These books will definitely keep me coming back for more!
There was a lot of exposition amongst the action in the first book, Gone, but in Hunger there is simply lots of action, plus an expansion of the supernatural mystery that seems to have descended upon the FAYZ. I couldn't put this thick book down! (also on: Best Books I Read in 2009, Dystopian/Apocalyptic/Steampunk, For Boys)
The Treasure Map of Boys by E. Lockhart
I feel like the Ruby Oliver books just get better with each installment. In this book, Roo seems to start to move past her boy-crazy days...and perhaps begin to settle down with one boy.
Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins
This is kind of self-explanatory, much like the first book. It's the kind of book that will be devoured by readers in one night. (also on: Night-In Reads)
An excellent conclusion to D.J.'s many ordeals. Sweet, romantic, optimistic, and totally cheer-worthy. (also on: Night-In Reads, Great Protagonists, Most Crush-Worthy Love Interests)
Fade by Lisa McMann
Even better than Wake, with development of Janie and Cabel's romance, the more specific assignment Janie's given, and startling revelations about Janie's abilities. (also on: Romance, If You Can't Get Enough of Vampire Academy)
Fire by Kristin Cashore
Only slightly related to Graceling by a very tentative thread, but also so much better than Graceling with its depth of writing, story, character development, and themes. (also on: Best Books I Read in 2009, Best Books Published in 2009, For Fantasy/Magic Lovers, Use in Classrooms, Smart Reads)
Can a happy ending be in store for Marcus Flutie and Jessica Darling? The format of this book is drastically different than all the other ones in the series, but its content is just swoon-worthy, and you get to understand Marcus much better as a real person, not just an enigma, which I appreciated.
City of Glass by Cassandra Clare
Okay, so it had a fanfic-happy ending, plus a lot of amateurish elements thrown in for plot-arc purposes, but it was still an addicting read and I'm looking forward to what else Cassandra has in store for us readers.
For Twilight Lovers
Whether it's yourself, or the friends and family members you're buying gifts for, this list will satisfy their cravings for true love, while expanding their horizons just a little more.
Already it's been talked about as the next big paranormal romance thing in YA, and there are lots of reasons why Twilight fans will love this book. One, it's big. Two, there's the whole "true love triumphs adversity" thing. Three, it's told from a male POV, which is what many Twilight fans want out of Midnight Sun. (also on: For Paranormal Lovers, Beautiful Books, Best Covers)
Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick
A fallen angel love interest with Edwardian tendencies and appeal. A darker version of the Twilight romance, if you will. (also on: For Paranormal Lovers, Romance, Best Covers)
Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater
For anyone who thought it'd be better had Bella gone Team Jacob. A gentle yet intense romance between a sensitive werewolf and a girl who doesn't yet know the role she's going to play in his life. (also on: Beautiful Books, Tearjerkers)
This is pretty similar to my description for Shiver, except that Daniel is not as nice as Sam is. Instead, Daniel is much more tortured, and it's nice to see the way Grace (whoa, another Grace! I just realized!) attempts to make him feel better. (also on: For Paranormal Lovers)
The Summoning and The Awakening by Kelley Armstrong
If you like Bella, you'll probably like Chloe. She's got the whole damsel-in-distress thing down really well, but the supernatural aspect of this series is quite fascinating as it builds and builds.
A candy-sweet story of torturously difficult romance between two teenagers whose paths are not supposed to cross. The writing's not spectacular, but the melodrama will make this appeal to most suckers of true love.
Meridian by Amber Kizer
A young woman comes into her angelic powers, chased by mobs of sinisterly angry townspeople.
Prophecy of the Sisters by Michelle Zink
Atmospheric writing, a slow unfolding of mysteries, the pain of sisterly separation caused by an unstoppable prophecy, a gentle but supportive romance. (also on: Historical Fiction)
Evermore by Alyson Noel
Because...uh...Damon is also really supernaturally hot? Oh God, this list has to end already...
Evernight by Claudia Gray
The twist is pretty cool, if the pace, characterization, and writing suffers, and now that I think about it, this is a little like Twilight stood on its head.
If You Can’t Get Enough of Vampire Academy
...Which requires a totally different list because essential elements of the two vampiric worlds are vastly different.
Sunshine by Robin McKinley
Chatty, snarky protagonist navigates her world while trying to figure out her feelings for a very old, definitely creepy, yet surprisingly romantic vampire. (also on: For Paranormal Lovers, For Older Teens)
A sexy romance, a world where Janie must defend herself from the predators that creep around her. (also on: Best Sequels of 2009, Romance)
The Demon’s Lexicon by Sarah Rees Brennan
Nick is another strong protagonist, one with serious flaws but who is also determined to do all he can to protect his loved ones. (also on: Best Books Published in 2009, Best Books By a Debut YA Author, Great Protagonists)
Jessica’s Guide to Dating on the Dark Side by Beth Fantaskey
This could fit into either vampire list, but Lucius' letters back home to his uncle are simply hilarious and snarky and in a class of their own. (also on: Best Books By a Debut YA Author, For Paranormal Lovers, Romance, Best Covers)
Another protagonist who's not afraid to use her brains and muscles to kick butt, next to a love interest to die for. (also on: Best Books I Read in 2009, For Fantasy/Magic Lovers, Romance, Night-In Reads, Best Bids for Canonicity, Great Protagonists, Smart Reads, Most Crush-Worthy Love Interests, Give This To Your Parents Too)
Dead Until Dark by Charlaine Harris
A paranormal world where the protagonist is sassy and strong, and the adversaries are nonstop. (also on: For Paranormal Lovers, Romance)
Bleeding Violet by Dia Reeves
Hanna is not afraid to be boldly weird, and the story sizzles with her eccentricities, making for a rollercoaster of an enjoyable read. (also on: Great Protagonists, Smart Reads, Something Different)
If You Like Sarah Dessen
SD is kind of in a class of her own with her beloved stories of vulnerability, conflict, family issues, and self-growth, but here are a few contenders that would appeal to SD fans.
