Carolyn’s Top 10 Reads 2010
Normally trying to pick ten out of a whole year of books is difficult, but I must say that it was a lot easier this year. Out of the 70+ books I’ve read there weren’t many that really stood out for me, but there were a few that blew me away and I just loved them. My list isn’t as varied as Laura’s, as most of mine come from a series. I have added a quote to each book from my reviews, which sums up how I feel about the book perfectly. So here are my top 10 reads of 2010…
1. Blood Promise by Richelle Mead (Vampire Academy #4)
“Wow! This book is amazing! I read it so quickly (well, for me anyway), I honestly couldn’t put it down I was so absorbed in the story. ‘Blood Promise’ is a total rollar-coaster ride and I loved every minute of it.“
2. Unholy Magic by Stacia Kane (Downside Ghosts #2)
“Unholy Magic has the precise combination and balance of everything I love about the urban fantasy genre: action, romance, complex but likeable characters and world building. I adored this book so much from beginning to end – just perfect.“
3. City of Ghosts Stacia Kane (Downside Ghosts #3)
“… full of witchy magic, action and romance, I literally couldn’t put this book down until I had read the very last word. I could go on and on about these books, they are just so brilliant! If you haven’t started this series, you MUST!“
4. Last Sacrifice by Richelle Mead (Vampire Academy #6)
“Well, what can I say…sensational! ‘Last Sacrifice’ is the last book in an amazing series, which has, to be honest, left me feeling a little depressed that it’s all over. However, Ms Mead gave the ending I had dreamed of. It was emotional, moving, exciting, happy, sad…I loved every word.“
5. Unholy Ghosts by Stacia Kane (Downside Ghosts #1)
“I think I have squealed enough about this book, so let’s just finish by saying that I cannot wait to read the rest of the series – I’ve heard it gets even better! Unholy Ghosts is a brilliant addition to the Urban Fantasy genre and I can’t recommend it enough!“
6. Mr Monster by Dan Wells (John Cleaver #2)
“Mr Monster is another fascinating and engrossing read from Dan Wells and keeps you completely engaged until the very last page. How Well’s manages to make a young man such as John Cleaver so likable even while he thinks of stabbing people, is a testament to Well’s writing talent.“
7. Spirit Bound by Richelle Mead (Vampire Academy #5)
“Richelle Mead can do no wrong in my eyes, so far this series has been exceptionally good. I cannot wait to read ‘Last Sacrifice’ “
8. I Am Not A Serial Killer by Dan Wells (John Cleaver #1)
“There isn’t a dull moment anywhere and the action is consistent enough to keep you turning the page, but John Cleaver is the star. An interesting and likable character with a dark side that keeps you completely engrossed in the story. Although it’s a fairly dark and sinister tale, it’s not morbid and has a fair amount of humour to lighten the tone. I Am Not A Serial Killer is a fantastic read and one that I highly recommend.“
9. Secrets of a Summer Night by Lisa Kleypas (Wallflowers #1)
“Secrets of a Summer Night is a wonderful book. I loved the characters, the romance and the detail given to the time period. And because of this book I have now bought several titles by Kleypas, which I can’t wait to read!!“
10. Warm Bodies by Isaac Marion
“I devoured this book and enjoyed it from beginning to end. It’s quite somber, but contains delicious bittersweet moments that we can identify with regarding our own humanity and mortality. This book wants to make you think about who we are, what we are and what a gift life is and how we shouldn’t take it for granted. As well as lots of brraaaaaaains – nom nom! 
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Laura’s Top 10 Reads of 2010
I always find choosing my favourite books in any context so difficult. So far I’ve changed and re-ordered this list six times! As I only joined Book Chick City halfway through the year, some of these books have not been reviewed, but all ten of them are superb and definitely deserve a place on your bookshelves.
1. Alpha – Rachel Vincent (Shifters #6)
The top spot this year, has got to go to the conclusion to Rachel Vincent’s Shifters series. Pacy, gut wrenching and brilliant. I read it in a day.
2. The Painted Man – Peter V. Brett (Demon Trilogy #1)
This book blew my socks off, a stunning epic fantasy. Look out for it as my first audiobook review in January.
