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2012 was definitely a year when I read a lot of books by new-to-me authors. I participated in a challenge on Goodreads called 'Follow the leader'. After reading one book, the next book in reading chain you had to pick from 'Readers also enjoyed similar books' section. It was very fun and great way to discover new books and authors.

But always some books captivate you more than others. Here are some of my favorite books in 2012 by new-to-me authors:

1. Kristin Cashore I fell in love with her Graceling Realm series. I honestly can not pick if I loved Graceling or Fire more - both were awesome. Original and interesting world building & strong kick-ass heroines. Bitterblue was nice too, although a little bit weaker than it's predecessors...

2. Martha Wells I wanna thank N.K. Jemisin because if I she did not write an article about her top five fantasy authors I would have maybe never discovered Martha Wells. And it would have been such a shame. The Cloud Roads & The Serpent Sea have the most breath-taking world that I visited this year. (That reminds me I still need to check out other 4 authors from that list...)
3. Rachel Hartman because Seraphina has great character development and slow sweet romance. I just love the dragons Rachel Hartman invented and can't wait to learn more about them...

4. Peter S. Beagle Yes I know that he is not new author, but he's new to me. I can't believe that I did not read The Last Unicorn before. Great book - very poetic. I really need to read more classic fantasy next year...
5. Marissa Meyer Cinderella as a cyborg? Yes she managed to pull it off in Cinder . One of the best retellings I ever read. I can not wait for Lunar Chronicles to continue...
6. Kate Locke This was another surprise. My book club on Goodreads was reading God Save the Queen and I joined in and boy it was fun. It proves that even old topics like vampires & werewolves can be used originally in books.

7. Robin Hobb Quantity of her work is daunting but this summer I finally read Farseer Trilogy. Great classic fantasy. Royal Assassin was my favorite part but Assassin's Apprentice and Assassin's Quest were very good too. I will be definitely reading more of her books next year.

8. Ilona Andrews Kinsmen series was another pleasant surprise. Nice science fiction with a cute love story added. I read & loved both novellas in this series: Silent Blade & Silver Shark.
9. N.K. Jemisin Another author that I've been listening praises from my friends for some time now. The Killing Moon was very original and interesting although a little bit complex book. I don't know why I didn't read next book in Dreamblood series, but I will need to correct that mistake soon....
10. Ernest Cline Another surprisingly enjoyable read. Ready Player One was great sci-fi adventure. I hope this author will publish some new book soon...

Let's Talk:

Are any of these authors on your list? Share your thoughts and links to your lists in comments! :)