My top five reads of 2009

I read a lot of great books this year, and it was hard to narrow it down to my top favorites, but I managed to make a top five list. I have reviewed all of these books here at my blog - click the book title to read the review!

1. The Stolen One by Suzanne Crowley

The story of Katherine "Kat" Bab, who has lived all her sixteen years in the English countryside. After her adoptive mother dies, Kat travels to London and the court of Queen Elizabeth I in search of the truth about her biological family, finds intrigue and romance at court, and must decide where her heart truly belongs. A lovely historical novel, with lots of romance and rich historical detail, that has crossover appeal for adults who wouldn't typically read young adult fiction.


2. Prophecy of the Sistesrs by Michelle Zink

A refreshing and unique young adult fantasy, set in 19th century New York, with the feel of an old gothic novel. Sixteen-year-old Lia is an orphan after the death of her father, and soon learns that she and her twin sister Alice are part of an ancient prophecy that makes them mortal enemies. I can't wait to read book two!!


3. Academy 7 by Anne Osterlund

Aerin and Dane are both students at Academy 7, the universe's most elite boarding school. But that is where their similarities end. Dane comes from a privileged background but never had what he most longed for, the love and approval of his father. Aerin is an orphan who has escaped from slavery and is determined to keep her past a secret. Thrown together during a joint punishment, these unlikely friends find danger, mystery, romance, and unexpected family secrets.


4. Three Rivers Rising by Jame Richards

The story of a cross-class romance between two teenagers who come from very different worlds, told in poems and set against the backdrop of one of the worst disasters in American history. Celestia comes from a life of luxury where she has everything she wants - except the choice to be with the one she loves. Peter comes from a working class family and meets Celestia while working at the resort her family is vacationing at. Celestia risks the wrath of her family to try and find her way back to Peter but it is caught up in the deadly Johnstown Flood of 1889. Even if you don't usually read books in verse, give this one a try! It is just amazing.


5. Unclaimed Heart by Kim Wilkins

I had books 1-4 already picked out when I started writing this post and they were all pretty much tied in my mind. However, I had a hard time choosing the final book for the list. But I finally settled on Unclaimed Heart. There's nothing particularly groundbreaking about the plot - it's the story of Constance, a rebellious girl of the late 18th century who falls in love with a young man from the wrong social class - but there was just something about the combination of the unique and exotic setting and the very sweet love story that I really enjoyed. It's one of those books that doesn't stand out as something really unique, but that I truly love anyway because it has everything I usually love in a book.

So that's my top 5 reads for 2010. What are some of your favorite books from the last year? Be sure to comment!