3. Magic Bleeds – Ilona Andrews (Kate Daniels #4)
This series just keeps on getting better and book four has to be the best of them all. I adore Kate and Curran and this book introduces a fab new character, an attack poodle. Fantastic!
4. Early Dawn – Catherine Anderson (Coulters Historical #4)
Catherine Anderson has to be my all time favourite romance authors. I generally prefer her contemporary romances over her historicals, but as usual her characters steal the story.
5. My Name Is Memory – Ann Brashares
The haunting story of Daniel, a man who has been reincarnated again and again since 541AD and remembers every single lifetime. In each life one thing has always been the same, he always loves Lucy. A beautiful love story.
6. Silver Borne – Patricia Briggs (Mercy Thompson #5)
One of my fav urban fantasy series about coyote shifter and mechanic Mercy. And book number five does not fail to deliver. Mercy and Adam’s relationship moves on following her horrendous attack. Great writing.
7. Thorn Queen – Richelle Mead (Dark Swan #2)
Book two following Shaman Eugenie who has become submerged, against her better judgement, into the otherworld of the fey & crowned ‘The Thorn Queen’, dark and gritty. I also notice it was in Carolyn’s top books of 2009, so it’s a series not to be missed.
8. Raised By Wolves – Jennifer Lynn Barnes (Raised By Wolves #1)
The first book in a new YA series of a human girl whose parents were murdered by a werewolf attack and ends up being rescued & raised by a pack of werewolves. The best YA book I’ve read this year.
9. The Crowded Shadows - Celine Kiernan (Moorehawke Trilogy #2)
Book two of the Moorehawke trilogy is even better than the first. This trilogy is full of political intrigue, fascinating cultures, but is held together by the endearing friendship between the three main characters. Review coming soon!
10. Graceling – Kristin Cashore (The Seven Kingdoms #1)
The story of Katsa, a woman who has been able to kill men with her bare hands since she was eight. She is a Graceling, an individual born with a powerful skill, except her ‘grace’ to her horror is killing. A great new fantasy series.
Tell us your favourite reads of 2010!
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12 Comments
I haven't read the shifter series yet, but I really want to. Great list! The Lisa Kleypas book is one of my favorite books
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Both great lists! Pagan Spirits hasn't gotten around to its Top 10 list yet, but I'm sure we will soon.
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I really must read the Vampire Academy series. Everyone is raving about it! Great list.
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Mr. Monster looks good. Stacia Kane's covers are gorgeous, I haven't heard of that series.
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Ok, it looked so good, I just downloaded I am not a serial killer, thanks Carolyn
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The Painted Man was so cool
Great lists!
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Sarah – Yes, I really enjoyed Lisa Kleypas, have the next book on my shelf so will get around to it very soon. I haven't read the shifter series yet but really want to!
Erin – Thanks, glad you liked the lists
Alice – The VA series is just fantastic – the best YA series I've read
Marce – The Dan Wells books are just fab, a must read in my opinion, glad you thought so too, I hope you enjoy them!
Blodeuedd – It does sound really good, but I don't often read high fantasy, maybe I'll make an acception for this series
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@Sarah you must read the shifter series it's fab
@Erin glad you liked, I look forward to seeing yours
@Alice I really want to read the Vampire Academy books too after all Carolyn's fantastic reviews!
@Marce Stacia Kane is now very much on my wishlist for 2011, the covers are indeed fab
@Blodeudd The Painted Man was fantastic, I'm glad you liked it as much as I did!
@BookChickCity you really should give some high fantasy a go you know
I desperately want to read the Stacia Kane books after your reviews earlier in the year and now the Vampire Academy books are firmly on my wishlist. I shall be checking the rest out later on on Goodreads
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Always interesting to see these lists–and notice how I've read none of the books listed. I see a couple to add to the wish list, though.
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I've wanted to read My Name Is Memory most of the year…and I need to get the Kleypas Wallflowers book..I have 2 from the series…sitting on my TBR pile
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I have Stacia Cane's books on my tbr. Oh I need to get to those. Great list!
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I have to say it's a great list, I was looking for some book suggestions for the late summer and you have certainly provided more than enough, thank you!
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