Has a Dreamland-like appeal in that both deal with difficult matters with poise. (also on: Best Books By a Debut YA Author, Thought-Provoking Reads, Best Covers)
Fat Cat by Robin Brande
A smart contemporary read with a well-executed intriguing idea, mixed in with some lovely subplots and a sweet romance that makes me smile just thinking about it. (also on: Best Books Published in 2009, Feel-Good Contemporary Realism, Smart Reads, Most Crush-Worthy Love Interests, Most Overlooked)
Secrets of Truth and Beauty by Megan Frazer
Dara's parents misunderstand her, and she runs off to live with her estranged sister on her goat farm, where she learns to love her body, a la Keeping the Moon. (also on: Feel-Good Contemporary Realism, Summery Friendship Reads)
Another story about a plus-sized girl, but Vee is bold and fearless and sets off to conquer Hollywood. An easy and enjoyable feel-good read. (also on: Feel-Good Contemporary Realism)
You Are Here by Jennifer E. Smith
Fantastic prose in this road-trip tale about two lost souls.
And Then Everything Unraveled by Jennifer Sturman
Delia's mom disappears on an expedition to Antarctica, and Delia must go live with her aunts while trying to solve the sinister mystery surrounding her mother's disappearance. (also on: Smart Reads, Something Different)
The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han
A gentle summertime story about growth, acceptance of sadness, and the power of love. (also on: Best Books Published in 2009, Summery Friendship Reads)
Twenty Boy Summer by Sarah Ockler
Summer at a beach is the perfect setting to help Frankie and Anna get over their individual grief for the loss of Matt, Frankie's older brother and Anna's secret first love. (also on: Summery Friendship Reads)
Best Bids for Canonicity
Wanna bet that these books will be around for a long time to come?
It's not just the concept of a forced national game of kids killing kids that grabs and holds your attention--it's the combination of that and the way in which Collins never gives up the suspense and makes Katniss an appealing protagonist. (also on: Best Books I Read in 2009, Dystopian/Apocalyptic/Steampunk, For Boys, Great Protagonists, Use in Classrooms, Give This To Your Parents Too, So You Want to Start Reading YA)
Leviathan by Scott Westerfeld
Scott is already familiar with being a trendsetter with his dystopian series Uglies. This time, I bet we'll see the start of a slew of YA steampunk, with Scott's colorful reimagining of World War I in an alternate world where animals fuse with machines and soldiers walk around in Star Wars-like walkers. (also on: Beautiful Books, Dystopian/Apocalyptic/Steampunk, For Boys, Give This To Your Parents Too, So You Want to Start Reading YA)
Poison Study by Maria Snyder
One always takes note of the books on Goodreads that have been out for a while, read by many, and still manage to have a rating of over 4.00. Poison Study is one such book. The concept is brilliant, the writing is excellent, and the characters are lovely. (also on: Best Books I Read in 2009, For Fantasy/Magic Lovers, Romance, Night-In Reads, If You Can't Get Enough of Vampire Academy, Great Protagonists, Smart Reads, Most Crush-Worthy Love Interests, Give This To Your Parents Too)
When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead
Sure to rank up there among A Wrinkle in Time. Fans of that book must without a doubt read this one as well. (also on: Best Books I Read in 2009, Best Books Published in 2009, Smart Reads, Most Crush-Worthy Love Interests, Give This To Your Parents Too, So You Want to Start Reading YA)
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2009 Book Lists, Pt. 6 // Pt. 5 // Pt. 3 // Pt. 2 // Pt. 1 // Pt. 7 // Pt. 8
Return to the Master List of 2009 Book Lists!
Thes lists rock so much! Thanks for them:)
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for having the Twilight lovers list! I added the ones I didn't know to my wishlist. Yay!
ReplyDeleteI think you are awesome!! These lists rock!! ;D And so true... all I could think while reading Fat Cat was it's so so Sarah Dessen. In a good way of course, I loved that book!
ReplyDeleteAwesome lists!
This is an amazing list! And definitely going to help me spend some of my gift cards. :-)
ReplyDeleteYou have an award waiting! Come get!
ReplyDeleteI couldn't agree more on Canoncity for The Hunger Games. That story is truly a masterpiece and it is only going to grow more as a true phenom! When I see those books atop the NYT bestseller, my faith in book readers only rises!
ReplyDeleteDefinitely been a year of awesome characters named Grace. And I think you've finally convinced me to read When You Reach Me. :)
ReplyDeleteWow really detailed list, nice job!
ReplyDelete