Title: Passing Strange

Author: Daniel Waters

Genre: Horror, Young Adult, Speculative Fiction

Publisher: Disney/Hyperion (US) / Simon & Schuster (UK)
Publication Date: June 2010 (US & UK)
Hardcover: 400 pages

Karen DeSonne is used to pretending to be something she’s not. All her life, she’s passed as a normal all-American teenager; with her friends, with her???? family, and at school. Passing cost her the love of her life. And now that Karen’s dead, she’s still passing – this time, as alive.

Meanwhile, Karen’s dead friends have been fingered in a high-profile murder, causing a new round of anti-zombie regulations that have forced nearly all of Oakvale’s undead into hiding. Karen soon learns that the “murder” was a hoax, staged by Pete Martinsburg and his bioist zealots. Obtaining enough evidence to expose the fraud and prove her friends’ innocence means doing the unthinkable: betraying her love by becoming Pete’s girlfriend. Karen’s only hope is that the enemy never realizes who she really is – because the consequences would be even worse than death.

Stand alone or series: Book 3 of the Generation Dead series

How did I get this book: Review copy from the UK Publisher

Why did I read this book: Author Daniel Waters is a Smuggler favorite – his Generation Dead series keeps getting better (I loved both Generation Dead and Kiss of Life), so when we were offered a copy of Passing Strange, it was a no brainer. No pun intended.

Review:

Passing Strange opens with a new perspective: Karen DeSonne. Beautiful. Confident. Zombie. In a departure from the dominant perspectives of Phoebe Kendall and Adam Layman, Karen’s story is every bit as haunting and beautiful as the prior two books. Ever since Generation Dead I have been intrigued by this beautiful, confident zombie – especially since we learned that she was a teen suicide, and suicides never come back. At least, they never did before Karen. But Karen is…different. Passing Strange is Karen’s story – about her feelings, her depression, the events leading to her suicide, and the hard months after she has come back as a teen zombie (as you might guess, relationships with her parents and sister, her mother especially, are strained). These revelations and insights to Karen’s character are well worth the two book wait – Mr. Waters handles Karen’s depression, suicide, and her relationships with the honesty and respect they deserve. Karen’s inner voice (before this book completely unheard) is beautifully detailed, spunky, and…well, so Karen.

While this is a character focused book, a revelations book, it also advances the overall series arc – tying up loose ends, especially where bigotry and opposition to the “differently biotic” are concerned, especially through the character of Pete Martinsburg. In Passing Strange, Karen decides to “pass” as human (with the aid of contact lenses, a little hair dye, and her almost-human fast reflexes) by holding a normal job at the mall. And, when she notices Pete Martinsburg (the bully that made hell of Tommy’s time on the football team, the same venomous bigot that killed Adam Layman, the same anti-zombie zealot suspected of framing the undead for numerous attacks and even deaths) checking her out – unbeknownst to him that she is in fact Karen and a zombie – she makes a decision. Karen has long suspected Pete and his meathead friends of impersonating the undead, framing them for the murder of a lawyer, and she sees a valuable opportunity. Under the fake name Christie, Karen begins to date Martinsburg – and what she discovers he has planned next is nothing short of terrifying. Karen must earn Pete’s trust and stop his next plan, but at great risk – for if Pete discovers Karen’s true identity, she will be re-terminated. Permanently. From a plotting perspective, there’s a lot going on with Passing Strange and I was pleased with the general progression of the story (and, as I mentioned above, with the change in point of view). While the plotting is a little on the melodramatic side, it is because of the strength of the characters that the novel – that the series, really – works. Karen, as mentioned before, is exquisite as a narrator, sounding very distinct from Phoebe, but ever as endearing as a heroine.

And then, the other two characters we learn a lot more about in this novel are Pete Martinsburg himself, and the fearsome zombie Takayuki – and both characters are extraordinary. Pete is a loathsome, vile excuse for a human being. His past actions and his vitriol in this book make him an easy character to hate – but I love that Mr. Waters gives him a depth, a certain understanding that even if it does not excuse his behavior, it explains how he has become the way he is. We’ve already heard about Pete’s lost love, Julie, in prior books, but in Passing Strange in his relationship with Karen/Christie, more of those layers are peeled back, and we see how broken Pete is, how misdirected his anger and impotence. I’ll never like Martinsburg, but I can understand him – and I think that was Daniel Waters’ point with this complicated character. The same goes for Karen’s friend, the troubled Takayuki. Misguided and angry in his own way, Tak and his band of followers deal with the continued survival of the zombies in the small Connecticut town – whatever the consequences. Tak’s revelation in this book isn’t entirely unexpected, but touching nonetheless. He’s a character I always felt a little wary and a little cold towards, but Passing Strange examines his feelings and reasons beautifully too.

One more thing – I love the parallels Mr. Waters draws here with Karen’s “passing” for a living teen. It is an intriguing concept, with obvious parallels – I’m thinking of “passing” in the racial sense. Karen’s narrative reminded me in some ways of Passing by Nella Larsen; although Karen’s decision to pose as a living teen has different motivations than Irene’s in that novel. Essentially, Mr. Waters’ series *is* a book about tolerance and injustice, suppressed rage and hope and fear and love, and these books, Passing Strange in particular, mimic a familiar history with Tommy spreading his message of equality and understanding, marching on Washington D.C., Karen passing for the living, taking a job, even fooling a boy. For this reason (along with Daniel Waters’ solid writing and complex characterizations), Generation Dead remains one of my favorite paranormal YA series’, and I cannot recommend it enough.

Notable Quotes/Parts: No official excerpt is up for the book, but you can check out author Daniel Waters’ blog, the UK Facebook page, and UK publisher page for more information about this awesome book.

Additional Thoughts: I mentioned Passing by Nella Larson above, and I do think it is an apt book to keep in mind when reading Mr. Waters’ work (his zombie metaphor is a solid one). Here’s the skinny on Passing:

Married to a successful physician and prominently ensconced in Harlem’s vibrant society of the 1920s, Irene Redfield leads a charmed existence-until she is shaken out of it by a chance encounter with a childhood friend. Clare Kendry has been “passing for white,” hiding her true identity from everyone, including her racist husband. Clare and her dangerous secret pose an increasingly powerful threat to Irene’s security, forcing both women to confront the hazards of public and private deception. An important figure in the Harlem Renaissance, Nella Larsen was the first African-American woman to be awarded a Guggenheim fellowship. Her fictional portraits of women seeking their identities through a fog of racial confusion were informed by her own Danish-West Indian parentage, and Passing offers fascinating psychological insights into issues of race and gender.

Rating: 8 – Excellent

Reading Next: East by Edith Pattou

Title: Early to Death, Early to Rise

Author: Kim Harrison

Genre: Urban Fantasy, Young Adult

Publisher: Harper Teen
Publication Date: May 2010
Hardcover: 240 Pages

Seventeen, dead, and in charge of heaven’s dark angels—all itching to kill someone.

Madison Avery’s dreams of ever fitting in at her new school died when she did. Especially since she was able to maintain the illusion of a body, deal with a pesky guardian angel, and oh yeah, bring the reaper who killed her to his untimely end. Not exactly in-crowd material. It’s amazing that her crush, Josh, doesn’t think she’s totally nuts.

Now Madison has learned that she’s the dark timekeeper, in charge of angels who follow the murky guidelines of fate. Never one to abide by the rules, she decides it’s time for a major change to the system. With the help of some unlikely allies, Madison forms a rogue group of reapers who definitely don’t adhere to the rules of the heavens.

But as she grapples with the terrifying new skills that come with being a timekeeper, Madison realizes she may not be prepared for what lies ahead—unless she gets some seriously divine intervention.

