I have read some amazing books this year.
Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn
A well-written, disturbing psychological thriller that doesn’t reveal too much at one time and has a couple interesting twists.
Child of a Hidden Sea by A.M. Dellamonica
I would like to live in Stormwrack. The sequel, A Daughter of No Nation, came out recently, and I’m planning on reading it early next year. The author has also written a couple short stories set in the same world, which I’ll include either here or (more likely) in a short stories post.
Slow Regard of Silent Things by Patrick Rothfuss
This book is a short, haunting read that I would recommend to anyone who enjoyed the first two books of The Kingkiller Chronicle.
Words of Radiance by Brandon Sanderson
This is only the second book in the projected ten book series (!) and I don’t know if I’ll be able to wait for the third.
The End of Night by Paul Bogard
A sobering read about the effects of artificial light and a meditation on why we need darkness.
Throne of the Crescent Moon by Saladin Ahmed
Saladin Ahmed is one of my favorite people that I follow on Twitter (you should follow him too). His debut fantasy novel draws on sword and sworcery, but with his own delightful take.
A Is For Angelica by Iain Broome
A deceptively simple, quiet book about love and growing old.
A Stranger in Olondria by Sofia Samatar
Hands down one of the best books I’ve ever read. I was instantly immersed in the world. The sequel is coming out on March 15.
The Girl In The Road by Monica Byrne
I’m still trying to understand what this book means to me, and what to think about it. To me, that’s the mark of a good book.
Beasts of Tabat by Cat Rambo
Intriguing, but too short. Sets up the world well, and since I like the setting I’ll probably check out the next book in the series.
Who Fears Death by Nnedi Okorafor
This is, simply put, a superb novel.
Ficciones by Jorge Luis Borges
A beautiful collection of short stories by one of the masters of the form.
The End of All Things by John Scalzi
A thrilling, entertaining, humorous romp through the world first established in Old Man’s War, and a satisfying continuation of the series featuring characters new and old.
Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell by Susanna Clarke
Another wonderfully satisfying fantasy novel, set in 18th century England and written somewhat in the style of Jane Austen. The incredibly detailed footnotes peppering the book gives the world a very rich quality.
Arundel by Kenneth Roberts
This one has been sitting on my shelf for quite some time, and I’m glad that I finally sat down to read it. It’s a thrilling tale of adventure and survival, set in the early days of the Revolutionary War.
Ragtime by E.L. Doctorow
A delightful whirlwind of historical figures and fictional characters, growing, living, and breathing in early 20th century America.
The House of Shattered Wings by Aliette de Bodard
Set in the ruins of Paris, featuring, among other fascinating characters, fallen angels, and a brewing cold war between houses fighting over the remnants of the city.
What We Talk About When We Talk About Love by Raymond Carver
A melancholy collection of stories about sad, lonely, strange people who could nonetheless live right down the road.
The Crying of Lot 49 by Thomas Pynchon
Focused, streamlined, and undeniably a Pynchon novel.
Empire Ascendant by Kameron Hurley
Everything that can go wrong will go wrong. Old characters die, new characters are introduced, and Oma continues its rise.
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
It was high time for me to read this. A tale of people, love, hate, and society.
The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood
This book made me think quite a bit about how our society currently works. There are some disturbing similarities.
The Stranger by Albert Camus
Short and intense. Another book whose effects are still being felt.
Books I’ve started
Ancillary Sword by Ann Leckie
Vertigo by W.G. Sebald