Live By the Pen, Die By the Pen

For a few years I did a “best books” post at the end of the year. Then I missed a few years. But I want to bring that back. And as a bonus, I’ll even list the top books from the years I missed. I kept track of them — I just didn’t manage to post them.

So without further ado, here are the best books I read in 2011. They were not necessarily published in 2011. I just read it in 2011.

All Together Dead by Charlaine Harris — Charlaine Harris is a big favorite of mine, and this book did not disappoint. I know I’m a little behind in the Sookie Stackhouse series but that just means I have several books to look forward to. For those who don’t know — this is the series True Blood is based on.

The Neighbor by Lisa Gardner — Lisa Gardner is another favorite of mine. Did you see that in 2011 one of her book was made into a made-for-TV movie? It was pretty good, too.

Waking the Moon by Elizabeth Hand — This was my first book by Elizabeth Hand. It was a little bit of a slow read, but more than worth it. Wow.

Bayou Moon by Ilona Andrews — Another of my favorites, Ilona Andrews. This was book 2 in the Edge series. Loved it!

The Pillars of the World by Anne Bishop — I also love Anne Bishop. This is the first in a new (to me) series. It’s a little different from the other series that I read by her. Not quite as dark — but just as good.

The Gathering by Kelley Armstrong — Another favorite author, and another awesome new series. This is one of her Y/A novels, the first in a new trilogy somewhat related to the last trilogy.

Ill Wind by Rachel Caine — This was my first Rachel Caine book and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Luckily there are something like 10 more books in the series (so far) so I have plenty to look forward to.

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins — Who didn’t hear about The Hunger Games last year? I loved it!

Lady of Devices by Shelley Adina — Another new-to-me author. This steampunk novel is awesome and I can’t wait to read the next one, which just came out.

Pleasure of a Dark Prince by Kresley Cole — And finishing up with another favorite author. I ate this book up like it was pudding.

And here are the best books I read in 2010:

The Reckoning by Kelley Armstrong
Daughter of the Blood by Anne Bishop
Dark Desires After Dusk by Kresley Cole
Changeless by Gail Carriger
Wolf Flight by Vivian Arend
Magic Bleeds by Ilona Andrews
Bedding the Beast by Doreen DeSalvo
Spider’s Bite by Jennifer Estep
Kitty’s House of Horrors by Carrie Vaughn
Angels’ Blood by Nalini Singh
Unholy Ghosts by Stacia Kane
Grave Witch by Kalayna Price

And the best books I read in 2009:

In the Woods by Tana French
An Ice Cold Grave by Charlaine Harris
Body Movers by Stephanie Bond
Personal Demon by Kelley Armstrong
Living with the Dead by Kelley Armstrong
The Summoning by Kelley Armstrong
The Kissing Game by Suzanne Brockmann
A Taste of Honey by Stephanie Mittman
Storm Glass by Maria Snyder
Sea Glass by Maria V. Snyder
Kitty and the Dead Man’s Hand by Carrie Vaughn
Kitty Raises Hell by Carrie Vaughn
Northern Lights by Nora Roberts
Hunting Ground by Patricia Briggs
Soulless by Gail Carriger
Magic Strikes by Ilona Andrews
Silent Blade by Ilona Andrews
For a Few Demons More by Kim Harrison
On the Edge by Ilona Andrews

And last but not least, the best books I read in 2008:

Exit Strategy by Kelley Armstrong
Iron Kissed by Patricia Briggs
Fire Study by Maria Snyder
Magic Bites by Ilona Andrews
Magic Burns by Ilona Andrews
Self-Editing for Fiction Writers by Renni Browne & Dave King
His Majesty’s Dragon by Naomi Novik
Cry Wolf by Patricia Briggs