Top 5 Books for 2012!

This post has been inspired by Princess Bookie's Contest Craze! She currently has a Mini Challenge asking what the top 5 books are that we are looking forward to in 2012. 

Let me just tell you that making this list was HARD.  Choosing only five books when there are so many you want to read is pretty rough. Of course a couple of them were no-brainers, but then it got tough to narrow it down.

Here is my list:

(in no particular order and of course subject to change depending on my mood. *wink*)

#1 - Enshadowed by Kelly Creagh

Expected publication: August 28th 2012 by Atheneum

"While Varen remains a prisoner in the dream-world, Isobel is haunted by his memory. He appears to her in her dreams and soon, even in her waking life. But is she just imagining it? Isobel knows she must find a way back to Varen. She makes plans to go to Baltimore. There, she confronts the figure known throughout the world as the Poe Toaster—the same dark man who once appeared to Isobel in her dreams, calling himself “Reynolds.”

Isobel succeeds in interrupting the Toaster’s ritual and, in doing so, discovers a way to return to the dream-world. Soon, she finds herself swept up in a realm which not only holds remnants of Poe’s presence, but has also now taken on the characteristics of Varen’s innermost self. It is a dark world comprised of fear, terror, and anger.
When Isobel once more encounters Varen, she finds him changed. With his mind poisoned by the dream world, he becomes a malevolent force, bent on destroying all—even himself. Now Isobel must face a new adversary, one who also happens to be her greatest love."

Why this made my top 5 list: I was surprised by how much I enjoyed Nevermore. It was a great novel and it was long.  Lucky for me I didn't read it until recently, so I have not had to wait quite as long as everyone else who got their hands on it early.  Needless to say, waiting until next summer still seems like an awfully long time! I am sure it will be worth it!! I am anxious to know what happens next for Varen and Isobel.

#2 Insurgent by Veronica Roth

Expected publication: May 1st 2012 by HarperCollins Children's Books

"One choice can transform you—or it can destroy you. But every choice has consequences, and as unrest surges in the factions all around her, Tris Prior must continue trying to save those she loves—and herself—while grappling with haunting questions of grief and forgiveness, identity and loyalty, politics and love.
Tris's initiation day should have been marked by celebration and victory with her chosen faction; instead, the day ended with unspeakable horrors. War now looms as conflict between the factions and their ideologies grows. And in times of war, sides must be chosen, secrets will emerge, and choices will become even more irrevocable—and even more powerful. Transformed by her own decisions but also by haunting grief and guilt, radical new discoveries, and shifting relationships, Tris must fully embrace her Divergence, even if she does not know what she may lose by doing so.
 New York Times bestselling author Veronica Roth's much-anticipated second book of the dystopian Divergent series is another intoxicating thrill ride of a story, rich with hallmark twists, heartbreaks, romance, and powerful insights about human nature."

Why this made my top 5 list: Ummm, have you read Divergent? If not, GO READ IT.  Divergent has quickly jumped up to one of my top reads ever, so of course I can't wait to read the next installment in the series.  At the same time I am a little leery of reading this novel because it is often tough for sequels to keep the momentum of the first amazing novel going.  But never fear, that won't be stopping me from attempting all forms of subterfuge to get my hands on this novel early.

 
#3 The Crimson Crown by Cinda Williams Chima

Expected publication: Fall 2012 by Hyperion Book CH

"In the fourth and final book in the Seven Realms series, the stakes grow ever higher as a series of murders raise tensions between the Wizard Council and Spirit Clans to a fever pitch. With treachery on every side, Han and Raisa struggle to fend off threats from ambitious neighbors while keeping the queendom from imploding from within."

Why this made my top 5 list:  I have LOVED the entire Seven Realms series.  I thoroughly enjoyed the first novel and each book since has been just as good! I REALLY want this book and am not looking forward to the long wait.  I am going to be sad when this book is over because it is the last one. Boo! Here's hoping we can convince Cinda to write a couple more for us! *ithinkicanithinkicanithinkican*

#4 The Savage Grace by Bree Despain

Expected publication: March 13th 2012 by EgmontUSA

Why this made my top 5 list:  This book doesn't have a synopsis yet, or a cover... but let's just say that with the cliffhanger ending of The Lost Saint I am highly anticipating this novel.  I can't wait to get my hands on it!!  Is it March yet?

#5 Unwholly by Neal Shusterman

Expected publication: September 2012

Sequel to "Unwind"

Why this made my top 5 list: Can I repeat; "Sequel to "Unwind."'  Holy cow I am excited about this book! I read Unwind years ago - and it instantly became of my favorite reads ever.  I also think this might have been the first real Dystopian that I read.  Maybe? Not sure, but either way I loved it and have wanted MORE ever since.  I can't wait to hear what this book will be about - let's hope that we get a little more Connor, Risa and Lev in it.  Also, did you hear they are making an Unwind movie?  I might be in my 30s before that happens, but still, yay!