Best Fantasy Books of 2011

Below you will find a list of the fantasy books published in 2011 that we enjoyed most. Click on a book title to read the full review.

The Crippled God by Steven Erikson (A Tale of the Malazan Book of the Fallen: Book 10)

And so to and end comes what is arguably the best fantasy series ever written. This is of course subject to personal opinion and fans of Wheel of Time, A Song of Ice and Fire and Robin Hobb's trilogy of trilogies (Farseer, Liveship and Tawny) are quite able to put a very strong case forward for their favoured works but few can deny that the quality and ambition of the ten books that make up A Tale of the Malazan Book of the Fallen are unmatched within the genre.

Published: 2011

The Kingdom Of Gods by NK Jemisin (The Inheritance Trilogy: Book 3)

For two thousand years the Arameri family has ruled the world by enslaving the very gods that created mortalkind. Now the gods are free, and the Arameri's ruthless grip is slipping. Yet they are all that stands between peace and world-spanning, unending war. Shahar, last scion of the family, must choose her loyalties. She yearns to trust Sieh, the godling she loves. Yet her duty as Arameri heir is to uphold the family's interests, even if that means using and destroying everyone she cares for. As long-suppressed rage and terrible new magics consume the world, the Maelstrom - which even gods fear - is summoned forth. Shahar and Sieh: mortal and god, lovers and enemies. Can they stand together against the chaos that threatens the kingdom of gods?

Published: 2011

Dead Reckoning by Charlaine Harris (Southern Vampire Series: Book 12)

There are the usual themes that run through each of these books, “who loves Sookie most” “who is out to kill Sookie, or use her for their own purpose”. What I am happy about is the growth of the characters throughout the series, people learn from their previous mistakes and realise that they are changing for better or worse.

Published: 2011

The Book of Transformations by Mark Charan Newton (Legends of the Red Sun: Book 3)

I’m not sure if this review is any good, but I am sure that this book is great, I love it, and think that it’s a great addition to the series. It’s a long, long time since reading a book and series from a new author has made me this excited How he manages to fit it all into one book is amazing. The style of writing is so clean, no paragraph is wasted. This is such a pleasure to read. It’s slightly mad in places as Mark gets into transforming everything in sight, but that just adds to the fun of reading this book. I really believe in years to come we will be talking about new authors, and asking, are they the new Mark Charan Newton?

Published: 2011

The Alloy of Law by Brandon Sanderson (Mistborn: Book 4)

Whether or not you’ve had the chance to read Sanderson’s original Mistborn trilogy, I think you should pick this up. You don’t need to have read the previous three books to understand this one, nor do you need to have read them to enjoy The Alloy of Law. This book stands on its own, and is a wonderful read that kept me reading well into the early hours of the morning. If you’ve read the series, then you’ll love this; if you haven’t, then I can almost guarantee you that you’ll want to after having read this.

Published: 2011

Cold Fire by Kate Elliott (Spiritwalker: Book 2)

Without the ‘high-fantasy’ of Steven Erikson or the grab for popular attention of J.K. Rowling, Kate Elliott simply must be listed as one of the finest writers of fiction today. Dedicated to telling a story of utterly imaginable truth, there is no author I would rather be reading right now.

Published: 2011

City of Dragons by Robin Hobb (The Rain Wild Chronicles: Book 3)

The Rain Wild Chronicles have developed into a superb continuation of the Liveship Traders trilogy and I highly recommend that you join the Lords of the Three Realms in the City of Dragons and experience the same reading delights that I did.

Published: 2011

The Wise Man's Fear by Patrick Rothfuss (The Kingkiller Chronicle: Book 2)

Okay, I didn't enjoy this as much as The Name of the Wind but that is just saying this is excellent while the other is sublime. But it does improve on re-read and this may just be because I'm a reader who does like the familiar and the second half of this book takes us out of this comfort zone and into a land far away where court politics hold sway. This is gone into into intricate detail. And then there's Kvothe training to be a warrior - still not sure what to make of this part. But Rothfuss is a writer that's always a pleasure to read. Can't wait for the third book, is it out yet? Or coming soon? Ask the author. Go on, I dare you.

