Best books of 2012 - Cinder

Another really good YA fantasy novel - the classic fairy tale of Cinderella in a post-apocalyptic setting.

Cinder (Lunar chronicles #1) by Marissa Meyer

Meet Cinder, a beautiful girl who, due to necessary surgeries after an accident, is now a cyborg. Orphaned as a young teenager and after the death of her foster dad, she finds herself with a step-mother who treats her like a servant. Yes, there is also two step-sisters. Cinder is a talented mechanic and happens to run into Prince Kai (whose father is the Emperor of New Beijing) who needs her to repair an android. I followed the fairy tale with familiar twists told in a very unique way. It was fun to read how the pumpkin coach is translated in this version. Unusual aspects include the Lunar people, who threaten the very existence of Earth, and a mysterious plague. I reached the end of the book gripping the arms of my chair and felt very sad that the next book in a planned series quartet, Scarlet, is not yet published. Something to look forward to in 2013!

Best books of 2012 - Shadow and Bone

I love this time of year - when "Best books of the year" lists are posted. So here goes. My best book list will be a series of blogs. The beginning of my list is a wonderful Young Adult (YA) fantasy novel.

Shadow and Bone (series - The Grisha #1)  by Leigh Bardugo

Shadow and Bone is a great example of a young adult fantasy novel that will appeal to a wide audience.

It always amazes me when an author can create a whole world with elements of what the readers may know and mixes in elements of magic and terrible creatures. I can imagine the war-torn country of Ravka filled with the familiar elements of Eastern European folklore.  The characters are so engaging and well-drawn, it’s hard to pick a favorite.  However, the book is predominantly the story of friendship and love between Alina and Mal, orphans with special skills that have gone undiscovered until now; all of the other characters revolve around them. When Alina’s magical powers come to the notice of the mighty and power hungry Darkling, she must decide what is true and worthy.  Enjoy this captivating novel and then wait with me for the next installment!