My Top Ten Books of 2011

2011 was many things for YA books: the year of sequels and series, dystopian fiction, and many more self-published e-books. Thankfully, there were slightly fewer angels, werewolves, and vampires, and quite a few books that were surprisingly compelling.

Listed in ascending order, the following are my favourite books of 2011:

(Warning: spoilers ahead, though nothing too specific.)
 

10) Lola and the Boy Next Door 

by Stephanie Perkins

Release Date: September 29, 2011

Cute.  I can think of no better way to describe Lola and the Boy Next Door. Lola is endearingly quirky, with her penchant for wearing outlandish, themed costumes on a daily basis. Cricket, her love interest and - as one would expect - neighbor, is equally sweet and eccentric. Memorable and fun, Lola and the Boy Next Door was easily my favourite contemporary novel of 2011.

9) Shift (Shade #2)

by Jeri Smith-Ready

Release Date:  May 3, 2011

Shift sort of sneaked up on me. I liked Shade, but this sequel really upped the romantic drama and mystery surrounding Aura's ghost-seeing abilities. Compelling plot progression, swoon-worthy boys, and unique magical elements - what's not to love?

8) Forbidden

by Tabitha Suzuma

Release Date: June 28, 2011

Poignant and emotional, Forbidden defied my expectations. It would be easy to judge such a book solely on its subject matter - an incestuous relationship; it's a testament to Tabitha Suzuma's writing that the two main characters remain sympathetic throughout. Ultimately, it's impossible not to be pulled into their inevitably doomed romance.

Forbidden is also a welcome stand-alone novel in a year that was inundated with sequels and series-starters. And I really like the cover, with its simple but effortlessly symbolic concept.

7) Enclave (Razorland #1)

by Ann Aguirre 

Release Date: April 12, 2011

Enclave is sharp and fresh and original - everything I want in a dystopian read. This genre became a definite trend in 2011, resulting in the publication of many underdeveloped and similarly themed books. However, Enclave immediately caught my attention. The grittiness of both its setting and heroine drive the fast-paced narrative, ensuring that Enclave is thoroughly engrossing.

6) Magic Slays (Kate Daniels #5)

by Ilona Andrews

Release Date: May 31, 2011

The degenerating cover art and continuously bland titles that plague the Kate Daniels series are a pity, because the books keep getting better and better. This is my favourite adult urban fantasy series, and Magic Slays is particularly gripping. Why? Well, a bitingly funny heroine, romance and witty banter, and a self-contained plot that builds on an already intricate setting. Awesome.

5) Clockwork Prince (The Infernal Devices #2)

by Cassandra Clare

Release Date: December 6, 2011

Cassandra Clare published two books in 2011 - City of Fallen Angels and Clockwork Prince - the latter of which is unequivocally my favourite. It is so good. Richly atmospheric, Clockwork Prince fully evokes its Victorian London setting. In Clockwork Angel, the characters - I'm looking at you, Tessa and Will - and plot developments often seem too reminiscent of their counterparts in the original Mortal Instruments trilogy. Thankfully, Clockwork Prince further develops the interpersonal relationships and characters, establishing The Infernal Devices as a unique, intriguing series in its own right. 

(And it goes without saying that the cover is gorgeous.)

4) Daughter of Smoke and Bone (Daughter of Smoke and Bone #1)

by Laini Taylor

Release Date: September 27, 2011

Daughter of Smoke and Bone would rank high on this list based solely on the strength of Laini Taylor's fluid, evocative writing. Fortunately, Daughter of Smoke and Bone also features my favourite main character of 2011: blue-haired, artistic, impetuous Karou. While the romance is at times trite, its development is logical and undeniably beautiful. The books is also full of surprises, and the fantasy elements are beautifully interwoven with the Prague setting.

Daughter of Smoke and Bone breathes life into the increasingly predictable urban fantasy genre. It is unique and lovely, with a vivid cast of characters.