Published: 2011

The Neon Court by Kate Griffin (Matthew Swift: Book 3)

If a book is able to leave you feeling at once saddened and emotionally drained as well as leaving you wanting, no, needing more, than in the end the author has obviously done something right. With her third book featuring Matthew Swift as our fearful hero, The Neon Court, Kate Griffin has once again shown just how capable she is of wringing out your emotions while keeping you pinned to your chair, scurrying through each page in the vain hope that things will all work out in the end.

Published: 2011

The Silly Solar System by Kevin Price

There is something in this picture book for everyone, be they young or old, male or female. Younger kids will enjoy learning about the planets and their names and older kids and parents will be surprised to discover the wealth of detailed and fascinating information in there that they were not previously aware of. And there is a very handy glossary at the back that made me appear a lot more knowledgeable than I actually was! So I thoroughly advise you all to join the famous astronomer, Patrick McFuddy and his son, Jacob, on their poetic journey through our solar system.

Published: 2011

One of our Thursdays is Missing by Jasper Fforde (Thursday Next: Book 6)

It is a time of unrest in the BookWorld. Only the diplomatic skills of ace literary detective Thursday Next can avert a devastating genre war. But a week before the peace talks, Thursday vanishes. Has she simply returned home to the RealWorld or is this something more sinister?

All is not yet lost. Living at the quiet end of speculative fiction is the written Thursday Next, eager to prove herself worthy of her illustrious namesake.

The fictional Thursday is soon hot on the trail of her factual alter-ego, and quickly stumbles upon a plot so fiendish that it threatens the very BookWorld itself.

"In summary I think this is a great book. It’s so difficult to describe why it works and is so compelling, but Jasper mixes everything I like in a perfect ratio so reading it is a roller coaster of emotions. Don’t be put off by the fact this is the 6th book in a series either, there is so many changes and reinventions for even the seasoned Thursday Next fan that it should be easy for anyone to work out what’s happening without knowing how we got here. It’s definitely a standalone book although within an ongoing series." Fantasy Book Review 

Published: 2011

At The Gates by Tim Marquitz (Demon Squad: Book 3)

At The Gates is an entertaining read that exceeded my high expectations and is by far the best book in the series. The humour and sexualism has been slightly toned down in the face of some impossible odds, but this is still unmistakeably a Demon Squad book with more than enough Frank moments to make you laugh and cringe at the same time. These books are not for everyone and if you are not a fan of the series, At The Gates is probably not going to convert you. But those who are fans will love this book, rejoicing at getting a second helping of Frank within twelve months.

Published: 2011

Deathless by Catherynne M Valente

Child of the revolution, maiden of myth, bride of darkness. A handsome young man arrives in St Petersburg at the house of Marya Morevna. He is Koschei, the Tsar of Life, and he is Marya's fate.Koschei leads Marya to his kingdom, where she becomes a warrior in his tireless battle against his own brother, the Tsar of Death.Years pass. Battle-hardened, scarred by love, and longing for respite, Marya returns to St Petersburg - only to discover a place as pitiful as the land she has just fled: a starveling city, haunted by death.

"Full of unique and fascinating characters, Valente weaves fairy-tale storytelling with a far more adult world of war, sex, love and will. The metaphor can get a bit overmuch now and again, slowing down the flow of the story in places, but Deathless is a really unusual and interesting book that was a joy to read." Cat Fitzpatrick, Fantasy Book Review

Published: 2011

Runelight by Joanne Harris

I can say that Runelight is an awesome book in which Joanne Harris really has proven herself a fine author once again. I was already pretty pleased with Runemarks but with Runelight she has really raised the bar. A very strong and unique plotline, hefty fight scenes, dramatic revelations and witSix hundred miles apart, two girls each bear on their skin a runemark: a symbol of the Old Days when the known Worlds were ruled by the gods from their sky citadel, Asgard. Now Asgard lies in ruins, and the power of the gods has long since been destroyed. Or so everyone thinks. But nothing is lost for ever, and the gods haven't given up yet and they want the power of the runes borne by Maddy and Maggie - these new runes, which carry huge potential, their runelight shining out as a portent to the future. Soon both girls are swept into a maelstrom of cataclysmic events that are to draw them closer and closer to each other, and nearer and nearer to a horrific struggle where each must prove where their loyalty lies…ty, funny and compelling dialogue make this a highly recommended read.

