Rated YA-MA discussion

Hello everyone! It's the end of the year, so you know what that means?
Just like last year, let's share those books that have made our favorites and stayed with us this year.

Let's pick our Top 5 to 10 books we have read from July to December 2012
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And let everyone know in a brief message, why the book was so great. Want to share your Adult favorites of these months? Go right ahead!

I've surprisingly managed to pick up lots of amazing reads this year.



Daughter of Smoke and Bone was amazing and I was not let down by all the rave reviews. It's really one of my all time favourites and I have an absolute crush on Laini Taylor's writing! Her writing is gorgeous and the world that she builds in the book is quite amazing. The characters are also fun and I love the witty banters that they exchange.

Monstrous Beauty was a book that I was really looking forward to as it deals with mermaids (I've never been v interested in them tbqh) but not the typical Disney image that we are all used to seeing. Also, the atmosphere of the book was delightfully creepy and this is a standalone! How rare are standalones now?

Unwind and UnWholly... This series is hands down my favourite dystopian ever. I find most dystopian novels now to either not have enough world building or they just tend to throw their characters into ridiculous situations. Unwind however, deals with issues that are controversial and up for debate even now such as birthing rights and it really makes you think about such issues. It starts out slow but manages to capture your heart at the end.

I love Unspoken for the characters that the author created. They are all truly lovable and unique and the heroine is pretty kickass.

Phew. That was long :P

Nice list. :) I loved DoSaB and Unwind of course, but I've heard good things about the others too.

My Absolute Favorites for 2012 pt. 2 :

- This is the series that brought back my 'spark' (uh...pun intended?) for yapnr after reading so many series which were AWFUL in this genre.

- Gorgeously written book which had a little bit of everything...great historical background, the effects of war & the suffering that goes with it, and a beautiful (yet tortured) love story.

- I have always had a fascination with all things Amish. Add in bloodthirsty vampires and a horror twist, and it's just that much better.

- because it was just awesome. I said this is the mashup of Angelfall and Unearthly already, but Aussie books are usually pretty awesome, so that's another reason to read it.

Other than that, there weren't as many standouts this time around as there have been on previous lists we've had for favorites. I think there might be a couple of more 'adult' books that I could add to this if I took the time to think about it.

I realize yet again that I need to read more sci-fi. Either that, or I just don't seem to find as many sci-fi that make it to my favorites list.

Ooh, you have a nice list too. I did like Spark quite a bit but it didn't take my breath away. It was a fun read though, and I'm looking forward to the third book quite a bit (Hunter!!!).

I've just put The Hallowed Ones and Shadows to my TBR list :D

DoSaB and Unwind-I loved both of these books too!

My favorite book this year has to be A DISCOVERY OF WITCHES AND SHADOW OF NIGHT by Deborah Harkness. I loved the time travel and history that was interwoven in the story. I adore anything with witches. The characters were believable and I was imersed in the story from beginning to end.

Also the trilogy WAKE, WATCH, WONDER by Robert Sawyer were on my top fav lists. These were awesome and couldn't put them down. I love anything sci fi. I was able to suspend my disbelief while reading it and actually felt the story was possible for the future. I adored the main character, she was spunky and believable. Really good trilogy.

(Sorry I can't figure out how to add the pictures of the books unless someone wants to tell me how.)

this is hard... but i'm sure is one of them... im going to have to go through my faves shelf!

Mines are and for adults only .

...how to add the pictures (...)
It's easy to add covers, Cynthia. Above the text box you have the 'add book/author' hyperlink. It opens a popup window for searching the books. Once you find the book check the option 'book cover' and click on the button 'Add'. Once you are returned to the original text box, you can use 'preview' option next to the 'Post' button to check before actually post it.

Thanks Sandra, I think my work computer is blocking the option. I will have to do it from home.

Gaaaaahhhhhhhhaaahhhhh, I liked more of my reads than usual this year. Let's see...

- for the sads

- for the chick who narrates Puck's chapters and the drive that felt much shorter than it really was

- for the dragons and the world building and the themes and the writing

- for the HECTOR

- for the art and the adorbs

- for the combining of Austen and post-apocalyptic bioethics

- for my eternal love of Han and Raisa

And the VA series, for my finally completing and loving it.

