Small Favor by Jim Butcher (urban fantasy)- Harry's tenth adventure involves rescuing a kidnapped gangster, being targeted by one of the summer court's most powerful fae, and the three billy goats gruff. The story moves at a breakneck speed, and is a joy from it's exciting start to emotional finish.
(reviewed 01/14/09)
Book of a Thousand Days by Shannon Halle (fantasy)- In this touching retelling of Maid Maleen, Shannon Hale gives a voice and a name to the lady's servant, recasting her as a tough and admirable heroine.
(reviewed 01/18/09)
The Host by Stephanie Meyer (science fiction)- The Host combines the excitement and romance of the Twilight Saga with a more mature plot line. I am amazed at how much I enjoyed this book
(reviewed 02/12/09)
Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell (fantasy/historical fiction/audiobook)- An epic novel that implants the magic of a fantasy tome into the polite society of a Jane Austen novel. This was my favorite read of 2009
(reviewed 02/28/09)
Midnight Nation by J Michael Straczynski (fantasy/graphic novel)- A graphic novel about one man who slips through reality and must embark on a quest to save his soul.
(reviewed 03/14/09)
Peony in Love by Lisa See (fantasy/historical fiction)- Taking place in seventeen century china, Peony in Love is about a young woman who wastes away and dies, and her journey through the underworld.
(reviewed 04/12/09)
Looking for Alaska by John Green (contemporary fiction)- A story of boarding school, first love, faith and tragedy. The best funny/sad book I've ever read.
(reviewed 05/16/09)
Perfect Fifths by Megan McCafferty (contemporary fiction)- The fifth and final Jessica Darling novels ends this coming of age story on a perfect note. I suffered and survived through high school, college, and the post college years alongside Jessica, making this tale (about her mid twenties) a somewhat bittersweet read.
(reviewed 05/26/09)
Blankets by Craig Thompson (contemporary fiction/graphic novel) This behemoth of a graphic novel is an intense moving of age novel that tells about finding and losing both love and faith.
(reviewed 06/03/09)
Graceling by Kristin Cashore (fantasy)- This novel represents my favorite type of sword and sorcery fantasy. A tough heroine, a exciting adventure storyline, and a nice side dish of romance.
(reviewed 06/13/09)
Naamah's Kiss by Jacqueline Carey (fantasy)- Carey's most recent tale of Terre D’Ange takes us 200 years into the future, and presents us with a fascinating new heroine, a great cast of characters, and the same sex and magic we've come to expect and love. I'm highly anticipating the second book in this series.
(reviewed 06/25/09)
Honolulu by Alan Brennert (historical fiction)- A story about a young Korean woman who comes to Hawaii looking for education and prosperity, only to be horribly surprised. I loved watching Jin's rise from one of the lowest times of her life, to one much better.
(reviewed 06/28/09)
Alphabet of Thorn by Patricia McKillip (fantasy)- One of the most beautifully written fantasies I've ever read.
(reviewed 07/04/09)
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins (science fiction/audiobook)- An exciting dystopia about a girl who enters a televised fight to the death to save her sister's life. I really want to read the sequel, Catching Fire, as well.
(reviewed 08/12/09)
Tender Morsels by Margo Lanagan (fantasy)- A retelling of the story of Snow White and Rose Red. Tender Morsels is a emotional tale of sisterhood, motherhood, innocence, and loss that manages to hit every emotional point from sorrow to joy.
(reviewed 12/13/09)
Here are a few honorable mentions:
Turn Coat by Jim Butcher- reviewed 04/15/09
The Birth of Venus by Sarah Dunant- reviewed 05/09/09
The Opposite of Fate by Amy Tan- reviewed 05/22/09
Playing with Fire by Derek Landy- reviewed 09/19/09
Frostbitten by Kelley Armstrong- reviewed 12/28/09
If you're interested in seeing a list of all the books I've read for 2009, click here.
I'm really enjoying reading everyone's total lists/top lists! Getting a few books to read for next year :)
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