Published: 2011

Snuff by Terry Pratchett (The Discworld Series: Book 39)

Finished reading Terry Pratchett’s new book, Snuff. Utterly brilliant. We need a new rating system dedicated to him. I had Snuff finished in just over a day from when it arrived. I took it slowly, because you don’t want to rush good things like Terry Pratchett. While there is an almost infinite amount of re-readability to Pratchett’s works, the first time is always special, and you want to savour it.

Published: 2011

Hard Magic by Larry Correia (The Grimnoir Chronicles: Book 1)

Hard Magic has by far one of the best cast's for a fantasy story in recent memory. Jake Sullivan is the slow speaking WWI veteran whose immense mental capacity is at odds with his external appearance. He is a character that is far more complex than I initially gave him credit for, and as he starts to interact with the other actives, Jake really comes into his own as one of the most likeable, charming, and violent heroes currently going around.

Jake Sullivan is a war hero, a private eye - and an ex-con. He’s free because he has a magical talent, being able to alter the force of gravity in himself and objects in his vicinity, and the Bureau of Investigation calls on him when they need his help in apprehending criminals with their own magical talents. But the last operation he was sent along to help with went completely wrong, and Delilah Jones, the woman the G-men were after, who just happened to be an old friend of Jake’s in happier times, had a lot of magical muscle with her, too much muscle for the cops to handle, even with Jake’s help.

 

Published: 2011

I Don't Want To Kill You by Dan Wells (John Cleaver series: Book 3)

I Don't Want To Kill You is a great conclusion to a brilliant debut series. The final demon was the most monstrous of all, the characters reached the end of their arcs, and it felt like series reached a natural conclusion despite the very tantalising thread Wells left for us in the final scene. I am very excited to see what the future holds for Dan Wells, and I hope that he returns to the world of John Cleaver in the not to distant future.

Published: 2011

Awakening by William Horwood (Hyddenworld: Book 2)

When Hyddenworld: Spring - the first book in the Hyddenworld series - was released in February 2010 it was met with a largely positive response. Most loved it, many liked it, some thought it was OK but it should also be mentioned that there was a small handful that were left rather underwhelmed by William Horwood's first fantasy release in sixteen years. For those who fell under the charm of the first book (of whom this reviewer is one) I am delighted to say that the second book is even better. With the groundwork for the story having already been lain, and the characters now having life of their very own, the reader can now simply sit back and allow Horwood's elegant writing to wash over them. This book's narrative is a thing of rare beauty which allows the author's obvious love for his work to transmit over to and into the reader.

Published: 2011

The Sacred Band by David Anthony Durham (War with the Mein: Book 3)

All in all, this is an excellent end to an often overlooked trilogy. For me it is the equal of many out there and fully deserving of a read by lovers of fantasy. It contains many elements one expects in fantasy: magic, kings, queens, warring tribes, near immortal races and countless others. As a side note, it is great to have a summary of the previous two books in this book - and if like me you don’t won’t to wait until a series is completed before reading all the books in one go – then this is a great plus to get one back up to speed with what’s gone on before. I do wish summaries will one day be made mandatory in fantasy series – wishful thinking. Anyway, this is one of my favourite fantasy series of the last few years.

Published: 2011

Resurrection by Tim Marquitz (Demon Squad: Book 2)

This is one of the best supernatural books that I have ever read, it is set in a world that really appeals to me and has characters that are consistently able to make me laugh. Marquitz has significantly lifted his game for this book, and I think it is a safe assumption that the next book will be even better. While it may not be the best book I have read this year, it is by far the most fun I have had reading a book this year, and it thoroughly deserves this high score. I highly recommend this book to everyone.

