Armchair BEA: The Best of 2011

So far, I've read around 200 books this year. There have been some real stinkers. But there have been a handful worth a special mention.  So without further ado, I give you my favorite books of 2011 (so far.)

Shadowfever

by Karen Marie Moning

OK, this was an easy one. Not only has Shadowfever been my favorite book of the year, but currently reigns as my favorite book ever. Sadly, if you haven't read the other books in Moning's Fever series, I can't put this book in your hands and tell you to start reading. Part of what makes this book so spectacular is that it's the culmination of a story told over the course of five books. It answers burning questions; it solves mysteries; it quenches desires. I doubt it would even make sense if you haven't read the previous installments. But let me tell you, if you like dark urban fantasy, even a little bit, I urge you to try this exceptional series It starts with Darkfever.

Pale Demon

by Kim Harrison

It's not that unusual for series to span nine books or beyond. But usually, by this point, most authors are starting to lose steam. Not Kim Harrison. Her Rachel Morgan series is better than ever. Rachel finally embraces the fact that she is more than just a witch. She is bold and fiery and fantastic. Her relationships continue to grow and change. And Harrison finally gave me a book that didn't make me cry. (It's been a long time since she's done that!) The Hollows didn't knock me over from the first book, but it gets better and better over time. Pale Demon is the best one yet.

Magic Slays

by Ilona Andrews

I haven't met a Kate Daniels story that I didn't like.  Kate is a snarky, magic-filled, fire-weilding bad ass.  And I love her.  I can't say this was my favorite in the series.  That honor still goes to Magic Bleeds.  But this series on its worst day, still puts most other books to total shame. 

The Restorer

by Amanda Stevens

  

This book was a fantastic surprise.  It was dark; it was edgy; it was suspenseful.  And I was completely captivated.  This is the first in a new series called the Graveyard Queen. The female lead, Amelia, works as a cemetery restorer and can see ghosts.  But it's a secret she guards well because if the ghosts ever figure it out, her life will never be the same.  Throw in a murder mystery and a haunted love interest and you've got one hell of a great story.  I can't wait until the sequel.

Honorable Mention:

The Vampire Narcise

by Colleen Gleason

It's a rare thing for me to be truly surprised by a book. But this one did it in a big way.

Burn the Night

by Jocelynn Drake

This was a fantastic ending to the Dark Days series.  It won't come out until June, but I'll post my review on Wednesday, June 1.

Aftertime

by Sophie Littleton

Dark, edgy and different. With zombies.