Best so far 2017
So many fantastic books have already graced us with their presence I thought why not get in early and give them some more love.
Kings of the Wyld by Nicholas Eames
A brilliant and hilarious debut that has just about everything a fantasy fan could want. A hilarious cast of characters, a familiar story made new, laugh out loud dialogue and more monsters than you can skae the world's biggest stick at. It's incredibly tough to put down and this guy will always have a place on my shelf. I’ll be pre-ordering Bloody Rose when I have the bloody chance.
Tyrants Throne and Spellslinger by Sebastien De Castell
The finale to the Greatcoats series delivered in every way. It is perfect. It's takes the characters in new directions whilst wrapping up the story so far brilliantly.
His new book Spellslinger has a similar feel and is very promising but is written for the YA audience. With the next one due out in October there is no need to worry about a long wait between books.
The Moth Presents All These Wonders by Catherine Burns: True stories about facing the unknown – An amazing collection of personal and life changing stories from regular people. They go everywhere and examine moments both and big and small and I found great pleasure in reading a couple every night before bed over the course of a week or two. I cannot recommend this book highly enough.
Waking Gods by Sylvain Neuvel One of the best and most original sci fi series currently being written. Sleeping Giants kicked everything off and this second book is all about things in motion. The characters and the story are in a constant state of change and is an absolute thrill ride.
Wrath by John Gwynne Another perfect ending to an amazing series. If you’ve read the first book I imagine you’ll have already read the fourth. You’d be mad not to.
Red Sister by Mark Lawrence A great new series from one of my favourite authors. It’s a nice change of pace from the Broken Empire and gives us a truly special heroine and protagonist in Nona, new magic systems to explore and, because it’s Mark Lawrence, prose that will make your heart fall and your eyes go wide and dialogue that is inspiring and leaves one drowning right along side the characters as they swim for their lives.
Skullsworn by Brian Stavelely Pyrre was not my favourite character in the Chronicles of the Unhewn Throne but her story here is a brilliant stand alone that explores her origins and her attempt to pass the final test on her way to becoming a worthy servant to the god of death. I had a new respect for her after finishing and it was great to see Staveley do some much in such a comparatively short book.
Special Mention
Senlin Ascends and Arm of the Sphinx by Josiah Bancroft – They were not released this year but I read them both in January. They are two of my favourite books of all time let alone the first six months of this year. Josiah was self published and is now represent by Orbit which means a 2018 release for both the first two books and then hopefully the third book in 2019.
Feel free to let me know of any I have missed out on!