Stand alone or series: Book 2 in the ongoing Madison Avery series

How did I get this book: Review copy from the publisher

Why did I read this book: Are you kidding me? I *love* Kim Harrison. Her ridiculously fast-paced and action-crammed books are insanely addictive – it’s for that reason that the Rachel Morgan/Hollows series is among favorite UF series’. And, I am ecstatic to report that her YA books, following a dark time keeper named Madison Avery, fits the same mold. I loved Once Dead, Twice Shy, and could not wait for this second book.

Review:

Seventeen year-old Madison Avery has the job of a lifetime – well, several lifetimes. Tricked into a state of dead limbo with her human body nowhere to be found, Madison has inherited the role of Dark Timekeeper – that is, she is one of two diametrically opposed humans with the power to discern the fabric of time. As Dark Timekeeper, Madison technically works on the side of “Fate”; her job is to identify “marks” and to scythe their souls before they commit whatever heinous evil deeds they are destined to commit. At every step of the way, the Light Timekeeper will try to thwart her efforts, as they believe in the power of human choice (even if those choices lead to mass murders or other atrocities).

But here’s the rub – Madison might be working on the side of Fate, but she believes in the power of choice, too. Dedicated to make a difference and to find a balance between the two opposed ideals, Madison will try to find a different way to deal with “marks” (that don’t involve giving them a ‘get-out-of-death-free’ card in the form of an infallible guardian angel like the Light Timekeeper would do, or preemptively scything – killing – the mark’s soul). Madison’s first official mark as Dark Timekeeper is the biggest test of her young (un)life. Not only does she have to find her target before ruthless Light Timekeeper Chronos does, she also has to convince the mark to change his mind about committing his crime AND she’s got to do it working with two angels that just can’t get along, Barnabus (a “fallen” light angel for his trust and belief in Madison’s desire to change the way things are done) and Nakita (a dark angel that has become something…more, because Madison allowed her to experience true, mortal fear).

This second full-length Madison Avery book is, in a word, fantastic. Kim Harrison is at her best with this engaging and surprisingly thought-provoking series. While Madison’s personal life (and death) was much of the fun, lighter impetus behind the first short story and the first novel, in Early to Death, Early to Rise, things take a more serious, thematic-centric turn. One thing I love about Kim Harrison’s books (both her fantasy novels and in her Hollows series) is how she builds upon prior storylines and expands her universes with each additional novel in the series – and Early to Death, Early to Rise continues in this tradition. In Once Dead, Twice Shy, we learn that there is an ancient game, a realm of angelic interference beyond our human perception, run by two opposing sides – Light and Dark (not to be confused with “Good” and “Evil” or “God” and “The Devil” or anything nearly so simplistic). In Early to Death, Early to Rise, this division is examined more closely, and the lines and roles of the Light and Dark timekeepers become wonderfully blurred. At this novel’s heart is the age-old dilemma: Free Will or Fate? (In the huge gaping maw that the absence of LOST has left in my life, I have an even larger appreciation for books that try to tackle this dichotomy) Ms. Harrison handles the question effortlessly, avoiding some simplistic black or white answer for a combination of the two in shades of gray where destiny and choice mingle and coexist. In addition to the thematic depth, there’s also an expansion on Madison’s story – just how she became Dark Timekeeper (Chronos’ intervention) and what her limitations are since she’s not exactly alive anymore. There are some interesting developments, and underlying the larger, central storyline, there are Madison’s doubts about being able to actually do this job, and the slow-simmering plot seed of her need to find her human body and become fully alive again.

Madison’s character goes through a lot here in this second book, developing and growing as a heroine. She struggles to find balance in a world set on polarized opposites, and she learns that while something sounds great in theory, putting compromise into practice is a much harder thing to do. There are also smaller, quieter moments in this book that won me over – there are moments of lightheartedness intermingled with sadness, lending a genuine quality to Madison as a narrator and a real person. Her inability to eat, for example, is wistful and funny – but it also means that Madison has to continue lying to her father (she can’t exactly out and tell him her body is a corporeal one, and as such she cannot eat food). Little things like that.

As for the other characters, they too grow and change – which is a big deal for immortal, supposedly immutable characters. Barnabus has undergone the most dramatic shift, falling from Chronos’ right hand man to join Madison’s quest (and seriously, who doesn’t love Barnabus?!), but Nikita makes an awesome sidekick here. My only minor criticism of the characters are how familiar a few of them are. Nikita is SO Ivy and Grace reminiscent of Jenks (for those of you that have read the Rachel Morgan books), but does it matter when I love Nikita’s dark, tortured edge or Grace’s awful limericks? I’m willing to overlook those similarities because, well, these characters are so damn compelling anyways. Even the singleminded Chronos (ahem, Trent Kalamack?) works wonderfully because of how convinced he is that his way is the ONLY way. In fact,the only character that took a backseat here was that of Madison’s would-be boyfriend, Josh. But…that’s ok, because not everything has to be a love story (at least, in my mind, it was perfectly cool).

Overall? Early to Death, Early to Rise is yet another winner from Kim Harrison – even better than Once Dead, Twice Shy, and with tantalizing implications for the future. I cannot wait for the next book! Absolutely recommended.

Notable Quotes/Parts: Thanks to Harper Teen’s Browse Inside feature, you can read the first 70 pages of Early to Death, Early to Rise for free! Check it out:

Additional Thoughts: I am a sucker for extras, so check out the trailer:

Also, this year Harper Teen returns to its “Supernatural Summer” event – including book tours, giveaways, and a TON of awesome extras. I highly recommend you check it out, along with some of their other exciting YA titles.

Rating: 7 – Very Good

Reading Next: Passing Strange by Daniel Waters

GIVEAWAY DETAILS:

We have TWO copies of Early to Death, Early to Rise up for grabs! The contest is open to residents of the US and Canada ONLY, and will run until Saturday July 31 at 11:59 PM (PST). To enter, simply leave a comment here letting us know where you fall on the spectrum – Light Timekeeper (choice?) or Dark Timekeeper (fate). ONLY ONE ENTRY PER PERSON – multiple entries from the same IP address will be disqualified. Good luck!

Title: Kiss me Deadly

Author: Edited by Trish Telep with 13 contributors (listed below)

Genre: YA/Paranormal

Publisher: Running Press Kids
Publication Date: August 3, 2010
Paperback: 432 pages

If you can possibly thirst for more mysterious metaphysical accounts of love, Trisha Telep has organized some of the greatest and most thrilling tales of paranormal paramours since The Eternal Kiss. She presents the acclaimed literary talent of thirteen unique authors, creating a collection of stories that will undoubtedly capture the imagination of every soul who dares to read them. Werewolves, ghosts, zombies, vampires, and fallen angels drive the plot of these riveting romances.

Kiss Me Deadly includes the exceptional writings of several authors, including:

• Sarah Rees Brennan (faeries)
• Becca Fitzpatrick (angels)
• Caitlin Kittredge (witches)
• Karen Mahoney (vampires: sequel to story from The Eternal Kiss)
• Daniel Marks (ghost kids)
• Justine Musk (sorcerers)
• Diana Peterfreund (unicorns)
• Michelle Rowen (demons)
• Carrie Ryan (zombies)
• Maggie Stiefvater (werewolves)
• Rachel Vincent (banshees)
• Daniel Waters (zombies)
• Michelle Zink (gothic ghosts)

Why did I read this book: I loved Telep’s previous anthology, The Eternal Kiss and had been waiting for this one anxiously.

How did I get this book: I got an ARC at BEA

Review:

Kiss Me Deadly is an anthology with all new stories by several YA authors, some of them new-to-me. It is edited by Trisha Telep who also edited The Eternal Kiss anthology published last year. I read (and reviewed) The Eternal Kiss and was extremely impressed by the quality of the stories and it was a no-brainer that I would be picking up this new one as well. As with its predecessor, this new anthology has a well-balanced collection of short stories. Out of the 12 stories I read (the collection is supposed to have 13, but my ARC did not contain the story by Becca Fitzpatrick, which will only be a part of the finished product) , one I intensely disliked, 3 I enjoyed to a certain extent and the remaining 8 were, for lack of a better word, completely and totally awesome.

