TTT: Top Books I’ve Read So Far This Year

I’ve only really done half of what I’m supposed to be reading. A sampling of 27 books which include graphic novels doesn’t seem much in the general view of things. Anyway, If I had to pick the “Top Ten Books I’ve Read So Far This Year,” these would be it.

First Test (Protector of the Small #1) by Tamora Pierce
and
Squire (Protector of the Small #3) by Tamora Pierce
and
Lady Knight (Protector of the Small #4) by Tamora Pierce

I’ll address all three together, since they are part of the series. I generally love the Tortallan books, and Pierce delivered in much the same fashion as she did when I fell in love with her stories in The Song of the Lioness Quartet. That said, it’s a four-book series (which I reviewed in full here), and the only reason Page (Protector of the Small #2) wasn’t on this list was because I’d read other stuff I loved more, and not because it’s any less good.

The Book Thief byMarkus Zusak
This was more an audiobook experience, one I picked up because I’d watched the movie and thought “Death narrating stuff sounds pretty awesome.” So yeah, really sad, but loved it.

The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman
I think I’ve said lots about this already (and it made it to my list last week), but this book was fabulous. I still get the urge to make the European version of pancakes whenever I think of this book.

The Invisible Man by H. G. Wells
I’ve been watching this documentary about science fiction authors lately, so naturally, I picked up The Invisible Man because (a) I’d never read it, and (b) I really should have. I enjoyed it, though, so there’s that.

Raising Steam by Terry Pratchett
I haven’t read most of Terry Pratchett’s Discworld stuff, but when I do pick books up (out of order, may I add), I tend to usually enjoy them. Raising Steam is no different in that regard. This was a barrel-ful of fun and steampunkery. Always a pleasure to read. Oh, and it has Moist Von Lipwig. ‘Nuff said.

Unfettered edited by Shawn Speakman
A collection of stories by renowned fantasy authors sounds like a good enough deal to me! I liked over half of the stories in this collection, and loved a good third of it. That’s saying much when you almost never know how you’ll feel reading authors you’d never read or reading something different from authors you’ve previously read.

Justice League Vol. 1: Origin written by Geoff Johns, illustrated by Jim Lee and Scott Williams
Most comics-superheroes fans seem to have been disappointed by the stories and momentum of the New 52. But whatever. I enjoyed this re-boot of the JLA origins, even more so after having watched the animated movie based on this volume. Well, that, and the artwork is fantastic.

Fables Vol. 18: Cubs in Toyland written by Bill Willingham, illustrated by Mark Buckingham and Gene Ha
Admittedly, while I have been enjoying previous volumes of the Fables installments, it wasn’t until this one where I thought: “Well, darn, this is really great…and creepy…and OMG DID THAT REALLY HAPPEN.” So I’m glad I continue to read this series, and I’m glad I read this.

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All that said, I’m pretty sure at least two books on this list could be easily displaced by the books I’m currently reading but haven’t yet finished (Gail Carriger’s Etiquette and Espionage and Brandon Sanderson’s The Well of Ascension). But maybe I’ll do a look-back on this top ten sometime in December.