Once upon a time...

I had trouble coming up with an idea for my first blog post. I wanted to start off with an awesome book review from one of the many books I have received from Librarything for early reviewers. It's a great way to find new authors and read up-and-coming books. So I sat down and few weeks ago to read one of the titles I received, The Talisman of El by Alecia Stone. I'll save that review for anther day, but let's just say I was disappointed. Both with the book, and also that my blog plans were not to be. I really don't want to start out reviewing a book I'm not passionate about, because in the end, that's what this blog is mostly about. I love to read, and I want to share the amazing books I've read with others.

So instead of reviewing one book, I decided to make a list of the 5 best books I've read so far in 2012. Some of these are re-reads and some were brand new finds for me. My family were generous in gifting me with most of the 30 odd books I requested for Christmas. I'm still working my way through them.

Best Books of 2012 (so far):

5.  Incarceron  and Sapphique by Catherine Fisher


I began reading Incarceron just before the end of the year, and followed it closely by the sequel Sapphique in January. These books can be described as steam punk-esque post-apocalyptic  young adult fiction. I was attracted to them for several reasons. One of the two settings in the book takes place in what appears to be the 18th century, one of my favorite historical time periods. The book also features the interesting concept of a sentient prison that has control over its captives. Overall the books were well written with engaging characters, although I think the author made the mistake of changing one of the main protagonists too much in the sequel. She became almost unlikeable when you were really supposed to be rooting for her.  Still, they are a great example of the imaginative YA fiction that is every where these days.

4. Wicked and Son of a Witch by Gregory Macguire

If you haven't read The Wicked Years series by Gregory Macguire you really should. Wicked inspired the Broadway musical of the same name, although the book is not a fluffy and fun as its staged counterpart. The books are quite adult in theme and content. Wicked has really prominent political messages throughout, mostly dealing with racism and the nature of evil. Son of a Witch is my favorite of the first two novels because I find the character of Liir, the son of Elphaba aka the Wicked Witch of the West, to be flawed and wonderful at the same time. You want to love him, but Macguire also makes it plain what Liir's shortcomings are. He has a fascinating journey. These were re-read for me and I am looking forward to finishing up the series with the next two titles: A Lion Among Men and Out of Oz.

3. Anne of Green Gables by L. M. Montgomery

When I got a new smart phone in March, I took the opportunity to get all the fabulous e-reader apps, and download all the free e-books I could get my hands on. Anne was one of those classics that I really wanted to re-read. I made several attempts as a child to get into the Anne series, but failed every time. I remember telling my mom that they were just too descriptive and I needed some more plot, please! Now reading them again through adult eyes I can definitely see why I should have loved them! I had watched the Megan Follows movies and Road to Avonlea was one of my favorite shows as a child, so I knew what to expect. Anne does not disappoint. It should be noted that I have a soft spot for spunky red-headed girls in books (Ginny Weasley is by far my favorite. I don't think my husband will let me name any future children after her, though I am going to put up a fight).

2. A Clash of Kings by George R. R. Martin

1. A Game of Thrones by George R. R. Martin

I am listing these separately although they of course are both part of the hugely popular A Song of Ice and Fire series of fantasy novels and the basis for the HBO hit TV series Game of Thrones. As a fantasy book lover, I knew I would like them, but I didn't know just how much. Martin's writing is some of the best I've ever read. He created a world full of the most enjoyable and interesting characters and plots that keep you hooked. I'm listing Game of Thrones as my favorite for a few reasons. Firstly, if you don't enjoy fantasy you should still read this book for the plot alone. Secondly, the fantasy elements are not as prominent as in some other books in the genre. There are dragons, zombies and some magic, but the books read more like historical fiction than fantasy in many ways. But the plot of the first book; well, I don't want to spoil anything but the mystery grips you and doesn't let go. It reminded me of some of the Harry Potter books, the ones with twists and turns and many schemes afoot. ASOIF is much grittier and adult than Harry Potter, and that is another reason it may attract non fantasy lovers as well. I'm currently working my way through the third installment, A Storm of Swords. Warning: these books are very long and you will want to read the whole series once you start so clear off some time in your book schedule.