Published: 2011

Bringer of Light by Jaine Fenn (Hidden Empire: Book 4)

Again, it’s a mix of something akin to magic and technology that raises it above most scifi, with wonderful descriptions and well-crafted characters that entice me to want more. I cannot wait for the next book to come out - sometime 2012. I read all four books of the series in less than a week, something I haven’t done for years. It’s rare that a book really grips me from the opening pages, but all four of these succeeded and I highly recommend them all.

Published: 2011

This Dark Endeavour by Kenneth Oppel

In this prequel to Mary Shelley’s gothic classic, Frankenstein, 16-year-old Victor Frankenstein begins a dark journey that will change his life forever. Victor’s twin, Konrad, has fallen ill, and no doctor is able to cure him. Unwilling to give up on his brother, Victor enlists his beautiful cousin Elizabeth and best friend Henry on a treacherous search for the ingredients to create the forbidden Elixir of Life. Impossible odds, dangerous alchemy and a bitter love triangle threaten their quest at every turn. Victor knows he must not fail. But his success depends on how far he is willing to push the boundaries of nature, science, and love – and how much he is willing to sacrifice.

"My assessment of this book is that it is excellent, well written and true to the original. Oppel has captured Victor’s voice in such a way that his journey into the darkness of the original book is both believable and inevitable because of his character and the choices that he makes. I would thoroughly recommend this book to anyone who has read and enjoyed the original." Fantasy Book Review

Published: 2011

Paths of Intimate Contention by Walter E Mark (The Sixth World of Men: Book 2)

In conclusion, I found the second novel most entertaining. The storytelling is far crisper and the characterisation, now there are more parties, has also improved. There is also an appendix which allows the reader to understand the different words of Kosundo. The book has a strong underlying message of faith and choice, and the consequences that follow. There is also far more emotion and pathos in this book, as well as deception, ambition, betrayal and hope for the future. All in all a solid and entertaining read from a fast improving author. The future looks good for Walter E Mark.

Published: 2011

The Scholar's Tale by Reggie Oliver (The Dracula Papers: Book 1)

Bram Stoker's immortal Dracula told us about Count Dracula as an undead vampire. But how did this come to be? Who was Dracula in real life? There has always been speculation, but The Dracula Papers now offers the ultimate answer. It takes us back to the year 1576, to the wild land of Transylvania and to the early life of Prince Vladimir who came to be the horror known as Dracula.

"So, I've read Sookie Stackhouse, and I've read the Twilight Saga, I watched Buffy, Being Human, True Blood and The Vampire Diaries. While I honestly admit to enjoying them, (except the Twilight movies, seriously people), it seems that the market is becoming oversaturated with angst-ridden, over-sexed vampires, and there’s only so much crazy eyed Vampness a girl can take (yes, Damon Salvatore, I mean you). So, let’s get back to where it all started - old school Gothic tales set during the early years of everyone’s favourite Vampire, Count Dracula. This is a chunky book, 470 pages to be precise, and I was a little daunted at first, but, from the moment I started reading I literally could not put the book down." Helen Greenwood, Fantasy Book Review

Published: 2011

The Amulet of Samarkand: A Bartimaeus graphic novel by Jonathan Stroud

This graphic novel should appeal on all seven planes, from those familiar with the books to complete newbies. Where I think this may well come up trumps is with a reluctant reader – a youngster confronted with a graphic novel will react differently to one with a 500-page book of words shoved under their nose. It would be nice to think that said reluctant reader, upon enjoying the graphic novel, felt compelled to give the book a try and thereby be rewarded with an even fuller story. I believe that this was the case with the Artemis Fowl graphic novels, hopefully the same will happen here.

Published: 2011

The Coming of the King by MC Scott (Rome: Book 2)

Scott gives all characters a voice. None within are silent extras, each has a story to tell, albeit quick or long. This is driven home by the small aside in the heat of a coming battle where a single guard, Laelius, makes a decision to abandon a post that will lead to death and retire to an old and fruitful life as a village smith. It is this attention to people rather than action that gives the story an entirely human element. Other authors writing of the classical period focus on the “white-hot clash and noise of battle” but miss the point entirely when it comes to understanding that character motivation, suffering, guilt and indecision is integral to satisfying a reader. Scott achieves this in her novels through a mix of myth, history, personal and social morality. It is the mixture of emotions that drags us into not just empathizing with the characters but also sympathizing with them.