Dang, I have more than 5 for July to December...
-loved the characters, loved the story...loved everything about it.
-for finally getting back to more Jamie & Clare time!
-totally unique world and I'm in love with Malachi.
-for the awesome WTFery and not being a second-book letdown.
/ -same series so I'm adding it as one-for something new and FUN!
-Amish+scary vampires=awesome!

I'm really really wanting to read The Hallowed Ones! Like badly. I might have to break down and actually purchase something in the month of december, lmao.

I'll be home in a hop skip and a jump and can't WAIT to post my 2012 Part 2 favs!

This is Not a Test: So beautifully written, and it was interesting to read a zombie novel about the people who are left behind - instead of the zombies. The dynamics between all of the kids were really interesting.

Amelia Anne is Dead and Gone: This had an almost gothic feel to it? I'm drawn to beautiful prose, and AAiDaG was chock-full of it, plus the mystery element was extraordinarily well done. I didn't totally catch on until the last part of the book, which was great because normally I can guess what's going on. I loved James and Becca, both.

Imaginary Girls: I think if you don't like sort of ambiguous stories, you won't really enjoy this one. But I thought it was totally creepy, and I loved Ruby and all of her stories about Olive.

Ultraviolet: SO COOL. Just. SO COOL TO READ.

Girl of Nightmares: I didn't realize how invested I was in these books until I finished this one and was so bent out of shape about it. Plus? The villain literally haunted my nightmares - ARMS WITH FOUR JOINTS IN THEM? No thanks, omg.

Shadow and Bone: I've been begging my best friend to read this for months now, because I loved it so much. I've been really into high-fantasy novels for a while now, and I think this one was really well crafted. The world building was superb, and I've got a weakness for anything even sort-of Slavic.

Also, it's not YA but I really adored The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making.

I loooved the Scorpio Races, Jenny. It seemed like it took forever to read, but the bond between Sean and Corr was so wonderful. And Puck was so great.

You can list more, if you want. It's up to 10. (I don't think I'll be able to stick to 5). And I love reading adult picks too.

That's what's weird...usually I have more books to list like the rest of you have, so I feel like I'm leaving something out. But I can say that a few of the books on other's lists are ones I've listed in the past, so maybe I just knocked out too much epic in the past couple of years and finally hit a lull.

- I can't put these books down when I read them. They're funny, their sad, they've got good fun characters... and it was all a surprise because I'm not a huge fan of Mortal Instruments. For anyone who didn't like those... give this spin off a shot, because it's so good!

- A brilliant ending to a brilliant series. Quintana and Froi are such an amazing pair. This was one series that I couldn't wait to reread it the moment I read the last page. Melina is my inspiration. I want to write with half her talent.

- I would never have picked this book up. But part of the recommendation challenge I read this and it was exactly what I like in my realistic YA reads. It was smart and gritty, and really awesome.

- What can I say about this... Um, it's Unwind part 2... it's Neal Shusterman... it's incredible!

- Have to second Stacia on this one. I generally am not a huge fan of paranormal YA, but this series made me eat those words. It's probably not going to go down as the most powerful read of my life. But when I read it I'm having so much fun.

(Adult reads)

& - One word. Terrible!

Oh, I actually liked the ID series more than the TMI series too, so no surprise there.

Christina! Every book you've listed is on my TBR list, looks like I have to push all of them up. Especially Ultraviolet.

Elaine it was so cool? Really inventive for scifi, I thought. (I actually guessed one of the plot twists thanks to CD classes in college, but I still loved the way it was worked in.) I was so bummed when the release date for the sequel got pushed from this year to next year.

I love you guys for book recs. You're the best.

isn't YA? I totally read it as such.

Scorpio Races was one of my favorites, and why I went back to the Shiver series when I only thought it was okay. Stand alones are a nice switch from today's usual trilogies.

Okay, my favs! Can I go general here and recommend entire series as one? ;)

Loved this whole series, even though they're only gently linked. Strong female characters who, especially in this book, don't have to be kickass to be strong (though kickass is fun too).

Another awesome series. So glad I got a hold of the final book! A great romance and struggle.

