Top 12 Sequel/Veteran Novels I read in 2012

Along with a load of debut novels I also read quite a few novels that were either squeals or books that came from authors with at least one book under their belt already.  I've decided to NOT include books that were published BEFORE 2012 in this list, even though I did read a few here and there, but I will mention them at the bottom if I feel they were amazing enough.  Again, these are in no particular order and have a small snippet as to why I liked it so much next to the cover.

1. The Fault in Our Stars by John Green
I don't think it possible not to like this book.  It's so touching, I almost cried, and it was so beautifully written.  I do see why it managed to Time magazine's top fiction spot of the year, and while I can honestly say it wasn't my favorite read of 2012 I am glad that it's getting attention, because it brings a spotlight to the YA genre and opens it up for those who haven't dove into it yet.

2. This is Not a Test by Courtney Summers

If you know me at all you know how much of a huge zombie freak I am.  I really love any movie, book, or TV show about zombies, so to have a contemporary novel have zombies in it? I had to check it out.  What I loved the most was that while there were zombies it wasn't just about that, it was about finding something to live for when you don't WANT to live, and I think it's something everyone has or will feel at least once in their life, so it's nice to see it out in the world.

3. Pandemonium by Lauren Oliver
I just ADORED Delirium so when I read an ARC of this book I was surprised with how different it was, but also how similar.  Everything has changed and with that Lauren takes a whole different direction, which can be really hard to pull off, but she does it perfectly.

4. The Last Echo by Kimberly Derting

Everything changes in this book, and while I loved the first two this might actually be my favorite so far, because it delves so much deeper into violet's ability, her relationship with Jay, and the mind of a killer.  It's like Criminal Minds for teens (with kissing!) and I just can't get enough of it.

5. The Disenchantments by Nina LaCour
I read The Perks of Being a Wallflower this past year for my APLA class, and when I read this my first thought was "it's the new Perks".  I still stand by this.  It's one of those novels could be read by boys or girls and enjoyed by both.  It teaches you a lesson about life, and maybe even helps you live it, which is something more books could word on.

6. City of Lost Souls by Cassandra Clare

Is anyone really surprised this made the list? Cause I'm not.  I was less than impressed with the fourth book in the series, but this one really picked it up for me, and I'm happy that I decided to read this, despite the not-quite-happy feeling four left me with.  The magic in this series is, in my mind, back which is why it earns a place here.

7. A Want So Wicked by Suzanne Young
I'm really sad that not as many people know about this series as they should, but it's one that has a great new spin on angels, and I really loved how Suzanne decided to look at the Shadows more this time.  I had so many questions left from the first one, and this book helps answer some of them.

8. Ten by Gretchen McNeil

Horror movie in book form? Yes please.  Gretchen has, in my opinion, tried and succeeded in making YA novels as scary as they can get.  I devoured the entire thing and was pleased all the way through.

9. The Diviners by Libba Bray
The second of Libba Bray's novels I've read, I just adored the creepy aspect of it, and the fact that there was a serial killer.  Seeing as I'm not a huge fan of the time period it's set in I'm even more surprised I enjoyed it as much as I did.  So different and enticing.

10. Finale by Becca Fitzpatrick

I was sad to see this series end, but I think how it ended was perfect.  There was a fight and death and everything that Breaking Dawn seemed to lack, which was really great (although I'm not comparing the two).

11. Days of Blood and Starlight by Laini Taylor
Oh sweet heavens if you've read this book I don't know how you couldn't love it. The writing is so magical and the world so rich I just want to dive in and spend the rest of my life there.  It's just so beautiful, and it's one of those books that, if I had to pick, I would consider this book to have a quote from it tattooed on my body somewhere.

12. A Million Suns by Beth Revis

I was so pleased with the way this book went, in terms of the mystery, the romance, and the adventure.  It's so great to see a space book out there for teens to enjoy that brings Star Trek to life again in a slightly different way.

Honorable Mentions

Non-2012 Published Novels

*Note, Catching Jordan is considered a 2012 debut, but since it came out in December of 2011 I don't classify it that way in MY mind, which is why it's on this list, and not the debut list.