3) Eona: The Last Dragoneye (Eon #2)

by Alison Goodman

Release Date: April 19, 2011

I love YA fantasy in the vein of Tamora Pierce; last year, Eona: The Last Dragoneye provided what I would consider the most kick-ass heroine and compelling fantasy setting. Set in an Asia-inspired world, the book is satisfyingly significant in size and contains magical dragons, action, and romance.

The first book considers the varied interpretations of gender, Eona's attempts to pass as a boy, and her struggle to overcome a crippling injury sustained during childhood. This second book in the duology is very much about Eona's reclaiming her female identity and settling into her heroine role. I found it even more engrossing than its predecessor.

2) The Scorpio Races

by Maggie Stiefvater

Release Date: October 18, 2011

Another stand-alone novel! Unlike many of the other books on this list, The Scorpio Races is slow-building and subtle rather than action-packed. It is beautiful in a very understated way, with its quietly endearing romance and memorable narrators, Sean and Puck. The premise - villagers riding man-eating water horses in a deadly, annual race - is refreshingly original, as are the motives of those who compete. The inhabitants of the rural village setting are also as idiosyncratic and likable as the book's main characters.

Though not fast-paced, The Scorpio Races is lyrical, atmospheric, and compelling.

1) Divergent (Divergent #1)

by Veronica Roth 

Release Date: May 3, 2011

Really, this shouldn't come as much of a surprise.  

Divergent is attention-grabbing, fast-paced, and emotional, featuring a complex society and conflicted heroine. Based on these characteristics, it's also the only recently published dystopian book that actually warrants comparisons to The Hunger Games. I, you know, sort of liked Divergent. It's an okay book.

But seriously. Divergent is addictive. There's action, romance, a strong heroine, and plenty of potential for future books in the planned trilogy.

(Can Insurgent be published already? Please?)

My Top Ten Favorite Book Couples

I love classifying things; I love making lists; I love deciding on my favorites – my favorite book (The Hunger Games), my favorite animal (zebras), even my favorite cereal (Froot Loops). There is little else I appreciate more in a book than a well-written romance, the kind that makes me alternately sigh, laugh, and cheer on the characters.

What is this intro leading to? My top ten favorite book couples, of course (with justification/swooning)!

Warning: some of these are definite spoilers, so read on at your own risk.

Now, on to the list:

10. Rose and Dimitri (Vampire Academy) - Rose is everything Dimitri is not: impetuous, flirtatious, and immature. Their shared sense of duty compensates for these differences, and their consistent dedication to each other cements them as more than a momentary fling. The fact that he's her combat teacher adds a - gasp - forbidden aspect to their relationship that, in the fictional VA universe, only increases the swoon-worthy qualities of this couple.

9. Yelena and Valek (Poison Study) - The realization of this romance is so gratifying given these characters' growing closeness throughout the book. I loved watching Yelena and Valek - a poison taster and an assassin, respectively - accept the inevitability of their (intense, compelling) connection. Ultimately, this is a wonderfully mature relationship that remains steady and strong despite the obstacles presented by Yelena's troubled past and uncertain future.

8. Clary and Jace (The Mortal Instruments) - There’s something very addicting about the way this couple is written; their snappy dialogue and drama and mutual attraction make for some serious reread potential, and it's obvious they're destined for a turbulent romance. Was anyone really convinced these two could be brother and sister?

No? That's what I thought.

7. Scarlett and Rhett (Gone with the Wind) - These two are not good for each other. When it comes to relationships, Scarlett is selfish and superficial and insensitive. (She’s pretty much the Blair Waldorf of the Old South - or is Blair Waldorf the Scarlett O’Hara of the Upper East Side? Anyway. I digress.) Clark Gable - er, Rhett - understands these aspects of Scarlett’s personality better than anyone else, which is ultimately to the detriment of their relationship. But that dramatic, doomed quality is exactly what I love about this couple.

On a side note, I refuse to acknowledge the ending of that should-never-have-been-made sequel that, like Voldemort, will not be named. (Hint: the title rhymes with harlot, which is oddly appropriate.)

