This year I discovered five engrossing, absorbing, unputdownable
books. I found it hard to let these books out of my sight while I was reading
them. They are just that good. The following selections are some of the best YA
releases of 2012, in my humble opinion.
Grave Mercy: Robin LaFevers
Released April 3, 2012
LaFevers’
debut novel mixes fantasy, magic and history in a story about Ismae, a girl
assassin. Trained in a remote convent in the Middle Ages, she’s thrown into
Brittany’s royal court to help discover an enemy saboteur. Romance spikes with
Duval, the Duchess’ brother with whom Ismae stays. Their rough-and-tumble yet
realistic relationship is an intriguing addition. Even though it’s a long read
(over 500 pages!), I engulfed it.
Insurgent: Veronica Roth
Released May 1, 2012
Insurgent is the sequel to Divergent, both praise-worthy books. Tris is immersed in a war between factions in a dystopian
Chicago. After unimaginable loss, she has only her sometimes-estranged
boyfriend for company as they faction-hop. As they dive deeper into the history
of their society, the action increases and the mystery heightens, ending with a
cliffhanger that leaves me craving the final book with an unnatural thirst.
Bitterblue: Kristin Cashore
Released May 1, 2012
Cashore
impressed me with Graceling and Fire but I was skeptical after reading
Bitterblue’s description. However, a few pages into the book my skepticism
flew into the spring air and the book became glued to my hand. Bitterblue is
strong yet stubborn and her story is a fantasy/mystery/epic tale that brings
back some of my favorite characters from the earlier companion novels.
Throne of Glass: Sarah J Maas
Released August 7, 2012Maas is a debut author with a super-sized fan following, which is how Throne of Glass appeared on my radar. It takes place in a fantasy world surrounding the life of a young assassin, Celeana. She is secretive, strong and serene. To win her freedom, she’s thrown into a battle against thieves and military men to become the King’s Assassin. Plus an understated love triangle, and I found this book enthralling.
Unwholly: Neal Shusterman
Released August 28,
2012
It was a tortuous wait from the
release of Unwind in 2007 until Unwholly appeared on the shelf, especially since I
knew it would be awesome. Even though Unwind
appeared to end somewhat happily, its' sequel opens with Conner, Risa and Lev
in situations that are not even close to ideal. Three new characters are thrown
into the mix, which leads to some mouth-dropping complications. Plus the
spine-tingling twists and the non-stop action, and Unwholly was unputdownable.
Happy New Year! Can’t wait to see what 2013 will bring,
especially in the YA world!
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