larbalestier? When readers found out that the intended cover of a book featuring a black protagonist was this…

…the outcry was so deafening that publisher issued its mea culpa and replaced the offending cover with this more acceptible one:

But, alas! It seems that Bloomsbury did not learn its lesson and has triggered the burning, fiery wrath of the interwebs once more. In the sage words of La Brittany, oops, they did it again.

Magic Under Glass by Jaclyn Dolamore:

As Ana pointed out back in December when she posted her review of debut YA fantasy novel Magic under Glass by Jaclyn Dolamore, another grievous instance of whitewashing has occurred. Magic Under Glass has a dark-skinned protagonist, and yet its cover features a white-skinned girl.

This time, unfortunately, the cover made it to publication, slipping past the attention of readers and bloggers. Perhaps Magic Under Glass remained under reader-radars because author Jaclyn Dolamore is a newcomer (and without the significant online clout that Justine Larbalestier & Scott Westerfeld have). Now that the book has been published, however, YA and other book bloggers are up in arms. Some are even calling for a complete boycott of Bloomsbury books.

Now, we agree that what Bloomsbury’s marketing/sales/publicity department is doing with its whitewashing of book covers is a heinous, inexcusable, racist practice. We absolutely agree that we, as bloggers, have an obligation to stand up, make our voices heard, and speak out against publishers that perpetuate these acts. As Anna North of Jezebel aptly points out, it seems that publishers like Bloomsbury are buying into the “self-fulfilling prophecy” that “black covers don’t sell.” (Or at least, they don’t sell BIG)

We agree that something must be done to put an end to the systemic de-colorization of novels. But boycotting the publisher – and, by proxy, the book – will not help matters. Quite the contrary. If you stop buying the book, the person most adversely affected is the author – the one person in this whole mess who has absolutely NOTHING to do with the cover (in fact, the vast majority of authors have little to no say concerning what their covers will look like). And why would you want to hurt the one person that actually wrote the awesome diverse, dark-skinned heroine in the first place? Not to mention the fact that, whitewashed cover aside, Magic Under Glass is one damn fine book. Ms. Dolamore’s work should be appreciated, her efforts celebrated – she should not be punished or threatened because of the poor judgement and practices of her publisher.

A Call For Action:

Instead, we call on YOU, dear readers, to speak up with us. Instead of boycotting Bloomsbury Publishing, we encourage you to CONTACT the publisher and make your voice heard. Join Reading In Color’s Open Letter to Bloomsbury Kids USA. Start a petition to get the publisher’s attention. Do whatever you can to make the message clear: we DO NOT approve of your whitewashed covers, and we demand change.

RE: Covers, In General:

It is clear that publishers pay less attention (what an understatement!) than they should to book covers – it is a problem that we are constantly complaining about here at The Book Smugglers. This is not by any means, an issue that is relegated to one genre or to one issue. Gender, race, size, genre, you name it – problems with covers abound everywhere. Consider:

Ursula LeGuin’s Earthsea Cycle (A Wizard of Earthsea, The Tombs of Atuan, The Farthest Shore) – in which Ged, the protagonist, is a young man with red-brown skin (in a world populated mostly by people that are red-brown, brown, or black). These covers (and the SciFi miniseries based on the books) are obviously a little off.

Everything Beautiful by Simone Howell – (a book that works because of its gritty realism) in which protagonist Riley is an overweight young woman, and yet on the US cover (again published by Bloomsbury!) is portrayed as anything but overweight.

And this is to say nothing of other book covers that are constant in their inconsistencies. Lise Haines’ Girl In the Arena portrays a cover model with long dark locks and a gladiatrix costume – when the main character, in fact, shaves her head very early on in the story and rocks the bald buzz cut for the rest of the book (including her stint in the Arena). Diana Peterfreund’s Secret Society Girl shows a model with long dark hair in prepster clothes – while protagonist Amy had short hair, and wouldn’t be caught dead in those clothes. Don’t even get us started on the myriad Urban Fantasy covers that have absolutely nothing to do with the material within.

And you know, the more we think about it, the more we realise, that this is a problem that is a concern to us readers because it reflects what we do and who we are as consumers. Because publishers only put those out because they think the alternative will not sell – a judgement based on what they assume we will buy. Just a bit of food for thought.

The call for war is laudable. We do have reasons to be up in arms. Shout! Write a blog post! Start a viral video campaign on Youtube or on your blog. Write a letter complaining to the Publisher or an email supporting the writer. But, for crying out loud, do NOT stop buying books.

Format is as follows: Title, Author, Rating, Genre

* Denotes JOINT REVIEW

** Denotes GUEST DARE

RED denotes favorite of 2009

BLUE denotes honorable mention of 2009

JANUARY:

Thea:

1. Woman in White by Wilkie Collins, 8, Mystery
2. Desperate Duchesses by Eloisa James, 6, Romance (Historical)
3. The Adoration of Jenna Fox by Mary E. Pearson, 8, YA (SF)
4. Death Note by Tsugumi Ohba, 8, Manga (Horror)
5. Goth by Otsuichi, 9, Horror (Lightbook)
6. The Tarot Café* by Chandra Rooney, 6, Fantasy (Lightbook)
7. The Knife of Never Letting Go by Patrick Ness, 8, YA (SF)
8. Impossible by Nancy Werlin, 7, YA (Fantasy)
9. The Inferior by Peadar O’Guilin, 8, YA (SF)
10. The Briar King** by Greg Keyes, 8, Fantasy
11. Bone Crossed by Patricia Briggs, 8, UF

Ana:

1. The Talisman by Stephen King & Peter Straub, 6, Fantasy (Horror)
2. Daughter of the Forest by Juliet Marillier, 10, Fantasy
3. What a Pirate Desires by Michelle Beattie, 2, Romance (Historical)
4. Vampire Knight by Matsuri Hino, 7, Manga
5. Demon Diary by Kara & Lee Chi Hyong, 1, Manhwa
6. The Tarot Café (series volumes 1-7) by Park Sang-Sun, 8, Manhwa
7. The Tarot Café* by Chandra Rooney, 7, Fantasy (Lightbook)
8. At The Bride Hunt Ball by Olivia Parker, 6, Romance (Historical)
9. Kiss of a Demon King by Kresley Cole, 7, Romance (Paranormal)
10. Caliber by Sam Sarkar & Gary Gastonny, 6, Graphic Novel (Fantasy)
11. Talk Me Down by Victoria Dahl, 7, Romance (Contemporary)
12. The Magic Knot by Helen Scott Taylor, 6, Romance (Paranormal)
13. The Briar King** by Greg Keyes, 8, Fantasy

FEBRUARY:

Thea:

1. Little Brother by Corey Doctorow, 7, YA (SF)
2. Undone by Rachel Caine, 6, UF
3. Lament* by Maggie Stiefvater, 4, YA (Fantasy)
4. In Her Name* by Michael Hicks, 8, Science Fiction
5. Eon: Dragoneye Reborn by Alison Goodman, 8, YA (Fantasy)
6. White Witch, Black Curse by Kim Harrison, 7, UF
7. Melusine** by Sarah Monette, 7, Fantasy
8. The Suicide Collectors by David Oppegaard, 7, Horror
9. Generation Dead by Daniel Waters, 8, YA (Horror)
10. Zombie Haiku* by Ryan Mecum, 7, Horror
11. Happy Hour of the Damned by Mark Henry, 7, UF

Ana:

1. Scandal by Carolyn Jewel, 9, Romance (Historical)
2. Like no Other Lover by Julie Anne Long, 8, Romance (Historical)
3. Lament* by Maggie Stiefvater, 4, YA (Fantasy)
4. In Her Name* by Michael Hicks, 8, Science Fiction
5. The Walking Dead (vol. 1) by Robert Kirkman & Tony Moore, 10, Graphic Novel (Horror)
6. Road Trip of the Living Dead by Mark Henry, 8, UF

MARCH:

Thea:

1. Stone Masters: A Vampire’s Reckoning by VMK Fewings, 6, Horror
2. Angels’ Blood* by Nalini Singh, 8, Romance (Paranormal)
3. Drood by Dan Simmons, 8, Mystery
4. Into the Forest by Jean Hegland, 7, Literature
5. The Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan, 9, YA (SF/Horror)
6. Princess of the Midnight Ball by Jessica Day George, 7, YA (Fantasy)

Ana:

1. Angel’s Blood* by Nalini Singh, 10, Romance (Paranormal)
2. Practice Makes Perfect by Julie James, 8, Romance (Contemporary)
3. Revealed by Kate Noble, 9, Romance (Historical)
4. A Taste of Magic by Tracey Madison, 6, Romance (Paranormal)
5. Smooth Talking Stranger by Lisa Kleypas, 5, Romance (Contemporary)
6. A Perfect Darkness by Jaime Rush, 5, Romance (Paranormal)

APRIL:

Thea:

1. Feast of Souls by C.S. Friedman, 8, Fantasy
2. Blue Diablo* by Ann Aguirre, 6, UF
3. Fragile Eternity* by Melissa Marr, 9, YA (Fantasy)
4. Graceling by Kristin Cashore, 8, YA (Fantasy)
5. Secret Society Girl by Diana Peterfreund, 7, Literature (Contemporary)
6. The Magicians and Mrs. Quent by Galen Beckett, 9, Fantasy
7. Magic Strikes by Ilona Andrews, 9, UF
8. The Trouble With Demons by Lisa Shearin, 7, Fantasy

Ana:

1. Rewriting Monday by Jodi Thomas, 8, Romance (Contemporary/Suspense)
2. Blue Diablo* by Ann Aguirre, 8, UF
3. The Painted Man by Peter V. Brett, 6, Fantasy
4. The Dangerous Book for Demon Slayers by Angie Fox, 7, UF (Paranormal)
5. Fragile Eternity* by Melissa Marr, 9, YA (Fantasy)
6. The Secret Wedding by Jo Beverley, 7, Romance (Historical)
7. Dayhunter by Jocelynn Drake, 7, UF
8. The Laurentine Spy by Emily Gee, 7, Fantasy (Romance)

MAY:

Thea:

1. Keeper of Light and Dust by Natasha Mostert, 7, SF
2. Silent in the Sanctuary by Deanna Raybourn, 7, Mystery
3. Starfinder* by John Marco, 6, YA
4. Diamond Star by Catharine Asaro, 7, Science Fiction
5. Strange Angels* by Lili St. Crow, 5, YA (UF)
6. Pride and Prejudice and Zombies* by Jane Austen & Seth Grahame-Smith, 7, Horror (Comedy)
7. The Black Act by Louise Bohmer, 5, Fantasy
8. Don’t Look Twice by Andrew Gross, 6, Thriller
9. Flood by Stephen Baxter, 8, SF
10. Santa Olivia by Jacqueline Carey, 8, Fantasy (UF)

Ana:

1. The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss, 10, Fantasy
2. Starfinder* by John Marco, 6, YA (Fantasy)
3. To Beguile a Beast by Elizabeth Hoyt, 5, Romance (Historical)
4. Always a Scoundrel by Suzanne Enoch, 7, Romance (Historical)
5. Strange Angels* by Lili St. Crow, 7, YA (UF)
6. Pride & Prejudice & Zombies* by Jane Austen & Seth Grahame-Smith, 5, Horror (Comedy)
7. A Hint of Wicked by Jennifer Haymore, 6, Romance (Historical)
8. The Black Act* by Louise Bohmer, 4, Fantasy
9. Compromised by Kate Noble, 8, Romance (Historical)
10. This Duchess of Mine by Eloisa James, 8, Romance (Historical)
11. Black and White by Jackie Kessler & Caitlin Kittredge, 7, UF
12. Frederica by Georgette Heyer, 7, Romance (Historical)

JUNE:

Thea:

1. Street Magic by Caitlin Kitteredge, 7, UF
2. You Are SO Undead to Me by Stacey Jay, 6, YA
3. Night’s Rose by Annaliese Evans, DNF, Romance (Paranormal)
4. Gone by Michael Grant, 8, YA (SF/Horror)
5. Hunger by Michael Grant, 8, YA (SF/Horror)
6. Jasmyn by Alex Bell, 8, Fantasy
7. Slights by Kaaron Warren, 9, Horror
8. Consorts of Heaven by Jaine Fenn, 6, Science Fiction
9. Naamah’s Kiss by Jacqueline Carey, 9, Fantasy
10. The Once and Future King** by T.H. White, 6, Fantasy

Ana:

1. The Demon’s Lexicon by Sarah Rees Brennan, 8, YA (UF)
2. Darkborn by Alison Sinclair, 6, Fantasy
3. Salt and Silver by Anna Katherine, 7, Romance (Paranormal/UF)
4. The Adamantine Palace by Stephen Deas, 6, Fantasy
5. Night’s Rose* by Annaliese Evans, DNF, Romance (Paranormal)
6. Mark of the Demon by Diana Rowland, 7, UF
7. The Sinful Life of Lucy Burns by Elizabeth Lieknes, 8, Fiction (Paranormal/UF)
8. Don’t Tempt Me by Loretta Chase, 8, Romance (Historical)
9. Bound by Your Touch by Meredith Duran, 8, Romance (Historical)
10. What Happens in London by Julia Quinn, 8, Romance (Historical)
11. Branded by Fire by Nalini Singh, 9, Romance (Paranormal)
12. The Once and Future King** by T.H. White, 6, Fantasy

JULY:

Thea:

1. Strange Brew Anthology: “Seeing Eye” by Patricia Briggs, 8, “Death Warmed Over” by Rachel Caine, 7, UF
2. Darkness Calls by Marjorie M. Liu, 7, UF
3. The French Mistress by Susan Holloway Scott, 7, Literary Fiction (Historical)
4. Apocalypse 2012 by Gary Jennings, Robert Gleason & Julius Podrug, 4, SF (Historical, Thriller)
5. The Awakening by Kelley Armstrong, 8, YA (UF)
6. Wings by Aprilynne Pike, 7, YA (Fantasy)
7. Evernight by Claudia Gray, 7, YA (UF)
8. Stargazer by Claudia Gray, 8, YA (UF)
9. Once Dead, Twice Shy by Kim Harrison, 8, YA (UF)
10. Kiss of Life by Daniel Waters, 8, YA (Horror, SF)
11. Wildwood Dancing by Juliet Marillier, 9, YA (Fantasy)
12. Cybele’s Secret by Juliet Marilleier, 9, YA (Fantasy)
13. Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater, 5, YA (Paranormal Romance)

Ana:

1. Eyes Like Stars by Lisa Mantchev, 8, YA (Fantasy)
2. The Angel’s Game by Carlos Ruiz Zafon, 5, Fiction (Mystery)
3. Warbreaker by Brandon Sanderson, 8, Fantasy

4. Echoes from the Dead by Johan Theorin, 6, Crime
5. Written on Your Skin by Meredith Duran, 8, Romance (historical)
6. One Week As Lovers by Victoria Dahl, 7, Romance (historical)
7. Wicked Lovely, Desert Tales vol.1 by Melissa Marr, 7, Manga (Young Adult)
8. Suite Scarlett by Maureen Johnson, 7, Young Adult (Contemporary)
9. The Queen’s Thief series (The Thief, Queen of Attolia, King of Attolia) by Megan Whalen Turner, 10, YA (Fantasy)
10. The Eternal Kiss Anthology, 7, YA

AUGUST:

Thea:

1. Prophecy of the Sisters* by Michelle Zink, 5, YA (Horror, Gothic)
2. The Goose Girl by Shannon Hale, 9, YA (Fantasy)
3. Enna Burning by Shannon Hale, 8, YA (Fantasy)
4. River Secrets by Shannon Hale, 7, YA (Fantasy)
5. Zombie Blondes by Brian James, 8, YA (Horror)
6. Uglies by Scott Westerfeld, 7, YA (SF)
7. Pretties by Scott Westerfeld, 7, YA (SF)
8. Specials by Scott Westerfeld, 8, YA (SF)
9. Exodus by Julie Bertagna, 8, YA (SF)
10. Genesis by Bernard Beckett, 8, YA (SF)
11. Tomorrow, When the War Began by John Marsden, 8, YA (SF)
12. Dull Boy by Sarah Cross, 8, YA (SF)
13. Tender Morsels by Margo Lanagan, 4/8, YA (Fantasy)
14. The Devouring by Simon Holt, 7, YA (Horror)
15. Soulstice by Simon Holt, 6, YA (Horror)
16. Rampant* by Diana Peterfreund, 8, YA (Fantasy)
17. A Countess Below Stairs* by Eva Ibbotson, 7, YA (Romance)
18. Newes From the Dead by Mary Hooper, 6, YA (Historical)
19. Libyrinth by Pearl North, 6, YA (SF)
20. Feed by M.T. Anderson, 9, YA (SF)
21. Obernewtyn by Isobelle Carmody, 8, YA (Fantasy/SF)
22. Gathering Blue by Lois Lowry, 8, YA (Fantasy/SF)
23. Ruined by Paula Morris, 7, YA (Horror)
24. A Certain Slant of Lightb y Laura Whitcomb, 8, YA (Horror)
25. Wake* by Lisa McMann, 6, YA (SF/Horror)
26. Rapunzel’s Revenge* by Shannon Hale, Dean Hale & Nathan Hale, 8, YA (Graphic Novel)
27. Skinned by Robin Wasserman, 7, YA (SF)
28. The Strain by Guillermo del Toro & Chuck Hogan, 5, Horror (Thriller)

Ana:

1. Prophecy of the Sisters* by Michelle Zink, 5, YA (Horror, Gothic)
2. Everything Beautiful by Simone Howell, 8, YA (Contemporary)
3. Furnace: Lockdown by Alexander Gordon Smith, 8, YA (Horror)
4. Intertwined by Gena Showalter, 8, YA (Paranormal Romance)
5. Monster by Christopher Pike, 7, YA (Horror)
6. Going Too Far by Jennifer Echols, 9, YA (Romance)
7. The Poison Garden by Sarah Singleton, 6, YA (Fantasy)
8. My Soul To Take by Rachel Vincent, 7, YA (Paranormal Romance)
9. Rampant* by Diana Peterfreund, 8, YA (Fantasy)
10. A Countess Below Stairs* by Eva Ibbotson, 8, YA (Romance)
11. The Giver by Lois Lowry, 8, YA (SF)
12. Everlost by Neal Shusterman, 8, YA (Horror)
13. Wake* by Lisa McMann, 7, YA (SF/Horror)
14. Rapunzel’s Revenge* by Shannon Hale, Dean Hale and Nathan Hale, 8, YA (Graphic Novel)
15. The Strangely Beautiful Tale of Ms. Percy Parker by Leanna Renee Hieber, 6, Romance (Paranormal/Gothic)
16. The Corinthian by Georgette Heyer, 5, Romance (Historical)
17. Surrender of a Siren by Tessa Dare, 7, Romance (Historical)

SEPTEMBER:

Thea:

1. Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins, 8, YA (SF)
2. The Demon’s Lexicon by Sarah Rees Brennan, 7, YA (UF)
3. Succubus Heat by Richelle Mead, 7, UF
4. Mistborn: The Final Empire* by Brandon Sanderson, 8, Fantasy
5. Heroes at Risk by Moira J. Moore, 7, Fantasy
6. Rosemary and Rue* by Seanan McGuire, 7, UF
7. Hunting Ground by Patricia Briggs, 8, UF
8. The Orphan’s Tales: In the Night Garden* by Catherynne Valente, 9, Fantasy
9. Give Up the Ghost* by Megan Crewe, 7, YA (UF)
10. Forest Born by Shannon Hale, 8, YA (Fantasy)
11. Murder Mysteries* by Neil Gaiman & P. Craig Russell, 8, Graphic Novel
12. Cape Storm by Rachel Caine, 8, UF
13. Perfume by Patrick Suskind, 8, Fiction
14. A Northern Light by Jennifer Donnelly, 9, YA (Historical)
15. Ariel by Stephen Boyett, 7, SF (Fantasy)
16. The Declaration* by Gemma Malley, 7, YA (SF)
17. Fire by Kristin Cashore, 9, YA (Fantasy)

Ana:

1. Jasmyn by Alex Bell, 8, Fantasy
2. The Hollow by Jessica Verday, 5, YA (UF)
3. Mistborn: The Final Empire* by Brandon Sanderson, 9, Fantasy
4. The Infinite Instant by Danielle L. Parker, 6, Science Fiction (Thriller)
5. Rosemary and Rue* by Seanan McGuire, 8, UF
6. The Orphan’s Tales: In the Night Garden* by Catherynne Valente, NA, Fantasy
7. Give Up the Ghost* by Megan Crewe, 7, YA (UF)
8. Murder Mysteries* by Neil Gaiman, 8, Graphic Novel (Fantasy)
9. Liar by Justine Larbalestier, 9, YA (Thriller)
10. The Drawing of the Three by Stephen King, 7, Fantasy

11. Tempt Me at Twilight by Lisa Kleypas, 7, Romance (Historical)
12. The Declaration* by Gemma Malley, 6, YA (SF)
13. Demon Forged by Meljean Brook, 10, Romance (Paranormal)
14. Leviathan by Scott Westerfeld, 9, YA (SF)

OCTOBER:

Thea:

1. Ark by Stephen Baxter, 10, Science Fiction
2. Soulless* by Gail Carriger, 4/6, Romance (Paranormal)
3. The Ask and the Answer by Patrick Ness, 8, YA (SF)
4. Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro, 10, Science Fiction
5. On the Edge by Ilona Andrews, 7, Paranormal Romance/Urban Fantasy
6. The Well of Ascension* by Brandon Sanderson, 7, Fantasy
7. The Bell at Sealey Head by Patricia A. McKillip, 8, Fantasy
8. Prospero Lost* by L. Jagi Lamplighter, 8, Fantasy (Contemporary)
9. According to Jane by Marilyn Brant, 6, Chick Lit
10. Firethorn by Sarah Micklem, 5/8, Fantasy
11. Heart’s Blood by Juliet Marillier, 9, Fantasy
12. The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss, 9, Fantasy
13. The Monstrumologist by Rick Yancey, 8, YA (Horror)
14. The Harrowing by Alexandra Sokoloff, 6, Horror
15. Hater by David Moody, 7, Horror
16. Dying to Live: Life Sentence by Kim Paffenroth, 8, Horror
17. Malpractice, Anthology, 7, Horror
18. Fifty-Two Stitches, Anthology, 7, Horror

Ana:

1. Soulless* by Gail Carriger, DNF, Romance (Paranormal)
2. Triumff by Dan Abnett, 6, Fantasy
3. Ash by Malinda Lo, 9, YA (Fantasy)
4. Pastworld by Ian Beck, 7, YA (Fantasy)
5. The Well of Ascension* by Brandon Sanderson, 8, Fantasy
6. Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick, 2, YA (UF)
7. Prospero Lost* by L. Jagi Lamplighter, 8, Fantasy (Contemporary)
8. Austenland by Shannon Hale, 1, Chick Lit
9. Perfect Chemistry by Simone Elkeles, 7, YA (Romance)
10. Heir to Sevenwaters by Juliet Marillier, 10, Fantasy
11. Little Black Lies by Tish Cohen, 6, YA (Contemporary)
12. Never Slow Dance With A Zombie by E. Van Lowe, 4, YA (Horror)

NOVEMBER:

Thea:

1. Elegy Beach by Steven R. Boyett, 8, Fantasy
2. Unclean Spirits by M.L.N. Hanover, 7, UF
3. Unconventional* by Matt Springer, 6, Fiction
4. One Con Glory* by Sarah Kuhn, 8, Chick-lit
5. Blood Promise by Richelle Mead, 8, YA (UF)
6. The Maze Runner by James Dashner, 8, YA (SF)
7. The Hero of Ages* by Brandon Sanderson, 8, Fantasy
8. The Road Home * by Ellen Emerson Whie, 8, YA (Fiction)
9. Darker Angels by M.L.N. Hanover, 7, UF
10. Warbreaker by Brandon Sanderon, 8, Fantasy
11. The Devil’s Alphabet by Daryl Gregory, 6, Horror
12. Ice by Sarah Beth Durst, 7, YA
13. Tainted by Julie Kenner, 7, UF