I find myself more and more attracted to short stories these days: a completely different animal from a novel, yet still a perfectly viable form of storytelling. I would even say that when a short story is good, it is really good and I admire authors who can write both shorts and full-length novels. The feeling I had reading those 8 stories aforementioned was that the authors took their time really thinking about them. Diana Peterfreund’s, Carrie Ryan’s and Dan Water’s for example are set in the same world as their full length novels but can be perfectly read as stand alone, because the world-building was less important than the characters and story. This is not to say that attention was not given to the background, it is just that it was integrated in the stories in a way that it never overshadowed the storytelling. It this vein, it didn’t matter to me that I never read a Dan Water novel before, because everything I needed to know about his world came from his main character’s feelings (and I have to say that now I completely understand why Thea is bananas about both Carrie Ryan and Dan Waters’ books) .

A final word before I proceed to examine each story on its own. The Eternal Kiss had a “theme” as all stories had vampires in them. Kiss Me Deadly is supposed to be about “paranormal love” , except that I think this description builds a certain expectation that all stories will be about romantic love when they are not. All stories are paranormal stories, with a great diversity of paranormal creatures and within different genres too but I can’t say that romance is a thread that links all of them and some of them don’t have romance at all. “Love” makes an appearance in the majority of stories, but it can be parental love or the love of a nun for her unicorn. I would go as far as to say that the stories that are supposed to be the most romantic ones are the weakest ones in my opinion – if there is one thing that is really hard to build in the confines of a short story is a believable romance.

Having said that, the stories as they appear in the anthology are:

The Assassin’s Apprentice by Michelle Zink

Rose comes from a long line of Descendants (from Angels) and her entire family has been killed by a demon. Bent on revenge, she is about to attack said demon when she comes across an Assassin’s Apprentice named Asher with whom she forms an alliance. Assassin are usually in charge of protecting the Descendants but Rose is fully capable of taking care of herself, thanks very much. I thought this story had an interesting premise and mythology although the historical setting was not in depth enough for me to know when it was set exactly. I like Rose as protagonist, but felt the romance that started between her and Asher too rushed and artificial, almost like an after-thought to the story. 6 out of 10

Errant by Diana Peterfreund

Part of Peterfreund’s Unicorn Hunters series, Errant is set in the 18th century French when a nun , sister Gitta (a Unicorn Hunter) , accompanied by her unicorn, arrives at a chateau just before the wedding of a girl named Eloise. As part of the celebration, a traditional Unicorn Hunt is to be enacted with Gitta’s help. This story is excellent as it develops, quite well these two characters. Starting with animosity from Gitta’s side – her frustration with these people and this girl who know nothing about tradition and sacrifice, expect yes, yes she does and Gitta slowly realises that and the relationship that builds between the two girls is incredible. There is a communion of spirits between them (and the unicorn) and I would like to use the author’s own words to describe this story:

18th century French feminist killer unicorn story about a nun and a bride and a forest full of monsters.

Perfect. 8 out of 10

The Spirit Jar by Karen Mahoney

This story by Karen Mahoney once again follows her character, the vampire Moth which was introduced in a story in The Eternal Kiss anthology in her struggle to get rid of her Maker, Theo. She keeps going on missions to rescue certain objects for Theo in the hope that one enough difficult missions will buy her freedom. This time around, she travels to London after a book when she meets a part-djinn boy named Adam who is also after the book – he needs it to release his girlfriend’s soul who is entrapped in a spirit jar. Moth is conflicted as to whether help him or just get the book and go away – is she Moth or is she still Marie, the girl she used to be? I loved Moth when I first read about her and I loved her even more here with her reluctant (or is it?) willingness to help the boy. 8 out of 10.

Lost by Justine Musk

I love the opening lines of this story:

“I’ve always been good at finding lost things, but three weeks after a car accident dumped my best friend in a coma, I was the thing that felt lost. And nobody knew where to find me.
Except for one person.”

This is a bittersweet, quite dark-ish tale, a remaining of a well known (and to me, well-loved) Greek myth, which I will leave unspoiled as part of the fun in this story is to slowly realise together with Sasha, the main character, what is her role. Although I liked the premise and enjoyed the writing, I felt that on this case the short format did not help, a longer story was needed to properly develop this. It does work as a teaser though and I would definitely be more interested in learning more. 7 out of 10.

The Spy Who Never Grew Up by Sarah Rees Brennan

It is no surprise that Sarah Rees Brennan, the author of the Demon Lexicon series is one of my favourite writers right now. This story is another reason why. It is funny and terminally clever and maybe even creepy. Peter Pan has been co-opted by the Queen of England to become a spy for the Country in exchange for a “mother” who turns out to be Wendy’s great-great granddaughter.

What I ADORE about this story is how the author totally, completely “gets” Peter Pan. From

“To die for your country,” said Peter. ” “Would that be an awfully big adventure?”

to his creepiness evidenced here by how he has sort of grown up a little bit yet he still has his baby teeth and his need for a mother, any mother. I loved how the girl has been prepared by generations of girls who have been used by Peter and when she faces him it is with a pepper spray in hand. But the thing about Peter Pan, the boy who never grow up (that’s because he has no memories) is how terribly titillating the promise of adventure with him is. Plus you guys: NINJA FAIRIES. Seriously.

“The name’s Pan,” said Peter, who I must admit was showing off. “Peter Pan.”
Neither of them was really on their best behaviour. Spies rarely are.
“What will you have?” asked the bartender.
“Martini,” said Ivana. “shaken, not stirred.”
“Milk,” said Peter. “Warm, not hot.”

8 out of 10 and possibly my favourite story.

Behind the Red Door by Caitlin Kittredge

Small town boredom leads the main character Jo to be dared by her friends to visit decrepit Ash House where she meets the ghost of a boy named Nicholas Day with whom she starts a relationship – which ends up consuming her thoughts. This is part proper ghost story – terrifying and sad – part coming of age as Jo needs to decide what she wants for her life. I loved it. 7 out 10.

Hare Moon by Carrie Ryan

This is definitely another favourite. It is part of Carrie Ryan’s Forest of Hands and Teeth series. I have yet to follow this series but Thea is a HUGE fan and now I understand why. This story follows a girl named Tabitha, trapped in a village surrounded by zombies torn between the mysteries of the outside world and the possibility of love and sex with a boy from another village and her duty. The writing is evocative and beautiful about a very fundamental conflict between love and duty, history and memory and choices. 8 out of 10.

Familiar by Michelle Rowan

A story a reluctant teenage witch who, prompted by her mother, must pick a familiar. She chooses a kitten who turns out to be a shape shifter boy hiding from a clan of werewolves. Witches and their familiar are magically bonded and the bond on this case, the bond is created between the two kids – with eventually extrapolated into a romantic bond and in this case, wholly artificial. I was unimpressed by this story. 5 out of 10.

Fearless by Rachel Vincent

Part of her Soul Screamers series, and the only story in the anthology that seems to be connected with the rest of the series it belongs to. It is set about two years before the first book starts. It follows Sabine, a mara, or living nightmare. The girl is currently under arrest in a Correctional facility and there she where she lives off consuming fears from other girls while they sleep. Some of the scenes with Sabine feeding off fears are absolutely terrifying but not near as terrifying as finding out that all that stands between Sabine and madness is….Nash who seems to love her. A promise made by Nash in the last page seems to be foreboding of DOOM. 7 out of 10.

Vermillion by Daniel Marks
This was my least favourite story in the entire anthology – in fact it made me downright angry. The set up is quite vague….in Purgatory dead people take care of problems caused by spirits in the living world. Velvet is the narrator and member of a team which includes her boyfriend (and undertaker) Nick. Called to investigate some disturbances, they have to side with another team led by a girl who from the first time she sets foot in the story is met with hatred and anger by Velvet because she might be after Nick. Regardless of whether this is true or not, the story is filled with girl-hate and with Velvet being focused solely on her relationship with Nick. That does not a good story make. 4 out of 10.

