Am I allowed to cheat? Because it seems awfully unfair that I’m to pick one.
Cheating it is!!!
2011
1. Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor (Hachette – October 2011)
A quirky, queer tale set against the back drop of ancient mythology and warring races. There is a depth and richness to all of Taylor’s work and the Daughter of Smoke and Bone is no exception. She creates magnificent creatures who compel against your will. They’re frightful and brutish and beautiful and revolting, and yet there is a care in their construction that you cannot help but respond to. No matter their nature they deserve the respect of being noticed. Epic and utterly worth every moment of every page.
2. My Sister Lives on the Mantlepiece by Annabel Pitcher (Hachette – March 2011)
Rather an odd title and a less than stellar cover, this book is an absolute gem (and a debut author to boot). It’s an emotional journey for one broken family trying to make a new start in a new town. The voice of Jaime is so very real, it will honestly break your heart. The innocence of childhood still clings to him, despite everything that is happening around him. I dare you not to cry during this book, it’s too beautiful not to.
try out the first chapter here. I promise it wont disappoint.
2012
1. Broken by Elizabeth Pulford (Walker Books – 2012)
I was rather intrigued by this book when Walker Books started talking about it at our Publisher’s Showcase in November. Since then it’s become a full blown obsession. The premise; whilst in a coma (from a car accident) our protagonist finds her unconscious-self being drawn into a comic book world to save her brother. What makes it so unique? The book reflects her altered states and becomes a graphic novel about half way through.
TAGS: 2011 Picks, 2012 Picks, top teen reads
Wow! I didn’t realise that Broken was even starting to be ‘out there’. Thanks for kind comments – it was a fascinating book to write!
Out, with a cover! which is also beautiful and intriguing.
Good luck!