So I've got a lot of 2012 books I want to pimp, gripe about, mention so I'd thought the easiest way to do that would be to break it down into categories. So here is part 1: 2012 Debuts.
Debuts this year has been a up and down sort of thing. There were a few in the beginning of the year that made me really excited for 2012 but then they all sort of fell flat and then at the end of the year there were several really good ones. It was a bit of a mixed bag, really.
Personal Favorite Debuts:
The Lunar Chronicles Book 1: Cinder by Marissa Meyer-One of two favorite retellings this year. If you must do the fairytale retelling thing, do it like this.
His Fair Assassin Trilogy Book 1: Grave Mercy by Robin LaFevers-Still say nuns training assassins is wierd as hell but it gives us such a awesome premise that I find I don't care that much.
Unraveling series Book 1: Unraveling by Elizabeth Norris-Great, well written, and original concept with a likeable main character and a ending that makes me want the second book like NOW.
American Fairy Trilogy Book 1: Dust Girl by Sarah Zettel-Studio Ghiblish historical fantasy set in the nineteen thirties with great writing and characters. My favorite Faerie book of the year.
Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein-My pick for best historical fiction book of the year.
Tiger Lily by Jodi Lynn Anderson-If pressed I would say best debut of the year is between this one and Code Name Verity.
Something Strange and Deadly by Susan Dennard-A fun Zombie Alternate history book.
Serephina Book 1 by Rachel Hartmen-My favorite fantasy book of the year. Someone is finally doing dragons! In a way that I like (sorry, didn't like Eragon). Fabulously written, great world building, and wonderfully diverse characters and great plot. Can't wait for the next one.
Dark Star series Book 1 by Bethany Frenette-A woefully underrated fun urban fantasy with superheroes. I don't know why this hasn't gotten more buzz.
Grisha Trilogy Book 1: Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo-Great start to a interesting looking fantasy trilogy. I'm so pleased epic fantasy is making a comeback.
Decent Debuts:
Dragonswood by Janet Lee Carey-Interesting fantasy from earlier this year. Fabulous cover bonus.
Under the Never Sky Book 1 by Veronica Rossi-Now that I've had more time to think about it, I would have given this a B plus instead of the A minus rating I gave it, but I still think it's strong debut.
Article 5 series Book 1 by Kristin Simmons-one of the more interesting dystopians this year and very apt considering the current political rhetoric.
Everneath series Book 1 by Brodi Ashton-Interesting Persephone take despite a somewhat weak protagonist.
Cahill Witch series Book 1: Born Wicked by Jessica Spotswood-great historical fantasy series that works despite several familiar YA tropes.
Croak series Book 1: Croak by Gina Damico-fun fast paced urban fantasy/paranormal with shades of Dead Like Me thrown in.
Starters Book 1 by Lissa Price-Refreshing dystopian debut. This genre isn't totally dead yet.
Widdershins Adventure series Book 1: Thief's Covenant by Ari Marmell-Awesome female character is awesome.
The Wicked and the Just by J. Anderson Coats-Wonderfully written historical fiction novel. Not for the impatient however.
Struck Book 1 by Jennifer Bosworth-A better-than-it-sounds refreshing dystopian.
The Dark Unwinding by Sharon Cameron-Sweet family type gothic book which you don't see much of.
Loathed Debuts:
Gilded Wings Book 1: Illuminate by Aimee Agresti-Badly written, unoriginal, plothole fantastic story with uberstereotyped characters and a annoying MC. No thank you.
The Selection Book 1 by Kiera Cass-Sloppy dystopian world building with flat writing, flat cookie cutter characters, and a idea that could have been more awesome then it actually was, and furthers the bitchy female stereotype that abounds in YA. Doesn't help that the author and her agent behaved like five year olds who couldn't take criticism on Goodreads and made that sight rather unpleasant for awhile.
Immortal City Book 1 by Scott Speer-A book that should have been more awesome then it was. Unfortunately the author apparently was trapped in clicheland.
Hemlock series Book 1 by Katherine Peacock-Unoriginal, badly written, and has slightly sexist overtones. Twilight with werewolf focus. No thanks.
Of Poseidon Book 1 by Anna Banks-Concept that would have been more awesome if the writer hadn't been stuck in Twilight mode complete with bad writing, weak female characters, and sexist messages.
Everything Else:
Tempest Book 1 by Julie Cross-Don't get all the hooplah this one received. It was just okay really.
The Alchemy of Forever by Avery Williams
Katerina Trilogy Book 1: The Gathering Storm by Robin Bridges
Fracture by Megan Miranda
Scarlet by A. C. Gaughen-Another one that I don't understand why everyone went nuts over it.
Darkest London Book 1: Firelight by Kristin Callihan (adult)-Average UF is average.
Incarnate series Book 1 by Jodi Meadows-Creative idea but kind of annoying MC and average plot.
Partials Book 1 by Dan Wells
Slide Book 1 by Jill Hathaway-Okay mystery but annoying characters.
When the Sea is Rising Red by Cat Hellisen-Would have been better without the forced love triangle.
Katana Book 1 by Cole Gibson
Arcadia Awakens Book 1 by Kai Meyer-Unoriginal and badly written.
Masque of the Red Death Book 1 by Bethany Griffin
The Butterfly Clues by Kate Ellison
Cross My Heart by Sasha Gould
Queen of the Dead series Book 1: Silence by Michelle Sagara-Interesting concept but so filled with familiar tropes to be anything more then a decent library read.
Ripper Book 1 by Amy Carol Reeves
Monument 14 by Emmy Laybourne
Dark Companion by Marta Acosta-Pretentious Jane Eyre retelling that wasn't as good as the author clearly thought it was.
So Close To You Trilogy Book 1 by Rachel Carter
The Demon Catchers of Milan Book 1 by Kat Beyer
Gilt by Katherine Longshore-Dull historical fiction book is dull. Also inaccurate.
Tokyo Heist by Diana Renn
Secret Letters by Leah Scheier
Ten by Gretchen McNeil
The Innocents Book 1 by Lili Peloquin
The Shadow Society by Marie Rutkoski
Breathe Book 1 by Sarah Crossan
Aether Chronicles Book 1: Innocent Darkness by Suzanne Lazear
Dark Eyes Book 1 by William Richter
Throne of Glass Book 1 by Sarah J. Maas-Just finished (haven't reviewed yet) and sorry but average book is average.
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