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This is incredibly late, but I really wanted to post the last part of my best of 2011 list before GFC goes kaput and no one visits me anymore! (I’m joking, I think.) I don’t have as much to say, but since my computer science class is basically a free period with access to Microsoft Word, I have quite a few reviews planned for the future. Anyways, here’s part 3!

Best of 2011:
PART 1: The best of everything
PART 2: Random awards
PART 3: Characters & Romance

Plots, Settings & Endings

Best (and most shocking) plot twists: Unwind by Neal Shusterman

They’re mostly saved until the end, but these plot twists are INSANE. And they weren’t just there for the shock value; they make your jaw drop but it’s like a “damnnn, that’s clever” instead of a “WTF??” feeling.

Best plot untwist: Graffiti Moon by Cath Crowley

You probably need to read the book to know what I’m talking about. But it’s the point where I fell in love with this book :)

Biggest cliffhanger: Across the Universe by Beth Revis

I wonder how they’ll recover from a revelation like that… (although I have the sequel on my Kobo so might as well find out soon :p).

Favorite setting: Divergent by Veronica Roth

It might not be realistic, but you have to admit that Divergent’s Hogwarts-like class system is a pretty cool idea. (All I know for sure is that I wouldn’t for the world be in Dauntless.)

Most unique premise: The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater

Originally I was thinking of using Thisby for ‘favorite setting’, but I’m not sure I’d want to live on an island with killer horses roaming about. In a year filled with dystopian governments and paranormal romances, Stiefvater’s newest standalone (a standalone! <333) defies any kind of genre I could try to fit it in. The characters are endearing and complex, the writing is breathtaking, and well, this is one of the best books I've read all year.

Most bittersweet ending: Hold Still by Nina LaCour

Oh gosh, that ending. I read it all during math class and it was like the real world didn’t even exist. It was beautiful and heartbreaking and hopeful all at once.

Best ending: A Northern Light by Jennifer Donnelly

Endings aren’t the strongest areas for most stories, but this one was as good as it gets, tying up the loose ends that matter in a manner that gave my brain a bit of a book high as I was frantically flipping the pages.

Best opening lines: The Knife of Never Letting Go by Patrick Ness

hehe oh Manchee

Best closing lines: Blood Red Road by Moira Young

Brief but oh so perfect.

I’m going to try switching up my review format for the next few books– unless I have a lot to say, they’ll be in the form of mini-reviews that’ll contain the random mind-babble that I tend to spew on Goodreads because I feel like I can be less formal there. But this is my blog and I’ll subject you all to reaction brain-spewage whether you like it or not!!

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