Major props to this group for finally making me read it. Another strong female lead who is smart rather than physically strong. I appreciate that.

This book was just so different from everything else, and I loved the constant geeky references. Great commentary on reality v virtual.

Hmm, yup! Those are my five stars, most of which I read this month, for some reason. Happy holidays, I guess!

Maree ♫ Light's Shadow ♪ wrote: "I love you guys for book recs. You're the best.

isn't YA? I totally read it as such.

Scorpio Races was one..."

I thought it was YA too, but it's actually MG. I guess it's in line w/the PJO target audience? Either way, I loved it!

I still can't bring myself to finish Forever, despite how much I enjoyed Scorpio Races. Maybe it's all those POVs. I could handle Sam and Grace, but she added two more with each book, and that's just too many?

Ahh, I was hesitant about reading the second Unwind book, cause he set the bar so high, but now I'm gonna have to add it to my list for reading this month.

this is such a conceptual mind blowing book. It reads like a movie!
loved the attitude of Katness and the rebellion.
Jace made this book, he was so sexy and i loved his attitude
such a strong and motivating book. Has a sad ending, but I love the story.
this is a little different from the rest. Had to read it for history, but this brings you to see what slavery was truly like.

Aww, Cold Sassy Tree! I had to read that in grade school and remember liking it a lot.

Christina wrote: "Elaine it was so cool? Really inventive for scifi, I thought. (I actually guessed one of the plot twists thanks to CD classes in college, but I still loved the way it was worked in.) I was so bumme..."

I need to read more scifi, okay, since it has gotten yet another rave review, I'm going to read it after my books set for this month. Argh, I hate it when they do that! They did it for the third book in the 'daughter of smoke and bone' trilogy too, sigh.

Also, you really should read UnWholly! I freaking loved it to bits. I read some reviews saying that the first was better but I actually loved the second more because the first took me a while before I really got into the characters.

So I just joined this group so I missed sharing my top picks of the first half, but I actually read a lot of great books this second half. My favorites:

YA:

Loved this series, I just discovered it this past year. Such amazing world building. I love the articles he throws in as well. I can't wait for Unsouled next year.


After all the debate about the other race related book I kept hearing about Noughts & Crosses. It's such an interesting take on an alternate history. I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the series.


Really great read and I cannot wait to see what happens next.


I've always gravitated towards dragons and I loved this book. Another book with terrific realistic world building. I'm just as excited to reread it as getting the sequel.


Elemental powers are another favorite of mine. A group of hot brothers with elemental powers=bonus.


Adult:

I am finally caught up and can read articles and comment sections without fear of spoilers! And it's an amazing book. Now i join the wait for book 6.


Some may consider this YA, but I think it's more of an adult book. My favorite part of the series was the world building and how even though they were zombie books, the book didn't just focus on them but the society built around them.


Read this after I starting hearing good reviews about the movie. I loved it. So interesting and such great characters. The movie was great as well, but they changed a lot more than I expected.

Sandra wrote: "Mines are and for adults only [bookc..."

How'd I forget about Immortal Rules on my list, ugh that was a great story. Actual, scary vampires and I loved Allie. Didn't love her love-interest quite as much. :/

ok ok I think I have them

- because holy crap it finally came, and I totally want to live inside this book!

- because fuck yeah high fantasy!

- because its the first book to break me, in quite some time!

- for both this freaking awesome book with its freaking cool as shit characters, and the movie that went with it!


- because of the characters, the crazy situations, the quotes and the total unexpectedness of it all

- because Neil Gaiman, The Apocalypse, a missing anti Christ, and one very confused witch hunter

- because of every single thing in this book!

- POE!

- see above ;)

- Because I am so in love with this story, these characters, and how freaking great the humor in the books are!

Christina wrote: "Sandra wrote: "Mines are and for adu..."
@Christina: I have a hunch that the second one will be even better.

Natalie and Melanie, I love so many books on both of your lists. *edit* Actually, I'm loving a lot of books on this entire page. Just seeing what people have been reading is making me smile because there's some good quality books on this page (and I'm still hyped that more people read HTKARS).

There aren't many of my absolute FAVORITES but these really knocked my socks off this year.