Ana:

1. Blaze of Memory by Nalini Singh, 8, Romance (Paranormal)
2. The Dragon Book anthology, 8, Fantasy
3. Unconventional* by Matt Springer, 6, Fiction
4. One Con Glory* by Sarah Kuhn, 8, Chick-lit
5. “Blind Spot” in Must Love Hellhounds by Meljean Brook, 8, Romance (Paranormal, Anthology)
6. The Hero of Ages* by Brandon Sanderson, 8, Fantasy
7. The Road Home by Ellen Emerson White *, 9, YA (Fiction)
8. The Last Will of Moira Healy by Therese Walsh, 7, Fiction (Fantasy)
9. Resenting the Hero by Moira J. Moore, 7, Fantasy
10. The Stepsister Scheme by Jim C. Hines, 7, Fantasy
11. The Mermaid’s Madness by Jim C. Hines, 7, Fantasy
12. Madame Xanadu by Matt Wagner, 8, Graphic Novel
13. The Magicians by Lev Grossman, 4, Fantasy

DECEMBER:

Thea:

1. Gateway by Sharon Shinn, 6, YA (Fantasy)
2. Spellspam by Alma Alexander, 6, YA (SF)
3. Cybermage by Alma Alexander, 7, YA (SF)
4. Girl in the Arena by Lise Haines, 9, YA (SF)
5. The Demon King by Cinda Williams Chima, 8, YA (Fantasy)
6. Going Bovine* by Libba Bray, 9, YA (SF)
7. Vampire Haiku by Ryan Mecum, 6, Humor (Horror)
8. I am Scrooge by Adam Roberts, 6, Humor (Horror)
9. Beautiful Creatures* by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl, 6, YA (SF)
10. Raiders’ Ransom by Emily Diamand, 8, YA (SF)
11. Witch & Wizard by James Patterson & Gabrielle Charbonnet, 5, YA (Fantasy)
12. A Rush of Wings by Adrian Phoenix, 6, UF
13. In the Blood by Adrian Phoenix, 7, UF
14. Deadtown by Nancy Holzner, 7, UF

Ana:

1. The Red Wolf Conspiracy by Robert V.S. Redick, 7, Fantasy
2. Going Bovine* by Libba Bray, 8, YA (SF)
3. Beautiful Creatures* by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl, 6, YA (SF)

Ana: Hello, I’m Ana

Thea: And I’m Thea

Ana & Thea: And we’re…[Wyld Stallyns] BOOK SMUGGLERS!!!!!!!

*play facemelting riffs on air guitars*

We’ve brought you some of our favorite authors with their reflections on 2009 and plans for 2010… We’ve brought your some of our favorite bloggers with their own wonderful ‘best of’ lists… But now it’s finally time to get our own hands dirty! We have scoured our personal libraries, gone through all our reviews for the year, and we are happy to report that we finally have our final picks ready to go. The rules: the books in our lists are books that were published in 2009 and that we read and reviewed here.

Thus, we Smugglers are proud to present you with our Most Excellent Books of 2009!

ANA

Looking back at the books I read in 2009 and comparing to those I read in 2008, it is plain that there has been a huge shift in my reading habits.

Last year I read 134 books, out of which 88 were Romance Novels. This year, I read and reviewed 133 (OMG LESS books read in 2009???!! Shame on me!) books and only 37 were Romance novels. One of my New Year’s resolutions was to read more Fantasy and YA and I am happy to see that I succeeded: in fact, I read more YA than any other genre this year (39) and loads of Fantasy as well (36, if you count UF). I am pretty satisfied with the results, I feel like I read some pretty good stuff and discovered wonderful new authors and genres – I also read quite a few short stories and I have found a new appreciation for the format. If I have a New Year resolution for 2010 is to read more anthologies and short stories. On the down side, I read less Graphic Novels than I wanted, another fact I plan to rectify in 2010.

With all that in mind, my top 10 list was a pretty easy one to come up with and I think it reflects beautifully the genres I read the most this year.

Thus, my favourite reads of 2009 are, in no particular order:

Scandal by Carolyn Jewel

Review here.

Scandal is my favorite type of romance novel: all the focus on the main couple. Add to that, the fact that this is a historical about a reformed rake and voila, you have me interested from the get go. The thing that makes this one different though, is the fact that the story opens with the rake ALREADY reformed and completely in love with the girl trying to prove that he has changed. Via flashbacks, we see just how much of a rake he was in the past and the writing is so lovely, and the story is so amazing, I just loved everything about this one.

Ash by Malinda Lo

Review here.

I love fairytale retellings! Ash is based on Cinderella and I loved the writing, which I thought was very lyrical. Above all, I loved the main character Ash and her journey to happiness, battling depression and abuse till the very end, when she saves herself and find love not in the arms of a Knight in Shining Armor but in the arms of another kick-ass girl, the King’s Huntress.

Revealed by Kate Noble

Review here.

I found Kate Noble’s books this year and now I am a fan for life. Revealed is here because it has lovely writing, and an amazing pair of protagonists: a beta hero and an alpha heroine. In fact , in any other romance novel, the heroine would have been the Rival or the Villain: she is rich, beautiful and the most influential woman of the Ton, and she knows it and she loves it. Then there is this sentence that is their signature greeting “It’s just me” that made me melt pretty much every time they said it.

Fragile Eternity by Melissa Marr

Review here

One of my most anticipated reads of 2009, Fragile Eternity is Seth’s book, the one character that I loved since the first book in the series, and whose point of view we hadn’t seen. I love this fairy-human world, the struggles of all characters to fit in either or both. Complex relationships and politics and amazing writing, proves to me that Melissa Marr can do no wrong in my book.

Going Too Far by Jennifer Echols

Review here.

This one I did not see coming, it caught me by surprise and I read Going Too Far in one go, I read till I was done with it and it was well past midnight and I can’t remember the last time I did that. I was so engrossed in this love story between too youngsters in a small town : one who wanted to stay put, the other wanted to go and there were more layers to the story and to the characters than a freaking onion and the vegetable comparison is so lame and so tame when compared to the book that I am a bit ashamed of myself for using it. In any case, this is an amazing YA romance between two characters on equal footing of awesomeness and one book I loved with all my heart.

The Demon’s Lexicon by Sarah Rees Brennan

Review Here.

Now, this one, this one is here for several reasons: Nick, the unreliable narrator (just how much, you need to read it to find out); the relationship between the two brothers, Alan and Nick, (this book is about brotherly love and devotion and it is awesome); the many cool details in the story including the Goblin Market. Above all, the main reason for loving this book is the crazy chemistry I have with Sarah Rees Brennan’s writing. Plus, it has the best opening sentence of the year:

“The pipe under the sink was leaking again. It wouldn’t have been so bad except that Nick kept his favourite sword under the sink.”

Leviathan by Scott Westerfeld

Review here.

The best Steampunk novel I read this year, with all the elements that make it pure Steampunk goodness: alternate history, worldbuilding where the Steampunk elements are necessary and not only white noise. It has a mix of biology and mechanics, a great story and two great kids as the protagonists, especially the girl-who-pretends-to-be-a-boy. And Holy Barking spiders!, the book comes with wicked illustrations too!

Angels’ Blood by Nalini Singh

Review here.

I love Nalini Singh’s books and with this first in her new series, she outdid herself. Angels’ Blood is one of those books where plot meet characterization and everything is well balanced and everything just works. Elena Deveraux is my one of the strongest, most interesting female characters I have read and I loved her every single word.

Demon Forged by Meljean Brook

Review here.

Meljean Brook is another author whose writing I have crazy chemistry with. I love everything she writes and Demon Forged is her best book to date. From the amazing romance to the awesome worldbuilding where everything matters and everything has a reason. The stakes are high and the author is not afraid of showing it. This is Paranormal Romance at its best. I dare say all the nay-sayers have not read Meljean Brook’s Guardian series.

Liar by Justine Larbalestier

Review here.

Liar is one of those books that speaks directly to me but not because of the characters and story (although both are really, really good) but because of the narrative itself. I love unreliable narrators and Micah is the Ultimate Unreliable Narrator because right from the first page we know she is a compulsive liar. What comes next is an exercise of writing that begs the reader’s attention and connection in order to really work as every single line makes one wonder and doubt. This book is gripping, mind-blowing and brilliant. I Loved it.

The ones that didn’t make it:

My list would have looked quite different if I could have included books not published in 2009. By now, our regular readers must know how much I enjoyed, loved, ADORED the books below. I loved them for the amazing world building, the awesome characters and above all the incredible prose. Patrick Rothfuss’ is particularly akin to “reading beauty” (tm Kris n Good Books)

The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss

The Queen’s Thief Series by Megan Whalen Turner

Heir to Sevenwaters by Juliet Marillier

Notable Mentions:

(For other damn good books from this year, and for those not published in 2008)

Because it is so hard to narrow down to a mere top 10, we always try to mention other notable, awesome reads from 2009 or before.

For starters this was the year I discovered Brandon Sanderson, a fantastic Epic Fantasy writer, with a thing for writing kooky Magic systems. I loved his Mistborn Trilogy and Warbreaker. Speaking of Fantasy, I also loved finding out the Princess books by Jim C. Hines, they are Fantasy, fairytale retellings of the highest order with Snow White, Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty as warrior-princesses. It’s a mixture of comedy and high adventure and so much fun!

Two other that totally worthy of praise are Jasmyn by Alex Bell, a modern fairytale and Prospero Lost by L. Jagi Lamplighter, I loved both books with their somewhat unreliable narrators (it seems I used this excuse a lot this year, but I am a fan!).

On the Romance front, I need to mention my favourite contemporary romance of the year: Practice Makes Perfect by Julie James. James writes the best romantic comedies around. But in the romance genre, I really am a historical romance fan and this year I felt I was especially lucky with the ones I read. Eloisa James’s This Duchess of Mine, Loretta Chase’s Don’t Tempt Me, Julia Quinn’s What Happens in London and Meredith Duran’s Bound By Your Touch are the finest romance published in 2009.

Then, a couple of YA like Rampant by Diana Peterfreund and Lips Touch by Laini Taylor, and this is me totally cheating, because I never reviewed this one but I looooooooooove the writing like whoa and OMG.

Finally, I read only but a few short stories and graphic novels but the ones I did were quite memorable. The Dragon Book anthology with stories of luminaries of the Fantasy genre was amazing and One Con Gloryby Sarah Khun was quite possibly the most fun I ever had with a short story. As for Graphic Novels , I absolutely loved Madame Xanadu, The Walking Dead and Rapunzel’s Revenge.

Favourite characters:

2009 will be known as the year when I lost my heart over and over again to some amazing characters. Top of the list is Eugenides from Megan Whalen Turner’s Queen’s Thief Series. Oh my word! That guy is unbelievably clever and one of the most memorable characters ever. I also fell in love with Nick and Alan from The Demon’s Lexicon by Sarah Rees Brennan and their brotherly relationship. I can’t wait to read more!

But really, this year is the Year of the Awesome Female characters. Never before, I fell in love with so many of them. First there were two kick-ass warriors: Elena Deveraux from Nalini Singh’s Angels’ Blood and Irena from Meljean Brook’s Demon Forged. Then, there are: Rapunzel from the graphic novel Rapunzel’s Revenge and the three princesses from Jim C. Hines books that are strong and spunky. Equally strong but in a more quiet way, is Anna from the Alpha and Omega books by Patricia Briggs. And also, any Juliet Marillier protagonist. After reading those example of awesome female protagonists, I find myself wanting more!

Love the authors:

I developed serious author-crushes this year. I always start falling in love with the books, then I follow the white rabbit to their blogs and voila, I almost feel like a stalker because I read everything they write, be it movie reviews, book reviews, writerly stuff, etc. These authors are only but a few I discovered this year and their blogs are awesome and well worth reading:

Jim C Hines, Sarah Rees Brennan, Justine Larbalestier, Diana Peterfreund, Karen Mahoney, and Patrick Rothfuss. Plus “old” favorites Meljean Brook and Nalini Singh . Gotta love the people who bring me so much joy!

2010 Books I REALLY want.

Where do I even start?

Highest on my Most Wanted list are A Conspiracy of Kings by Megan Whalen Turner (I got the ARC! I got the ARC! Ahem), The Wise Man’s Fear by Patrick Rothfuss, Radiant Shadows by Melissa Marr, the next Sevenwaters book, Seer of Sevenwaters by Juliet Marillier, Demon Blood and the Iron Duke’s Steampunk series by Meljean Brook and The Demon’s Covenant by Sarah Rees Brennan.

I also wait with baited breath for the next in the Princess Books by Jim C Hines, Red Hood’s Revenge , Forget You by Jennifer Echols, Tome of the Undergates by Sam Sykes, Behemoth by Scott Westerfeld, Lex Trent versus the Gods by Alex Bell, Prospero in Hell by L. Jagi Lamplighter and The Way of Kings by Brandon Sanderson…

plus anything by Nalini Singh, Julie James, Julia Quinn, Eloisa James, Loretta Chase, Meredith Duran and Linnea Sinclair.

I also reserve the right to be caught by surprise by new-to-me and debut authors. There is nothing quite as amazing as finding new treasures!

2010 is looking like it’s going to be a mighty fine year for reading! I can’t wait!

THEA

I didn’t go through such a dramatic shift in reading habits as Ana as I was pretty varied to begin with, but I did read a whole lot more Young Adult this year – so that’s something! This year, I reviewed a grand total of 159 books (holy crapoly!!!!!). Of those 159 books, the most dominant genre was YA – a whopping total of 75 books reviewed were YA! I blame our YA month for the imbalance (and just in case you were wondering, of those 75 YA titles, 27 were SF, 20 were Fantasy, 11 were UF, and 11 were Horror, with the remaining 6 YA books historical/literature/graphic novels). Besides YA, I reviewed 21 Fantasy novels, 20 Urban Fantasy novels, 15 Horror titles, and a pitiful 8 Science Fiction titles (the remaining 20 books were a mix of literary fiction – mystery, thrillers, chick-lit, even 2 romance titles – and graphic novels/manga).

Pretty GD nuts, huh?

All that said, and without any further ado, here are my top 10 picks of the year…

Flood and Ark by Stephen Baxter

Review of Flood HERE; Review of Ark HERE.

I lucked out this year, as Flood was just released this fall in the US, and then shortly after Ark hit stores in the UK – and thanks to the good folks at Gollancz (and Ana in the UK), I was able to read both books in the duology within only a few short months of each other (whereas other poor folks here in the US have to wait until next year for Ark). And holy, holy crap – I’ve discovered a brand new MUST BUY author in Stephen Baxter. Flood, which tells the apocalypse by way of subterranean ocean leaking and flooding the Earth’s surface, was an awesome good novel and one I thoroughly enjoyed (even if it was a bit clinical and cut and dry). But Ark took the series to an entirely new level – it was flat out, knock my socks off fantastic, and the first (and only one of TWO books) I gave a perfect 10 rating to this year. Let me just put it this way – If I had to pick a single favorite book from 2009, it would be Stephen Baxter’s Ark.

Ark follows a group of talented young people as they try to get a spot on humanity’s last ditch effort to survive the floodwater apocalypse – through the creation of a spaceship that can travel at super-luminal speeds, in a search for an inhabitable planet elsewhere in the universe. Part military thriller, part exploration novel, and all around a compelling, haunting, and ultimately hopeful tale about the human will to survive, Ark is one damn fine book. I loved it. And I have proceeded to glom Stephen Baxter’s scifi backlist, thanks to this awesome duology.

The Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan

Reviewed HERE.

The Forest of Hands and Teeth was probably my most anticipated, lusted-after book of 2009. I had been hankering for this book since way back in 2008, when I first caught wind of the synopsis, heard the lyrical title, and saw the gorgeous cover. And wouldn’t you know it, not only did The Forest of Hands and Teeth live up to my incredibly high expectations, but it surpassed them. PLUS, author Carrie Ryan is one of the coolest cats on the web. (That’s right, I just used the phrase “cool cat” – she’s THAT awesome)

The Forest of Hands and Teeth is about a village in the woods, surrounded on all sides by fences that keep the “unconsecrated” – or zombies – out, and the humans in. But one girl dares to dream of a future beyond the fences and the rules of her strict society, and when the fences inevitably fall, she has the strength to seek out life beyond in the forest of hands and teeth. I don’t think there are words to express my love for this grim, post-apocalyptic tale – it’s a zombie novel, but like the best works of zombie fiction, it’s not so much about the undead as it is about the living. I. LOVE. THIS. BOOK. And its companion novel, The Dead-Tossed Waves is – you guessed it – my most anticipated novel of 2010.

Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins

Reviewed HERE.

Like the rest of the known universe, I was enamored with Catching Fire – in fact, I loved it even more than The Hunger Games, primarily because it finally showed me that Ms. Collins can create something new and compelling (The Hunger Games was a tad too much Battle Royale meets The Running Man meets The Long Walk for my tastes). I loved the action of this second book, I loved the government complications, the surge of rebellion in the districts of Panem, and most of all, I loved how Katniss grows in this book.

And….TEAM PEETA, for the win! I cannot wait for the third book this coming fall.

Slights by Kaaron Warren

Reviewed HERE.

As I said in my review of Slights, I don’t think I have the words to properly convey the sense of shock, of depravity, of total, awesome horror that Kaaron Warren’s debut novel from Angry Robot left me with. This is one of the most disturbing books I have read in a very long time – not since Mark Danielewski’s House of Leaves have I felt so unsettled (in the BEST way) by a book. Horrific, resonating, and profoundly sad, I loved Slights. This is horror at its absolute finest, and I wholeheartedly recommend Ms. Warren’s novel to all.

Magic Strikes by Ilona Andrews

Reviewed HERE.

It was a close call between this novel and Bone Crossed by Patricia Briggs for a spot on my top 10 – but ultimately, Magic Strikes won out because of the sheer scope of the book. In this third novel, heroine Kate Daniels goes through a LOT – she finds herself in an honest-to-goodness Arena, fighting off creatures decidedly outside the usual realm of shapeshifter/vampire/fey. The action is unparalleled, and Ms. Andrews just continues to get better with each subsequent book. I cannot wait for the next Daniels novel early next year – if it’s anything like Magic Strikes, I’ll be one happy camper.

Hunger by Michael Grant

Reviewed HERE

I started this outstanding series by Michael Grant this year, and loved both Gone (published in 2008) and Hunger immensely. Michael Grant’s FAYZ books, about a seaside California town whose inhabitants over the age of 14 all disappear one day, is the stuff Stephen King fans will salivate over. Part X-Men, part Lord of the Flies, sprinkled with a healthy dose of supernatural King-style terror, Hunger is a surprisingly gritty Young Adult novel. Don’t let the YA label fool you – there is nothing juvenile about this title. It is Grim, with a capital “G.” Heck, I loved Hunger more than I did Stephen King’s Under the Dome (a similar setup to Michael Grant’s FAYZ)! Recommended for fans of violent, dystopian style novels.

Naamah’s Kiss by Jacqueline Carey

Reviewed HERE.

It’s no secret that I am a Jacqueline Carey fangirl. The Kushiel’s Legacy books are among my favorites of All Time – if I’m stranded on a desert island, Kushiel’s Dart (or Kushiel’s Avatar) is coming with me. With Naamah’s Kiss, Ms. Carey returns to the world of Terre d’Ange, this time with a new heroine named Moirin, touched not by Kushiel but Naamah herself. Naamah’s Kiss has everything I have come to expect from Ms. Carey’s books – adventure, strong characters, breathtaking worldbuilding, love and sex, and prose so lush it makes you catch your breath in wonder. Ms. Carey takes Moirin to lands far beyond Terre d’Ange’s borders, to cultures different and familiar at the same time – and I loved every second of it. This is a no brainer for me – Naamah’s Kiss completely rocks.

Drood by Dan Simmons

Reviewed HERE.

As with Ms. Carey, it should come as no surprise that I am a huge Dan Simmons fangirl. His Hyperion cantos are among my favorite books of all time, and so when I learned he was releasing a new book this year, I was beside myself with giddiness. Drood is Simmons at his best – weaving intricate history with strong characters, solid plotting and an unmatched eye for detail. About Wilkie Collins and his jealousy and close friendship with Charles Dickens, Drood is part mystery, part horror, and captures the era and both authors flawlessly. Seriously, Dan Simmons is an author that does his homework. Another home run from Dan Simmons, as he proves again why he is one of the finest authors of ANY genre he chooses to write in.

Fire by Kristin Cashore

Reviewed HERE.

Another YA novel with the word “Fire” in the title! But seriously, Fire is a book that completely took me by surprise. I had the pleasure of reading both Graceling and this companion novel/prequel this year, and both blew me away. I loved the character of Fire, the world of “monsters” and their normal counterparts. Ms. Cashore’s second novel, in fact, appealed to me more than her debut novel did. Fire is YA Fantasy at its finest, evocative of Tamora Pierce. I love the strong heroines that she writes, and urge everyone – especially young girls dissatisfied with the wishy-washy Bellas of the YA literary landscape – to read her work.

Heart’s Blood by Juliet Marillier

Reviewed HERE.

Another no-brainer, favorite author of mine is Juliet Marillier, and her 2009 release of Heart’s Blood – a Celtic retelling of Beauty and the Beast – is another solid gold winner. Ms. Marillier, like Ms. Carey, is an author whose prose never fails to win me over. Lush, evocative, hauntingly beautiful, Heart’s Blood is no exception. I loved this smart, heartfelt retelling of a familiar fable.

Honorable Mentions (2009 Close Calls and Pre-2009 Published Favorites)

As the title suggests, this section is for favorite books read in 2009 – books that I loved but didn’t make the cut (barely), or would have made the cut if they were published this year.

I. 2009 Close Calls

I think I lucked out this year, as I read a number of really awesome memorable books. For organization’s sake, I’ve broken ‘em out by genre:

In the YA Genre, these 2009 close calls include: Eon: Dragoneye Reborn by Alison Goodman, Fragile Eternity by Melissa Marr, The Awakening by Kelley Armstrong, Forest Born by Shannon Hale, The Ask and the Answer by Patrick Ness, Rampant by Diana Peterfreund, Once Dead, Twice Shy by Kim Harrison, Blood Promise by Richelle Mead, The Maze Runner by James Dashner, Girl in the Arena by Lise Haines (a VERY narrow miss for my Top 10), and Going Bovine by Libba Bray.

In the Fantasy Genre: Santa Olivia by Jacqueline Carey, Jasmyn by Alex Bell, and Prospero Lost by L. Jagi Lamplighter top the list of 2009 published titles that I absolutely loved, but didn’t quite make the top 10.

In the UF Genre: Bone Crossed by Patricia Briggs, Rosemary and Rue by Seanan McGuire, Hunting Ground by Patricia Briggs, and Deadtown by Nancy Holzner top my favorites. I didn’t read as much UF this year as in 2008, but the genre still holds a soft spot in my heart. Seanan McGuire and Nancy Holzner are two debut UF authors that managed to completely win me over with their first in a series books, and I eagerly await for more from them. And Patricia Briggs is Patricia Briggs – her writing is AMAZING.

Finally, I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention Paranormal Romance Genre novel Angels’ Blood by Nalini Singh, and Horror Genre novel Hater by David Moody. Both took me by surprise and managed to win me over, and are definitely recommended.

II. Pre-2009 Publication Faves

Leading the pre-2009 published favorites read this year is Kazuo Ishiguro’s Never Let Me Go – the only other book (besides Ark) that I gave a 10 rating to. This is literary fiction, yes, but also falls into the realm of science fiction, about mysterious “donors” and their upbringing in an english countryside boarding school. Mr. Ishiguro has won numerous awards for his literary efforts, and Never Let Me Go showed me why he is so worthy of those accolades. Please, for the love of pete, read the book before watching the movie adaptation coming out next year. Please.

Along with Never Let Me Go the lightbook Goth by Otsuichi would easily have made my top 10 list, had it been published in 2009. Goth tells the story of two teenage sociopaths in Japan, and is a truly chilling portrayal. Another title that easily would have cracked my top 10 was delightful gothic/regency/romance/fantasy novel The Magicians and Mrs. Quent by Galen Beckett. I hadn’t seen this book reviewed anywhere, but I was so very glad I took a chance on this title.

There were a slew of pre-2009 YA titles that I read and absolutely loved this year, so I’ll just list them quickly: The Goose Girl by Shannon Hale, the Uglies series by Scott Westerfeld (Uglies, Pretties, and Specials), Genesis by Bernard Beckett, Exodus by Julie Bertagna, and Feed by M.T. Anderson. Also Wildwood Dancing and Cybelle’s Secret by Juliet Marillier were standout novels that deserve mention.

On the fantasy front, I also discovered the Mistborn trilogy by Brandon Sanderson this year, which is one of the most inventive and original epic fantasy series’ I have read, period. There also was the beautiful The Orphan’s Tales: In the Night Garden by Catherynne Valente that blew me away. Finally, The Bell at Sealey Head by Patricia McKillip was another solid winner that I truly loved and wholeheartedly recommend.

Favorite Characters:

I didn’t discover anyone as lovely as Miles Vorkosigan or Amelia Peabody this year, but I did read a number of YA protagonists that totally won me over. Perhaps most winsome of them all are Todd and Viola from Patrick Ness’s incredible/awesome/insert superlative Chaos Walking series, The Knife of Never Letting Go and The Ask and the Answer. I love these two characters so very much; I root for them like no other pair that I can think of in an ongoing series. So, they get my vote!

New Authors:

2009 was another great year for new-to-me authors – topping the list has to be Diana Peterfreund, author of the excellent Secret Society Girl series (which I *will* get around to finishing soon) and the awesome Rampant, a new YA series about killer unicorns and the girls that slay them. Diana is not only a fabulous author, she’s also really friendly, she’s allowed us to bug her for interviews and guest posts, and she also shares the love for Christopher Pike. Another autobuy author I discovered this year is Brandon Sanderson – his Mistborn books blew me away, and his 2009 release, Warbreaker wasn’t too shabby either. He’s definitely an author I will be looking out for in the future.

Finally, there’s the ineffable Stephen Baxter. Man, I loved Ark with every fiber of my being – so much so that I am currently glomming his backlist (I just finished Moonseed which was also absofreakinglutely phenomenal – another one for the keeper shelf. Next up is Titan – I love me some apocalyptic-toned scifi!). This guy’s writing just does it for me.

2010 Books I Cannot Wait to Read:

Oh, the list is long indeed. I suppose I should set a reading goal for next year – and that is READ MORE SCIENCE FICTION. It’s a genre I love (hell, my favorite two books of 2009 were scifi titles), and there’s no excuse for my deficiency in this area. So, if there are any scifi titles you have to recommend, please let me know! I’m all ears.

Monsters of Men by Patrick Ness – The dramatic final novel in the Chaos Walking series. The Ask and the Answer kicked my ass – I cannot wait to see what Mr. Ness has in store for Todd and Viola in this third book.

The Dead-Tossed Waves by Carrie Ryan – Given my big love for The Forest of Hands and Teeth this is – if you’ll pardon my lame puns – a no-brainer! Seriously, love Carrie Ryan’s writing, and cannot wait for this title. The covers are gorgeous too.

Lies by Michael Grant – Again, given my love for Gone and Hunger, it should come as no surprise that this third book in the planned 7 book series is on my most anticipated of 2010 list.

Silver Borne by Patricia Briggs – Patricia Briggs freaking rules. Mercy Thompson is one of my favorite UF heroines for a reason, and I cannot wait for more of her in Silver Borne.

Magic Bleeds by Ilona Andrews – Again, given my love for Magic Strikes this is an autobuy for me. Love Kate and Curran, and cannot wait to see where Ms. Andrews takes them next! (Although what is with these stupid “Guaranteed Good Read!” stickers on books? Who do publishers think they are fooling? They just look tacky)

The Wise Man’s Fear by Patrick Rothfuss – I read The Name of the Wind this year as part of our “What She Said” feature, and I loved it. So, I, along with the rest of the fantasy reading world, will be anxiously hoping for The Wise Man’s Fear in 2010.

This World We Live In by Susan Beth Pfeffer – OMG. Probably my MOST highly anticipated book of 2010 – I *loved* with the force of a thousand suns the first two books in Ms. Pfeffer’s Moon Crush trilogy (Life as we Knew it and the dead and the gone were my two favorite reads of 2008), so I am on tenterhooks waiting for this third volume. EEEEEE! The cover gives me goosebumps.

Mr. Shivers by Robert Jackson Bennett – I have heard nothing but Good Things about this upcoming title, and hey, I even have an ARC. I cannot freaking wait to dive in. (Plus, I hate to be shallow, but how awesome is that cover??)

Horns by Joe Hill – I really, really enjoyed his debut novel Heart-Shaped Box, and being the son of Stephen King and all, I’m partial towards Mr. Hill. Horns looks to be a fantastic read, and I have high hopes. AND I have an ARC that I am just dying to start ripping through…

The Line by Teri Hall – Talk about BUZZ, this book is all over the blogosphere. The cover is gorgeous, the title mysterious and atmospheric, and the synopsis sounds like it’s a book right up Thea Alley. I cannot wait.

Black Magic Sanction and Early to Death, Early to Rise by Kim Harrison

I was a little bit disappointed with White Witch, Black Curse, the newest entry in Kim Harrison’s otherwise near-flawless The Hollows series. BUT, I still have high hopes for the next Rachel Morgan. And I absolutely loved Once Dead, Twice Shy, Ms. Harrison’s YA entry – and I eagerly await Madison Avery’s next novel.

Spirit Bound by Richelle Mead – Richelle Mead’s Vampire Academy books are among my favorite YA Vampire series’ – and given the number of YA Vampires out there, that’s saying a LOT. Forget the poorly written (and brain numbingly idiotic) Twilight, because it is all about Rose. And Adrian.

The Reckoning by Kelley Armstrong – The Summoning (book 1 in the Darkest Powers series) didn’t really wow me, but I was pleasantly surprised by The Awakening this year. Chloe and Derek are a wonderful couple, and I am eager to see where The Reckoning takes them.

Naamah’s Curse by Jacqueline Carey – Come on. Jacqueline Carey. Book 2 in Moirin’s story. No. Brainer.

Walking the Tree by Kaaron Warren – I loved Slights so very much, and was incredibly impressed with Kaaron Warren. So, it goes without saying that I will most certainly read her next book – which happens to be fantasy title, Walking the Tree, again from Angry Robot.

Prospero in Hell by L. Jagi Lamplighter – I was so delighted with Prospero Lost, and I wish everyone would run out and purchase it. Seriously, smart, funny, well-researched and impeccably written. THIS is Urban Fantasy like you’ve never seen it before – and I want more Miranda and Mab!

The Way of Kings by Brandon Sanderson – The new Brandon Sanderson, first of a planned 10 book series, is an investment (both emotionally and economically). But it’s one I’m ready to make. Come on, The Way of Kings!

Eona: The Last Dragoneye by Alison Goodman – I loved Eon: Dragoneye reborn very, very much. Though there were predictable elements, it reminded me of all the things I loved in Tamora Pierce’s Alanna books and Lian Hearn’s Tales of the Otori. This is an action filled YA fantasy that took me by surprise, and has me impatiently waiting for the next book.

The Third book in Suzanne Collins’ Hunger Games series – Seriously. Is it October yet? I NEED TO KNOW WHAT HAPPENS, DAMMIT!

Seer of Sevenwaters by Juliet Marillier – A new Sevenwaters book!!! I am going into paroxysms of glee!

And with that we, your Friendly Neighborhood Book Smugglers, bid you so long, farewell, au revoir, see you in 2010!

And be Excellent to Each Other, dudes!

Welcome to Smugglivus – Day 24!

Throughout this month, we will have daily guests – authors and bloggers alike – looking back at their favorite reads of 2009, and looking forward to events and upcoming books in 2010.

Today’s Guest: Angie of the Young Adult/Fantasy/Speculative Fiction review blog Angieville. Angie runs one of our very favorite blogs, and has a knack for picking up and reviewing books that both of us Smugglers love. She’s one of our go-to sites for book ideas – if Angie likes it, chances are, we will love it too!

Please give a hand to Angie!

Best Performance by a Heroine in a Recurring Role: Kate Daniels for Magic Strikes Kate just gets cooler and tougher and couldn’t stop taunting the Beast Lord to save her life. My kind of girl, is Kate.

Best Debut Performance by a Heroine in a Leading Role: Lyn for Girl in the Arena

She’s the daughter of seven gladiators. She loves her family and is true to herself, while refusing to perpetuate a suffocatingly rigid social system. I couldn’t tear my eyes away from Lyn.

Best Performance by a Hero in a Recurring Role: Curran for Magic Strikes

It’s just that he’s Curran. And he’s so furry and cocky and implacable. And out of his mind over Kate. Love the guy. Love, love, love him.

Best Debut Performance by a Hero in a Leading Role: Brigan for Fire

Because if you’re looking for still waters run deep, look no further. His iron self-control and constant putting of duty and family before any personal desires…well, in Kristin Cashore’s capable hands, he’s utterly spellbinding.

Best Performance by an Antihero in a Leading Role: Nick for The Demon’s Lexicon

Talk about the definition of an antihero. Nicholas Ryves takes the cake, my friends. You love him, you hate him, you love to hate him. And his relationship with his big brother Alan will melt your heart. See if it doesn’t.

Best Performance by a Villain: President Snow for Catching Fire

The dude smells like blood and roses and I can’t read a scene he’s in without gagging. Seriously. What is wrong with him?

Best Performance by a Vampire in a Supporting Role: Stefan for Bone Crossed

Stefan is just, hands down, my favorite vampire around. He smells like popcorn and drives a VW bus painted like the Mystery Machine and he absolutely made Bone Crossed. I hope Mercy gives Marsilia what she deserves one of these days. For Stefan.

Best Series Finale: Diana Peterfreund for Tap & Gown

For never dropping the ball and coming through in every way that matters and more. Tap & Gown is the perfect ending to a ridiculously entertaining series. How many of those have you read?

Best Packaging: Arthur A. Levine Books for Marcelo in the Real World

I just love it. Better yet, its inside is every bit as breathtaking as its outside. And that is saying something.

Best Kiss: Lady Julia Grey and Mr. Nicholas Brisbane for Silent on the Moor

These two are three books in now and the tension…let’s just say it remains high. Part of it can be chalked up to how well-suited they are to one another and part of it is just that Ms. Raybourn can infuse a scene with Victorian heat like nobody’s business.

And last, but not least…

Best Author Pimping: My booktwin and dear friend Martha for her tireless and heartfelt pimping of Megan Whalen Turner’s Queen’s Thief series: The Thief, The Queen of Attolia, and The King of Attolia

Thank you, Martha. What can I say? I should have listened to you earlier. I have seen the error of my ways and will never delay reading a book you rave about ever again. This series instantaneously skyrocketed to the top of my beloved bookshelf and Turner is an absolute storytelling master. Highly recommended for fans of Robin McKinley, Kristin Cashore, and Sherwood Smith.

As for my 2010 Must Be Mine list…I’m gonna leave you with my top 15 most anticipated titles. They hail from 3 new-to-me authors and 12 near-and-dear ones. The list is comprised of 8 YAs (4 fantasy, 2 urban fantasy, 1 dystopian, and 1 contemporary), 3 urban fantasies, 3 straight fantasies, 1 historical mystery, and is top to bottom made of awesome. Shiny, no? Here they are in order of publication date:

Finnikin of the Rock by Melina Marchetta

In a world of fever camps, wandering exiles, and cursed kingdoms, young Finnikin joins forces with the reckless Evanjalin in a bid to save the land of Lumatere from the evil that threatens to swallow it. After the wonder that was Jellicoe Road, I will read anything the woman writes. Due out February 9

The Dead Travel Fast by Deanna Raybourn

A young woman leaves Scotland, bound for Roumania to visit a friend and write her book. There she encounters the mysterious Count Dragulescu and, well, really, need I say more? Due out March 1

A Conspiracy of Kings by Megan Whalen Turner

The long-awaited fourth novel in the beloved Queen’s Thief series. This one follows Sophos as he fights his way to take his place as the heir to Sounis. Confession: I’m 100 pages into my ARC and it is, in a word, sublime. Due out March 23

Brightly Woven by Alexandra Bracken

A land beset by storms and quakes, a mysterious wizard who brings rain, and a young woman stolen from her home who may hold the key to it all…I am so there. Due out March 23

Silver Borne by Patricia Briggs

Fifth Mercy Thompson novel. ‘Nuff said. Due out March 30

Rules of Attraction by Simone Elkeles

The unexpected but delightfully welcome sequel to Perfect Chemistry. This one follows Alex’s little brother Carlos. I enjoyed the hell out of the first book and can’t wait for the follow-up. Plus, that cover? Smokin! Due out April 13

Mistwood by Leah Cypess

A young girl has lost her memory. A desperate prince risks everything on the mere hope she is who he believes her to be. Forced to return to a place she once fled, amid scheming and lies, Isabel struggles to determine who she used to be and what she must become. Due out April 17

Lord of the Changing Winds by Rachel Neumeier

First in the Griffin Mage trilogy. The griffins are coming, bringing fire and desert in their wake. The king prepares for battle to protect his land. Meanwhile a young girl is summoned to heal the Griffin King and her awakening abilities lead her to the truth behind their sudden flight. Due out April 27

Magic Bleeds by Ilona Andrews

The fourth Kate Daniels book. Ilona and Gordon knocked it out of the park with Magic Strikes and I’m just not sure I’m gonna make it until May. Thank goodness for re-reading, right? Due out May 25

White Cat by Holly Black

The first in the Curse Workers trilogy, it’s about a boy named Cassel and takes place in a private boarding school, features a family of grifters, and is about curse magic. Oh, and a white cat. And is a fairy tale retelling. And it will be mine. Due out May 4

No covers quite yet on the rest of these, but keep your eye out because they are definitely not to be missed.

Heroes Return by Moira J. Moore

The fifth Heroes book featuring the lovable Source & Shield duo: Taro & Lee. Due out July 27

Bring on the Night by Jeri Smith-Ready

This series is #3 in my top favorite urban fantasies. I just love how smooth the writing is and finding out what happens to Ciara and Shane and the gang in the next WVMP Radio installment. Due out August 1

The untitled Hunger Games Book 3 by Suzanne Collins

I have no idea how it’s all going to play out but I can tell you one thing. Katniss better knock some heads together in this one because I am THIS CLOSE to losing it. Grrr. Due out August 24

Ascendant by Diana Peterfreund

The second Killer Unicorns book (I just love saying that) and the sequel to Rampant. Peterfreund is one of my very favorite authors and I, for one, am looking forward to more Astrid, more Giovanni, more Phil, and more Bucephalus! Due out September 21

Seer of Sevenwaters by Juliet Marillier

The sequel to the lovely Heir to Sevenwaters. This one is Sibeal’s book and one I’ve been waiting for for a long time. If you’ve never read any Marillier before, you have until December to pick up Daughter of the Forest and discover the splendiferousness for yourself. Janicu–I’m lookin’ at you. Due out December

That’s it for me. Thanks for having me, Smugglers! I’m off to track down some hot cider and wrap the last few presents. Thanks for stopping in this Christmas Eve and I hope your holidays are filled with good cheer and good books!

Thank you, Angie!!!

Next on Smugglivus: Doug Knipe, aka SciFiGuy