It's the time of the year again to see what our best reads are. Below is mine (sorry sci-fi/fantasy only as I hardly read other genres):

Mark Lawrence - Broken Empire series:
Great debut and was highly recommended by other forums. Having finished the series I can see why. Though it's filled with many brutal, dark and gritty elements, I find that I have not had such an enjoyment from fantasy series since A Song of Ice and Fire. Everything in this series is so invigorating and refreshing as compared to norms - especially the main character. No doubt some of the more morally-sensitive person cringe/even hate this character, but not me. If Eddard Stark has only half of this character's attributes, he would not have lost his head.

Justin Cronin - The Passage
Even for a guy like me who flunked his English literature class, I can appreciate the mastery of writing skills by this author. His prose is definitely to me the main strength of this book. The description of the post-apocalyptic world and life is so poignant and evocative. I just lack the words to describe it further, but you will know the work of a master when you read it. If you wish to read this, try not to read its review. Because the build-up to revelation of what caused the disaster was very well done by the author; so don't get spoiled by others.


Jonathan Shroud - Bartimaeus series
This is the most fun and easiest to read series I had for this year. Whole series is written mainly from the POV of a djinn.
Great plots, lots of witticism, actions, humor, and some touching moments. So it's no surprising that I wrapped up the entire series in less than 2 weeks.
Also, this series reminds me a little about another great novel, Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell; maybe due to its settings and the similarity between one of the main character and Jonathan Strange.