J.K. Coi's Top Books, Read in 2009

I noticed that my blog-mates have a lot of great contemporaries and historicals on their lists this year, many of which I also read and absolutely loved. If I haven't mentioned them on THIS list, it is only in an effort to avoid duplication. Please don't think I haven't been bowled over by the talent and gripping storylines of all the others already mentioned previously (ie. Anna Campbell, Tessa Dare, Courtney Milan, Sherry Thomas, Jennifer Ashley...)

What remains on my list of must-reads for the year are the following (which are, granted, mainly urban fantasy/paranormal reads):


Shiver, by Maggie Steifvater

This book was the very best young adult novel I've read in years, bar none. It was beautiful, evocative and heartbreaking and I'm already planning to read it again over the holidays.

Angels' Blood, by Nalini Singh

This first book in Ms. Singh's new series was simply amazing. I loved the world she created--where both angels and vampires alike reside in a complex and dangerous hierarchy of power. Her heroine was strong, but soft as well, and that's a nice thing to see. I can't wait for book 2 coming out in February, 2010.

Bone Crossed, Patricia Briggs

This was the year I started reading the Mercy Thompson series by Patricia Briggs, and it sucked me right in. Yes, there are a ton of vampire/werewolf/paranormal series out there, but this one not only has heart and some wicked-cool twists, the cover is completely kick-ass :)

Bitten, Kelley Armstrong

Speaking of kick-ass heroines and cool paranormals, I know this book isn't a 2009 release, but I had to include it. Kelley is a member of my RWA Chapter Group and although I'd had her book on my pile for over a year, I only got to it this summer--but then couldn't put it down and had to run out for the next three in her Women of the Otherworld series. (I must have a thing for werewolves this year)

The Time Traveler's Wife, by Audrey Niffenegger

This book also wasn't a 2009 release, but I read it this year. I found the writing style to be challenging at times, but also refreshing and I enjoyed it as much for its uniqueness as for the story itself. (But I don't recommend the movie--it was very disappointing)

The Book of Negroes, by Lawrence Hill

(In the US this book is called Someone Knows My Name) This is a wonderfully written book. A hard read but well worth it. It's won awards all over the place, and rightly so. Again, it's not a 2009 release, but I found it this year thanks to some very very determined friends' recommendations.

So, I know we've all been naming our favorite books of the year for the last week or so, but to finish off our lists, please comment on what UPCOMING releases you're looking forward to in 2010! One commenter will be chosen to win a copy of any of the books on my list.