Published: 2011

The Human Race by OC Heaton

Ever had a secret so big that the very knowledge of it consumed you? Uma Jakobsdóttir has one. A huge one. And if it falls into the wrong hands it could obliterate mankind.

Unfortunately two men have discovered it.

Ethan Rae, Britain’s richest man, is counting on Uma’s secret to finally seal his position as the greatest deal maker of all time.

Across the Atlantic, Samuel Reynolds III, playboy CEO of Reynolds Air, is battling to keep the airline his granddaddy built alive. Once the largest company in America, it’s now facing bankruptcy as the fallout of 911 cripples the airline industry. He desperately needs Uma’s secret to ensure its survival.

From the leafy suburbs of London to the frozen wastelands of Iceland, in the shadow of Ground Zero and under the barren dryness of the Mojave Desert, both men will stop at nothing to get what they want.

There can only be one winner and the fate of the human race hangs in the balance as they battle it out.

The race is on…

"Now here is an unusual book. The author, Mr Heaton, has clearly spent many a long day researching all things Icelandic, American airline history and a great deal of quantum physics relating to the plausibility of teleportation. Then he has taken said research and built a novel around it without killing the story at all. Congratulations are in order (raises hat in salute)." Fantasy Book Review

Published: 2011

Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor (Daughter of Smoke and Bone Trilogy #1)

Taylor’s story is an enchanting mix of contemporary gothic and old school fantasy, lovingly married together to create something that I don’t see too often – an author obviously in love with their work and the world that they have created.

Published: 2011

Rage of Lions by Curtis Jobling (Wereworld: Book 2)

Here’s the short version: If you’re not reading this series, you should be. And now, the long version: The second of Curtis Jobling’s Wereworld novels, Rage of Lions falls into the “Empire Strikes Back” sequel category. Things get bad for our heroes and then they get worse. The novel even shares a couple of narrative points with that film, though whether or not that was on purpose I don’t know.

Published: 2011

Manhattan in Reverse by Peter F Hamilton

I enjoyed reading this collection. It’s quite a while since I have read any short stories. So it took me a little while to get into the flow of the stories. I have learnt one thing that I have forgotten over the last few years, and that is that I should read more short stories. The first thing I did when I finished the book was turn to turn back to the beginning of the book and re-read the stories. It’s a pleasure being able to dip in and out of a book, thinking I just fancy a quick read of a short story. A good fun book, its only problem is that I’d love it to be about twice as long.

Published: 2011

Prince of Thorns by Mark Lawrence (Broken Empire: Book 1)

Prince of Thorns by Mark Lawrence was a book steeped in controversy - a book that seemed to have divided the Science Fiction and Fantasy community with regards to what is acceptable for people to like and enjoy. A confronting story, deliberately so, that follows a 13 year old boy named Jorg who leads a gang of marauders as they pillage their way across the countryside. Jorg is a sociopath, a willing participant, and readers get to experience the world through his damaged viewpoint. Readers get to see, through Jorg's eyes, the cold apathy with which he dispatches his enemies. It is discomforting. But Prince of Thorns is a fantastic tale of one boy’s fight for control in a world threatening to engulf him.

Published: 2011

Praetorian by Simon Scarrow (The Eagle Series: Book 11)

Eleven novels in the Roman series give the proof of the brilliance of what the author has achieved. As a reader, Cato and Macro have as much as place in the pantheon of Roman characters as Falco and Gordianus. Scarrow is as good as Davis and Saylor. Different in style, equal in success. The adventures of Cato and Macro are enjoyable and this latest instalment is as good as the rest. I hope the author continues with this pair for as long as he can.