6. Jamie and Claire (Outlander) - A romance riddled with obstacles to overcome - including Claire's prior marriage and, oh yes, the small matter of their living in different decades - and an equal amount of cute moments. It's just a bonus that their relationship subverts many of the tropes I’d come to expect of romance novels: the male lead, not the heroine, is the blushing virgin; Claire is older than Jamie too, which is refreshing. Also – and I feel unbelievably cheesy and cliché for even thinking these words – their love transcends time. Really.

5. Phèdre and Joscelin (Kushiel’s Legacy) - Kushiel’s Dart is a slow-building book that requires one to fully sink into its unique, well-developed world and meandering plot. The main romance is similarly complex and subtly-established. And sizzling. This is by far my favourite “opposites attract” romance: Phèdre is a courtesan. Joscelin is a chaste warrior priest. Cue sparks.

4. Katsa and Po (Graceling) - These two complement each other so well. Their relationship is a meeting of equals that encourage each other to mature and overcome their respective limitations. I love that there's no pressure here, as Po accepts Katsa's decision never to marry and their romance is not deterred by physical separation. (Also: their fight scenes are ridiculously awesome. Love.)

3. Kate and Curran (Kate Daniels Series) - The dialogue, the dialogue! The quips and bickering and endless back-and-forth! To demonstrate:

Curran: “You’re an interesting woman.”
Kate: “Your interest has been duly noted.”

Kate: “I want to assure you, Your Majesty, that I spend long nights lying awake in my bed worrying about your feelings.”
Curran: “As well you should.”

Curran: “How was it?”
Kate: “It was flat. No spark. Nothing. Like kissing a brother.”
Curran: “Really? Is that why you put your arms around my neck?”
Kate: “That was temporary insanity."

Curran: “Hey.”

Kate: “Hey. I was telling the people in my head to shut up.”
Curran: “They have medication for that.”
Kate: “I probably can’t afford it.”

2. Katniss and Peeta (The Hunger Games) - I must admit that I’m a fan of the fictional bad boy. There’s something so compelling about that toughness, those chiseled cheek bones (because he always has to have chiseled cheekbones), the vulnerability concealed beneath a veneer of arrogance. Peeta does not fall into that category. I mean, c’mon, his nickname is “the boy with the bread.” That moniker suggests neither fearsomeness nor the elusive sexiness of the Fictional Bad Boy. It does, however, highlight Peeta’s sensitivity and generosity. Those qualities, along with his quiet strength, are the perfect match for Katniss’s harshness and independence. And that’s why they’re #2.

1. Jacob and Renesmee (Twilight)

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What? You didn't see this coming?

Okay, I kid. Couldn’t help it. Ahem, now back to seriousness.

The real #1 Couple of Awesomeness:

1. Alanna and George (The Song of the Lioness Quartet) - I love everything about this relationship: George’s acceptance of Alanna, flaws and all, and vice versa; the growth of their friendship throughout the quartet; the fact that he is the first person she trusts with her secret; their mutual respect and sense of equality. Everything!

Honorable Mentions:

Fire and Archer (Fire) - Though they aren't as healthy or thoughtful together as the main Fire couple, their romance is, in my opinion, the most swoon-worthy. They're friends first, lovers second, and they just aren't meant to be together - but their short time together is, ahem, as hot as a certain heroine's name.

Bella and Edward (Twilight) - Putting Bella’s whininess and Edward’s creepy stalker tendencies aside, the sheer epicness of this super-couple deserves props.

Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy (Pride and Prejudice) - This couple did for love-hate, antagonistic relationships what Romeo and Juliet did for doomed lovers. And they did it while skirting around the machinations of Lizzy’s mother. That’s impressive.

Magnus and Alec (The Mortal Instruments) - These two are easily as compelling as Clary and Jace, but much less focused-on - which is a pity, because they're unlikely and brilliant and hilarious, together and as individuals.

Elena and Clay (Bitten) - Their past as a couple is revealed in gradual bits and pieces that make it utterly impossible not to root for a reconciliation in their future. Despite their issues, Elena and Clay share an amazing mutual understanding, even when they’re at odds with one another.