The Hounds of Ulster by Maggie Stiefvater

Bryant and Sullivan are the best of friends, and they want to be rock stars. Bryant narrates this story, which is an elegy for Sullivan who is lost to Them. It is about their dreams and who they are shattered by this one Girl. This story is typical Maggie Stiefvater affair and it sparked the typical reaction in me after reading her stories. Beautiful writing, incredibly powerful setting and a highly frustrating ending and characters. I am not sure how I am supposed to feel about this story and the punch it packs in the end but I know that I somehow felt cheated. In any case, it is actually a good story. 7 out of 10.

Many Happy Returns by Daniel Waters

Another contender for favourite story. Part of Generation Dead series in which teenagers who die might come back to life albeit in a very constricted manner (slower, difficulty of speech), not exactly zombies per since they keep their personality. In this series, a small town tragedy occurs after there is a car accident and several teenage kids die. From the point of view of one of the parents, Cal observes as his friends’ kids come back to life while he hopes and waits for his daughter Mandy to wake up. I don’t care about what is it that makes the kids come back, I only know what this possibility makes it for a very suspenseful read in many ways: is it a good thing to hope for this to happen? What sort of life would Mandy live if she does? But if she doesn’t , how can Cal possibly move on? Grief, envy, lost love it is all mixed in this bag of absurdly good and sad delights. 8 out of 10.

Verdict: All in all, an excellent anthology which I highly recommend in spite of a couple of less than good stories. The excellent ones more than make up for those.

Rating: 7 Very Good (leaning towards an 8 )

Reading next: Sisters Red by Jackson Pearce

Braziiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiil!!!! Ana here, taking a break from World Cup’s Concentration to bring you the latest Stash. First up:

Giveaway Winners

The 15 winners of Paper Towns by John Green are:

Paul Carroll (comment#5)

Ali (comment#13)

Laura Blakemore (comment#20)

Nikki Egerton (comment# 175)

Caroline (comment# 144)

Shy (comment# 163)

Hannah (comment# 15)

Alice (comment#18)

Rhiannon (comment#92)

Hannah (comment#79)

Gerd D (comment# 96)

Andrew (comment# 125)

Harry Markov (comment# 107)

Kim Ammons (comment# 66)

Gethin (comment# 146)

You all know the drill. Email us (contact AT thebooksmugglers DOT com) with your snail mail address and we will get your winnings out to you as soon as possible. NOTE: due to the increasing number of unclaimed prizes, winners have one week to contact us/reply to our email. After one week, we pick a new winner. Thanks again to everyone that entered, and congratulations to all of the winners!

And you still can enter the Simon&Schuster BIG FAT YA GIVEAWAY – with 8 upcoming titles in their fall lineup including: Passing Strange by Daniel Waters, Night of the Solstice by L.J. Smith, Crescendo by Becca Fitzpatrick and Shade by Jeri Smith-Ready.

Author news, Internets, etc:

We have excellent news for Juliet Marillier fans! It has been brought to our attention that the author will be publishing a new YA trilogy, the SHADOWFELL Trilogy, out in 2013, 2014, 2015. (via Publishers Marketplace). Since are both huge fans, Thea in particular, we are totally salivating over the news!

Malinda Lo, author of the FABULOUS YA novel Ash has written a series of helfpul posts for writers about LGBTQ stereotypes and how to avoid them when writing YA fiction. Each blog post has a subject like Major LGBTQ stereotypes, Gender, Word to Watch For, Secondary Characters and Gay Jokes and Resources. I think it is well worth a read even if you are not a writer.

Meanwhile, over at one of my favorite blogs, Things Mean a Lot, Ana (yes, another Ana) has posted an article entitled: “On Writing About Books” where she talks about different perspectives on reviewing or writing about the books, objectivism x subjectivism. The post includes loads of links to interesting articles on similar subjects at other blogs and they include even more links. I spent an entire afternoon reading all of them and two things came to mind then: whoa baby there are so many book blogs out there that I do not know about; and WHOA, there are so many inteliggent, articulate, bloggers! Makes me so proud to be part of this community.

And speaking of book blogs and community (how is that for a segue?):

Book Blogger Appreciation Week – September 13-17 2010

That time of the year is approaching again – the third annual BBAW will take place between 13 and 17 of September. Here is the rundown:

What: Book Blogger Appreciation Week is a week long festival celebrating the community of book bloggers and their contribution to preserving a culture of literacy through book reviews and recommendations, reading reflections, and general bookish chat. BBAW also includes an awards component. For more information on the BBAW 2010 Awards and how to participate, please visit the BBAW 2010 Awards Blog. BBAW events include daily blogging topics, blogger interview swaps, special guest posts, and so much more!

Who: If you self-identify as a book blogger, this festival is for you! We have been excited to welcome participants from all over the world for past BBAWs.

When: September 13-17, 2010.

Where: Right here at the Book Blogger Appreciation Week blog. You can participate in the comfort of your own home and the convenience of your own time zone.

Why: Because book blogging is a fun and time intensive hobby that has created communities around books and played a crucial role in the continuing evolution of what books mean in our society.

How Can I Participate?
You can participate by filling out the registration form for BBAW 2010. Subscribe to the blog’s feed and follow us on Twitter to keep up with all of the developments!

And just like last year, there will be awards although you do not have to take part in the awards to be a part of the BBAW. THE RULES HAVE CHANGED QUITE A LOT with regards to the process of registration and nomination. Everybody is invited to register their blogs for the Week (and everyone who does so, will be entered into the Book Blogger Directory) – the self-registration is also how you nominate your blog for a niche award (Best Speculative Fiction blog or Best YA Blog for example) but you can opt-out of the award when you are registering.

You can read all the details and explanations here.

It is also part of the new sets of rules, in order to secure transparency of the process that bloggers post their self-registration for the awards by listing the 5 posts that they think best represent their blogs in the category they wish to run for.

Thus, we now list the five posts we wish to enter for an award consideration in the Best Speculative Fiction Blog:

Review of Shades of Gray by Jasper Fforde
Review of Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick
Joint Review of The Hero of Ages by Brandon Sanderson
Cover Matters Article – On Whitewashing
Chat with an Author: Interview with Karen Healey

Let’s see how this goes! Fingers crossed.

Meanwhile, we invite everyone to take part – it is a great opportunity to get to know other blogs and bloggers!

This Week On The Book Smugglers

We kick off the week with Thea’s review (and giveaway) of Naamah’s Curse, sequel to Naamha’s Kiss the new trilogy by Jacqueline Carey.

On Tuesday, Ana reviews YA Superhero book The Rise of Renegade X by Chelsea Campbell

On Wednesday, Thea is back with a review of the dystopian novel The Line by Teri Hall

Then, on Thursday we joint review upcoming title from the brand new Gollancz YA line Crossing Over by Anna Kendall

Finally on Friday, Ana reviews another Contemporary YA: A Blue So Dark by Holly Schindler.

Aaaaand that’s it from us today. For now, we remain,

THEA ninjas in with her addition to the stash:

~Your Friendly Neighborhood Book Smugglers

Hello everybody!

Kathryn McKenna, Children’s Marketing & Publicity Assistant for Simon and Schuster UK is back with another fabulous swag of upcoming titles to giveaway.

Please give it up for Kat!

That’s right… we’re back! The Book Smugglers have very kindly agreed to have us (us being Simon & Schuster UK – or rather, me, Kat – publicist for the children’s team) back for another round-up of what to expect from Simon & Schuster UK in the coming six months. in December we brought you the highlights for Jan-June 2010, and now we’re going to cover July-December 2010. I may have snuck in something for January 2011 that I just can’t keep to myself too…!