Published: 2011

The Art of the Hobbit by JRR Tolkien

When J.R.R. Tolkien wrote HOBBIT he had become an accomplished amateur artist, and he was keen to contribute visually to the work. The finished book contained eight black and white drawings, five colour plates, two maps and his own jacket design. But behind these finished works there also lay a multitude of sketches and drawings, draft maps and runic designs, demonstrating Tolkien's careful planning and artistry. Indeed, every major artist who has illustrated the book subsequently has been influenced by Tolkien's own powerful visual conceptions.THE ART OF THE HOBBITcollects for the first time the complete surviving artwork that helped to underpin such a remarkable work of fiction. Written and edited by Tolkien experts Wayne G. Hammond and Christina Scull, authors of the acclaimed biographyTOLKIEN: ARTIST AND ILLUSTRATORthis book uses brand new digital scans from the Bodleian Library in Oxford to show off Tolkien's paintings in more vivid detail than ever before, making this a worthy and lasting tribute to a largely overlooked side of Tolkien's genius.

"For anyone who has even an inkling of desire to expand their view of Tolkien’s work beyond the most popular fictional titles, The Art of the Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien by Wayne G. Hammond and Christina Scull is an absolute must! It will take pride of place on your shelf in no time, of that I can guarantee."

Published: 2011

The Eye of Re by Patricia L ONeill (The Hatshepsut Trilogy: Book 3)

In The Eye of Re, Hatshepsut pushes the boundaries of her reign as pharaoh of Egypt, with an expedition to the land of Punt, to prove her worth to those who still doubt her; Hatshepsut’s courage will leave you breathless. A breath taking journey into a world that once was, an astonishing recreation of events and a mother’s love will leave you reaching for the tissue box.

Published: 2011

Nura: Rise of the Yokai Clan‏ Volume 1 by Hiroshi Shiibashi

Shiibashi’s artwork has been praised and claimed to be unique and yes, for sure, I love how even in the smallest panels he manages to show intricate details, which is the main reason I love this manga. Also, the character of Rikuo is one we can all relate to. One where your destiny goes against everything you believe in. Then, can you change it? Or is it inevitable? Added to the strong message of the manga is the classic manga-style humor, the exaggerated emotions and a pack of really funny and loyal Yokai who will follow their human master anywhere. This is a must read, and a pretty good introduction to anyone willing to take a plunge into the fantastical world of manga and anime. Trust me, there is no end!

Published: 2011

Land of Hope and Glory by Geoffrey Wilson (The Land of Hope and Glory series #1)

It is 1852. The Indian empire of Rajthana has ruled Europe for more than a hundred years. With their vast armies, steam-and-sorcery technology and mastery of the mysterious power of sattva, the Rajthanans appear invincible. But a bloody rebellion has broken out in a remote corner of the empire, in a poor and backward region known as England. At first Jack Casey, retired soldier, wants nothing to do with the uprising, but then he learns his daughter, Elizabeth, is due to be hanged for helping the rebels. The Rajthanans offer to spare her, but only if Jack hunts down and captures his best friend and former army comrade, who is now a rebel leader. Jack is torn between saving his daughter and protecting his friend. And he struggles just to stay alive as the rebellion pushes England into all-out war.

"When I put the finished book down I felt it was too short. I was really into the story and would have like to have read more. The ending was, for me, a little to open as in the last few chapters there are so many exciting thing happening that I would have liked there to have been more of a climax, or a cliffhanger ending. I checked out the author’s website and was excited to see a that a new book will be released in October. Land of Hope and Glory was definitely a worthwhile read and I heartily recommend it to fans of alternate history and steampunk." Fantasy Book Review

Published: 2011

Redlaw by James Lovegrove (Redlaw series #1)

In the end Redlaw really made my day. Showing again a nice take on vampire fiction but with a full-tilt action (Cindermakers, aqua sancta grenades and Allium sativum bombs, any takers?) and bloody violence backing it up. But also offering more. In Redlaw, James Lovegrove has created a great concept showing an vampire invaded and contained London that both has supporters and rebels to the rights of the vampires, a stronger than ever main protagonist John Redlaw, and to top it off a great fast paced and engaging and movie-like writing style. Recently the second book has come out Redlaw: Redeye and I cannot wait to start on it.

