Fave of 2011 (So Far)...

So this was hosted by Nomes of inkcrush last month but I never got around to partaking in it then, so here it is now!

1. Favourite book read so far in 2011: I really, really, really wanted my favourite read of this year to be "City of Fallen Angels" by Cassie Clare because it is my most favourite book series of all time, but it unfortunately wasn't (mainly because of that ending that ripped my heart out), but it was a close second! That title would actually belong to either "If I Die" by Rachel Vincent (which I know, I know, isn't actually out yet, so that is all that I shall say about that as to not spoil it for anyone- except for the fact that it is the best book of the series and pretty much everything about it was perfect) or "Defiance" by Lili St. Crow (same with what I said about "If I Die", this is but far the best book of the "Strange Angels" series and I could not be any happier with what went down in it).

2. Most powerful book: Oooooohhhh.... I would have to say one this title would definitely have to belong to one of the dystopians I read this year, either "Delirium", "Matched", or "XVI". The girls of these books are definitely kick butt and I can't wait to see what they have in store for us next!

3.  Brilliantly funny: I really love the relationship that Jace and Simon formed in "City of Fallen Angels" by Cassie Clare. Their bantering back and forth was insanely funny and totally unpredictable IMO. Or "The Commander and the Den Asaan Rautu" by Michelle Franklin. The relationship between the Commander and Rautu is one unlike any other I have read of before and one that I don't think I would ever tire of reading.

4. Best ache-y, heart-breaking, tear-jerker read: "Delirium" by Lauren Oliver! That ending? Way to right out hearts out and stomp on them Lauren! 


5. Most beautiful story: I'd have to say either "Anna and the French Kiss" by Stephanie Perkins because the characters were just so gosh darn realistic or "Between the Land and the Sea" by Derrolyn Anderson because the world building was impeccable. 

6. Delicious rainy day comfort read: On a rainy/ depressing day I want a really cute story to uplift my spirits so I gotta choose something cute... "Anna and the French Kiss" by Stephanie Perkins it is! Etienne and Anna? So flawed as individuals, but perfect together.

7. Adrenalin-fuelled, unputdownable award: Anything by Leonard D. Hilley II! Seriously, if you are itching for a fast paced book try out his apocalyptic "Predators of Darkness" series.

8. The beautiful prose award: "Camille" by Tess Oliver. Tess's writing style makes the world that she has written so easy to fall into and so easy to believe.

9. Most atmospheric and vivid setting: "Farro" by Arreana. This is hands down the best indie I have read to date. The world that Arreana has created? Breathtaking! 

10. I-so-want-to-go-there award: Every time I read a book that takes place in Paris I am instantly transported back to last summer when I traveled there with my family. I loved reading of the streets that I have ventured down and the places I have been in Amy Plum's "Die For Me" and Stephanie Perkins "Anna and the French Kiss".

11. Most original and imaginative: "A Touch Mortal" by Leah Clifford. This is potentially the most unique book I have ever read of before (not just the most original of 2011).

12. Best under-appreciated, hidden gem book: "44" by Jools Sinclair. Though this book is quite short, it really packs a bunch. Fans of Meg Cabot's "Mediator" series will love this book!

13. I-had-no-idea-I-would-love-this-so-much award: "If I Die" has also got to get this designation! I was only "meh" towards the first two book in Rachel Vincent's "Soul Screamers" series, the next two were marginally better, but the fifth book in the series?!? AMAZING!

14. Most haunting story: "Delirium" gets yet another title! When I first read the book I thought that it was good, but not great. But months after reading it I kept thinking about it and processing what went down in it and came to love it.

15. Outside my comfort zone but gosh how I loved it: I wouldn't say that I have yet to read a book that is out of my comfort zone. I am typically pretty consistent in what I read.

16. Series that I’m loving: Aprilynne Pike's "Wings" series. While I thought that "Wings" and "Spells" were amazing, but "Illusions" was even better! I am just so gosh darn happy that Laurel ended up making a decision boy-wise and the last book of the sentence? Totally series changing, I cannot wait to see what she has in store for us!

17. Most memorable voice award: Izzie from "Tris & Izzie" by Mette Ivie Harrison. But memorable for all of the wrong reasons unfortunately. I think that the ridiculousness that comes out of her mouth will stick with me for quite a long time. Ugh.

18. Completely awesome premise award: "Angelfire"by Courtney Allison Moulton. 

19. Would make the best movie: "Some Girls Bite" by Chloe Neill. Seriously... Seeing Ethan on the big screen? Yes please!

20. Want to re-read already: There are so many books that I want to reread but I unfortunately can't find the time to do so. Here are a few I can't wait to get my hands on again: "Anna and the French Kiss" by Stephanie Perkins, "Across the Universe" by Beth Revis, "Matched" by Aly Condie, and "White Cat" by Holly Black.

Want to join in by listing your Best of 2011 so far? Visit inkcrush and jump right in! Special thanks to Nomes for hosting. :)