As many of you know by now, I love our list – I think we’ve got some really exciting titles coming up. We do serious quality control here on every title, making sure that we’re publishing the best reads, for all genres and age ranges, because we love reading as much as you do! I think the proof is in the pudding, as my desk is piled high with… 16 books – because they don’t fit on my bookshelves at home! I’m sure you all know the feeling.

Anyway, onto the books – read on for just a few of the highlights that we think will suit YA fanatics in 2010… and if you get to the end, once again we have a tantalising competition to entice you further!

Passing Strange by Daniel Waters (July)

Many of you probably already know Daniel Waters – he was way ahead of his time when he wrote his first book, Generation Dead, back in 2008 – the paranormal, “black and purple covers” saga was just barely starting, and Daniel was already tapping away about (alive) funky goth heroine Phoebe and her slightly… dead high school colleagues. The premise of the series is fairly simple: teenagers in the tri-state area just don’t stay dead. They come back to life, but they come back different – they stutter and their reactions are slower – affectively they are zombies. Termed ‘living impaired’ or ‘differently biotic’ by the ever politically correct government, there are lots of conspiracy theories to explain this new phenomenon. But as their numbers keep on growing, so does the discomfort of the living people in the community.

Passing Strange is the newest instalment (following Kiss Of Life last summer), told from the point of view of Karen – a dead, cool (and dead cool) teenager who becomes mixed up in a high profile murder… These books are not only as fun as they sound, they hold an underlying message that never stops being relevant – difference comes in all shapes and sizes, and so does prejudice. The way that prejudices against the ‘living impaired’ is illustrated in this series is smart and subtle, but makes it perfect and relevant for almost all teenagers.

The Chosen One by Carol Lynch Williams (August)

The premise of The Chosen One is fairly simple – a story set around a polygamist cult. But while it is simple in its premise, it is complex, thought provoking and moving it its delivery. Kyra is a thirteen year old girl, raised in a polygamist community in which men have many wives, wives have many children, and the freedom of the residents is constantly restricted. Kyra begins to question her feelings towards her life as the novel continues – growing closer to fellow peer Joshua, who she is not allowed to have a relationship with, and discovering a library bus nearby the community – books are banned, but when Kyra turns the first page of an illicit read, her eyes are opened wide to a forbidden joy…

When Kyra is told that she must marry her 65 year old uncle, Hyrem, by decree of The Prophet, things take a sinister turn. There are scenes that will shock, and it is not a wholly pleasant read, but don’t let that put you off at all. The Chosen One is un-put-down-able despite the at-times hard reality of it. It’s the kind of book that you want to tell every single person you know about, and is reminiscent of Meg Rosoff, Laurie Halse Andersen, Margo Lanagan. This is my ‘passion plea’ of the second half of 2010 – Kyra’s story is full of moving nuances, the writing is gorgeous, and the book will stay with you longer after you close the back page.

Night of the Solstice by L.J. Smith (September)

Let’s be honest, L.J. Smith has had a pretty good year. With The Vampire Diaries storming onto television and exciting teen girls (and the rest of us!) all over the globe, publishers have been rejacketing, republishing and rediscovering the wonderful writing of L.J., and we’re no exception. While our teen issues of Dark Visions and The Forbidden Game (coming this July) have been flying off the shelves, we’re honoured and hugely excited to be publishing her first ever books – Night Of The Solstice, and Heart Of Valour (January 2012). Not only are they imaginative and brilliantly enchanting, the jacket looks for these are absolutely gorgeous. Bewitching, sparkling and bright, the books are a treat even before you open the pages – and once you do, you’ll find that L.J. Smith’s talent started many, many years ago… and now you can rediscover it for yourselves!

Shade by Jeri Smith-Ready (September)

I love Shade. Love love love. I can’t think of anybody who doesn’t enjoy a good ghost story, and Shade is just that. Shade is set in a world in which those aged 16 and under are able to see ghosts, at least until they ‘pass on’. Leading character Aura is one of these 16 year olds – in fact she is the first 16 year old born into the shift, and as a result her ability has some slightly scarier repercussions. Shade takes a dark turn when Aura’s boyfriend Logan is killed on his birthday, and while half of his siblings are in mourning and half are happy to be able to see him still, Aura is torn between clinging to Logan, or letting him go – a matter made even more complicated by the arrival of the kind, funny and mysterious Zachary…

Shade is, in all seriousness, not just another dark, paranormal read. It’s incredibly convincing, heartfelt and page turning – I loved the creativeness that Jeri Smith-Ready applies, and the attention to detail on all sorts of little things, such as the ‘British-isms’ of Zachary, the compelling and often upsetting reactions to the death of someone you love, and the confusion brought from the fact that they are, in certain terms, still alive. A must read!!

Buffy The Vampire Slayer

I’m sure I’m not alone in saying that when I was a teenager, I loved Buffy. Looooved it. It was probably my first real ‘obsession’ – I was even dragged into the fandom (warts and all) which was where my initiation into the internet world began. Unsurprisingly, I’m completely thrilled that we’re reissuing two bind ups (and one more in 2011) of some classic Buffy stories. Not only do they feature our favourite vampire slayer, the covers are absolutely awesome, and are sure to entice new fans whilst pleasing adoring old timers such as myself. We’re planning to really promote these via the internet – blogs, fansites, and other show fansites such as True Blood and The Vampire Diaries. So if this catches anyone’s eye and they’d like to take part – let me know!

Crescendo by Becca Fitzpatrick (October)

I don’t think I can talk about our last half of 2010 without talking about Crescendo. Hush, Hush was a HUGE book for us in autumn 2009, and has sold over 80,000 copies in hardback in the UK alone so far. Hush, Hush was a whirlwind of excitement, from independent heroine Nora Grey to the mysterious super sexy Patch – exciting teens, young adults, and adults who probably ought to know better, this has become a brand that the YA market can’t imagine being without – and Crescendo is going to make an explosive entry into the market in October!

We’re thrilled in the UK to be having Becca Fitzpatrick over for a tour – including a signing at the Massive Events Eternal Twilight convention on the 23rd October! You can see more about that here. Keep an eye on www.simonandschuster.co.uk for listings of Becca’s public events too! We can’t wait, and we also can’t wait to get our hands on a finished copy of Crescendo – but luckily I’ve been able to get a sneaky peek of the manuscript… and while I’m keeping my lips sealed on the details, I can promise you won’t be disappointed!

The Replacement by Brenna Yovanoff (January 2011)

I have to admit, I’ve snuck this one in… it’s not actually publishing until January 2011, but it is just such an amazing book that I couldn’t risk leaving it out! The Replacement is another of the dark paranormal genre, but much like Shade, it is the quality and depth and thought that has gone into this book that left me slightly in love. The Replacement is told from the point of view of male protagonist, Mackie. Having a male protagonist is a surprising breath of fresh air in the world of black-and-purple, and perhaps plays a contributing factor to the change in the emotional level of the book. Mackie is a changeling, only known to his parents and his sister – or rather the parents and sister of the young boy he was swapped with as a faery toddler. Mackie cannot be exposed to iron (difficult when you want to kiss the girl with the tongue piercing) or holy ground (again, difficult when your father is a minister), but otherwise is very much ensconced in the human world – until his friend Tate’s sister is kidnapped into the faery realm and he is forced to save her…

The Replacement sits well alongside other dark faery fantasy (such as Tithe by Holly Black) – but it excels in so many areas. The relationship that Mackie shares with his ‘sister’ Emma is beautiful, her fierce protectiveness and love for him is subtlety written but artfully felt by the reader. Mackie’s frustration with little parts of integrating into the human world, his growing relationship with Tate, the horrific bad guy in the form of The Cutter – all of these details are engrossing and bewitching, scary but enchanting. As you can tell, I loved this on first read, and I urge you all to hold on for the beginning of 2011!