Published: 2011

Seizure by Kathy Reichs (Tory Brennan series #2)

Seizure is truly an adventurous story cleverly written towards the younger readers (but also enjoyable for oldies alike). Where Virals focussed on a more scientific lay-out, Seizure becomes more and more gripping and adventurous, Indiana Jones/National Treasure style, by the page. This was for me nicely done, I did like the science part with the DNA and genetics since I am a lab tech, but Seizure did show on how you can use a great backbone produced in Virals and using that the plot an amazing sequel. If you have a son or daughter who is not likely to pick up a book, get this series and I reckon you will have them glued to the pages in no time.

Published: 2011

The Beginning of Sorrows by Walter E Mark (The Sixth World of Men: Book 3)

With all the different threads combining, a more layered exploration of the Sixth World of Men is developed and a deeper world building and character development follows. Mark creates a stronger, more vivid and complete world, in which his story unfolds, bringing the first trilogy successfully to a conclusion. However, it is an ending which leaves countless questions unanswered and a need for future resolution, but it does bring a sense that something profound has changed. I have enjoyed this trilogy and was often reminded of Asimov’s Foundation books. I would recommend these books to anyone interested in fantasy or science-fiction.

Published: 2011

Have Glyphs Will Travel by Edward M Erdelac (Tales of a High Planes Drifter: Book 3)

Erdelac mixes the Wild West with Jewish Mysticism, Catholicism, American Indian religion, a little Chinese religion, and a lot of Lovecraftian goodness. This is so different to the stuff I normally read, but Erdelac's writing is so good that I can't help but race through episode with a big grin on my face. The Rider is awesome character, and I'm a little sad that the next book will our last adventure together.

Published: 2011

Yellowcake by Margo Lanagan

Yellowcake brings together ten short stories from the extraordinarily talented Margo Lanagan--each of them fiercely original and quietly heartbreaking. The stories range from fantasy and fairy tale to horror and stark reality, and yet what pervades is the sense of humanity.  The people of Lanagan's worlds face trials, temptations, and degradations. They swoon and suffer and even kill for love. In a dangerous world, they seek the solace and strength that comes from family and belonging. These are stories to be savored slowly and pondered deeply because they cut to the very heart of who we are.

"I would highly recommend Yellowcake for confident readers from their teens upwards. They should enjoy stories that take the reader to far-from-ordinary places to experience strange events. Some of the events might be darkly humorous, like Into the Clouds, others such as An Honest Day’s Work maybe more challenging – but never dull. Definitely not suitable for those wanting an easy read full of stereotypes." KM Lockwood, Fantasy Book Review

Published: 2011

The Wild Ways by Tanya Huff (Enchantment Emporium #2)

Charlotte Gale is a Wild Power, but there’s nothing wild about the life she is living. When her meddlesome aunts start interfering, Charlie ditches her cousin Allie and their grandmother’s Enchantment Emporium and joins a Celtic rock band on the summer festival circuit. All Charlie wants to do is play music and have a good time, but she soon becomes embroiled in a fight between an extended family of Selkies and an unscrupulous oil company willing to employ the most horrific means possible to get what they want, including one of the Gale aunts...

"I can’t help but smile when I read these books; they are well written and completely enjoyable. I still have lots of questions about the Gale family which always makes me curious as to what may happen next. I am looking forward to the further adventures of The Enchantment Emporium series."

Published: 2011

A Kingdom Besieged by Raymond E Feist (The Chaoswar Saga #1)

It has taken Feist twenty glorious years to produce a novel of the breath-taking quality of Magician, Silverthorn and A Darkness at Sethanon. Nostalgia aside this latest isn't quite at those levels but this saga promises to get to the same heights. I cannot wait for "A Crown Imperiled" because we are back where it all started - Crydee - and we have a new generation who have the same dignity and nobility that a young Pug and Tomas once brought to Midkemia. The anticipation is delicious...

Published: 2011