Best Books of 2010

My Top 10 Books of 2010 just so happen to be the 10 books I gave a 5 Star rating this year. Imagine that. :) Anyway, I posted them in order I enjoyed them. There were 4 YA novels, one of which was my overall favorite of the year. There were 4 UF novels, and Jennifer Estep has the honor of being on this list twice. And there were 2 PNR novels. I'm hoping to read a couple more books before the year ends, so who knows, I might have to add another book to this list by New Year's Eve.

1. Shade by Jeri Smith-Ready
I gobbled this book up in less than a day, which is amazing for me. The whole idea of the Shift and the ghosts is one of the most unique stories I've ever read, and I adored all of the characters.

2. Stormwalker by Allyson James
My favorite part of this novel was the Native American influence in the magic and lore of the novel. The main characters played off of each other really well, and there were some really hot scenes.

3. Spider's Bite by Jennifer Estep
Gin is such a likeable character, even though she's an assassin. She loves her "family" and I do as well. The elemental powers in this series is very unique and well thought out. And the best part was that the first three books all released this year.

4. When Blood Calls by J.K. Beck
This novel is an example of multiple points of view really working for a novel. It allowed the reader to really get into each character's head. I can't wait to read the next two books.

5. Embers by Laura Bickle
One word: Sparky! That little newt brought this book from good to great. I also thought Anya's powers as a lantern were another unique take on the UF genre.

6. The Darkest Edge of Dawn by Kelly Gay
It's not too often I don't enjoy the first book in a series the most. But this novel was even better than the first, and I didn't think that was possible!

7. Venom by Jennifer Estep
Jennifer Estep continued to deliver all year! I enjoyed this third installment because you get to learn more about Gin's past. And she really steps up her assassin game.

8. Glimmerglass by Jenna Black
This was a very interesting take on faeries, which tend to be a hit or miss paranormal creature for me. Avalon was a very interesting place to read about.

9. Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins
I love Paranormal YA novels that include boarding schools for the supernatural, and this novel was one of the best I've read. I really liked that many supernaturals were included at the school.

10. The Body Finder by Kimberly Derting
This novel grabbed me from the first page and didn't let go. It was refreshing to read a novel where the paranormal aspect wasn't in your face and a bit more plausible. I really liked the parts that showed the past, when Violet found bodies as a kid.