Best of 2012 (5): Supporting Characters

Today I'm going to be talking about all those supporting characters that really jumped from the page and made us love them just as much as the protagonists! Supporting characters don't get talked about as much but they really add to a story and are awesome in their own right. Sometimes, they're awesome for just being there for the protagonist, and other times they're awesome because they're scene stealers! Regardless, supporting characters need more attention. So, here's my list of my favorite supporting characters from 2012!

10. Jenna Talbot
The Hex Hall Series by Rachel Hawkins (Read in 2012: Hex Hall, Demonglass, Spell Bound)
Everyone needs a quirky, spunky little BFF and Jenna Talbot is exactly that. Jenna's always up for Sophie's crazy plans and is there when she needs her. She's such an adorable person, and I constantly wanted to give her a high-five. Or a hug. Or both. Or maybe ask her to be my best friend too. And to dye my hair pink like hers. I also liked that she was a vampire and although it was part of her, it wasn't what defined her. She was her own person, regardless of what  her diet was like. Jenna Talbot was awesome.
    
9. Emma Marshall
The Soul Screamers Series by Rachel Vincent (Read in 2012: Before I Wake) 
Emma is in a pretty unique situation: she's the only human in a world of banshees, hellions, and just about every other creature imaginable. She has had some traumatizing experiences, yet she's always ready to dive back into the thick of things and help her friends. She's funny, strong, and a great character in herself. I love that Emma is able to hold her own by just being her spectacular self. She doesn't have any super human power just the head on her shoulders and an unmatched determination. Emma Marshall, you rock.
 
8. Allie McAllister
Once Every Never by Lesley Livingston
Allie is one awesome gal. Super smart, and very innovative Allie was the kind of girl I would love to have in my corner. I loved her fascination with history, considering it's something I love as well. She thinks on her feet and uses her smarts to get herself and her best friend Clare out of some sticky situations. Clare and Allie were hilarious together, and they're banter had my face hurting from smiling so much. Allie was there to support Clare, but she also stuck out as a fabulous nerd herself. I cannot wait to read more about her in Every Never After in which she will no doubt rock my socks some more.  


7. Daphne Cruz
The Mythos Academy Series by Jennifer Estep (Read in 2012: Touch of Frost, Kiss of Frost, Dark Frost, Crimson Frost) 
Daphne is just such a loyal sweetie. She's bubbly and plucky with a quick temper and fiery determination. I love that she wears pink and is crazy spunky yet can knock anyone out with a flick of her wrist. Her and Gwen are very opposite yet they make a perfect duo and I adore seeing the sweet, googly-eyed side of her when she's with her boyfriend, Carson. Daphne is trustworthy and will do anything for those she cares about. She never loses faith and will fight for what she believes in. She may be a supporting character, but she stands out in my eyes.

6. Raven
The Delirium Trilogy by Lauren Oliver (Read in 2012: Pandemonium)
Raven put me through the emotional ringer. Pandemonium wasn't my favorite book, and I had a love/hate relationship with the fierce leader Raven. She did a few things I was seriously not a fan of (they're spoilers though so I will refrain) and made me want to scream. But, at the same time, she was a broken character (and we all know I have a thing for those). Although she was messed up, she couldn't let herself breakdown. She had all the weight and responsibility on her shoulders and she knew she had to be strong even if she didn't feel it. I wanted to root for her, even though she made it difficult. Although she was a supporting character, even seen she was in I wanted to learn more about her. I even wanted to read from her perspective so I could find out what was behind that mask of strength.
 
5. Martin Connelly
The Shade Trilogy by Jeri Smith-Ready (Read in 2012: Shine) 
Oh, Martin. I mean, Jeri Smith-Ready writes the most awesome boys (see Zachary, Logan, and Shane) and Martin is no exception. Although Martin isn't in a whole lot of Shine, the scenes he was in he just commanded the scene. Be it his epic Scottish accent, his wit, or his loyalty, Martin won me over by his first sentence. He was so caring and ready to do anything to help out his best mate Zachary. His sweet Skype convos with Aura and his actions near the end of the book just made me want to hug the book and wear a pin that says "I Heart Martin". He was seriously epic, and a stand-out guy in my books.
 
4. Lila Zacharov
The Curseworkers Trilogy by Holly Black (Read in 2012: Black Heart)
So, Lila is a love interest but you couldn't just stick her in that role. She's more like a black widow. The daughter of a crime lord and ready to step into his shoes and take over the family buisness, Lila was a character I hadn't seen before. I will say, I didn't necessarily like Lila until the last book. I wanted to shake her, and yell at her and keep her from doing the things that would no doubt break Cassel's heart. But, even when I was angry at her, I was intrigued by her. I wanted to see what made her tick, and if there really was a heart behind all the anger. She was a kick-ass gal and held her own amidst some ruthless people. She had a mean-streak and wasn't afraid to step on people to get what she wanted. She may not be the most likable character, but she's one that you kept your eyes on.


3. Kaleb Ballard
The Hourglass Trilogy by Myra McEntire (Read in 2012: Hourglass, Timepiece)
Okay, okay! Before everyone jumps at me saying "But, Kaleb narrated Timepiece!" yes, I'm well aware he did. I will admit that Timepiece wasn't my favorite, but that's beside the point. I'm referring to Hourglass Kaleb, when he was a secondary character and he completely stole the show. Every time Kaleb appeared in Hourglass I never wanted him to leave. He fascinated me. His sarcasm, tattoos, and cocky attitude made me word what was behind all that. He got my heart racing, and my eyes widening and I just wanted to read more and more about him. Whenever he left the book I wanted him to come back. He interested me in a way I couldn't really explain. All I know was that when we was in a scene my eyes were glued to him. A scene stealer he sure was.

2. Rhys Moreno
This Is Not A Test by Courtney Summers (Read in 2012: This Is Not a Test) 
Rhys could technically be considered a love interest but it wouldn't be in your typical sense. No relationship in a Courtney Summers' book is clear cut and simple, and that goes tenfold for Rhys and Sloane. I never really knew what Rhys was thinking and I sometimes doubted his intentions. He was mysterious but I could see that there were some cracks in him. He was broken, just like Sloane but unlike her I wasn't sure why. I loved the scenes with the two of them. I couldn't take my eyes off the page. Rhys was a captivating character, and the person that Sloane needed even if she didn't realize it. He was just a brilliant character.  

1. Brimstone
Daughter of Smoke and Bone Series by Laini Taylor (Read in 2012: Daughter of Smoke and Bone)
*Update: sorry about the confusion. My brain is fried from the week and it has apparently caught up to me. All fixed now and I apologize to Laini Taylor*
I had a bit of trouble picking a number one because each of the supporting characters are hugely different. Ranking them was difficult but, in the end, I had to go with most unique character (secondary or not!) I've read about in a long, long while. Brimstone, a chimera who collects teeth and runs a shop in Elsewhere was like nothing I read before. His appears alone (a mix of animal and human) was unique. I wanted to know what his secrets were and always had my eye on him when he entered a scene. You could see how much he cared about Karou, and how much he cared about his people. He lived his life filled with hope and tried to spread that hope to everyone else. He was a new and interesting character and one that would do anything to keep that tiny sliver of hope alive. It was an amazing thing, and Laini Taylor wrote one heck of a character.

Got any character love to share? Spread it here!

- Ciara (Lost at Midnight)