Top 10 Reads of 2010

Looking back it is easy to see that 2010 wasn't my best reading year numbers wise. I've read 64 books this year which is down considerably compared to the past two years. I can't say I'm surprised...having 3 active youngsters keeps me pretty darn busy and it is easy to shove reading to the side at times. But I'm happy that I'm still reading and that the majority of the books I read this year I enjoyed. I don't use ratings anymore but if I would guess I would say most of the books I read were at least 3.5 stars or higher. Not bad if I do say so myself! I've always meant to do a top ten reads post but I've never taken the time to do it until now. In no order whatsoever, here are my favorite reads of 2010:




Shades of Grey by Jasper Fforde- This is only the 2nd book that I've read by Fforde but I am hooked. Dystopian society that is completely color based...all I have to say is thank goodness there are more books to come in this series!

Poison Study by Maria V. Snyder- This book has been all over the blogsphere and I finally read it. Thanks goodness that I finally did because I loved it and cannot wait to read the next book. This was a wonderful fantasy read that I couldn't get enough of...highly recommened!

The Mage in Black by Jaye Wells- 2nd book in a trilogy and my favorite urban fantasy read of the year. Sabina is a kick-ass heroine and I loved that this book showed a different side of her character. Green-Eyed Demon is one of my most anticipated reads of 2011 and I cannot wait!

Hunted by the Others by Jess Haines- Urban fantasy is one of my favorite genres and this debut was one of my favorites. Strong world building combined with some awesome characters made for a great read. I can't wait for the next book to come out and this is another series I am anticipating in 2011.

Shutter Island by Dennis Lehane- Absolutely best thriller I read this year. This book made me an instant fan of Lehane and I cannot wait to read more of this author. And the movie...oh I have nothing but good things to say about this book.

The Vanishing Act of Esme Lennox by Maggie O'Farrell- I feel like I keep saying this but after reading this book I felt like I have to read everything that this author ever writes. Deeply engrossing novel with a hint of mystery to it...I loved everything about this book.

The House at Riverton by Kate Morton- This was the first book that I read in 2010 and it was a wonderful read! I loved the way the two stories came together and the historical feel of the novel pulled me in instantly. I have another book by this author on my shelves and am looking forward to reading it in 2011.

Arcadia Falls by Carol Goodman- This was my first read by this author but definitely not my last. The gothic feel of this novel was captivating and I found myself immersed until the last page. I can't wait to read more by her and already have another of her books checked out from the library.

Boneshaker by Cherie Priest- I heart this novel. Seriously, with zombies, air pirates, and a deadly blight gas, can you really ask for more? This book was an awesome read...I can't wait to read the next two books and now I plan to read absolutely everything that the author has written as well.

Changeless by Gail Carriger- This is my new favorite series. If I wanted to cheat then I would choose all three of the books in this series but out of the 3 this is the winner. Love, love, love these books and I can't say enough good things. In fact, I am now a huge fangirl of Gail Carriger (that is how much I love this series)!

Okay folks, all of these books are reads that I would most definitely recommend. Hopefully 2011 will be an even better reading year and we'll see if I can't up that reading number a bit. I've joined a bunch of challenges again that will hopefully keep my reading diverse and interesting. Here is to hoping that everyone else has a wonderful 2011 as well!!