Books Read in 2009

[rolanni]

Graceling, Kristin Cashore
The Hunger Games, Suzanne Collins
Cape Storm, Rachel Caine
Rosemary and Rue, Seanan McGuire
The Beekeeper's Apprentice, Laurie R. King
Larklight, Philip Reeve (decorated throughout by David Wyatt)
Sabriel, Garth Nix
New Amsterdam, Elizabeth Bear
The Mirror Prince, Violette Malan
Narbonic Six, Shaenon K. Garrity
Conspirator, C.J. Cherryh
Thirteenth Child, Patricia C. Wrede
Nine Years Among the Indians, Herman Lehmann, J. Marvin Hunter, and Dale F. Giese
The True Meaning of Smekday, Adam Rex
Edison's Eve:  A Magical History of the Quest for Mechanical Life, Gaby Wood
Undone, Rachel Caine
From Dead to Worse, Charlaine Harris
Shambling Towards Hiroshima, James Morrow
Codespell, Kelly McCullough
Cybermancy, Kelly McCullough
Carousel Tides, Sharon Lee (manuscript)
Fine Prey, Scott Westerfield  (re-read)
Web Mage, Kelly McCullough
Uhura's Song, Janet Kagan

Comments

[k-10b.livejournal.com]

If you enjoyed Graceling, I have heard from many trusted friends that the new release Fire is even better. I liked Graceling, but thought it tipped its hand a little too much. Kristin Cashore is delightful ... recently met her at the Sirens conference in Colorado.

[rolanni.livejournal.com]

I liked Graceling; I didn't love it, but it's seldom I love a book anymore. Getting old, I guess.

I did feel that it was. . .too simply written, especially for tight third. I had to keep reminding myself that Katsa was older than eight, and able to form and carry out subtle plans. Also, things fell into place a little too easily, though that's a common first novel problem, and subject to improvement by practice.

[k-10b.livejournal.com]

Yes, exactly. You described what I was fumbling around to express.

I must admit: I LOVED Hunger Games, even with its slightly sloppy world-building. It absorbed an entire day that I didn't have to give. Katniss was my favorite hero this year. (noting that I haven't opened my newly arrived Fledling yet)