Once again, on the eve of 2009, I've put together my best shot at a Best Books of '08 list. I whittled last year's list down to 12 books--one for each month of the year. This year it was a bit harder. I managed to get it down to the Round of 16 and gave up there. So here they are in all their cozy wonderfulness. Best of 2008 (in order of publication) Iron Kissed by Patricia Briggs The Mage's Daughter by Lynn Kurland A Curse Dark as Gold by Elizabeth C. Bunce * Grimspace by Ann Aguirre * Heroes Adrift by Moira J. Moore Clockwork Heart by Dru Pagliassotti * Armed & Magical by Lisa Shearin The Host by Stephenie Meyer Wicked Game by Jeri Smith-Ready Rites of Spring (Break) by Diana Peterfreund What I Was by Meg Rosoff Silent in the Sanctuary by Deanna Raybourn Suite Scarlett by Maureen Johnson Graceling by Kristin Cashore * Heir to Sevenwaters by Juliet Marillier Lament by Maggie Stiefvater * * indicates a debut author