Top Ten Tuesday #12: Top 10 Books Read So Far In 2013

In no particular order, because picking 15 10 was hard enough as it is. So far this year, I have read 172 books, as of this morning. Picking my faves, out of what has been a fairly amazing reading year was hard.

Jasper Jones by Craig Silvey

If you want a book that can make you laugh (hello, Jeffrey!), make you cry (hello Jasper! Hello Laura!), or make you confused (hello, cricket!), or just make you think, this is your book.

Bitter Greens by Kate Forsyth

This is a beautiful book. The frame of a story-within-a-story has rarely worked so well for me. More than a story of Rapunzel, Bitter Greens examines life in historical France, in Venice, as well as in a convent. It's a meticulously paced and plotted read. (My review.)

Doubleblind by Ann Aguirre (Sirantha Jax #3)

Though I loved the first Sirantha Jax novel, and enjoued the second, book three is by far the best offering in Aguirre's science fiction series. This series boasts some of my favorite antiheroes (Jax, MAAAARCH) in all of fiction, Aguirre can write some excellent action scenes as well as developed character arcs.

A Darkness Strange and Lovely by Susan Dennard (Something Strange and Deadly #2)

This has a while until it is published so to be free of spoilers: THIS IS AWESOME. If you liked the first, I think you will love the second.

Finnikin of the Rock/Froi of the Exiles (as a two-for-one) by Melina Marchetta

I'm listing the first two in this fantasy series, but it's really Froi that knocked me off my socks. Marchetta shows that her talent isn't limited to YA contemporary with this series. These characters are complex, flawed, not always likeable, but always always interesting.

Born of Illusion by Teri Brown (Born of Illusion #1)

This book was so. much. fun. Twenties New York + magic + jazz + speakeasies = too awesome to detail. Teri Brown entertained my from the first page with this new first-in-series. Also? Cole? He is miiiine. (My review.)

Golden by Jessi Kirby

This book has been EVERYWHERE for a few months now. It's been talked about, raved over, and hyped up. And it still managed to impress me. I lovelovelove this book. It was my first Jessi Kirby but it is definitely not my last. Parker is a great heroine, and imagine this -- a YA book that features a real female friendship? Wonder of wonders.

Pivot Point by Kasie West (Pivot Point #1)

This book is clever, creative, and has more depth than you would think. I love when books do something new and original and Kasie West does exactly that. It's one of the few books that I am glad to see extended into a series.

Wild Awake by Hilary T. Smith

This book is not for everyone. There are triggers and drug use and neglect and it can be dark. But it is also beautiful and beautifully written. A strong debut, Smith is a writer with an immense talent for capturing people at their best and their worst.

The House at Riverton by Kate Morton

I love Kate Morton. I've read all of her books, and none have let me down. The House at Riverton may not be my absolute favorite, but it is an atmospheric and enveloping story with multiple layers.

The Crown/The Chalice by Nancy Bilyeau (another two-for-one)

This series. This freaking series has knocked every other historical fiction down a peg. Focusing on the English Reformation, an unlikely protagonist (an ex-nun!), Bilyeau's research is as obvious as her talent.

Siege and Storm by Leigh Bardugo (The Grisha #2)

ONE WORD: STURMHOND.

Okay, okay. Also: Darkling shenanigans and ploys. Higher stakes than book one. Alina's growth as a protagonist. The unexpected twists and turns. The emotional toll. The death toll.

Also: Sturmhond.

Dark Triumph by R. L. LaFevers (His Fair Assassin #2)

This is the year of amazing sequels. I loved Grave Mercy and Ismae (Duvaaaaal!), but Fevers topped herself with this second novel. Sybella is a strong and unique character, and her sheer bravery and bravado are impressive. Also, I love how non-typical Beast is for a love interest. More like this, please.

India Black and the Shadows of Anarchy by Carol K. Carr (India Black #3)

It's no secret I love this series. India is smart, cunning, cutthroat and funny. Paired with the indomintable French, this team dodges assassins, anarchists and streetwise madams to save Britain. This may be the best one yet. (My review.)

If I Stay/Where She Went by Gayle Forman

These two were my first reads of 2013. Six months later, I still think about them. They are heart wrenching, and beautiful. They wreck your emotions and then build you back up. Forman is so talented it's insane. For two books without much plot, they are utterly compelling.


Honorable mentions: Just One Day by Gayle Forman, Love in the Time of Global Warming by Francesca Lia Block, How to Save A Life by Sara Zarr, Gameboard of the Gods by Richelle Mead, Bronze Gods by A.A. Aguirre, A Face Like Glass by Frances Hardinge, and Quicksilver by R.J. Anderson.