A while ago I was given the Very Inspiring Blogger Award by Ellen Gregory and Tami Clayton–thank you, ladies! I’m supposed to share seven facts about myself but, like Ellen and Tami, I’m going to talk about books instead. Here, in no particular order, are my 7 favorite reads of the year so far.
1. Goblin Moon by Teresa Edgerton
Goblins, alchemy, and strange rituals abound in this seventeenth-century-inspired fantasy. Reissued by the author in e-format for a steal, this adventure features a dashing Scarlet Pimpernel and a practical young lady determined to save her cousin from a nasty plot.
2. Dark Life by Kat Falls
I usually find post-global warming settings far too grim to enjoy, but Kat Falls has created a fascinating world in which humans live in underwater settlements. This YA novel is a great adventure from start to finish–and the sequel is out, too!
3. The City in the Lake by Rachel Neumeier
Fairy tale-like story. Magical world. Lovely prose. An independent heroine and a deep, quiet romance. I’m a sucker for all these.
4. The Serpent Sea by Martha Wells
The sequel to The Cloud Roads shows Moon growing into his role as Jade’s consort as his clan returns to their ancestral home. Loved it.
5. Girl in the Arena by Lise Haines
This compelling story turned out to nothing like I expected: not quite alternate history or dystopia, not quite fantasy or contemporary YA. The book focuses more on family dynamics and societal commentary than on romance and revenge. In spite of a huge plot issue in the last third, I devoured it.
6. Herb Witch by Elizabeth McCoy
A well-written romantic fantasy, with a potions-based magical system, political intrigue and a courtship of convenience.
7. The Shallows: What the Internet is Doing to Our Brains by Nicholas Carr
This book indirectly prompted my post on what the Internet is doing to my brain. A thought-provoking read. More on this topic in future posts.
And since I’ve already broken the rules for this award (I’m such a rebel), I’ll go ahead and break some more. If you want to play, post your seven favorite books of the year so far either on your blog or in the comments. Share the love!
What an interesting collection of books! I’ve not heard of any of them but am now intrigued. Thanks for the shout out! 🙂
Thanks for the award! What are some of your favorite books of the year?
I agree. Very interesting selection. My TBR list just got longer! Thanks for the inspiring recommendations. 😉
No problem. I love spreading books around. 😀
Wow, some of them sound fabulous. Glad you played along!
I haven’t read nearly enough books this year…
Me, neither, unfortunately. 🙁
These sound great!! My seven favorites so far are:
Broken for You, by Stephanie Kallos — lyric writing, great characters
Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close — powerful and moving
Winter’s Tale, by Mark Helprin — magical and stunning
Grave Mercy, by Robin LaFevers — a nunnery that trains the daughters of death to be assassins!
The Knife Thrower and Other Stories, by Steven Millhauser — love the way his mind works
The Gift of An Ordinary Day, by Katrina Kenison — inspiration
The Dogs of Babel, by Carolyn Parkhurst — enchanting characters, couldn’t put it down.
Thanks for the recs, Lisa! More books to check out–yay!
I didn’t realize Goblin Moon was back in print. I have a used paperback of it in my TBR bookcases. I’ll get around to it… someday. Hopefully when starting it won’t bump something else as interesting aside. {Smile}
Anne Elizabeth Baldwin
It’s a fun read, set in a crazy world with high society manners gone awry. I hope Ms. Edgerton gets the sequel up soon, too. 🙂
That does sound fun. Unfortunately, I’m commited to four books already. That’s about my limit for concurrant reading. Every time I try to take on a fifth, something seems to fall by the wayside. {rueful smile}
Anne Elizabeth Baldwin