I'm SO happy to see on so many people's lists. I love you all.

Elaine wrote: "I'm SO happy to see on so many people's lists. I love you all."

From July until now, I have read some great series and books though most were not new releases. Here is what I've narrowed it down too - which means I think everyone should read these books, right?

(books in order from recently read back to july, not in favorite order)

I love Josh.
Favorite book in the series but obviously I'd recommend them all.
Excellent adult read though disturbing yet unforgettable.
One of the best books ever written. Paul and his cocky-bastard smile.
and Barrons. Need I say more?

OMG, so many awesome books mentioned and some great recs I'm gonna pick up from here!

I really need to make a little bit of time and come share my list!

All right here are mine:



It hit me after looking through my books that I didn't really read very many 2012 releases.

So excited to see so many of the books on my immediate TR list as people's favorites! 2013 is going to be off to a good start.

Carina wrote: "OMG, so many awesome books mentioned and some great recs I'm gonna pick up from here!

I really need to make a little bit of time and come share my list!"

YES! I love threads like this. I can poach other people's favorites for my TBR. :D

@Sandra, I hope so! I'm dying for more interaction between Kanin and Allie, tbh.

Christina wrote: "@Sandra, I hope so! I'm dying for more interaction between Kanin and Allie, tbh."

It's on hold for me right now, but my BFF finished it and told me about her new romantic interest. I am not happy >:(

Give me more Kanin/Allie!

Yes! Kanin too. He should be relevant in . I'm dying for it to be released. And , by the way, but this is just some weeks ahead :)

Meghann wrote: "Elaine wrote: "I'm SO happy to see on so many people's lists. I love you all."

"



@Sandra I really need to start reading Under the Never Sky

My TOP BOOKS part 2:

YA:
1. The Elementals Series Because this series restored my love of a good old YA PNR.
2. Crazy Because it represented the title completely. This book is CRAZY, and I loved every minute of it!
3. Angelfall Pure freaken awesomeness!!!
4. Crown of Embers Because it was NOT a filler sequel. It stood on its own, and even thou it made the romance/relationship a bigger part of the story, it never lost its awesomeness or action-packed-ness! Plus HECTOR!!!!

Between YA and Adult
5. Warm Bodies Because it was funny, scary, sad and hopeful all at the same time. So looking forward to the movie!
6. Reapers Are The Angels Lots of gore, explicit and kickass scenes. And I am NOT a fan of gore, so if a book gets me to love it even with this factor, it MUST have been good!
7. The Night Circus Because it was simply...beautiful. The writting, the style, the story, the resolution...*sigh*

Adult
8. Seduced in the Dark Because I love every minute of this f@cked up world!
9.The Summer Garden Because....*tear tear*....Just read this series!
10. Because it's Charley and all of her glorious sarcasm. Plus we have a HUGE scene in this book! *fist pump*

Yes, I know I sais 10 books, but I am breaking my own rule to mention 2 more that I absolutely LOVED:
and That is all ;)

I love you Carina.

I think Jenny does too after that HECTOR yell. Either that, or she'll have to kill you to keep him for herself.

Stacia (the hype killer) wrote: "I love you Carina."

Aww, I just got teary eyed... I love you too Amy!!
But just to further boost my ego, what exactly did I do to evoque such emotions grom you? Lol

Maree ♫ Light's Shadow ♪ wrote: "I think Jenny does too after that HECTOR yell. Either that, or she'll have to kill you to keep him for herself."

I'm pretty sure Jenny is willing to share, not only with me, but with other Hector lovers. He is just that awesome! Lol
Otherwise....well, I am a little scared haha!

Super late, but here my favorites from July until now...

5 Stars:


4.5 Stars

Okay, for July 'til now, here's my picks, no particular order:

-A different kind of romance
- Wonderful world building
-Zombies, conspiracies, blogging. Yes, please.
- Do I really need to say why? It's Andrews we're talking about here.
- Emotional, without dreaded sappyness
-Beautiful
-So Much Fun
- My fave author publishing YA again along with a great new hero and heroine.
-I love this series, one of the best in UF, imo
-Amish and vampires, swoonworthy guy, le sigh
-Fun with the Gothics, yay!

My faves: