Some moments from 2009

I have been bullied, guilt tripped, harrassed and finally, tricked into doing exactly what i'd decided to avoid. Gav at Nextread is bookish hellspawn. Now that's said, this is not a best of 2009, this is just 5 books picked off the top of my head to highlight as particular discoveries. I am going to associate these books with 2009 a year when I have read probably more than any year since I finished school and the first full year of Un:Bound.

Silver by Steven Savile - this is a bit of a cheat because it is actually released in Jan but I read the arc so i'm counting it. I reviewed one of Steve's older books, twisted his arm for an interview and have continued to correspond and indeed am reading along with his next novel as he writes. I love everything that I have seen so far but Silver reaches a new level of thriller which completely blots my mixed memories of that other slightly blasphmous thriller from my mind.

Nights of Villjamur by Mark Charan Newton - We've all seen the cover, everywhere and it's made it onto plenty of people's lists this year but it really deserves it. This is a wonderfully well written genre bending dying earth story full of unique characters and strange circumstances. It blew me away and I take every hint of interest in genre fiction as an opportunity to push it. I was also delighted to be able to record an interview with Mark who was great fun and really lovely.

Killerbyte by Cat Connor - This is an ebook only at the moment but I read it in one sitting on my laptop. Something I repeated for the sequel Terrorbyte. I laughed out loud and cried for these books. Ellie is a very engaging heroine and I love a good FBI drama, so does Cat judging by the occasional NCIS reference. These are hugely enjoyable and I hope they run and run. She's looking for a series name, we are toying with Death Byte's among others but go read them then email Cat your suggestions.

The Devil You know by Mike Carey - I love this book, I love Felix Castor and I am soo glad there are already lots of books in this series. It was like discovering Dresden for the first time, all over again, but in England and with the snark/dark ratio tilted ever so slightly more to Dark. I am in absolute heaven knowing I still have plenty more to read of these.

I kill giants by Joe Kelly - GeekMonkey did such a great review of this I dashed straight out and got my own copy and loved it just as much. It is definitely my top pick for Graphic Novels this year. Not that I read many but still. The story is fun but also deep and thoughtful and completely absorbing. The art is a perfect fit and I was totally blown away by the whole thing. If you think comics are just for kids go read this now, I defy you not to cry by the end.

I now feel i've been horribly unfair to all the wonderful authors who have delighted and entertained me through the year but blame Gav, he made me do it, he is eeevil. And Liz and MFB should take some blame too.