Top 10 Books I've Read in 2011 (+1!)

Hey! This year, I'm participating in this event called Top 10 of 2011, hosted by Rachel from Fiktshun, Jessica from Confessions of a Bookaholic,  Lisa from A Life Bound By Books, and Jaime & Patricia from Two Chicks on Books. Basically, you just recap your favorite books, covers and characters.

So, for today, I got to list the Top 10 Books I've Read in 2011. But I kinda cheated and placed 11. ;)


11. The Girl in the Steel Corset by Kady Cross

Yup, totally loved this book. Steampunk fan? Then read this! This book had so many cool gadgets and whatnots. Not convinced? I gave this book 5 stars here! And come on, the cover's totally drawing you in, right?

10. The Death Cure by James Dashner

A totally amazing conclusion to an epic dystopian trilogy. Do read the Maze Runner- you'll love it! It's totally action packed and filled with suspense. Heck, I even gave it 6 stars here!

9. Plague by Michael Grant

So this book is dystopian-ish, but not exactly one. But yeah, this book is filled with violence, death, blood and gore... And I totally enjoyed it. But so totally disturbing. (In a good way!)

8. Wildefire by Karsten Knight

So I totally cannot resist a good story about gods and goddesses. And this book had a totally diverse culture- you have a Polynesian and a Japanese goddess, and even a Norse god! Plus, Ashlyn is one tough chick!

7. Abandon by Meg Cabot

So how can I not include a book by Meg? I really loved Abandon as well- It was a really cool retelling of Persephone's myth, one that I really enjoyed!

6. White Cat by Holly Black

This series is so cool. Trust me. The whole curse workers thing in unbelievably amazing- plus, I love the MC, Cassel. I've always loved Holly's books, since I read the Spiderwick Chronicles- this though, is my absolute favorite.

5. Wither by Lauren DeStefano

Yet another good dystopian. This book isn't really the action/adventure type- more of romance and drama, yet it still creates a huge impact. I really loved this book!

4. Nevermore by Kelly Creagh

I loved this book. So much. It's an epic mix of fantasy, romance, suspense, humor, action... A totally amazing read. But the ending? Talk about a killer cliffhanger!

3. The Iron King by Julie Kagawa

The best book about fairies out there! Fast paced, full of adventure, and an awesome romance. Totally lived up to its hype!

2. Divergent by Veronica Roth

Yup, yet another dystopian. Can you blame me for loving this series? This was mindblowingly amazing. Definitely my favorite dystopian book.

1. If I Die by Rachel Vincent

C'mon guys. Did you really think I was gonna forget about this book? I love this series so much, you guys have no idea. Like seriously- I don't think I can wait that long for the sixth book! Did you guys know that this was the very first book I reviewed on this blog? :)








Well that was fun! Yet really difficult. In a way, I'm glad that I haven't read some really hyped-up books out there yet- like Shatter Me, Delirium, VA, Clockwork Prince- or I don't think I could have stuck with 11!


Jen @ Midnight Book Thief

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So what were your top 10 books of 2011? Leave a link if you also made a list and I'll check it out! :)

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The Iron Fey #1- The Iron King by Julie Kagawa: Review

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Meghan Chase has a secret destiny; one she could never have imagined. Something has always felt slightly off in Meghan's life, ever since her father disappeared before her eyes when she was six. She has never quite fit in at school or at home.

When a dark stranger begins watching her from afar, and her prankster best friend becomes strangely protective of her, Meghan senses that everything she's known is about to change. But she could never have guessed the truth - that she is the daughter of a mythical faery king and is a pawn in a deadly war. Now Meghan will learn just how far she'll go to save someone she cares about, to stop a mysterious evil no faery creature dare face; and to find love with a young prince who might rather see her dead than let her touch his icy heart.

All the books I've read so far were utterly amazing- and the streak continues on with the Iron King.

A little history first. The Iron Fey has been around for ages- but I never picked them up. They were just sitting there, begging to be read. Then one day, I see the cover for the Iron Knight. And boy, was it hot. The a few weeks after, I discover that I won a copy! So, estatic little me began reading the series, hoping to finish by the time I get the book.

The Bad

.... Gosh, I can't find anything wrong with it! Why?!? I mean, look at my review of Divergent- I adored the book and gave it 6 stars, but I was able to scrounge up something that I didn't like about it! But for this book?!?

Yeah, I can't.

The Good

The charaters. I love Meghan. She's an amazing heroine. She isn't whiny or a complete wimp. No, she's determined, brave, and loyal to the end. I also adored Kagawa's other characters, Ash and Puck. Puck is the bestfriend I wish I had- he's caring but funny as hell. And Ash... Well, I'm Team Ash all the way. I just gotta love that ice prince! Kagawa developed her charaters perfectly, and I couldn't help but love them.

The Awesome

The world. Okay, you see guys, this is the reason why I love fantasy. Kagawa makes the most out of this genre and pumps the book full of fey goodness.

The only thing I regret? Not reading this book sooner.

The plot. It was fast paced, engrossing, and utterly captivating. I absolutely loved the adventure and how the story progressed. I loved how Meghan's loyalty for her brother leads her across the Nevernever, and the journey was one hell of a ride. And I absolutely loved the twist in the story, when they realize that they're up against something way bigger.

The ending. Oh gosh. As the story reached its end, I was in a daze. I couldn't finish the story fast enough, but at the same way, I didn't want this story to end. My emotions were in a mess in the last few chapters. I didn't know how to feel- I felt Meghan's pain and her despair, but I could sense her determination to defeat the Iron King and rescue her brother no matter what. And that part where those pack rats arrived and gave Meghan the wood? I wanted to hug them so tightly and squeeze the life out of them.

The Rating

5 out of 5 stars for me, no questions asked. The Iron Fey is now my favorite fairy series, and it takes this fairytale into a whole new level. It had eveything I'm looking for- action, adventure, romance, comedy, suspense, and even mystery! Nothing can match Kagawa's ingenuity and wild imagination.

Luckily, the entire series has already been released, and knowing me, I'm gonna devour the entire series as soon as I can!

Jen @ Midnight Book Thief

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Wow, that was long! So did you love this book as well? Let me know!

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