Best of 2009

Happy New Year to you all. I've been away (LA!), I've been sick (sadly still coughing), but I'd like to post my picks for the best of 2009.

Best sequel:
Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins
No contest here. Best book of the year for me.

Best adventure:
The Maze Runner by James Dashner
Twisted right until the very end. Simply fantastic storytelling.

Best romance (with angels):
Hush Hush by Becca Fitpatrick
Loved this book.

Best romance (with werewolves):
Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater
Gorgeous writing. Beautiful story. Can't wait for Linger.

Best vampire book:
Jessica's Guide to Dating on the Dark Side by Beth Fantasky
A completely different take on a very crowded genre.

Best zombie book:
Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan.
(OK not sure if this made it to 2009, think so, but it was SO good, so nail-bitingly scary. And the good news is that she's coming to Kepler's this year!)

Best retelling of fairy tales:
Ash by Malinda Lo
Lovely writing, seamless retelling with a twist, fabulous debut

Best story full of magic and witches:
Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl
Witches, cursed romances, and southern gothic. oh my! Loved it.

Best pirate story:
Dust of 100 Dogs by AS King
I could put this book into so many categories but it is always so much more. Historical fiction, adventure, animal story even. A fantastic tale by a fabulous writer. Should be on everyone's list this year.

Best debut novel:
Eyes Like Stars by Lisa Mantchev
Full of humor and insight, theatrical stories, Shakespeare, and even a hint of romance. Can't wait to see what she'll write next.

Best book with faeries:
Ballad by Maggie Stiefvater
(I know, it's number 11 in a list of 10 but I wanted to add it, couldn't leave it out, loved it)

It was a great year for books. And 2010 looks to be just as good. What was on your list?