As always I like to wait until the very end of the year to profess my favourite books of 2012, just in case I read something amazing over the holidays (which I did last year). My list is compiled from books I have read during 2012 irrespective of publication date. This does mean there’s a couple of 2013 releases on here but by my own criteria, they would be missed off future lists and that’s unfair.
Fantastic new-to-me urban fantasy series set in London full of fae and vampires. Suzanne McLeod has revived my interest in seeking out urban fantasy this year. Read my review.
#11 The Dog Stars
A surprising entry on the list, it doesn’t sound anything like something I would enjoy but I loved this sparse, post-apocalyptic tale in an empty world. Read my review.
#10 Throne of Glass
The perfect epic fantasy for young adult readers. Takes all the good bits of the genre and removes all the bits I can’t stand. Oh yeah, and two of my favourite bloggers are quoted in the UK edition, so you know it must be good. Read my review.
#9 Pantomime
A wonderfully brave and unique young adult book. I know it’s not out yet but you should definitely add it to your list for 2013! Read my review.
#8 The Violinist’s Thumb
My non-fiction book of the year. Incredibly accessable and entertaining look at the history of DNA. I understand it all so much better now. Read my review.
#7 Heart-Shaped Bruise
Fantasticly gripping and moving sort-of-young-adult thriller which I read in one sitting. Plus Tanya is lovely (follow her on Twitter). Read my review.
#6 Pushing the Limits
Oddly enough this also gets the award for worst cover of the year. Looks like my first ever attempts with PhotoShop in the 90s! Proof that you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover as this gritty comtemporary was my favourite YA read of the year. Read my review.
#5 The Mad Scientist’s Daughter
Stunning! Beautiful! This is the real reason I let 2013 releases sneak onto the list. I couldn’t not include it. Moving, beautifully written and thought-provoking science fiction. Read my review.
#4 Diving Belles
Gorgeous collection of short stories featuring Cornish mythology and coastline with a mix of everday modern life. I even went on The Readers podcast to profess my love of this book. Read my review.
#3 The Song of Achilles
Despite my love of Greek mythology, I’ve always found The Iliad a bit confusing so to have it turned into a beautiful love story was the best thing that could be done. Read my review.
#2 Me Before You
Jojo Moyes ripped out my heart and stomped on it. Heart-breaking stuff. I took weeks to recover. Read my review.
#1 The Testimony
I feel a bit like I don’t shut up about this book but only because I want you all to read it. 26 narrators may sound like too many but it really does work. James popped by the blog earlier this year to answer some of my questions on The Testimony and stuff. If you’re quick, you can also buy it for just £1.99 in the 12 Days of Kindle sale. Read my review.
Of course, this isn’t an exhaustive list of all the fabulous books I read in 2012. There are just so many and that is a good thing. You can always check out the links at the top of my blog for my highlights and 5 star reads.
Happy new year and may 2013 be filled with books and joy!
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Great list; I have a couple of those on my TBR so it's good to know you loved them so much. Happy New Year, Ellie – hope you have a great one 🙂
Enjoyed reading your list Ellie. I liked Heart-Shaped Bruise a lot too. I found my list really hard to compile and thought of others afterwards. I've saved my 2013 books for next years list but I like either way of doing it and as you say, don't want them to get missed.
Happy New Year! x
Yay, Song of Achilles 🙂
Lots of the books are new to me, I like the sound of Throne of Glass.
I still have to read Song of Achilles..must remedy that soon! The Mad Scientist's Daughter and Pantomime are going straight onto the wishlist. Happy New Year, Ellie. Tx
I love that this list is full of a wide variety of genres, Ellie. I'm really excited for Song of Achilles and Pantomime. Happy New Year!
I read a lot of different book blogs, but I have to say – your book blog adds the most books to my TBR list and pile. I love reading similar books to what you read, so the new ideas are endless. Keep it coming in 2013 🙂
I need to read a whooole bunch of these! Think Throne of Glass is on every list this year.
I definitely need to read Heart-Shaped Bruise, it sounds so good. Out of these I also loved Throne of Glass and Pushing the Limits (agree with you about the cover- the US version is so much better). I'm halfway through Pantomime at the moment and loving it.
Happy New Year!
I have to admit I haven't read most of them on this list. Pushing The Limits was also on my list but I am really intrigued by The Testimony, I haven't heard of it before and just brought it, thanks =)