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As with last time, we’re really pleased to announce that if you comment on this post and tell us what’s got you excited, you’ll be entered into a draw to win all eight books (Passing Strange, The Chosen One, Night Of The Solstice, Shade, Buffy #1 & #2, Crescendo, and The Replacement), as and when they’re published! Post about it on your blog and drop us a link in the comments and we’ll count your entry twice… that means twice as many chances to get a bucket-load of books! Thanks all for handing your time over to me once again, and I hope I’ve managed to fill you all to the brim with anticipation!

In the meantime for any other news you can follow us on twitter (@simonkids_UK) or drop us a line with queries and requests at childrensbooks@simonandschuster.couk. We’re always looking for hidden gems in the blogging world, too… Until next time, friends, happy reading!

You heard the lady, comment away – if you blog about it, it is ok to comment again with a link! The contest is open to everyone and will run till Saturday 19th 11:59 P.M. (PST). Good luck!

So, here we are, two days into our Steampunk Appreciation Week. And there is one question that we feel needs to be addressed, before we go any further:

What in the world, is Steampunk after all?

For the past few weeks, we have done nothing but to prepare for this week. We have researched blogs, read article after article, several books (some of which turned out NOT to be Steampunk at all) and we reached a conclusion: there is no definite, conclusive definition of Steampunk. Books that are mentioned in some essential Steampunk lists are very firmly excluded from others, and we’ve seen some argument as to the limits and parameters of what indeed constitutes or not “Steampunk.

Yes, there are some basics with which most people agree: usually steam-power is still used, and is set mostly in a Victorian-like world. This is definitely the “Steam” part. The “Punk” part or the other parts that makes it gravitate towards one genre or the other (is it fantasy? SciFi? Both? All of the above?) seem to be up for grabs and completely open to each person’s reception or expectations.

But we have been able to form our own, basic idea of what Steampunk is, and we asked some of our blogging friends what they think Steampunk is. And wouldn’t you know – none of the answers are quite the same :

Ana:

I will be honest with you. This question? It has plagued me for weeks now. I didn’t even tell Thea the extent of my obsession (although I suppose the cat is out of the bag now) but I have been dreaming in Steampunk for days now.

I am usually not that strict in trying to define or form a coherent idea about a genre – I am usually pretty laid back about reading and very open about expanding my horizons, but I find that I haven’t been able to do the same when it comes to Steampunk. I know that trying to too hard may even suck the fun out of things but what can I say, I am one of those that need to have a more defined definition of THIS. And what’s more, I have come to learn in the past few weeks that I am a Steampunk purist, if you can put it like that.

I see ideas flying all over the place and I see enthusiasm for the genre and at first I think it is great. I see goggles and corsets and dirigibles and….then there is ALL I see as though those form a coherent picture or frame for what is Steampunk when it’s not. When I pick up a book labeled as Steampunk, I expect the setting to matter, the technology to be essential to the world if not to the story – if that society can function without those Steampunk “elements” then…well, it’s not Steampunk. If it is aesthetic more than functional, if it is more magical than scientific, then in my mind, it is not Steampunk. It is not enough to be set in the 19th century, in an alternate reality, to have time travel – all of those are usual fares of regular Fantasy and SciFi. Magic in Victorian times is very cool but more Gaslight Fantasy than really Steampunk.

As you can see, I am pretty confident I can recognize when something is NOT Steampunk.

It seems I am a stickler when it comes to Steampunk. Maybe even too much. You bet I see the irony in being so ruthless about something that has Punk in its name. After all didn’t the Punk movement embrace rebellion and free thought?

I know, what a party pooper.

Thea:

Ok, Ana, dude you’ve never formally “confessed” your Steampunkish obsession to me formally, but from the emails and conversations we’ve been having (all of which have been initiated by Ana, I might add), I was able to put two and two together!

As you have probably surmised, dear readers, Ana is more of the “purist” of the duo. I, on the other hand, have a bit looser of a definition. Let’s start with the etymology of the term “Steampunk” – we’ve got the “Steam-” part, and the “Punk” part. Where the “Steam-” is concerned, I strongly feel that the book must ecompass at least some aesthetic or some basic inclusion of steam technology. That’s not to say I think there should be some kind of locomotive or the physical presence of steam in every expression of the genre – rather, the aesthetic and the technology needs to be (or needs to have evolved from) the Victorian Era. I don’t believe that the technology must be central to the plot – but it DOES need to be more than just pretty filler. For example, in my opinion, Gail Carriger’s Soulless, with its pretty dirigibles in the background and Victorian setting is NOT enough to classify it as Steampunk.

Then, there’s the part where the “Punk” comes in.

To me, the “punk” part is far more important than the “steam” part. The punk, as Ana alludes to above, involves the societal aspect of the book. Does the novel radically challenge the established social order? Does it involve a social, economic, political or religious critique/revolution of the world it is set in? This is what I yearn for, more so than the centrality of technology to a book in order to qualify it as Steampunk. I think you’ve gotta have one or the other (or both, if you’re lucky) – we want either a “steam” (evolved from Victorian Era) technology that is central and essential to the plot, or a story that has steam elements (Victorian/Steam aesthetic) but radically challenges the social and/or political setting of the world. In this second option, the technology is less important. This is why I consider The Golden Compass (and by extension the His Dark Materials series) by Philip Pullman to be “Steampunk” – because even though it does not have the central steam technology, it does push the political/religious/fundamental envelope and contains steam-ish elements (Victorianesque setting and society, dirigibles/air balloons, alitheometers instead of computers, strange Verne-worthy projection devices, etc).

There is some argument as to whether or not magic or fantasy elements can coexist in a “Steampunk novel” – and to this I say, of course they can. Why the heck not? Steampunk is a marriage of different genres – fantasy, science fiction, historical fiction, romance, etc. I think the presence of magic is more than welcome in the mix, provided that at least ONE of the criteria above is met (either central steam-technology or steam technology elements plus a socio/politico centered and challenged plot).

And so without reaching a conclusion amongst ourselves, we reached to our fellow Bloggers and asked:

Here is what they had to say:

Katiebabs from Babbling About Books and More:

The Steampunk genre is still a very new on for me. I know the basics, where it’s a combination of science fiction and speculative fiction, set in an alternate later 19th century setting, mainly in Victorian England. Steampunk is set in a world where steam is power, but it is so much more from the fashion, to the dialogue and most importantly the technology.

Steampunk allows the reader’s imagination to run wild. It’s a world of endless possibilities and so very new and exciting.

Doug Knipe from Scifi Guy:

To me steampunk represents a reality where science took a fork in the road. Instead of scientific development proceeding to the electronic age it instead advanced through industrial/mechanical principles and better chemistry. I think of Jules Verne’s Nautilus and the mysterious Captain Nemo in 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea and H.G. Wells The Time Machine. There also is a degree of mysticism and forbidden knowledge attached to it as well. Steampunk fiction explores and reflects the implications and changes in society wrought from this diverging path. Modern examples of steampunk that I favour include many of the works of James Blaylock, K.W. Jeter’s Morlock Night and Infernal Devices, The Difference Engine by Gibson & Sterling, Clockwork Heart by Dru Pagliassotti and the most recent Boneshaker by Cherie Priest. Each embodies the spirit of Steampunk.

Mark de Jager from My Favourite Books:

It’s a concept that hearkens back to a vision of Victoriana, caught on the cusp of the industrial revolution- a more romantic, civilised time, when technology was still new, and exciting, where the world was still a big place and innovations knew no bounds; how far you could go with something wasn’t constrained by popular knowledge as it is today. It evokes a grand era of mad scientists, steam or clockwork driven contraptions, glass helmeted space explorers…. it’s the spawning ground of timeless figures like Captain Nemo, Alan Quartermain, Dr Frankenstein and their ilk. It’s an era where ideas have outpaced technology but not craftsmanship, and where cold science has taken a backseat to adventure.

Heather Massey from The Galaxy Express

Steampunk is like salt: it enhances the flavor of everything it touches.

To many people, it’s a literary subgenre. One way of defining steampunk is Victorian era science fiction that features steam-powered inventions—many of which are ahead of their time and have significant socio-political consequences. The glory of steampunk is that it pairs spectacularly well with a variety of other genres such as fantasy, romance, horror, and mystery.

But steampunk extends well beyond the written word. It’s an aesthetic echoed by art, costumes, accessories, and DIY gadgets. It is films, TV shows, and videogames.

It’s archaic. It’s modern. It’s brassy. It’s gritty.

It’s a state of mind.

Recommended reading:

STEAMPUNK, edited by Jeff and Ann VanderMeer
WHITECHAPEL GODS by S.M. Peters
MAINSPRING by Jay Lake
THE NARROWS by Alexander Irvine
THE LEAGUE OF EXTRAORDINARY GENTLEMEN by Alan Moore
CLOCKWORK HEART by Dru Pagliassotti
PERDIDO STREET STATION by China Miéville
MORTAL ENGINES by Philip Reeve

Recommended viewing:

STEAMBOY
THE TIME MACHINE
THE CITY OF LOST CHILDREN
THE PRESTIGE
WILD WILD WEST (endure see it for the steampunk elements only!)

Recommended playing:

BIOSHOCK
EDGE OF TWILIGHT
RESONANCE OF FATE
FINAL FANTASY VI (FF III in America)

Maili from @McVane (she is on Twitter only at the moment):

It’s basically set during the Industrial Revolution (and the Enlightenment) when ideas existed at the time that theoretically could work, but there wasn’t enough during its time to make it happen, such as limited technological knowledge, attitudes, inflexibility within the society, class prejudice, etc. Charles Babbage, for instance, came up with an idea that we came to know as ‘difference engine’, and in his time, it was considered outlandish. Impractical. Useless. He still tried, but a successful attempt was never made.

However, some time during the 1990s, a team of researchers and historians gathered to construct a machine from Babbage’s detailed plans of the difference machine, using 19th-century technology but with 21st-century knowledge and attitude, and the machine works. With this, Babbage’s idea was proven do-able.

What if Babbage could make it work in his time? What if it became part of the everyday life? Instead of imagining what the future and its technology would be, we imagine what the past would be if its technology was part of that reality. That’s one half of the core premise of Steampunk.

The other half — what if the technology of that reality becomes so controlling that people of its time couldn’t move with freedom? How about the automata becomes an army and storms Victorian London? This is where the ‘punk’ of ’steampunk’ comes in: Hero or Heroine is usually part or a leader of a rebellion against that. It doesn’t have to be about technology. They could rebel against dictatorship, ‘Big Brother’-style government, secret conspiracy, or an underground society that meddles with people’s lives. It’s about control, power and freedom. During this struggle, technology can be our friend or foe, or both.

There have been quite a few novels labelled as ’steampunk’ when they weren’t. I have been asked what was the real difference between a Gaslight Fantasy and a Steampunk. In my opinion, it’s the setting that defines the difference. If a story *can* live without its steampunk element, e.g. the steampunk element is there for appearance’s sake, then it’s a Gaslight Fantasy. If it can’t live without it, then it’s a
Steampunk.

Steampunk doesn’t have to restrict itself to Victorian-era England. It could take place anywhere in the world and in any time period — as long as technological ideas of its time are reasonably plausible and utterly faithful to its appearance.

Let’s take Leonardo da Vinci – an amazing innovator – and his ‘flying machine’ idea (Codex on the Flight of Birds) as an example. While living in 16th-century Italy and France, he couldn’t make his flying machine work even once during his lifetime, but in a story, it works. He could make it fly. What if his flying machine became part of a reality during his time? The idea of people going about in their everyday lives while the sky above them is filled with these winged machines flying? It’d be such an amazing sight. I think Steampunk is possibly the greatest tribute to innovators and engineers of our global past. I really love the idea we’re making their visions and dreams a reality through these Steampunk stories.

John Ottinger III from Grasping for the Wind:

To me, steampunk is a subgenre of alternate history in which technological progress diverged and developed along mechanized lines rather than digital. In steampunk, computers are vast machines capable of many of the same feats, but silicon chips were never invented and so they consist of cogs and wheels, more like a typewriter than our modern conception. Airships exist, but rather than planes, blimps rule the skies. In many cases, steampunk tales take place in a Victorian setting or uses that era as its point of divergence from true history, but any story with a focus on a mechanized society that also lives by a rigid social code like that of the Victorians could potentially be steampunk. Even a secondary world fantasy, so long as it takes as its model the Victorian Age – such as The Golden Compass by Philip Pullman, The Affinity Bridge by George Mann, or The Court of the Air by Stephen Hunt – fits into this category.

Steampunk tales have the tone and structure of a Conan Doyle story, often being mysteries or adventure tales similar to those popularized during the Industrial Revolution. For a tale to be steampunk it needs to be married to the idea that technology is solely mechanical, unable to progress without winches, gears, nuts and bolts. There is no computer age, at least as we know it, in the worlds of steampunk.

Steampunk also believes in the inherent domination of the earth by humankind, driven by our will and ability to make tools. Sometimes this takes the story into dark places, places where Jack the Ripper dwelt. At other times, it celebrates human achievement, a World’s Fair of literature. Always, there is a focus on the mechanical, the visible and concrete, that thrills the reader or viewer with a sense of adventure, of the wild unknown, and is filled with the both the capability and the desire to go Around The World in 80 Days.

Kenda from Lurv a La Mode

Steampunk to me is a fantasy or science fiction story set in an alternate reality (one that would be recognizable to us yet with some details obviously changed, hence creating said alternate reality) that has steampunk elements: machinery/technology that runs on steam and looks like something along the lines of the time machine in H.G. Wells’s book/movie, The Time Machine; clockwork/machinery gears and lots of things made from metal such as iron; old fashioned aviator or industrial safety goggles; animals that have been fashioned into pseudo machines, yet retain animal attributes (see Scott Westerfeld’s Leviathan); a dirty, grimy smudge over everything – industry is prominant, such as the atmosphere in the Industrial Revolution; has a Victorian, England background, though is in no way strictly limited to this time period; old fashioned clothing that has been subtly altered with steampunk elements, such as the goggles, or strange glasses made from gears and patch worked metals…I imagine there are a lot more such details that could be cited, but we’ll leave off with those for the moment.

I think it’s important to give adequate detail for the above elements. It’s not necessarily steampunk enough if a dirigible is cited in the background – after all, we have them today a well in our own everyday reality. Maybe not with tentacles jutting from them, but you get what I mean. Steampunk is fantasy or scifi – it needs adequate attention given to worldbuilding details. The technology is fictional, it needs to be fleshed out and well-realized by the author. A story needs its own brand of fantastical to be deemed steampunk, just as any other kind of fantasy or science fiction would.

Erika from Jawas Read Too

I like thinking of Steampunk as being rooted to its namesake, not in any one particular country like the Victorian England we all associate with the Industrial Revolution. It’s very much the Industrial Revolution meets Science Fiction where the mechanics, fuel, and aesthetic of an age powered by steam meet the futuristic elements we’ve become familiar with in the Computer Age. Steampunk is machine- and gear-heavy; pistons, oil, and steam churn the cogs of technology much like we think of electronics doing for us today. There are gadgets and innovations boosted by steam-power; dirigibles, wooden limbs, everything you can think of related to the era suddenly has the chance to be enhanced with steam (and why not take advantage?). Then it gets interesting when you consider the magical possibilities that blur the lines between Science Fiction and Fantasy: the mysterious aether emanating between oil-greased machinery or delicate brass tick-tock devices that’s inexplicable but eerily similar, in its way, to the electronic signals of cyberspace.

Technology isn’t stunted so much as it’s deviated from its actual course of history; the advancements made are steam-based rather than electronic-based. This is why we can have marvelous books like Scott Westerfeld’s Leviathan. Alternate history is what Steampunk is all about! If we imagine a world built around steam, we can imagine WWII exactly as Westerfeld projected: different enough from what actually happened to make it a curious, exotic mixture of something similar and something archaic and foreign.

And then, one of the best parts: the lifestyle. I don’t mean lifestyle like fans dressing up to go to conventions (although, that’s one interpretation of the subgenre!). I mean the inspiration derived from the time period (whether that’s war-torn Europe, pirate-infested Caribbean waters, the American frontier, or Victorian England) that goes to creating practical (if whimsical) articulations of individual expression: clothing, furniture, housing, the way our steam-powered devices look.

Steampunk is an atmosphere, an aesthetic, an alternate history, and let’s face it: it’s really cool.

It’s a subgenre that moves across subgenres–Paranormal Romances like Gail Carriger’s Parasol Protectorate books can have Steampunk elements while the thumping and grotesque weirdness of China Miéville’s Perdido Street Stationcan explode with enough odd devices that fit the definition despite not even taking place on Earth.

There are so many things to consider with Steampunk, but it is, more than anything, inclusive and varied in the ways it reaches to us across literature.

TDF Pamela from The Discriminating Fangirl

Steampunk has become a buzzword in the publishing industry, and honestly, it seems like the most visible books that get the steampunk label really aren’t steampunk at all. So, what is steampunk? Maybe it’ll be better to first say what steampunk is not.

Steampunk is not any old book set in the Victorian era with a couple of brass gears and some goggles slapped on. If you’ve got a generic romance and you toss in an airship, that doesn’t make your book steampunk. Steampunk sells, and as long as readers are interested in it, publishers will push everything vaguely Victorian in the hope that people who want to get into the genre will buy it.

So… again, what is steampunk? It’s a glorious mishmash of Victoriana and science fiction and romance and steam-powered technology. Steampunk is what would have happened if nineteenth century scientists had been able to create all of the crazy things they had dreamed of. Steampunk is an aesthetic that toes the line between Victorian and Goth. Some of my favorite costumes at conventions are the elaborate steampunk getups: corsets and high-necked dresses; bustles and brass goggles; waistcoats, top hats, and strange contraptions.

I keep thinking that I need to read more steampunk, but being a poor graduate student, I’m stuck combing used bookstores, and unfortunately for me, steampunk doesn’t show up all that often. I have a few steampunk books sitting on my shelf, waiting for me to have time to read them. I’ve been dying to read The Difference Engine by William Gibson and Bruce Sterling, a book that is often credited with bringing steampunk more firmly into the public eye.

I’m excited to see more steampunk fiction being published, but what I really want to see is real steampunk, not just attempts to cash in on the popularity of the genre. I’ll have to keep up my usual discriminating reader habits, I suppose, and separate the wheat from the chaff.

Stacy B from The Discriminating Fangirl; Steampunk: Blossoming Historical Subculture

I was a fan before I knew it had a definition. I thought it was olde-fashioned with a technological twist. I thought it was a revitalization of something that already existed. These are both true, but when I try to explain it to someone, the first thing I say is “have you ever read 20,000 Leagues Under The Sea”? Jules Verne was steampunk before steampunk existed – he put technology and Victorian values together and made them mix like they were born for it. Verne in general wrote fiction upon fiction detailing technologies that didn’t exist yet – the true science fiction without changing the human component and taking it out of an environment it was comfortable in. It was this blend that I think was largely responsible for making steampunk possible over a century later.

Today, steampunk takes Verne one step further – we’ve added our modern ideas of femininity (women no longer have to be silent, we can be loud and boisterous…so long as we observe our manners at tea) and a touch of the supernatural. The late 19th century fascination with the supernatural (spirits, mediums, creatures of the night) fit perfectly into modern steampunk, and it’s become a genre of books, music, culture, and costume that absorbs more than it excludes. Steampunk can be strictly historical, it can have elements of the supernatural (both modern and historical), and it can play on the both modern ideas of gothic and the Victorian fascination with the macabre that birthed Gothic literature.

As a rule, the technological element is one that developed on an entirely different track than one we are historically familiar with. Instead of Edison, steampunk generally prays at the altars of Nikolai Tesla and Philo Farnsworth; to me, the differences are visible in style, but if you want the particulars, you’re going to have to speak to an engineer who can draw you circuit and current diagrams. Think cathode and vacuum tubes (I’m told the precursor to LCD is called the nixie tube, but again, you’d have to talk to someone who knows this better) a la Warehouse 13’s technology. While philosophical thought is more forward-oriented, costuming, like the technology, clings to older themes. Corsets, cravats, short pants and skirts are the norm, but occasionally there is a humdinger thrown in – women in pants are treated with mild shock, but not completely ostracized as they would have been in the reigns of Victoria & Edward. Manners are imperative, tea is necessary, and both fashion and good breeding are ranked highly in social circles.

Steampunk exists in reenactments, but is also prevalent in literature; spawned by the imagination, literature is, arguably, primarily responsible for the rise of steampunk – putting it on the road to subculture status. Two of my favorite steampunk series also straddle other genres (just like the entire phenomenon) – Gail Carriger’s “Parasol Protectorate” series (which begins with Soulless), is supernatural and Victorian with a touch of technology and more modern cultural acceptance of the odd with werewolves and vampires living alongside the aristocrats (werewolves are beastly men and occasionally vampires are lushes). On the opposite side, straddling technology and the supernatural on a flip-flop basis is Ilona Andrews’ “Magic” series starring Kate Daniels (beginning with Magic Bites) – where atmospheric damage prohibits technology from working all the time and when magic is “up”, everyone abandons cars and hops up on their horses and lights their gas lamps.

As an inclusive phenom instead of an exclusive one, there are plenty of aspects of steampunk I haven’t discussed, but visit wikipedia, read some books, listen to a few bands (recently, I’ve become a fan of the G-String Orchestra out of New Orleans), read some history and then pick up a good book and dive in. There are so many rights, it’s hard to go wrong when you’re learning to get into the groove.

Harry Markov from Temple Library Reviews

I have been posed one of the most difficult questions as far as genres go: What is steampunk? Ana and Thea have been loving the genre, but they want to gain better understanding of what it actually is. I am honestly not the leading authority in steampunk, but from the small amount of books in the genre I have read and the reviews I have scanned through, I have built my own humble opinion, which I am going to share with you.

Steampunk’s elusive nature stems from the fact that it has just recently stormed the scene and become mainstream and sought after in the SFF circles. Because it is a newborn in a pantheon of already established genres, steampunk explores all possibilities and has yet to settle on an identity, which will be synonymous to its name.

But let’s cut straight to the chase. People claim steampunk to be a subgenre with firm roots in science fiction, due to the central role the steam technology in the setting. However, I think that steampunk can also be a cross-genre between fantasy and science fiction, because I have encountered a few series, which incorporate fantastical elements. Prime example is Stephen Hunt, who combines the importance of technology for the world and characters as well as the epic momentum the story takes and powers beyond the grasp of science like telepathy.

Steampunk can garner many elements. It can border on horror as with Boneshaker. It can be an alternative history to what happens on Earth as with Leviathan. It can swell with a grand scale adventure as with Hunt’s novels. However, at its core steampunk has a few parameters that must be acknowledged in order for it to be true to itself. Apart from the technology that is mandatory for the series, steampunk is imbued with certain positivity, hopefulness and even a purity of heart, which contrasts to the grittiness that many genres have embraced today. By placing the stories in the Victorian era [more or less] the authors try to capture humanity in a phase, where promises and vows were unbreakable, feelings weren’t publically announced, but were intense, vibrant and not jaded, expired or wasted.

Steampunk may carry different and contradicting elements, which muddle or complicate the exact definition of the genre, but its integrity is in the spirit that comes from the world and the characters.

So there you have it folks – a variety of opinions, interpretations, and definitions of Steampunk.

What about you? What do YOU think Steampunk is?

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)

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